Jaeleven

Well, here it is. The newest Swarovski colors for spring/summer '08. The lighter one is called sand opal and the other is mocca. (Yes, it is spelled with cc, not ch). Lovely, aren't they?? Even more incredible are their new cuts, especially the branch coral pendants, which I hope to have in stock. The thing is, it turns out not too many people want to buy the more unusual cuts of crystal. They want to stick to their safe, reliable bicones in basic colors. In fact, the best selling Swarovski cut is article #5301, the bicone, in size 6mm. I recently brought in some starfish pendants in out-of-production crystal copper (the larger size starfish) and figured there would be a few takers out there, at least on Etsy. But so far, nuthin. What's there to not love about a giant, sparkling starfish??? I am hoping if I get the coral pendants, the same thing won't happen, or I'll have one hell of an expensive necklace. (But, that's okay too, right?? See, 'cuz I'm not keeping them all to myself...I put them online for sale, I did, I did!)

That said, I suppose I have some explaining to do about my store. Yes, it is odd that it's now housed in an addition at my home. Yes, even weirder that I have no sign. I went to the town to get my business permit, figuring only a few regulars would pop in once in a while, and planned to put some little sign out front. But as soon as I did that, wham, there was our local code enforcement officer. I had already obtained a business permit from the town (although other people who sell stuff in this town and work from home - like Mary Kay Reps and Avon ladies, didn't bother to get business permits.) At any rate, I got the permit and stated I would be working in e-commerce, which I am. I have 2 websites for selling items- one for jewelry, and one for beads. It takes a tremendous amount of time to maintain stock on these sites. Occasionally a customer wants to come into the store and make a purchase or pick up something they saw online. Well, in my book, that's okay too. Because if your Avon lady said sure, come by and pick up your order, you would say great! I'm on my way. If your Mary Kay lady called and said hey, swing by for spring samples and a new catalog, you would say great! See ya soon! So if you see beads you like on my site and live around here and would like to pick them up, well, consider me your Avon lady of beads. Just don't look for a big sign on my lawn (although hmmmm, the Avon lady has one....).

Be warned too, sometimes I can't make it across the house to get to the phone in my workshop. I am looking into putting voicemail on the phone. I know I'm a pain in the ass, I know I'm not a "professional" retailer who shows up with the keys and opens the store every morning, greeting employees and teaching classes. But hey, it's just me. I have kick ass beads, I make some pretty amazing jewelry, and I guess I do okay for a one-person show. So, sometimes you have to cut people a break. Us little guys can't keep things running like Michael's craft supplies. (Who wouldn't give you free beading information by the way. Or a discount if you're a regular...or better prices on crystal in bulk....)

Until next time.......when hopefully I am better at adding pictures to my blog......enjoy the 10 degree boost we're experiencing as we head into spring! Happy Easter! -J