The life I live

Valentines Gift Ideas

2012-02-01T17:27:00.000-08:00

Love is in the air. Do you feel that St.Valentines holiday is around the corner!? February 14 has become the date for exchanging love messages and a celebration of St. Valentine, the patron saint of lovers. During this day people sending gifts, cards, flowers to loved ones and secret loves.

Handmade Valentines gifts will be great memory and will keep special warm thoughts for many years. Browsing etsy shops I visited one of my favorite shop and found this cute Lavender Sachets with LOVE SYMBOL

Many on-line stores having Valentines Day Sales you can find great deals on handmade jewelry, cards and other cute little gifts. Start shopping for handmade gifts and make you loves one happy

During Valentines day I'm offering 20% off on my handmade jewelry at RitaSunderland Beautiful free gift wrapping with your purchase. Limited edition jewelry with rare cut gemstones. Hurry This sale ends February 8-th. 2012.

Look What I Made

2012-01-12T08:35:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the new 2012 year and my first blog post. This year I will start with Look What I Made . I've been pretty busy the last couple months and as a result not so many posts here. But Let's start new year with the new hopes to make my blog more interesting.

So Look What I Made and for today it'll be handmade gemstone earrings and awesome bracelet.

One of my most popular style with hammered wire and gemstones. These are mystic blue topaz and sterling silver. Don't you think that they remind you waterfall ?!

Next one I named Go Green with Green Onyx and 14K Gold Filled wire. Yesterday when I was making photos of them the sun was so bright and each side of the stones were reflecting bright sun.

And the last for today is my favorite. As only I found those gemstone links in vermeil (gold plated over sterling silver) I fall in love with them. Great size and shape for my style jewelry. After I made this SMOKEY QUARTZ BRACELET I got a couple request on making chokers in the same styles. Well now need to get those supplies and way to go.

Gift Certificate Giveaway

2011-12-26T15:00:00.000-08:00

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Look what I made - Vintage style jewelry

2011-12-02T14:38:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-27T20:26:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-09T23:26:00.000-08:00

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

Designer jewelry by Rita Sunderland

2011-10-31T14:58:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-18T20:25:00.000-07:00

Extreme couponing Albertsons

2011-08-28T16:57:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-18T15:52:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-18T15:16:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-16T14:12:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-15T16:29:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-15T15:11:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-08T16:29:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-02T16:45:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-28T17:04:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-20T15:25:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-13T14:07:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-08T12:51:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-30T19:09:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-30T14:51:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-30T09:52:00.000-07:00

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.

Space Needle Restaurant

2011-06-27T12:04:00.000-07:00

In the first PART of our review we gave some tips now time for the testy part.
My husband ordered the crab cakes for an appetizer….Damn they were good, got two and could have eaten a hundred! At the same time he got me a mudslide that was a dessert to start the meal, that man does not care about my hips! My husband ordered the Smashed Rye for his drink, let me tell you I liked his drink more and boy howdy it had some kick!
Of course there was bread, but let me tell you the flavored butters they came with were fantastic.

For our meal he ordered me fresh from the sound Salmon with asparagus and fingerling potatoes, while he made a scene in the restaurant by getting the whole fried Rockfish for himself, with wasabi mashed potatoes and lemon spinach.

My husband had lunch at the needle 20 years ago and was not impressed, this night was completely different, we both looked at the bill for $200.00 at the end of the evening and felt it was more than fair. Our waiter Fabio was from Brazil and was fantastic, welcoming and entertaining while always on top of it all! The food kicked booty and we walked away full and with a killer set of flavors in our mouths!

We capped the night off with local berry made iced teas, (yes the alcohol kind) and we split a warm chocolate drizzle cake with vanilla ice cream. The only hard part of the night was that it had to end. Kudos to the staff at the Space Needle for providing such an opportunity, take advantage of it yourself!
SEATTLE HOT SPOTS CLICK HERE

Handmade By You Thursday

2011-06-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

Starting from now – every Thursday it’ll be 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

I've been featured

2011-06-21T14:36:00.000-07:00

Floral Ear Jewel...

Curated By: earthlyposses...

ArtFire.com

Unique Gifts

A stunning collection of "floral" earrings. This collection of earrings look like they have been "plucked" fresh from the garden! Enjoy these beautiful buds!!!"
Thank you Earthypossessions for your beautiful flower collection.

Little Diva - children jewelry

2011-06-21T13:10:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to my readers. The other day there was finally a bit of sunshine here in Seattle and my daughter Alexcia (5 years old) was digging through my gemstones trying to take part in a new creation. Then she stopped and said, “I wish I had a beautiful necklace and bracelet”. So I thought why not? When she was 2-3 years old I was trying to make her some bracelets, but you know (if you’ve got baby girl)… we all want to put pretty and shiny things on them since the day they were born. However the truth is that usually most items ended up broken or thrown out of the stroller. Now that she turned five, she wanted jewelry and pretty things for herself. Good for her and for me, because now I know she will not ruin her new jewelry.
After I made a couple of sets, the fun parts began; she was modeling her new treasures. With great weather that day and the new jewelry made especially for her, it set the perfect mood for some photo shots and the results were just awesome.
“Little divas”, became the name of the new jewelry line for the cutest of girls. The whole idea was to make the same quality and design ideas like I make for adults. This meant using natural stones and pearls set in sterling silver or gold filled settings.
Now I need your help as my potential buyers:

Kids jewelry do you think it is a good idea? Yes or No
Natural materials or synthetics, which do you want to see on your children?
Will your daughter wear jewelry, just like mommy?
What do you think a good price range for high quality items for girls should be?

Extreme couponing Target

2011-06-20T18:41:00.000-07:00

Thank you A THRIFTY MOM for her post about Q-TIP Deal at Target. While I was there I found a couple great deals as well.

First transaction

Q-TIPS 4* 1.89Total $7.56

Used GiftCard – $1.42

Out of the pocket $6.30 (with tax)

Got $5 in gift card back

Second transaction

Ritz Crackerful $2.48

Craft cheese (clearance) 2*0.99

Kids boots$2.48

Baby shampoo $1.89

Total $8.83 ( + tax)

Used

Craft cheese $1 off (Target)

Ritz $1 off (Target)

Ritz $0.75 manufactured

Gift card $5

Out of the pocket $0.76

Total out of the pocket $7.06 (with tax)

I made it Macrame hemp neckalce

2011-06-20T12:16:00.000-07:00

Old style but new look

Macrame is one of the world’s oldest crafts which continue to survive in different mediums throughout the years. Most popular are plant hangers, how else can such a variety of pot hangers be made to create so many different looks from only a few inexpensive materials. I remember back in the 80-90^th Macrame Curtains were also popular and I was the one of those who could make it. One of my latest creation black hemp necklace with moonstone pendant. By using only 2 knots you might create something like this. In this necklace I used Chinese crown knot and double half hitch knots The hardest knot is Chinese one, but after couple hours of practice and most important potions you will get there and believe me you will be proud of yourself. So here are examples of these 2 knots. Try and you’ll find it interesting!

Space Needle restaurant

2011-06-20T08:52:00.000-07:00

An evening at the Space Needle restaurant

The evening was a dream come true, after almost 6 years of living in Seattle we finally got a chance to visit the historical Sky City restaurant in the Space needle. Well 6 years was too long, I had always thought of the Space Needle as a tourist location rather than a destination for pleasure. When the time came for me and my husband to have a date at the Space Needle I was more than a little nervous. A new place and a new experience, plus a rare night out without children to clean up after!

Our reservation was set at 5:15pm and we made sure to arrive there around 4pm to have time to walk around and take some nice pictures to remember the night by. We parked our car at the convention center covered parking, but had we known that valet parking was so close in price we could have saved a few blocks walk!

When you decide to have your evening there, make sure you set your reservation up weeks in advance. We could get one only at 5:15 pm, as all others were booked. We wanted a bit later in the evening, but it worked out just fine as we got to see the sunset from the upper observation deck. Your elevator ride and time on the observation deck are included when you have a meal.

Tip 1. Advance reservation is a MUST

Tip 2. Parking you have many options

Tip 3. Arrive early to get a window seat, first come first served.

Tip 4. Have cash on hand as with parking as well as all there is to do in the area, it is nice to not have to hunt for an ATM!

I couldn’t believe that entire restaurant would rotate 360 degrees, showing the whole city and Puget Sound. The first 30 minutes I was trying to collect myself, because all my emotions were screaming “Wow!” as the smells the views and the service just kept coming. I thought that I wouldn’t need to eat and just enjoy all the views, but the first appetizer and drink sure cured that idea!

Want to see what we ordered ?! CLICK HERE

Birthstones - June

2011-06-17T15:37:00.000-07:00

Birthstones June
June is a beautiful month. The first summer month which we always waiting for!
This month is full of wedding and happy moments. One of the June birthstones is pearl. Beautiful and elegant, pearls have long been the symbol of purity, class, and style they ere a part of the Royal families or something expensive not everybody can get. Now day it’s much easy. I like to work with the pearls and especially if I’m working on custom orders for the brides.
In many countries, pearls were worn as a declaration of wealth and power, and were used as a trinket to bring good fortune or to ward off evil spirits and to cure illnesses

I made it Wire Weaving

2011-06-15T16:21:00.000-07:00

Wire Weaving rings

Last week when I was shopping at Joan with great coupons I found on-line. I spotted one of the new book for me. It was Wire Jewelry and one of the projects got my attention. It was a wire weaving ring. After a couple of tries I did it and I absolutely like it !

In these rings I used chain and wire. You also can add some beads for more Fancy look.

So far I made 2 of them. One is in 14K GF with no stones for the classy look and the other is brass and copper with coffee quartz stone.

If you want to have one of this - but know that you can't make it - welcome to my shop RitaSunderland

Jo Ann Fabrics Deal

2011-06-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

Good morning to all crafty people! It’s not often when we can see printable coupons for Joann fabrics store with 20% off your total purchase, which includes regular and sale priced items. Usually I see 40% off regular priced items. I’m going to get some of the beading wire as I’ve got some projects with pearls to finish. I’m planning to make some bracelets and necklaces as June’s alternative birthstone is pearl. It is also a perfect time to make wedding jewelry using lovely pearls.
So hurry and save some money you can use for other fun stuff.

PRINT your 20% off coupon HERE and you 40% one regular item Here

Fathers day gift ideas

2011-06-04T09:44:00.000-07:00

Earrly this year I was giving review to one of my favorit shop, she did a great "makeover" job and now her store looks just amasing and I like unique name BelleCoccinelle

Father’s day is coming, and it is coming very soon.

This is holiday of all fathers, grandfathers, and little boys as future fathers.

It is tradition to give something special, some exclusive gifts to dads to assure them in our love.

Embroidered souvenirs could be great gifts, where every handmade stitch tells about sincere love to dads.
For example, you can give great gift like that to father who likes fishing:

He will be delighted to place it over his desk next to fisherman’s supplies.

Lavender filled pillows are very elegant gift for father who is neat and well-dressed:
Dresser with shirts and socks will be filled with long lasting lavender’s aroma

Birds nest with classical phrase of Arnold Schwarzenegger “I‘ll be back”, could be an awesome gift for father with great sense of humor.

It doesn’t make any sense to buy common gift to your loved one.

Unusual gift is always much more thrilling.

Please, come to the BelleCoccinelle store, you will find many great items.

If you have any great Father's idea gifts - welcome to post your link here !

Happy Father’s Day!

No more Sales Job

2011-06-03T21:26:00.000-07:00

My husband was tired of sales and wearing a suit for what seemed to him to be a symbol of ownership. So how do you break this cycle and begin anew? My husband is a bit on the loose side..So when he found a new career and the last day of his old job he decided to send the world a symbolic message back. No more suits, no more sales and no more worrying about what the world thinks! Well the video I am attaching says it all..I am sure we will laugh about this for years. Why don't you give your ideas on symbolic rescue? I am sure we all have chains we would love to break!

I've been featured

2011-06-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to show you new collection - were I found myself today. I can't belive it's the 2-nd of June and there is no sun in Seattle. But this collection made me smile - so bright and real SunShine from those beautiful handmade goods.
Thank you again AyaDesigns for this beauty!

Golden Sunsets

Curated By: AyaDesigns

ArtFire.com

Handmade Gifts

Rare cut stones - amethyst

2011-06-01T09:23:00.000-07:00

The other day when I was shopping my favorite place with tones of beautiful gemstones I spotted this lovely rich color amethyst. They are so clean with no inclusions at all. Interesting shape take my attention. It’s not a trillion cut – it’s more like dipyramid. I didn’t know this word in English (as you know – I’m Russian – and some English words are still mystery for me) – so one more new thing I learned today.
The most funny thing what happened – when I was making photos of the earrings I didn’t even see this, but when I came home and start working with photos – I noticed that the wire was putted in a heart shape .
Made with love for you … See more at my shop MyWayToSay

I've been Featured

2011-05-31T10:55:00.000-07:00

The last day of the spring – and I got a nice surprise I’ve been featured in one of the beautiful ArtFire collection. Feminine and Beautiful My pearl wedding bracelet is there. And did you know that Pearl is June birthstone? How cool is that. We need you there. Please stop and give us your feedback on this beautiful collection made by AyaDesigns

Feminine and Beau...

Curated By: AyaDesigns

ArtFire.com

Vintage Fashion

2011-05-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

My Berry Earrings has been posted there.

Please visit and post your craft art there

Super deal Target

2011-05-30T12:19:00.000-07:00

Thank you AThrifty Mom – for this morning post Target deals. On the way back home I stopped at mine Target and here is what I spotted

First transaction

Banana boat $5.84 (got the one with attached $1.00 off )

Lip balm $1.79

Coupons $1.00 off any banana boat from 5/22 smart source

Final price $5.63 + tax and I got $5 Gift card. It’s like I got 2 items for $0.63

Second transaction

Craft Mexican shreds 8 oz. 2* $2.29

Used Target coupon printed early

Final price $3.58 used Target Gift card $5.00

Gift card balance $1.42 for the next shopping trip.

Berry jewelry

2011-05-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

I’m not a big fan of flower or so-called berry theme jewelry but this one just came so easy and lovely.
Gold finished brass FLOWER COMPONENT and red faceted jade. 14K GF ball pin and fish hook earwire.
Those earrings are so light and lovely. Some one tolled that they looks like a bit of vintage, what do you think?
I also made them with the fresh water white pearl.

Let me know which one did you like most ?!

You can find my jewelry eather at my shop

MyWayToSay or at my ArtFire shop

Garnet designer jewelry

2011-01-26T18:15:00.001-08:00

Garnet is a featuring stone of “Black Tango” collection. Everybody is used to a red garnet, but we have found for you Black Mystique Garnet.

What will symbolize the connection between the classic tango and human relationships? This is how the “Black Tango” collection was created for St. Valentine’s Day. The main colors of classic tango are black, red, and white. We picked black onyx, red and black garnet to symbolize “tango” and relationship between two people.

January birthstone gift ideas

2011-01-10T23:07:00.000-08:00

Garnet is the January Birthstone. Everybody who was born in January and believes in the magic and healing properties of this stone, will be happy to get handmade jewelry as a gift made using this stone.

Garnet is a stone that elicits constant vivid emotions.

Garnet is a stone of love that is capable to start affairs and keep the spirit happy. It repulses sadness and brings joy the owner. Red garnet increases sexuality, calls for the feelings of courage, stimulates wish and stamina, develops sense of self-esteem.

Here is some jewelry with the natural Garnet stones

Beautiful and rich looking garnet necklace in 14K GF. Unique beads like a real pomegranate seeds. This is one of the most selling necklace at RitaSunderland.com
Those earrings was named "Tango to Three". Dramatic and flirty look makes them so unique. Love this design and I made a lot of earrings with different stones in this style.

Those one is the last I made and I wanted to try to play with red and white . I think they are pretty cute. Rare cut heart shape faceted garnet will be also great for the Valentine's gift of love.

For more jewelry ideas for January Birthstones I'll be happy to see you at my handmade jewelry site RitaSunderland.com

Cyber Monday deals craft supplies

2010-11-27T16:11:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it is hard to find great deal on jewelry and other craft supplies. As I’m a jewelry designer I understand this and in this blog post I’ll try to show you some of the deals I found interesting for the cyber Monday and holiday sales. As I’m supporting handmade my deals will be from ArtFire.

Pickleval entinevintagebeads

Great selection for the vintage beads. This shop offering you 20% Off ALL items through Cyber Monday 2010

GemsandKnots

This shop is offering 25% on everything in ArtFire studio thru Tuesday, 11/30/10

Great selection of plastic beads for low cost you can make very pretty jewelry.

WireYourWorld

Love this shop. Just take a look at this beautiful Designer Cabochons. Right now you can get them with Free Shipping.

Miabellacollection

This shop is full of beautiful gemstones, lampwork glass beads, metal beads, pearls. To get your deal read more in her shop announcement!! Sale Dates: Fri 11/26 - Tues 11/30

Artbylisi

This beautiful shop specialize in the traditional round lampwork bead shapes. What you see in this shop is just a small selection of the many beads they offer in made to order or ready to ship

During holidays shopping they are offering 15% off (everything in the shop is listed as 15% off) sale date will ended December 1st at 12 midnight:

GreatSupplies

And if you are shopping for sterling silver or 14K gold filed jewelry supplies one of my shop offering 2 deals

Visit GreatSupplies's Studio

SAVE 10.00 % On Order Total (orders above $100.00)

Use Coupon Code:

CYBER10

during checkout.

Handmade Books

Visit GreatSupplies's Studio

SAVE 15.00 % On Order Total (orders above $200.00)

Use Coupon Code:

CYBER 15

during checkout.

Hand Knit

Bring traffic to your website

2010-11-22T12:45:00.000-08:00

Expose your business online with a creative, professionally made video.
After a number of attempts to create a video from the pictures of my jewelry design, I realized that I should be better concentrating on what I am doing the best. To learn just the basic technical tricks of creating a video takes enormous time. Why should I spend precious time to train myself on video production, while I could design and produce jewelry?
A well made video will increase visibility and bring more traffic to your website and business.
After I posted a video on the YouTube, it was selected and linked for viewing on some other websites. (I got a notification about it through the settings on my primary site).

Go2Jewelry
Openviv
One of a kind Design

If you like this idea you can make video yourself but my advice: ORDER video from a professional source while you are enjoying doing the best.
After you will have you Video presentation done don’t forget to submit it on:

Facebook page

Flickr – yeap you can now put your video to flickr

YouTube channel

You Blog

Bar link chain review and feedback

2010-11-09T09:13:00.000-08:00

Review bar link chain jewelry supplies.

In this post I’d like to make review of one of my most used bar link chain. If you never worked with this chain you definitely should give it a try. In my shop I’ve got it in Sterling silver and 14K GoldFilled as by the foot or buy wholesale.

The size of the solid bar is 7x1mm it’s not a tube. Te size of the ring link connector is 3mm and the ring is soldered. You can be sure it’s a pretty strong chain.

I used this chain in a many style and design and got only positive feedback. Never broke, not to heavy not to light.

Here is the feedback from one of my customer!

"This is the very chain I've been searching for. Being an avid Artfire-Only buyer, I was thrilled to see it available here, at GreatSupplies!

The shimmering effect is one I crave and one I've wanted to offer in my designs for my customers/clients. This is a solid chain and while it seems dainty, it is incredibly strong. I try to exclusively use only solid metals in my work, and I very much prefer Sterling Silver or Gold-Filled, so this has been tremendous! Thanks, in no small part, to the solid construction of this Bar-n-Loop chain, I have the quality-control confidence necessary in my supplies. As a designer, it is paramount.

Emily Schmitz-Zieman
ExquisiteStudios

GreatSupplies Unique Gifts

Holidays gift ideas birthstone

2010-11-07T12:57:00.000-08:00

Holidays are coming Let's start gift shopping for christmas. As I'm into fine jewelry let me give you some gift ideas by birthstones in November and December. You can find some of my work at my RitaSunderland.com shop and new BLOG POST about December Birthstone Jewelry

November‘s original Birthstone was Yellow Topaz and the Sagittarius Zodiac stone. November's modern gemstone, Citrine, is as warm as a Van Gogh painting of sunflowers. The name Citrine comes from an old French word, "citrin", meaning lemon. The gift of Citrine is symbolic for both hope and strength. With its warm brightness, this gemstone is ideal for enabling anyone to get through the tough times in life!

December’s Birthstone Blue Topaz is derived from the Sanskrit word "tapas," meaning fire. This is because Blue Topaz was considered by ancient civilizations to have cooling properties. Blue Topaz is the hardest of the silicate minerals. The three shades of Blue Topaz are Sky, Swiss and London Blue. The latter is the deepest blue; traditionally a gift of Blue Topaz is symbolic of love and fidelity. The white topaz is a strikingly beautiful stone, often laced with golden edges or flecks. As with most white stones, the white topaz has is associated with the air element and clarity of vision, thoughts and emotions. Egyptians referred to white topaz as the "gem of the sun" and wore it as a way to invoke the protection of the Sun God Ra.

Tutorial how to make hammered wrapped earrings

2010-11-07T01:49:00.000-07:00

I made this style and get a lot of feedback and girls were asked HOW did you made them !?
So this tutorial combines two main techniques, wire wrapping and hammering. After you make your first earrings, you will be empowered with the creative edge to make multilevel dangle drops and make different beautiful pendants. You can work with as expensive or cost effective gemstones as you like. These techniques will work with both metal and beautiful glass beads as well. The key part is the bar link chain. You might find it at your lockal bead shop.

Healing power of copper

2010-10-23T12:41:00.000-07:00

Healing power of ...

Curated By: GreatSupplies

ArtFire.com

UniqueGifts

Renesans time

2010-10-22T13:07:00.001-07:00

Back to past - Renaissance time

Curated By: GreatSupplies

ArtFire.com

Unique Gifts

Unique custom cut gemstones

2010-10-21T00:27:00.000-07:00

In my jewelry I always trying to find unique, custom cute gemstones. Some of the gemstones made specially for me and very limited edition. Today I want to share with my new stone.

24KT real gold inside natural rock crystal.

If you interesting how it was made - here is some information. Natural rock crystal have been sliced with a lazer, then layers of solid 24Kt real solid gold inside, then parts were reheated and fused together. The result is one of a kind hand made gemstone. Extra sparkle gives faceted sides of gemstones.

When I made jewelry with this kind of gemstones I don't need go crazy - simple is a beauty.

Etsy On Sale reviews

2010-10-14T00:42:00.000-07:00

Etsy on Sale my review
I’d like to share with you my first try of the new application powered by Etsy On Sale. After reading some threads on ETSY forum I decided to try and see how it will work for me. If you haven’t heard about this new feature – CLICK here to find more information.

1. Following all the steps – I could sign up and it take me less than 5 minutes to start running this application. So big plus for this.
2. Before putting all shop items on sale I decided to make a first try with only several items – I stopped with 12. I created new section in my Etsy shop Last chance and put everything I want to put on sale there.
3. After pre-work in my Etsy shop has been done – I went back to Etsy on sale and Scheduled my first sale. I was running it October 13-th from 12am till October 14-th 12Am – so 24 hours.
4. The day before I start tracking how many items on Sale were in my section Jewelry. On the 12-th it was 9772 items .. when I start it was 9 934 and during the day it was 10 644 and 10 548. (well it’s well known fact that it’s too many jewelry on Etsy)

So now the time of the first results.
1. During my scheduled sale I was visiting Jewelry section and I saw my items (only 2 of them) – and only 2 times.
2. I got feeling that I never gone through all 10 000 items – after 10-11 scrolls items start repeating … I start seeing the same items again and again
3. There is no Search options so it’s hard to find things you might want to buy. It’s like more than window shopping .
4. I didn’t promote this sale and result is 0
5. After looking at my GA for the sale period of time – no one visit from Etsyonsale came to my Etsy shop.

What I’m going to try to do with the next Sale ?!
I set my next sale on weekend and I’ll try to make some FACEBOOK , Twitter, and Forum promotions. I’m going to put all my 76 items for sale and we’ll see the result.

Shopping on etsy reviews

2010-10-05T09:14:00.000-07:00

Shopping on ETSY

FineEmbroidery shop has been featured on one of the blogs I’m following, please read the FineEmbrobery interview. Today I am happy to show you my latest purchase on Etsy and am reviewing this item for you.

The item I purchased is a doorknob hanger embroidered with Chinese Feng Shui symbols and it is used as a money magnet. I absolutely love it! I made my purchase on September 30^th, good follow up by the seller as I got a message when my order was shipped along with the tracking number. By the 4-th of October it was at my door and I was holding it in my hands.

So Score for shipping 10 out of 10!

Next big point, packaging; I got it not in the usual Ziploc bag as I normally receive many of my purchases from Etsy. It was in very nice handmade box with a bowl and lovely hand written note.

So score for the packaging 10 out of 10.

Now the Hanger and how it’s made!

The door knob hanger very well done, made from olive color polyester sewn into a pillow with gold metallic embroidery. It is stuffed with poly fill and sewn to a metallic chord for hanging. I am not very good at reading descriptions; I am more the impulsive buyer. From the picture I thought it would be a bit smaller but the size is just right. One more thing, I love the cute bead sewn at the bottom of this doorknob hanger.

So the score for description 10 out of 10 (PS I only got 5 out of 10 on the fact that I need learn to read and not just buy stuff)

Conclusion;

- Money well spent

- Got great ideas for the Christmas gifts to my family.

- Totally will be back for more purchases from this seller.

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Christmas shopping rush

2010-09-30T18:39:00.000-07:00

Be ready for Christmas rush

The Christmas rush is around the corner. Starting October and to the December it’ll be very busy days for those who sell handmade art on-line or at craft show. And it’s time to be ready. I went the other way, not regular. Usually I stock up with the right jewelry supplies, mailer, gemstones, scotch tape – you name it. Those who sell they good on-line for more than one – two years will easily understand me.

I decide to start with the good energy gathering. Leaving in Seattle you never know what kind of weather will be in the next hour. So I skipped this information early in the morning when the sky was grey and no sign of the lovely weather took my family and we run to the park and then to the beach. Lucky we everything is around the corner. Yost Memorial Park in Edmonds was the first stop. We were hunting mushrooms and wild berries (Don’t be scary – hunting was with my lovely photo camera).

After this little trip we became hunger and it was lunch time so we moved to the Edmonds Marina Beach. Home made barbecue chicken some salads and we are in fun games again. Love that place. Even it’s the end of September me and my baby were having fun playing in the water. And my dear husband did a great job making photos

After such a great day I got my energy for the next working week with my on-line shops. See you all at my on-line shops fine handmade jewelry MyWayToSay and jewelry supplies shop GreatSupplies

MyWayToSay - Sterling silver bangle bracelet perals crystals

2010-09-13T22:16:00.000-07:00

MyWayToSay - Sterling silver bangle bracelet perals crystals

Love this new style of the wedding bangly bracelet. Sterling silver and AA pearls. Natural faceted rock crystals.

My style simple and beautiful.

Cameo rose vintage ring

2010-09-10T10:44:00.001-07:00

Fridge magnet recycled glass

2010-09-09T20:34:00.000-07:00

Unique fridge magnet from recycled glass tile will make a great little present.
Recycled glass tile that has been remelted and brought back to life as a fridge magnet. Every piece is one of a kind and will have a strong ceramic magnet that is 18 mm in diameter and 6mm thick.

I was so happy when I found these glass tiles at my local shop. After I used them as a pendant for the holidays season I decided to make fridge magnets.

This is a very unique and one of a kind magnet that will kick a fridge or bulletin board into high gear.

Natural citrine gold neckalce

2010-09-09T14:33:00.000-07:00

Another new style of my jewelry. Textured rings as a central part and natural faceted citrine.

I love this fancy chain with the figure 8. I wear my necklace as a choker - 15 inches. But for SALE I posted 16 inches.

Now I've got my personal touch on my necklaces and bracelets jewelry. I put my tag with stamped RS as (Rita Sunderland)

The necklace in solid 14K gold you can find at my WHOLESALE shop

Green garnet silver drop earrings

2010-09-06T16:25:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to show you my new sterling silver earrings with green garnet faceted beads. They are so cute and light so you will not feel them but people will see litle sparkle from the faceted stones.
I'm in love with this style I made a lot of gold and silver earrings with this design. It's my best selling style in Russia.

See more of my jewelry at RitaSunderland

You can alsow see them in 3D - 360 view little video. It's my second 3D show of my jewelry. Want to see more ?!

Sterling silver citrine ring

2010-09-05T23:18:00.001-07:00

These top grade faceted citrine gems are wire wrapped on a hand hammered sterling silver band. The gems were layed out in a square shape with a clear citrine stone in the middle, it has definate sparkle and the design is super light on the hand. My favorite feature of this design is the rustic simplicity, it will not look like a store bought ring or like the one your friend just got at the craft show... a little charmer for sure!

If you are interested in these cute ring - I'll be happy to see you at MyWayToSay shop.

You can PURCHASE this ring at any time.

Now I'm more than happy to show you these ring with 3D view.

Christmas in July Etsy

2010-07-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of a great opportunity to get awesome deals shopping with ETSY!

Just click Christmas in July to find participating shops with they items .

And now something new from my shop. My latest style – simple and elegant, you can wear it every day and still be unique. This jewelry set (necklace and earrings) were inspired by the Twilight novel. I just found this beautiful Marquis shape faceted garnet. I love to hunt for unique shapes of the stones.

Christmas in July in MyWayToSay shop is going now too. I’m offering free USA and Worldwide shipping.

I’ll be happy to see you in my shop.

Waterwaif: Tempt Me Tuesday!

2010-07-06T10:10:00.000-07:00

Waterwaif: Tempt Me Tuesday!
This morning I've been featured in this beautiful blog. My Recycled pendant looks very popular latly! I found it in a several treasurs today.
But let me show another one - I love it as much as a copper one but maybe a bit more! It's oxidized sterling silver! The same glass but main colors are black and aqua. Now I'm trying to find brass color wire to finish custome order.

And here is the treasury wich have my Copper prong pendant today.

Tumbled glass cabachons

2010-06-30T21:47:00.000-07:00

The other day we were driving around Seattle and found this great palce Bedrock Industries

I love going and hunting for some unique pices to make my jewelry with. The last find was tumbled glass egg shape with the beautiful turquiose color. It's like a pice of frozen pool water. I've got them for sale at my supplies shop GreatSupplies , but as I'm a jewelry maker one day I got my hands on it and decided make pendant.

I used solid copper wire and was trying to make my first prong pendant. The result is best selling necklace for the last week! It was on the Front Page of Etsy! And now I start resiving feedbacks from customers. They love it! Welcome to see this beauty at MyWayToSay shop

Unique - YES

Recycled - YES

Beautiful - YES

Acrylic painting fish

2010-06-29T20:44:00.000-07:00

New painting from my husband shop on Etsy. He is back in painting and I love it! Just click on BigViews and you can see more of his work.

I love the colors of large tropical fish, this is the 2nd nature painting in acrylic since he reterns to art. It's a kind of groovy and hippie.

One day sale day 2

2010-06-27T01:32:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the second day of my small prodgect - One Day Sale.

Read more about my new Etsy shop section HERE

Next 24 hours new item in my etsy shop up for sale with 50% off.

Sterling silver New creations from my summer 2010 Swirl collection.
These are my new free form sterling silver swirl or spiral post earrings.
Simple and ready to wear everyday. Matching anything.
I made it in to the vase shape.
Hand hammering give nice textured to those beauty.
They are 1 inch long and wayting for you

One Day Sale

2010-06-26T01:21:00.000-07:00

Starting today I'm going to have special section in my ETSY shop MyWayToSay.

Every evening I will put one item from my shop up for sale to the ONE DAY SALE section.

The price will be more then 50% of!

One day deal - one day sale.

And I will start with Macrame Hemp bracelet.

It has over 1000 views and 10 hearts. Very fresh and unique beaded bold bracelet for the summer.
Light blue hemp and blue cat's eye beads.

Recycled glass jewelry

2010-05-30T14:08:00.000-07:00

Recycled glass jewelry All the jewelry is handmade out of recycled glass tiles. This is real glass that comes from broken tiles The glass tile was remelted to make the broken corners not sharp. Each pendant is one of a kind. "Eco-friendly jewelry" at its finest! Welcome to see video with the glass tile jewelry If you are interested in this OOAK jewelry - I'll be happy to see you at my shop MyWayToSay.

Victorian style brass earrings with garnet

2010-05-25T01:35:00.000-07:00

Red flower. Beautiful deep red faceted garnet gemstones and Swarovski beads. In these earrings I combined brass and gold elements. 14K gold leverback.
Very light earrings. They are best selling in Russia.

What to give on Father's day

2010-05-18T23:16:00.000-07:00

Next month is father's day, so many last minute gifts... Why not choose one that is one of a kind and unique? I was in the same dilemma and found myself pushing for creative ideas before I get caught with my pants down. Well I came up with a few unique jewelry items and special interest items. so it comes to mind to try to get the word out and get my friends and clients excited and husbands and dads happy! We can't always take the "F's" for granted, fishing, football, food and well you know...
And the place you can find something unique - is ETSY - shop handmade and unique stuff.

Here is some ideas

If you know he will love some natural gemstones - take a look at this nice necklace with faceted labradorit from MyWayToSay shop

Men's fingerless gloves Town from socksandmittens shop

Some nice Natural, Organic, Eco-friendly goodies for body & home from one of my favorit shop

Herboution

How to make Macrame

2010-05-12T00:50:00.000-07:00

After I made my first pattern (tutorial) of hemp Macrame Ring I was working on a new tutorial for those who like to learn new things. This time it’s a macramé turtle.

CLICK TO GET PATTERNT . You can make it as a child’s project and even have fun with your baby. This TUTORIA includes 14 steps and 19 photos. After you will understand the pattern you could make necklace, earrings, brooch, pin or just a little toy. You also could make it bigger or smaller.
In this tutorial you will learn three important knots to start with and how you can use them. You don’t need to do the research and learn how to make the necessary knots; it is all here in one place.

Mother's day gift Art portrait with acrylic

2010-05-01T20:27:00.000-07:00

I am so proud that my husband started painting again! Now that he has more time for this, he can paint while he has inspiration. Today was one of these days! He started early in the morning and by the evening he was done. Big surprise for mother's day. It is his gift to me for the mother's day. and I do love it! Yes it's my portrait made with thought and love!

I'm happy to share the process with you, this is the video he made of the painting in progress!

Wire wrapping natural rocks

2010-04-29T17:31:00.000-07:00

My new line is a natural uncuted free form stones. They are as beautiful as those which have been polished and faceted. Free form wire wrapping makes this kind of jewelry one of a kind. Wile wrapping with the wire I never know what result I willl recive at the end.

This natural fluorite rock I found in the lockal rock shop.

I'm working on some Amethyst sets right now.

Mother’s day May 9

2010-04-23T17:22:00.000-07:00

It’s about 2 weeks before the mother’s day will knock on your door. Time to get started shopping choosing that perfect gift you will give to your mom. What it can be?! If you mom loves jewelry stop by my shops. I have two of them.

MyWayToSay is the shop with only semiprecious stones and metals and what shopping without some of the discount? That’s why by using code M2010 in MyWayToSay shop you will receive 20% off .

GiftsUnder10 will help you if you shop on a budget and still want to get great gift.

Hope you will have a great Mother’s day this year and I’ll be happy to help you with the jewelry gifts.

Affordable collection jewelry

2010-04-21T22:45:00.000-07:00

With my new camera I'm so lucky - it takes me 2-3 seconds and the great photos are done! Love it! This brass necklace and mixed gemstones looks great togather. Faceted green aventurine and prehnite with Swarovski crystals. Unique, simple and the most important part - Affordable!

You are always welcome to my new shop GifstUnder10 - to find a deal for your jewelry collection.

USPS international delivery

2010-03-16T21:57:00.001-07:00

Wrap it good

I found this on-line and wanted to share with you! Here is one more reason to wrap it good! - NOPE not Good - GREAT !!! You don't want your customers were complain about broken goods inside the package?!

It's fun for them - it's sad for Us - But Such is Life!

Giftsunder10 - affordable handmade jewelry

2010-03-13T20:20:00.000-08:00

I’m happy to invite you to visit my new shop GiftsUnder10. The idea of creating another shop was very simple; it will let many of you enjoy my jewelry for less. I usually have a lot of higher cost custom orders in USA and Russia which allows me to buy at wholesale, buying in bulk allows me to have an overage of gemstones. I was keeping them for a long time in my treasury box, but now I found a better to use the excess inventory. Most of the jewelry in this shop is one of a kind and I simply cannot reproduce it, so if you shop on a budget you will find this a great new site to hunt for bargains.

I have 2 main sections to help make your shopping easier,

Jewelry under 5

and

Jewelry under 10

Citrine handmade jewelry

2010-03-11T17:19:00.000-08:00

Citrine brings happiness, joy and optimism into your life. One of only two minerals on the planet which do not hold accumulate negative energy but dispels and transform it. You don’t ever have to clean Citrine, because it doesn’t hold negativity. Citrine energizes, and invigorates, promotes warmth, comfort, and energy. Citrine will open the mind to new thoughts. Often used by healers to increase self esteem.

No wonder as only I saw those beautiful stones I became more creative with the new rich style of jewelry.

I already have RING, beautiful NECKLACE and lovely EARRINGS.

How to make Macrame jewelry ring

2010-02-15T22:27:00.000-08:00

This is the first tutorial on how to make any of my jewelry or macramé items. I have received several requests online and at shows, about where someone can learn how to create this type of jewelry / micro-macramé.

You can make it as a child’s project and even have fun with your baby. The following tutorial includes 11 images along with step by step instructions. In this tutorial you will learn two important knots to start with and how you can use them. You don’t need to do the research and learn how to make the necessary knots; it is all here in one place. This tutorial shows an example ring that is size 6, along with the tips on how to make a ring for any size.

Please click on TUTORIAL and decide can you do it with your kids :)!

Want to see more MACRAME ideas from me - click HERE

Etsy Treasury for YOU part 2

2010-02-03T21:08:00.000-08:00

WOHO ! We did it !

Part 2 of my February goal - introduce you to Russian artist on Etsy!

If you missed - here is PART 1

Those who are voted for the Happy morning - now in this Treasury made by LostFashions

AND now 3 new treasury for you to VOTE!!!

The FIRST one is made by Bumblestore The green is coming! Love this treasury! So powerful! So Natural!

Willo'Wisp

The SECOND one is made by BlueberryCream - Very unique - the power of ... Orange! YES !! Give us some feedback!

Orange Aid

The THIRD one is made by TonyaUtkina . I chose it just because 14-th of February is coming! Red Black - Love - Hearts!

Bloody valentine

So We did our job - now your turn give us feedback and vote! The winers will be in the next treasury !!!

Thank you!

Etsy Treasury for you

2010-01-31T18:12:00.000-08:00

My goal for February is to show you the most beautiful treasury by my favorite team! Russian artist on Etsy.

The first one is made by PixieMarket.

Why I choose her Thinking of Waves treasury - very simple I'm from Seattle and it's SO close to what I've got here!

The second one is made by LostFashions.

Love the Simplicity and natural and soft colors!

And the third one is made by TonyaUtkina.
"a Happy morning" - tomorrow is the Monday - and if you don't like Monday - look at this treasury and I wish you a great week!

Feel free to tell us what treasury do you like the most !

Those people who's treasury will get more votes will be included in one of the next treasury!

don't be Shy - give us your feedback!

Well Behaved KeyChains

2010-01-19T19:11:00.000-08:00

After selling tones of Rings, Necklaces I got a custom request on hemp keychain with this lovely bead.
It was my best selling item in December 2009 on Etsy.
Let's see what hemp and beads can make to my best selling item of 2010 ?!
That was a first try and I actually like it!
If you like this style and have someone who will love this quote by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich I'd be happy to custom made with other color of hemp !

It might be a great Valentines day if you order it with the red hemp :)! some ideas for shoppers

Valentine's day collection

2010-01-07T15:02:00.000-08:00

Christmas and New Year is over - the next big day Valentine's day!
Hearts, flowers, jewelry, cards - Everything for the one you LOVE !!!
My new collection will have jewelry and art card with the jewelry you are buying!
This is the first try so I'll be happy to get some feedback on this idea!

Feel Free to visit my shop MyWayToSay - and see what you can chose for your Valntines!

Jet Jewelry

2009-12-10T18:07:00.000-08:00

You never know what you can find at some gemstone shops. From my last trip to my local store I discovered JET stone for my jewelry! I've got a couple of friends who LOVES bold jewelry. They like big stones. I was really very surprised when I took 2 of this Jet stones. The size of the stones is around 35x22mm but oh gosh, you wouldn't believe how light are they. Perfect for earring wich I already posted as my new listing at MyWayToSay shop.

Jet (also known as gagate) is fossilized coal. It is a hard, lightweight lustrous black stone that was used in mourning jewelry during the Victorian era (especially after Queen Victoria's husband died in 1861 and she went into long period of mourning, greatly affecting jewelry fashion). Jet is frequently cabochon cut. Most jet is from Whitby, England; jet has been mined near Whitby (on the Yorkshire coast of England) since prehistoric times. It is also found in Spain, France, Germany, and Russia, but these other sources are said to be inferior to the harder, more elastic Whitby jet. Jet has a hardness of 2.5-4 (quite soft) and a specific gravity of 1.30-1.35 (it is relatively lightweight). Jet leaves a brown streak. When burnt with a red-hot needle, jet smells like coal. Black glass and plastics are often used to imitate jet (glass is much heavier and harder than jet) - jet is warm to the touch.

ETSY Gift Guide secret

2009-12-07T09:53:00.000-08:00

ETSY Gift Guide secret

In this post I’d like to share with you some little tips how to stay in Gift Guide a bit longer. If you know this secret your are smarter then me. LOL J

So the first thing in the morning – go to the great place HEART-O-MATIC - type your store name and click on Featured section.

If you found one of your item featured in a Gift Guide – make sure that you’ve got 2 of this items in stock!!! It’s very important!

If your item will be sold from Gift Guide you’ll be out of there. But if you’ll have 2 in stock one sold one will stay there

Lucky you ! More people will see you there!

I still have this item in Gift Guide I sold at list 10 of them and half of this was from Gift Guide!

One more thing! I noticed that 90% of my customers are the buyers only or the people who are purchased the same day the sign up with Etsy!

Hope this was a helpful tip for you!

From fun to unique

2009-12-03T15:31:00.000-08:00

From fun to unique

So today was the day when somebody asked me to make necklace out of my best selling items. Looks like most of us felling these quotes by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich – Well behaved women rarely make history!

I sold bunch of rings, key chains and now necklace!

It’s was the same day as always and I was making photography to post this necklace in my shop – but you can’t stop your creativity. And the necklace came to the shape of women!

Creative ?! Simple?! Unique ?! - I think yes! And I know I will sell this a lot !

Try to make something unusual from your crafts and people will get this WOW COOL factor and you’ll be happy get some sales.

Selling jewelry on-line

2009-11-25T00:10:00.000-08:00

The hardest thing is to sell jewelry on line. How many times in my past – when I only start making jewelry I received feedback – like this “Your jewelry much better in person then on the photos”

Now I’m trying twice more to make my pictures pop to my customer’s eyes.

Some tips from me!

1. Make a composition with some extra items on background. They shouldn’t be too big neither too small. (The extra items are a nice background in the composition and not like wow what is she selling? )

2. Contrast is also good tip – don’t use blue background for some blue jewelry.

3. Try to find the angle that is not usual .. you must make the photography with the thought like the necklace or earrings or .. must flouting to the customers wish list

4. If you don’t know how Photoshop works – try to use some simple programs (I use Picasa and Paint.net) Always make some fixing before listing your items sometime even a little retouch will be great for your creation.

Here is some photos from my favorite shops - they will give you some ideas how to make your jewelry stand up.

Yuliaart on Etsy

TomBjornDesigns on Etsy

MyWayToSay on Etsy

IrinaPhotography on Etsy

Arctida on Etsy

Need blue jewelry

2009-11-23T16:41:00.000-08:00

Yes I need something blue - Something happy .. In Seattle it's already 2 weeks with no clean blue sky .. we want it so bad ! So if the nature can't give me blue colors outside - I'll take them myself !
Here is my first try with the sea glass from North- West :)!
Sterling silver chain with Swarovski and blue sea glass with freshwater coin pearl.
So fresh SO light - woo I like it

And the second is the ring with the beautiful blue faceted glass stones. The ring is Sterling silver base and the glass stone in the pewter framing.

Need blue - welcome to MYWAYTOSAY shop and have fun.

ETSY featuring Day 4

2009-10-19T13:16:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our Day 4 featuring ETSY artists for the big christmas shopping 2009.

If you missed
Day 1 - IrinaPhotography - photography
Day 2 - AllMadeWithLove - leather, gems jewelry
Day 3 - Jezek - felted accesores, scarfs etc

Gifts for him! Do you know how hard to shop for our lovely boyfriends, father, husband? Looks like they have everything or they don’t need anything. Today I’ll show you Shrimp Salad Circus Vintage shop on Etsy

Etsy
Buy Vintage
shrimpsaladcircus

“Shrimp Salad Circus is Lindsay & Marion. We graduated from Alabama together (cue obligatory "Roll Tide"), trekked a small portion of the world for a bit, and are now sadly located several states apart. We've both lost countless hours scouring thrift store after thrift store looking for God-knows-what and have accumulated more vintage whatnots (purses, mainly) than we'd probably be comfortable admitting. Despite our attachment to all this fabulous stuff, we can't keep buying it up at this rate, so we're passing it along to you!”

ETSY featuring DAY 3

2009-10-17T12:07:00.000-07:00

ETSY featuring DAY 3

Please feel free to see

Day 1 – IrinaPhotography

Day 2 – AllMadeWithlove

Today I want something warm and cozy! That’s why I chose Jezek’s shop on Etsy! It’s another style of craft I’ve never worked and I don’t think I will! She works with wool, fiber, cotton. I love her felted shawls and scarves! You also can find felted jewelry in her shop. So take a look and enjoy the work of this artist on ETSY .

From her BIO

“ Being a child I couldn't choose something concrete as a hobby.
It was just that I took a great interest in fancywork, knitting, crocheting, sewing, beadwork, drawing, dancing and after all in athletics practice.
My mother always believed that my excessive creativity came through my grandma. She was a good hand at any handicraft.”

You can find her at:

ETSY featuring DAY 2

2009-10-15T11:52:00.000-07:00

For my DAY 1 featuring look here.

Today I want to show you AllMadeWithLove shop and my favorite leather necklaces! I remember back in Russia I always loved this style and I have no idea how she made it! But with the price of this necklace – better just buy and enjoy it! Stop and look by her shop she also has some lovely gemstone necklaces, crochet and knitting stuff.

“ I've always loved crafts. Jewelry Designing, Crochet and Knitting are my passions. I've learned knitting and crochet when I was a child and have done this throughout my life.
It is a pleasure for me to make blankets, shawls, sweaters, jackets, adorable little things for babies, and many more.

Creating jewelry is my new passion, and has been such for the past four years. I love elegant, simple and extravagant contemporary and vintage designs. I have been making jewelry, using gemstone beads, chains and vintage elements, or whatever may inspire me.

Laura “

You can find her at:

Twitter

ETSY featuring artists Day 1

2009-10-14T12:56:00.000-07:00

Christmas shopping will start in a couple days, that’s the main reason why I want to start browsing great site Etsy and feature different artists. So come back every morning to see who is next? And if you want to be one of them – just post a comment with the link to your ETSY shop and I’ll visit you.

Today is a very grey and rainy day here in Seattle so my first artist will be IrinaPhotography. Just take a look at some of Irina’s work and you will understand why she is number one in my featuring list!

"My name is Irina.

Photography is my hobby. I have taken pictures since I was a teenager. My favorite genres are Still life and Landscapes.

I would be honored for my pictures to grace your walls. Please feel free to ask any questions and I will respond.

Sincerely,
Irina"

You can find her at
FLICKR
BLOG

Feng Shui jewelry

2009-09-26T14:18:00.000-07:00

Feng Shui jewelry.

This NECKLACE has been inspired by my lovely money tree plant (or jade plant or dollar plant).

The Jade Tree honors the jade plant as a feng shui remedy that attracts wealth and prosperity; Chinese jade as a precious stone imbued with both mystical power as well as healing properties; and the tree as the Tree of Life, a symbol of strength, wisdom, and longevity in many cultures.

I had this beautiful Swarovski crystal pendant and it’s looks the same as a jade plant! So now I’ve got my jade tree NECKLACE with me all the time. And the wealth will come!

The necklace is 16 inches. The size of the pendant is 20x12mm. Fancy gold filled chain and a spring ring clasp with 2 mystical Swarovski crystals They are light amethyst but during the night they change color on light green!

My ETSY wish list for Christmas shopping

2009-09-25T10:51:00.000-07:00

I didn't make any new posts for a long time ! Today is the day to show you my Christmas wish list wich was made with ETSY

So NUMBER ONE!!!

Everybody knows that my favorite color is blue - so I want this soo bad !!! I never had anything felted - so this will be my number One!

This Scarf might come to me from Moscow. As you know Moscow is my home town - so this will be a great gift from Russia.

If you like this scarf - my friend has other colors in her shop!

Please visit MANONKNITS and pick something for yourself!

Shop Handmade soap !

2009-08-28T18:04:00.000-07:00

Did you try to shop for Handmade soap ?! Why should you shop handmade soap?! Where is the best place to shop ??

I made this post with the help of many people who like Handmade soap!

Let’s count and find out why people buy handmade soap and maybe you will try to ?!

1. Handmade soap genrally has less or no chemicals in it.

2. Custome scents that you can’t find elsewhere

3. Because it lacks all the raunchy chemicals and detergents that are in 99% of all mass produced soaps - which makes skin sooo much healthier. (Commercial "soap" is detergent based with synthetic chemicals like SLS thrown in to create foaming to make you believe it works instead of it actually working. Then these companies will toss in a pathetically small portion of a real ingredient, like cocoa butter, and charge three times as much for their "luxury" "soap")

4. VERY reasonable prices on handmade soap

5. It’s made with love a personal touch

6. Natural ingridients

7. Handmade soap last longer

8. If you have allergies – you can always find one soap your skin will be happy with

9. HandMade soap is a pice of art nowdays!

10. Great for the gifts or just fo reasonable price treating for yourself

So here is the main 10 reasons to shop for handmade soap! Find yours! Shop for yourself of get ready for crystmas !

You can find soap for kids – well it will make them wash themselves with joy – because it’s a lot of funny sapes colors sizes out there on the soap market

You can find soap for adults (Wink)

You can find handmade soap for anybody!!!

So did I inspired you to spend couple $$ and try handmade soap ?!?!?!

Have fun shopping at ETSY

or BONANZLE

Then take a look at some of the soaps I prepered for you !

Bonanzle Sidewalk Sale

2009-08-24T14:11:00.001-07:00

Thank you to WhatASteal for organizing this Bonanzle sidewalk Sale !

Tuesday August 25
Time: 12:00 on Tuesday to 12:00 on Wednesday – Bonanzle Time
Discount: 20% off entire purchase.
Use any of the following coupon codes listed below to get 20% off your entire purchase at participating stores all day on Tuesday.

TSALE1
TSALE2
TSALE3
TSALE4
TSALE5

Click on flyer and it will take you to a participating vendor.