Done but not Finished...

Today I made this annoucment on my "Rebecca Designs" facebook page.

I’ve decided to (for a lack of a better term) to downsize Rebecca Designs. (for now)

I can’t really say I’m closing up shop (yet). I have decided to stop doing vendor shows for the time being. I have plenty of inventory to continue selling on Etsy and I have tons of supplies to keep me busy making new items. I love the jewelry I make and won’t stop. I will continue as a hobby, just scaled down to creating things for myself, family, friends and the occasional “by request”.

I will be posting on FB when I have something new up for grabs. And I will continue to add items to my Etsy Shop. So keep “liking” FB posts to be sure you get Rebecca Designs info in your news feed.

 

I can think of several reasons that I could put down as my motivation for “downsizing” Rebecca Designs. But the bottom line is, that it’s just not as much fun for me as it once was.

 

I will be working over the next several months to liquidate my collection of finished products, as well as my stock of jewelry making supplies. (Don’t worry, I’ll hold onto a few things, I can’t let go entirely) So keep your eyes open for sales and giveaways. If you haven’t “liked” my Rebecca Designs page please do so, it will keep you in the loop of what is happening. You’ll find out first when I have new items for sale and when there are super great deals or giveaways. If you have “liked” my page be sure you have checked the get notifications in news feed as a drop down choice.  

 

I have more than enough avenues to explore my creative side and to keep me busy. Once I clear my head (and my office) of all the current clutter, there is no telling what might be next for me. I know I’m excited to find out!

Letter to my blog

Dear Blog,

I know I have not been doing the best job of keeping up with you lately. Not only have I been lax at making new posts, but also I have been neglectful of commenting on other blogs. I’m sorry to say it might just get worse before it gets better. It’s not for a lack of ideas or desire just very limited time right now.


I do have several blog posts that I’m planning but those projects need finished first. On top of the many projects I’m working on we have some planning to focus on with my big girl making her First Holy Communion in less that five weeks. I still need to steam the dress, finish making the veil and size her rosary bracelet. (There’s a blog post there just waiting to happen).


With that event comes the panic to finish household projects so things look good for all the subsequent guests attending her reception/party. Oh, yes, more blog posts waiting to get photographed and published. (Too many ideas in my head not enough time on my watch.)


All this while I also decorate and plan for the bunny's visit. (You bet, more blog posts there too)


I know there are other blog authors who are also busy so I’m not trying to sound like I’m making excuses, just maybe asking for a little leniency towards how often I get to you. Not that I don’t love you but I am spread a little thin. Miss you greatly and promising to check in as much as possible until my “to do” list clears up somewhat and I get back to more regular posts and comments.

Sincerely,


Rebecca

(owner of too many hats)

OPEN HOUSE

For the past several years I have hosted an Open House for my jewelry business. Last year I became very sick, stayed sick for some time and I needed to cancel my usual open house. This year I thought I would try an on-line Open House.

For the next several days, take a look around and browse for some holiday gifts or maybe get yourself something new for the season. You can look here or over at my website. There the showcase page will show you items that are in limited supply or one-of-a-kind. The catalog page shows items that you can custom order in the color/style of your choice. Feel free to e-mail me with any questions.

This post shows some of my new designs and some of my best sellers as well as my favorite items. I’ll be posting some other info this week to help you shop for your jewelry so check back. You can place an order via e-mail. Payments are made via Pay Pal with an invoice sent from you to my e-mail address. (rebecca.designs@hotmail.com).

In the mean time think about who might be on your list…
Mom, Grandma, Sister, brother’s girlfriend, teacher, babysitter, secret Santa at work, I even have a few gifts just for him. (I'll post those soon!)

Most of what you’ll see is made with supplies I keep on hand but some things may need to be ordered and a few things are special beads that I have a limited supply of so check the description for availability.


Remember I can make any change you like to whatever design you like...just ask.

Let me know if you need help shopping.

These book marks make a nice gift finished or I can also put them together as a Do-It-Yourself project with directions and photos. Great for the crafty person on your list.



I have eye glass necklaces in any color. I also make necklaces for ID badges.

Here's an example of a necklace and earring set. We can put together any style of necklace and/or earrings in the color(s) of your choice.

"Hoop Loops" are a fun way to jaze up your store bought hoop earrings. Order gold or silver and any bead colors.

Just a few of my earrings. There are other styles too.

Hmmm, what about a bracelet. Don't forget you're not limited to what you see, I'll make whatever you have in mind.

That should get you started. If you haven’t seen what you’re looking for pop on over to the website to see some more options. Check back here too for new additions as the days go by.

Happy Shopping!!!

Grand Re-opening!!!

I’d like to announce the re-opening of my jewelry business. Well, I never really closed. I just shut down my old web site. I’ve been making jewelry all the while and now my new site is up and running!!!!

Not all of the search engines have indexed me yet but Google just picked me up and recently started listing me. I hope the others will find me soon.

To go with the new site I have a new name.
Rebecca Designs

This new site will be small and easier to navigate. I no longer have a shopping cart and all that means is that I will no longer accept credit cards. Payments will go through pay pal and orders will be placed via E-mail. Simple.

I still have several items sitting on my workbench that need to be photographed and I hope to add them soon. Since my almost 5-year old tripped and stumbled back onto my tripod, photos are slightly more challenging/time consuming. I didn’t want to wait any longer to show off my store but check back and see what I add in the weeks to come.

Please let me know what you think!

http://rebeccadesigns.mysite.com/

Happy Shopping.

I need a change

It’s time for a change. I’m in a bit of a funk. I don’t know if I’m coming down off the cleaning/planning/preparing frenzy from the recent in-law visit or if it’s something else. The summer is almost over and I feel a little panicked. It seems that it was just yesterday that I was worried about having enough activities to keep the busy little people… busy. Now, I need to go get school clothes and supplies ready. I’m in a decorating dilemma. I’m not in love with the way things look in my house, but I’m not sure what direction I want to go, not to mention, that there is a VERY tight budget on any unnecessary spending. Then there are a few other incidental issues and stressors bouncing around in my head.

Anyway, I’ve been thinking of modifying my business some and with a little luck, I may just get some extra inspiration from those changes. As many of you know, I have my own jewelry website. I’ve used it for more than 3 years to showcase jewelry and purses that I custom make here at home. The website it’s self is very cumbersome for me to update and keep current. Because of that more than half of my new designs aren’t listed on the site. The biggest benefit to having the website is that I have a shopping cart and can accept credit card purchases. With that, comes an added expense that could be eliminated. Most of my customers e-mail me what they want and then use pay pal anyway. So, I’ve been considering using a blog to showcase items I have in stock and examples of what I can custom create. With a blog, customers could e-mail me and use pay pal to make a purchase, it would be easier for me to list new items and make regular updates, not to mention that it would save me a ton in hosting fees.

(Please feel free to chime in here and give me your ideas/feedback on the idea).

I have listed a few items on shop handmade. I get a few hits, but I’m not selling much there and it’s hard to get the more custom-made concepts across in a marketplace like this or esty. And they tend to be overwhelming with so many other artists listed. Who knows, maybe I’m just going about it wrong or maybe I like the control of having my own “store” minus the template.
In my research, I even came across this post from at home mom blog. It’s a great review of ways to sell goods online. If it’s something you’re considering, you should go check it out.

Since I’m initiating these changes, I’m also thinking of streamlining the name. I mean, come on,
Jewelry and Gifts by Rebecca (dot) com
...is a mouthful.

I first thought it would be good to say what I do and easy for people to remember but it’s just long. However, I have no idea what to change to. I would like it to be short, catchy, available, concise, descriptive and easy to pair with a logo. (Picture me thinking, scratching head, going for the chocolate…) URG!

Here comes another stumbling block. Everything I look up is either taken or the name of a porn star.

I know it’s not like you don’t have anything else to do but I’m open to some suggestions. I’ll even toss in some incentive with this lovely bracelet. If you give me the most useful feedback on using a blog as a storefront and come up with a new name then you get my gratitude and a little bling.

Thanks !!!