Handmade Valentine Gifts

Open publication - Free publishing

I am part of Etsy Artist of Color (EAOC) team and we have some very talented artisans. Group members are from all over the world. Our team leader, Shevon, developed the above catalog to showcase some of the wonderful handmade Valentine gifts you can purchase from EAOC. Take a look. One of my designs is on page 9. Enjoy!

Coming From Where I'm From - EAOC Collective Blogging Event...

Hey All! It's the 1st of Day of Summer! I'm having a sale just for today. Take 20% off everything in my shop. Just mention "1st Day of Summer Sale" in the notes to seller. Discount will be reimbursed via Paypal.

I'm also proud to be a member of EAOC (Etsy Artist of Color). We come from all over, US, Carribbean, Europe, Asia, Africa, and many more places. There is some amazing talent in this group! Check us out on etsy. Enter the search words team eaoc to view all of the items available for sale. Currently we are having an EAOC Collective Blogging event. Some artisans participating in this event are:

http://electricstorm.blogspot.com/

http://calabashcreastions.blogspot.com/

http://paintergirlworld.blogspot.com/

http://thatcrochetguy.blogspot.com/

http://allnaptural.blogspot.com/

http://akusearornameornaments.blogspot.com/

http://blossomingtree.blogspot.com/

http://35thofmay.blogspot.com/

http://parisbohemiansoul.blogspot.com/

http://wanderingmoonpr.wordpress.com/

http://potsanddishes.blogspot.com/

Pictured above are a couple of new earring designs that are available for 20% off today!

Featured Artisan: Charm & Jewels

This month's featured artisan is Crystal Carlton of Charm & Jewels. She makes the sweetest charm bracelets! I heart the bracelet shown above! Surprise, Surprise, right! ;) A note to my Sorors: This bracelet is for sale on Crystal's etsy site! http://www.charmandjewels.etsy.com/

It's too late for you to get b4 the Notable North Atlantic Regionals, but it will be too cute on your wrist this summer! See the mini interview below to learn more about Crystal!

1. How did you get started making jewelry? Designing jewelry really began with My Little Inspiration", Taya. I was working 4 days a week, 16 hours a day in the salon, and while on maternity leave I began making jewelry because I wanted to stay home with her, and that's why I started Charm and Jewels!

2. What materials do you like to incorporate in your designs? The materials I like to use most are the handmade lampwork beads and Swarovski crystals. I enjoy the lampwork beads so much because they can just about be designed however you desire, therefore I am able to create true one of a kind pieces!

3. Do you do this full-time? Unfortunately I am not able to do this full-time, but I am working on that!

4. How do you market your business? I market my business several ways, my designs are featured in several salons in the Akron area, including mine. I also have designs in several stores in the area as well. I've also experienced short term leasing in several area malls. And of course my etsy shops... including, Etsy Artists of Color, We Love Etsy, Etsy.com, Indie Public, and Art Fire. I also have an online store http://www.charmandjewels.com/ And lastly, I regularly donate to charities and auctions for even more exposure.

5. What are your future plans for your business? My future plans include growing my business and finding as many outlets as I can, until Charm and Jewels is my full-time business!!!