Biting My Nails: My First Press Release

>> Tuesday, March 31, 2009


Last night, one of my very best friends helped me write my first-ever PDF Press Release to announce that my jewelry was featured in the April 2009 issue of ELLE Magazine. It's sort of funny....I've worked as a technical and marketing writer for many years, and I've written and helped write press releases quite often in my professional life...So, you'd think writing a press release for my little jewelry company would come naturally...but NO, writing about my news made me completely nervous and I was stumped about how to get started.

Fortunately, I have good friends in real-life who are there to support me and my nail-biting habit, and they stepped in to get the words going and give me the confidence that I was lacking.

In addition to writing your release, there is also the question of when and how to distribute it. I thought this article, gave some really good advice. I also ended up researching and locating local submission links to newspapers and publications in my geographic area.

In this whole process, I discovered a that the Etsy Marketing blog had some good ideas that might help new owners of craft businesses get started with writing press releases.

I honestly don't know what to expect, if anything at all, but I thank you for letting me turn my blog into a public diary today.

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Make Me Monday: Pearl-irious Weekend

>> Monday, March 30, 2009



Make Me Monday:

Pearl-irious Weekend


Saturday was a fun day for me. I had time to make lots of new jewelry for my collection and also to work with one of my favorites-faux pearls. I like using faux-pearls because they don't take away from the natural supply of pearls in the sea. These particular pearls, like many, are made in China...where glass beads dipped and coated several times in pearl film to simulate the lustre of natural pearls.

I decided that the Ecru and Pinks colored faux pearls that I was working with looked best with gold plated findings, so I beaded up these new pairs for my capitolagirl.etsy.com shop:


Happy Monday!

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The Devil Wears Etsy: Woodlands

>> Sunday, March 29, 2009

The Devil Wears Etsy:

Woodlands


I woke up today wondering what kind of collection I was going to put together this morning for The Devil Wears Etsy. At the back of my mind, I've had a nagging and persistent thought that I had been remiss for letting the entire month of March pass without writing about the color green.

Given that for many, March is St. Patrick's month, I'm loathe to admit that the day came and went unnoticed on my blog. So, with three days to go before month's end, I decided it was high time to blog about green fashions and accessories, so I trotted off to The Devil Wears Etsy group on Flickr to see which shades of greens stood out in the photo pool.

So, what did I find? A delightful assortment of beautiful, woody greens and mints fit for any fashionable woodland nymph (and these greens are ones that you can wear year-round, without having to worry about looking like a leprechaun!). So, without futher ado, check out this whimsical woodland collection of greens to go ga-ga over, designed by fellow shop owners at the online marketplace, Etsy.



Have a great Sunday, and see you next week on The Devil Wears Etsy!

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Saturday Sparkle: Why Not Pick the Whole Bunch?

>> Saturday, March 28, 2009



Saturday Sparkle:

Why Not Pick the Whole Bunch?


As I went to write today's Saturday Sparkle post, I was settled on picking a floral necklace to match the Spring season. But, then I got to looking at all the unbelievably wonderful floral jewelry that's been uploaded to The Handmade Jewelry: Saturday Sparkle group in recent months and decided that trying to choose just one floral item...Well, the choice going to be tough.

In truth, as I bumbled through the Saturday Sparkle group, I felt much like a bee in the Garden of Beading -- so being the girl that I am, I thought to myself...."Why choose just one piece to write about, when I can pick the whole lovely bunch?"

Today's Saturday Sparkle showcase pieces are really special, because they are truly examples of fine indie craftsmanship. In fact, I think they are so spectacular that additional words from me would simply do not them justice. So....in order for you to appreciate the full beauty and artistry behind today's jewelry bouquet, you're just going to have to take a look for yourself...


Fuchsia Chic Beadwoven Necklace
from triz
~~~

Les Fleurs Bracelet
from elainehaydonjewelry
~~~


Happy Saturday and Keep Sparkling!

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Friday Findings: Zsa Zsa Zebra

>> Friday, March 27, 2009


I'm one of those women that gets energized when I see Zebra- and animal-prints in fashion magazines. The models always look so distinctive bee lining it down those design-house runways in Paris and NYC. However, I'm also one of those real-world-gals who was nothing short of intimidated at the idea of taking a walk down the wilder side wearing animal prints, especially given my daily reality. Somehow...the initial thought of me sporting full Zebra regalia didn't exactly translate when it came to strutting my stuff down the office catwalk carrying a stack of documents to the Xerox machine.

However, I do make attempts towards being fashion-forward and I won't let the reality of having a day job scare me away from wearing animal prints. When I wear them, I sensibly take aim by coordinating outfits that leave a hint of my animal-print magnetism, without overdoing it. Let's face it, fantastic as it is...the bold look of the Zebra (or any animal print) probably looks best on all of us regular folk in smaller doses. So, I'm here to tell you that THERE IS A WAY to achieve the popular safari style, and YOU CAN do it without feeling like you're showing up at the office or PTA meeting looking like a moving target.

Fashion experts tell us to opt for a Zebra or leopard printed scarf or top, and pair with a solid skirt or pant. You can also turn to the wide variety of animal-inspired prints available in fashion jewelry. Taking a look around the online marketplace Etsy this week, I found a wide variety of stunning animal-print jewelry choices to help you conquer the safari look, while leaving your office mates grateful that you've shown them just hint of the true animal lurking inside...and a little Zsa Zsa Zebra!


Zebra Cuff
dirtystory


I dig the bold pattern on this gorgeous brass cuff. It's striking enough to stun the tails off of any zebra and is sure to bring lots of WOW;s your way. The shiny finish and bold pattern is loaded with class, and once you put it on...you just might find yourself not wanting to take it off. Available from Orange County jewelry designer at the dirtystory shop on Etsy.

Zebra - Cocktail Ring
LAPJD


The designer of this dramatic cocktail ring hails from the great state of Alaska and between her extensive world travels and love of the great outdoors, the call of the wild has found its way into a number of her designs. Her interpretation of the Zebra has been crafted in sterling silver and features a gorgeous wedge of zebra stone set into an elegant four-pronged bezel. It provides the perfect amount of animal-bling for evening cocktail parties and is available in size 7. Designed San Francisco-based jewelry designer Lauren Ashleigh Payne at www.lapjewelry.com and the LAPJD shop on Etsy.

Zebra Jasper - Necklace
rachelroellke


The thin, soft, wisps of white and black stripes in these shiny gemstone ovals lend a surprisingly delicate and classic look with a hint of a bold animal-print. This single-strand design is sensible enough to wear to the office-by-day and trendy enough to wear to dinner-that-night. A necklace like this goes with just about every outfit and would be a great addition to an accessory collection. Available from the rachelroellke shop.

Zebra Jasper - Silver Semi Hollow Ring
purifiedart


This beautifully hand-fabricated sterling silver ring features a stunning and strong 18x13mm Zebra Jasper cabochon. Available in a size 8 from the designer, Bill, at the purifiedart shop on Etsy. And as a special offer to Posh Mama readers, you can receive 20% off the featured Zebra ring by typing "Posh Mama" in the Message to Seller box at check out. The shop is also offering Posh Mama readers 10% off other item purchases from purifiedart.etsy.com. To get the discount, type "Posh Mama" in the Message to seller box at checkout. Both of these offers are valid through April 9, 2009.

Zebra - Silver and Stone Pendant
upsidedownfrown


I love the dramatic large focal piece in this pendant. Its created using a smooth stone with a subtle and yet intriguing grey and black zebra stripe pattern. The pendant been hand-set into a fine and sterling silver bezel and can be easily attached to a separate chain or ribbon to go with jeans or your night-on-the-town outfits. Available from the upsidedownfrown shop on Etsy. And as a special offer to reader, type "poshmamaUDF" in the Message to Seller box at checkout to get free shipping on your purchases. Offer is valid through April 3, 2009 from upsidedownfrown

Zebra Design Peyote Beaded Cuff Bracelet
miamiamia


If you're looking for a striking accent for your walk on the wild side, check out this peyote-stitched Zebra bracelet crafted from delica's beads. It's created by one of Etsy's very talented beadweavers, Esen, at the miamiamia shop. Her fun and funky hand- beaded zebra cuff would be cute with jeans or a dress and it measures just under 1.5" wide. It closes with a hand-woven bead clasp. And as a special discount to readers, enter "poshmama" in the Message to Seller box at checkout and wait for a revised invoice with a 15% discount. Offer valid through April 15, 2009 from miamiamia.

That's all the time we have today, but be sure to come back next week for another collection of indie jewelry on next week's Friday Findings.

Since I've been away for a few weeks, please remember to congratulate the winner of our last Friday Findings giveaway, Posh Mama Shelly. She won the really cool recycled record cuff from our giveaway sponsor Christine, at the EyePopArt shop.

Written by Posh Mama Susan of Capitola Girl Jewelry and the Capitola Girl blog -- where Every Girl Has a Story (and so should her jewelry!).

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Colors of Spring

>> Thursday, March 26, 2009


Colors of Spring


I've been a little quieter than seems usual on my blog this week, and that's because I've been working on less-fun things like taxes. However, I did get a chance to get out for morning walks and have been seeing beautiful flowers popping up in my neighbors gardens.

When you're sitting around surrounded by a pile forms and receipts for hours at a time, its nice to be able to step away from it and walk out of the house seeing flowers like this! So, it inspired me to create a quick pair of long, dangly earrings and take some new photographs for my shop...if anything just to remind me that in addition to being able to count on Death and Taxes, I can also count on Spring flowers to clear my tax-time headaches up.



Before I sign off....
A quick reminder about an event today:

Colors of Spring through Fashion, Design and Lifestyle
A Trunk show by the FDL Etsy team!
Date: Thursday, March 26, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm EST
Location: Etsy's Virtual Lab- Gallery room

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Etsy's Fashion Design & Lifestyle Team: Virtual Trunk Show

>> Monday, March 23, 2009

Mark Your Calendars for Thursday!

EVENT: Colors of Spring through Fashion, Design and Lifestyle
A Trunk show by the FDL Etsy team!
Date: Thursday, March 26, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm EST
Location: Etsy's Virtual Lab- Gallery room

Description:
Members of the Fashion, Design and Lifestyle team (fdlteam) will host an online Trunk Show "live" using one of Etsy's virtual lab rooms. The designers and artists will present a wide range of fashion, art and jewelry inspired by the beauty of Spring. Many of the artists will be on hand to chat with the viewing public about their design process. So please join us for an evening of colorful items and commentary. We hope to see you there!

For an advanced look at some of FDL's talented members, please visit our blog.

Or, search etsy for 'fdlteam' to view our current listings.

See you on the 26th of March at 7pm EST in the virtual labs.

Trunk Show coordinated by FDL Team Member Kristen, of kristensteinfineart.etsy.com


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The Devil Wears Etsy: By the Sea

>> Saturday, March 21, 2009


The Devil Wears Etsy:

By the Sea...


I woke up this morning half expecting rain and instead was greeted by light blue skies and bright yellow morning sun. So, while I expected the day to be somewhat like a lion, it turned out to be more akin to "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." I guess that's one of the pluses about living by the ocean--you never quite know what to expect.

So... (while I am writing this...the winds are picking up) gray skies and rain might be here later in day....UNTIL THEN, it's time for me to get myself up and out to do what I can enjoy this break of blue sky and yellow sun. In order to do that, I'll leave you with a little hint about my few hours at the ocean, by sharing this collection of colors that reminds me a lot of how it feels to live... "By the Sea"

I hope you enjoy this collection from members of The Devil Wears Etsy group on Flickr. Featuring handmade goodies from a variety of sellers at the online marketplace, Etsy.


Cool Ocean Glass Tile Pendant
from Daisy Mae Designs (at the ksickles shop)
~~~

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Saturday Sparkle: Cool Jewelry Design


Who Sparkled This Saturday?

cooljewelrydesign
(and cooljewelrydesignJR)

Today on Saturday Sparkle, I'm blogging about the fun and colorful designs created by Pam, from the cooljewelrydesign and cooljewelrydesignJR shops at the online marketplace, Etsy.

Pam is a member of the JET (Jewerly on Etsy) Street Team and she creates beaded jewelry in an intuitive and eclectic style that shows off her love for mixing bright, cheerful colors with unexpected textures. I had a chance to get to know Pam while chatting on Etsy this week, and decided to ask if she'd share her story of jewelry inspiration...and here is what she shared with us.Chick-lette necklace

Pam, how did you get your start in jewelry design?

Am convinced I came out of the womb wearing a bracelet! Seriously, I’ve loved jewelry all my long life—foregoing purses and shoes. I sold designer “bridge” jewelry as a favor to a friend, got hooked on the selling notion and the rest is history, as I asked myself “why can’t YOU make this?” But much better!

What inspired you to turn your jewelry making hobby into a business?
A true love for color and texture inspired me. For me, it was taking a passion to the self-taught hobby stage…and then inching into a jewelry business. Along with working another job in marketing and client relations, I’m taking this to the next level.

(This, apparently, is in the family DNA, as my sister works as a color specialist where she matches and defines color.) Am not so sure she found this to be amusing.

When creating a design, what are your top three sources of inspiration?

It’s a rush to throw stones and beads on the kitchen table in the natural light. The possibilities are endless. Again, I refer to the color and texture of organic stones, beautifully crafted and faceted glass beads, and the notion that abalone and pearl are here on a “favor” basis—thanks to Mother Nature. This journey is intuitive and there are no rules—how can we “not” be inspired by that??

Who in your life has provided the most support for your business?

My boyfriend has been standing on the sidelines cheering me on from Day One. My teammates on the JET Team at Etsy are wildly supportive, and I have to say that the whole environment at Etsy has allowed us all to learn and grow alongside of each other. And that’s how I met you!! What a bonus! (My non-creative friends are happy for me but just don’t “get” it. That’s OK.)

If you had any advice for someone who is just starting an Etsy shop, what would it be?
  • Figure out what you do well and concentrate on that—be true to you and don’t be concerned by who sells or makes what.
  • We all had a first day at Etsy, no one is exempt from that.
  • Take great photos and then take them again.
  • Join a team .
  • Get some sleep!!
All of that is great advice. A big thanks to Pam for sharing her story with us here on Saturday Sparkle. And readers, be sure to check out the variety of creations available in Pam's shops while the JET Spring Fling is going on:


Happy Saturday and keep sparkling!

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IFB Links á la Mode:March 19

>> Thursday, March 19, 2009

Independent Fashion Bloggers

Links à la Mode:

Here are the first 20 links posted in this week's Links à la Mode thread.

  • A Few Goody GumDrop - A Few Goody Gumdrops asks…if you are coming apart at the seams then enter to win torn leggings from LnA!
  • Breakfast at Saks - Still sifting through Paris Fashion Week shows? Be sure to make time for Ann Demeulemeester F/W 09.10
  • Capitola Girl Jewelry Blog - Check, Please!
  • Consume or Consumed - Consume or Consumed Sees Double and Triple: On Buying Multiples
  • Couture Cult - CoutureCult.com: Alison Lewis (formerly of Mooka Kinney), Spring/Summer 09
  • Debutante Clothing - Missoni is Inspired By Vintage Modernist Necklaces
  • Dogmom’s Dish - Desperately Seeking Orla
  • Fashion Daydream - What your didn’t see at Fashion Week: A behind the scenes look into fashion week, fashionistas en route to the shows and models being made up.
  • Fashion Pulse Daily - reports on the latest colors for fall 2009 — the season isn’t comprised of various hues of black or even bright colors for that matter either.
  • Felicia Sullivan - beauty & styling products that work for curly, coarse hair, really work. part 1: frederic fekkai
  • fete a fete - Larkspur & Hawk’s GORGEOUS antique and vintage inspired
  • Independent Fashion Bloggers - Burnout Aversion Tips From Bloggers
  • reLYME - An analysis of the Persian-inspired trend that’s hitting the runway
  • Retro Chick - Top 5 Ways to have fun with no money
  • Shopping and Info - Shopping and Info found Gossip Girl scarves bags and jewelry oh my!
  • Solo Lisa - Sunny fashion picks inspired by Freida Pinto’s character in Slumdog Millionaire
  • Studio Purpura Fashion Blog - Shopping Hops in the Far & South East Asia! Photos to Come!
  • Style Symmetry - Check out my interview with Jennine of The Coveted!
  • Style With Anna - Fashion for Guys: How to Dress Like David Beckham
  • THE COVETED - Exclusive Video Preview & Tutorial: Benefit Smokin’ Eyes
  • the musings of ondo lady - Get ready for a retro prequel of Gossip Girl which is about the trials and tribulations of a teenage Lily van der Woodsen
  • what the pros do… - Spring Clean Your Makeup Kit!

For more Fashion Links, visit the full version of Links á la Mode at the IFB forums! Lots-o-lots-o of great posts there too.

Happy Thursday!

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Computer Key Jewelry Showcased in ELLE Magazine (April 2009)

>> Wednesday, March 18, 2009


I heard late yesterday from my fellow Fashion Design & Lifestyle Street Team member, Beth, at the thirdfloor shop on Etsy today that ELLE Magazine's April 2009 issue is officially out. She found a copy at news stands in her area.

I don't have a hard copy of the issue in my anxious hands (as they haven't hit news stands in my area just yet), but I'm really excited about it because my Silicon Gallies collection of Computer Key Jewelry is one of the items showcased on page 106 (!). Here's a look at the page:

Elle Magazine, April 2009
(page 106)

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Elle Magazine: Trend Report: Graphic Patterns

>> Monday, March 16, 2009

I'm very excited to share that my glass tile computer key pendant necklaces were showcased in ELLE Magazine's Trend Report about Graphic Patterns (March 12, 2009).

To see the showcase, click the image below:


To learn more of my glass tile computer key pendant necklaces, visit my shop at:
http://capitolagirl.etsy.com

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Another Girl Moment: Recycled Records Bags


Another Girl Moment:

Recycled Record Bags


Ok, so I had another "girl moment" last week. I was playing around on the Etsy Poster Sketch tool with the goal of putting together a future treasury when I happened upon these darling bags made from what else!?!?....recycled LP records.

So, if you know about me and my bag fetish, my hopes for completing a Poster Sketch were dashed and interrupted by an impromptu shopping spree. That kind of thing seems to happen to me once in awhile, or at least that happens when it comes to finding a unique new handbag on Etsy.

My new bag is the handmade creation of brindakaydesign. One side of the bag features the album cover, and the other side features the actual vinyl album. They are held together using a heavy vinyl fabric with nickle rivets, and come with a handle made with ball chain and vinyl tubing.


I love girl moments!

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The Devil Wears Etsy: Urban Chic

>> Sunday, March 15, 2009



The Devil Wears Etsy:

Urban Chic


Since I'm on the road this week, I thought it would be fun to take it too the streets and show you some of the ultra hip and modern Urban Chic fashion finds that I came across over at The Devil Wears Etsy group on Flickr. So hang onto your hats (or to your urban gas masks, as the case may be) because in today's Urban Chic fashion showcase these talented Etsy artists and designers from The Devil Wears Etsy group on Flickr have created items that make for a very chic and stylish collection!

Tres Chic!

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About This Blog

This blog first started as a way to share the inspiration behind jewelry making with family and friends. Next thing you know, my blogging became a hobby--complete with a logo!

In my not-so-virtual-reality, I'm a freelance technical and marketing communications consultant who spends her time doing geeky things in the high-tech industry. But my real fun comes from making jewelry, which you can find in my Etsy shop at: http://capitolagirl.etsy.com

About

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Every Girl Has a Story, and So Should Her Jewelry Capitola Girl is a writer, beader, blogger (and she makes jewelry too!) To contact me via email, use the info on my profile.

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