Pretty Cheap Jewelry has added a new address! I'm now available in 3 local and one distant shop, as well as the original website (link in the left margin).

Wonderful to acheive this goal so early! (of adding a shop to my family in 2008)

Here's a few new items to delight your eyes. Everything made (by me) with quality and care and sold for fun and love at a bargain basement price.

~~secret special to SavingAdvicer's only~~
A free Dark Chocolate Hershey 1 lb bar with the order of any 3 notecards or journals. Offer good until 1/31/08 only. Please mention this post at check out.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks and here's to a sweet 2008!

BEAR HOPES AND DREAMS JOURNAL
Slim volume perfect for a new marriage, graduate, or baby book.


WATCH US GROW
Photo album cover features cross stitched sprig and ruffled lace!


GRACIAS
One of 3 International thank you cards featuring different girls, each holding a heart. (sold separately)

So many times people cringe at the word cheap, other times it is regarded as humorous.

Without changing much in the business overview, I'm redesigning my banner and biz cards like this (might be hard to see because it is long).



or just see it at the top of my website

http://www.prettycheapjewelry.com

My son gave me the idea to just put a slash over the 'cheap' word, and it is a very effective visual tool imo.

Want a little dirt on

Pretty Cheap Jewelry?

I belong to an internet team of California Crafters, an interesting and diverse group!

One card maker/graphic designer featured me in her blog here

Nothing too racy, but a fun read. Here's a Bow Pin for sale at Pretty Cheap for $4.

"Oooo that's clever"..."That's cool"..."Wow, look at this"

Some of the many comments I hear about one particular design of mine (photo not available). Over the past 3 day weekend of craft fairs, I was advised to copyright the particular design and am now investigating.

The fee is not too much, in fact, sales at

Pretty Cheap Jewelry this past month have been enough to cover the cost.

What is the benefit of copyrighting? If someone steals the idea, I can sue? Bleh. Forget it. But it is also a symbol of respect and accomplishment.

Please put your 2c in below. And have fun looking at a couple other clever ideas in the shop --->

Important Little Things-Cross Stitched Hummingbird Blank Unlined Journal

Wish Upon a Star Pin

Just a clever name for an item I made and lowered the price in my little internet shop

Pretty Cheap Jewelry

Fringed Blues Bracelet $6


Want the good news or the bad news? The bad news first...yesterday my shop was spammed by a bogus 'buyer'. Not just a spam email. This one actually went into the shop and bought 4 things, with payment never to be sent. The good news? I notified the Etsy admin and they corrected the situation immediately. Whew! thanks for the fast response.

Don't worry, not THAT one!

Welcome Etsyians and SavingAdvicers!

Our California Crafter's Club of Etsy (CCCOE) presents the delightful entries in their October Monthly Design Challenge. The topic was "TRADITION". All members were invited to make an item interpreting this topic.

Now we ask for a public vote on the best entry!

For more detail on any item, click on the link below the picture.

Vote

*here* and note you must be registered with Etsy, an amazing handcrafted internet marketplace to vote. Please vote only once. Polls open until November 7.

All voters will be entered in a drawing for a door prize (shown *here*). Pssst...It is a red brocade jewelry box. And of course, it will be filled with a surprise! (I am in the handmade jewelry business aren't I?)

Thanks for visiting. Have fun and Good Luck!

1. Butterfly Woman Medicine Bag ...by arttowear diva

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7528213

2. Charm Necklace ...by AmandaKLockrowJewels

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7536846

3. Dia de los Muertos Alter Kit ...by knittergirl

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7569130

4. End of Summer ...by sevenbridges

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7364039

5. Halloween Pumpkin Kitty Quilt ...by quiltedblessings

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7496917

6. La Mama Loca Portrait Original Painting ...by TresLocas

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7365321

7. Look to the Stars Fingerless Gloves ...by shellmitchell[u]

Text is http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7538567 and Link is

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7538567

[u]8. Marimba Band by an 8 year old artist ...by Tresijas

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7244009

9. Pearl and Stardust Choker Necklace ...by luchi

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7371522

10. Pretty in Pink Day of the Dead Shrine ...by elenamary

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7360673

11. Simply Stunning Ametrine Necklace ...by bellure

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7250942

12. Thanksgiving Turkey Adult Bib ...by quiltingmama

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7660892

13. Chimney Sweep Necklace ...by hollylynne

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7467881

14. The Great Pumpkin Earrings ...by visionquest

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7203394

15. Three Traveling Witches Dangly Halloween Ornament ...by creativemuse

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7387159

16. Turkey Traditions ...by QuirkynBerkeley

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7478497

17. Washi.Chiyogami.Aizome Peace Crane ...by localcolorist

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7312614

18. Wilma Wears White After Labor Day ...by peggradyart

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7328578

19. Wishbone Necklace ...by prettycheap

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7319355

20. Black and Pumpkin Orange Star Earrings ...by theascrafts

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7650988

21. HARVEST Oxidized Sterling Silver and Carnelian Necklace ...by SandySimone

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7648688

I use this blog to showcase particularly interesting items handcrafted and for sale in my internet shop

Pretty Cheap Jewelry.

A nice blank book (20 pages, 40 sides) I made using an anonymous quote fits in:

"Petroleum and Coffee had no value a few centuries ago"

For more pics and details, click on the link above. It's bargain priced of course. My specialty. Thanks for havin' a look.

I bought the leaf painting below from a fellow artist. How is the frame job?

I did it by: mounting on pumpkin textured paper and inserting in a walnut shadow box (with a hinged door!). Cost about $20.

The alternate: about $100 for a professional framer (this is the half off cost) for a shadow box type frame.

Opinions?

I belong to a state-wide craft group which had a design contest last month. The topic was 'Alternative Media' and the entries are in!

We are inviting the public to vote on the best entry and here is one of our member's blogs showing pics of each:

SandySimone's blog

Each entry has a url to click for more detail and information about the piece.

If you want to vote, you must be registered with Etsy, an amazing handcrafted internet marketplace. Then go to this forum post and vote for one here.

A prize is going to be given to one randomly picked voter, just for fun (see the blog for a link to the prize as well).

Thanks for visiting!

I belong to an internet independent design collective which has put up a great fun page from the artists for:

"Deals" - Loads of price breaks, buy one/get one, and the like

-and-

"Contests" - Freebies! You are one of a pool from which a random winner is picked. There are many, many Contests, each from a different shop.

So go win something here

http://www.indiecontests.com/

The other wonderful internet community I belong to of handcrafters is having a fun contest.

We were asked to craft an item in the subject of 'Typography' (def:having to do with the general appearance of matter printed with type).

Any media was allowed, each of us specialize in different crafts, (sewing, drawing, jewelry, etc.)

The entries were made last month and are now up for a vote. One lucky voter is going to be picked to receive a pair of handmade gemstone earrings (see pic below) from the shop of

http://www.sandysimone.etsy.com

Do you want to have some fun judging the entries and casting a vote?

Here is the post with all the details: where you can see all the entries together, where you can see them separately with more detail, and the prize details.
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5218080

You must be a registered member of Etsy to vote. Etsy is an amazing handcrafted internet marketplace (register just like Amazon, with an email and password).

Why did we do it? A design challenge among peers stimulates each of us, to attract attention to each of our shops, to attract new members to our group. You get the picture, right?

Voting closes Saturday 9/8 at midnight. Thanks!

Been away most of the summer busy with

Pretty Cheap Jewelry and school vacation, whew!

Enough time to enter several pieces in the County Fair just for fun. Sweet Surprise! Not only garnered 2nd Place in the Professional Misc Beading Category but awarded a $14 cash prize! And it was free to enter

More freebies below, but here is one of the items entered and the ribbon.

Periwinkle Necklace & Earring Set



Today the nearby 99c store was giving away 2007 Calendars FREE ~ as many as you wish. These are great for crafting notecards, go get em!

Back to frequent entries next week!

Planted too many tomatoes? It's those darn 6-packs! What's your excuse?

Summertime Curse Tomato Soup Recipe
No Fat, Heart Healthy

Ingredients
Backyard tomatoes: 2 Large Mixing Bowls Full (Salad Serving Bowl size)

Chopped Fresh Onion, or Dried Minced Onion
Olive oil
Ground Pepper
Salt

Steps
1. Wash and quarter tomatoes
2. Heat tomatoes in large pot to boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 1/2 hour until very soft.

3. Remove from heat, cool for handling.

4. Press mixture through strainer to remove skins and seeds.

5. Saute onions in olive oil until browned.

6. Combine strained tomatoes, oil and onions, salt and pepper to taste.

7. Return to low heat and simmer about an hour until thickened. Or place mixture in slow cooker, high for a couple hours.

Voila! Delicious! Serve with crusty bread and salad. Garnish with grated cheese.

Record your Dog Days of Summer Recipes and Garden Foibles in this great journal from Pretty Cheap Jewelry (bargain priced!). Click on my shop (left column) to see more pics, description and price.

Special Offer to Saving Advice Bloggers Only! Mention Saving Advice at check out for refund on shipping!

I've been selected to fill a showcase in the gem and mineral category for the County Fair! The showcase is about 3.5 feet wide and 1.5 feet deep. It will include my original jewelry designs of glass, stone and metal.

However, there are no business signs allowed! HA! HA! Those Fair people are smart, this is not to be turned into a big cheesy advertisement! Not even a business card but if I win any sort of ribbon (even a mention) they will turn over my name card and pin the ribbon to it inside the case.

That's ok with me! I'm just thrilled to be viewed by thousands and thousands of people.

A true artisan has made this item as part of a design contest, it's a 'never seen the likes of this before'.

DreamWoven's Masterpiece

Not noted in the description is that it is on display at an art gallery at this time.

:->

Last chance to get in on the $20 Starbucks Card Giveaway from Pretty Cheap Jewelry.

On July 4 a name will be picked from the (small pool) of those subscribing to our mailing list.

Want to try?

1. Go to

http://www.prettycheapjewelry.com

2. Contact prettycheap (click 'contact prettycheap in the lower right margin). Follow the instructions to register with Etsy (if you are not already).

3. Send your email in the contact.

That's all! It costs you nothing.

Don't worry you won't get alot of pesky emails. Just a one page, once a month newsletter filled with exclusive offers (to subscribers only), more freebies, and zany trivia.

(Regular readers, please bear with me this is the LAST time I will post this!)

Look to the left for the added 'preview' to Pretty Cheap Jewelry.

Feedback? Too many items? It can be set to 8 instead. Too in your face? Too blatant commercialism?

Or understated? Simple and clean set up?

Thanks for the comments.

Giving away a $20 Starbucks card to celebrate 1 year of Pretty Cheap Jewelry!

To get a chance, just join the mailing list by:

1. Go to

http://www.prettycheapjewelry.com

2. Contact prettycheap (click 'contact' lower right margin). It may ask you to register with Etsy, a wonderful handcrafted internet marketplace. All you need is a username and password.

3. Send your e mail address in the contact.

You won't get a bunch of spammy e mails. I am not that sophisticated!! (yet?). It will be a monthly one page newsletter, filled with fun trivia, special offers and pics.

Like this-
Field Mouse and Friends Blank Note Cards, Pack of 3 ...$5
Let field mouse send greetings for you! Hiding in a patch of dried pressed star jasmine, where a feathered friend once visited, field mouse and crow are ready to help. Set of three cards, each with whimsical design featuring critters, bare foot prints, sneakered footprints and dried, pressed star jasmine. (Only one shown). Exceptional value only available at Pretty Cheap Jewelry.

To escape the noise of distant popping fireworks (they have already started during the afternoon around the neighborhood), my dog tried to climb up into the shelves of our bedroom closet.

Right where an old box or two of my childhood items were kept. The only two boxes I have of things.

He clawed open the corner of one box shredding some of the contents. So it was taken down to clean up and throw out.

Inside was my coin collection from younger days (about 40 years ago). It wasn't as extensive as my memory had told me. It contains a booklet of incomplete pennies from 1902 to 1940, although I had just found two 1943 pennies in recent months and added them right away. (In 1943 pennies were made with aluminum instead of copper due to WWII. THey are rare and collectable).

Am going to go throught the rest in the next couple days just for fun. Some buffalo nickels, a variety of 'wheat back' pennies, mercury dimes, etc. Even at a young age I knew if you just tucked away rare coins for a long period of time, they will increase in value!

Also want to show off a handsome rock for the man who needs to tell it like it is. Available at

http://www.prettycheapjewelry.com

Dads Rule Keychain $5
Pure raw quartz crystal set in sterling silver handmade bail hung on split ring keychain lets you slyly tell Dad he's in charge. The quartz was collected by my family in the USA backcountry (I'm not telling exactly where so they are cleaned out!). White ceramic letter beads hang on two stiff wire charms. Reasonably priced for easy giving.

Being a somewhat new craft fair vendor, I'll never visit a craft fair the same!

This weekend

Pretty Cheap Jewelry was in a 2-day craft fair. The table fee was reasonable and the reputation of the event is sterling.

The Good News: I didn't post a loss! I wish I could report oodles of profit, but I made a little, enough to cover the cafe au lait a scone in the wee morning hours of the second day. So basically I broke even.

The Bad News: Attendence was light and there is some recent political scuffling between the city and the fair sponsor. This fair is held by the local high school as a fundraiser for the music department. It has been held monthly for 20 years! Normally it is inside and outside. But just this year, the city merchants are complaining that the fair is an unwelcome competition! So the fair has not been allowed to put up signs or have outdoor vendors (a BIG attraction for customers). The result was pretty light attendence. The fair managment is determined to work it out and make this a success.

The Important News: It was plenty fun and well worth my time in meeting customers and promoting myself in person.

Here's a look at a new item in the shop taken with greatly improved photo techniques I have learned.

Star Light and Moon Shadow Earrings $5
Feature an antiqued sterling plated moon charm and moonstone beads. Moonstone is a cousin of the more familiar goldstone (which is tawny and filled with gold flecks). Both are manmade and moonstone is a very deep navy blue (almost black) and filled with silver sparkle. Swarovski crystal complete the look. Wonderfully bargain priced.

Still accepting entries for the free $20 Starbucks card. SO easy and doesn't cost you a nickel (or a penny).

1. Go to

Pretty Cheap Jewelry

2. Contact me (click 'contact' in the right margin). If you are not a member of Etsy it will ask you to register with a username and password. Etsy is an internet marketplace for handmade items.

3. Send me your e mail address to receive an infrequent newsletter.

I will pick a winner from all the sign ups on July 4.

Don't worry, I don't send pesky e mails. In fact, I haven't sent ANY e mails yet. The newsletter will start this summer and will be monthly at best. It will be a fun, trivia and story filled, and at most 1 page.

Thanks!

*Signifying shoppers who love my store.

I'm giving away a $20 Starbucks Card as THANKS!

To enter, join the mailing list by July 4.

1. Go to the website (click on the shop name in this blog left column)

2. Click on 'contact PrettyCheap' in the shop right margin.

(It will ask you to register with a username and password, just like you do here and on Amazon. Give yourself a jazzy avatar!)

3. In your 'contact' send me your e mail address.

That's all! I will let my 7-y-o girl pick the winner out of a hat at the end of the contest. You can talk with her about who wins!

BTW, I don't send annoying e mails, in fact I don't ANY e mails until I learn how to make up a decent newsletter. It might be a monthly issue when up and running smoothly.

THANKS for your time and GOOD LUCK!

To boost sales in my internet shop I have an idea for an aggressive promotion. It will probably run in the hot dog days of summer something like this:
--------------------------------------
Want to Win a Pitcher of Iced Coffee?
GET A CHANCE TO WIN A $20 STARBUCKS CARD
FOR EVERY PURCHASE YOU MAKE FROM NOW UNTIL _(date)___ YOU'RE ENTERED TO WIN

THE MORE PURCHASES YOU MAKE, THE MORE CHANCES YOU GET!

As little as $5 gets you in at

Pretty Cheap Jewelry where nothing is cheap except the price! Spruce up your summer wardrobe for $8 or less ~ send a one-of-a-kind note to friends over the summer with a handmade card ~ and many more items to choose from. GOOD LUCK and have fun!

Winner will be notified by __(date)___. Thanks for playing!
---------------------------------------
A special group of past customers will get a note that the contest is beginning and if time/postage is reasonable, an intermediate note will be sent as well.

Any tweaks, suggestions welcome (you all are sort of my test group!).

While you're musing it over, have a look at my latest design.

Silk Trade Winds Necklace and Earring Set
Long and slim as a strand of silk, exotic as spice carried on the trade winds, this set features handmade links of copper pearls sandwiched between sparkling mint swarovski crystals and filigree balls. The long 28" necklace is composed of fine link goldplated chain. Matching earrings complete the set.

Instead of taking my kids and a friend to the cheap movies ($3/person) over the long weekend, I had the brilliant idea to rent a movie and have popcorn night at home--

$12.00 NOT
$3.51 DONE

We saw 'Happy Feet' which we had not seen in the movies the first go around. The kids did not get the overfishing message

As for the pun, here is a totally fun item I put in my internet shop

Pretty Cheap Jewelry

You Rock (ing) Horse Cross Stitch Notecards - Pack of 3 for $6

There is a trivia contest in my shop at

Pretty Cheap Jewelry to attract visitors and have some fun. The correct answerer wins a free prize, no strings attached.

This was a successful method of getting traffic when I started the business about a year ago. But I was stumped on how to capitalize on helping the visitors to make a purchase.

AHA! The moment has come *!*

In fact, I had forgotten I have a record of the winner's snail mail addresses (where their prize was sent). Previously I had not kept this list because the contest was truly for goodwill and fun (ok I am not just a noodlehead, but an idiotic business manager).

The addresses are stored in my 'convos' at the shop website. Normally you are not allowed to use these 'convos' to solicit sales and I agree (the folks at Etsy would be overwhelmed with spam).

But I CAN use the snail mail addresses. There are almost 20 past winners. And they will get lots of fun mail from me this year with special offers to come back! Coupons, Freebies, who knows!!

Why didn't I think of this before? OK, I am a slow learner? Here is a new piece in my shop for you to ooh and aahh over and make me feel better--

It's a boy or it's a girl Enamel Baby Shoe Charm Necklace $12

Why do I give out all my secrets???

I have found two more newish but decent free advertising venues on the internet. Yours for the taking advantage of:

yourhub.com

TuningIn.com

the first is linked with my (and probably your) local newspaper ; the second is a startup something like craig's list. wait and see if the latter gets snarky or if the moderator stays on top of things.

Ciao! And be sure to check in at Pretty Cheap Jewelry for a Father's Day gift that will knock his socks off for $5! (Male Sex Symbol Fossilized Shark Tooth Pin) don't worry, it's g-rated...

This item is in my internet shop (click on Pretty Cheap Jewelry on the left)

and 'thumbnails' of any item are really important. A person needs to be attracted enough to that photo to click on the item to learn more.

I hope the liquid is not too shiny/glarey. But the shape of the bottle is very seductive IMO.

Feedback?
Japanese Bloom Oval Milliefiore Glass Earrings $5
Tiny floral pattern within the beads remind me of a japanese garden or bonsai, so much beauty in so little space. These earrings also feature brandy and gold colored accents on two links which dangle nicely. Goldplated french wires.

Pretty Cheap Jewelry is coming to Texas!

Many of my beautiful, fun and affordable items will be sold starting in May at Texas Art Spot (http://www.texasartspot.com). So next time you are on Route 45 south of Dallas, stop in Corsicana (about 50 miles south of Dallas between Dallas and Houston) and have a little fun in the shop.

Thank you Lone Star State!

My artist sister's husband is a musician and has a plethora of guitar picks, guitar strings, etc.

She designed these beauties, delightful!

They are available in my shop (click on Pretty Cheap Jewelry at the left column).

Thanks for viewing!

Every heard of flickr.com? A free place to put your photos to share with family or the world. It's very popular, fun, and creative. There's groups, forums, the whole 9 yards.

Your photos can be privatized (for only family to see) or open to the public.

Want to see some great items from Pretty Cheap Jewelry? I opened an account yesterday

here. Put comments if you wish ;-)