Boo!! Did I scare you?

That's right, it is that time of year again. The time when spooks and ghouls start making their way out from the shadows to prepare for their big night, Halloween. The goblins and ghosts are extra good at sneaking up on people and I am no exception this year!

I had grand plans for some great Halloween items in my shop this year. Unfortunately, I have yet to get them completed. SO... until they are finished I will tell you about my ideas. One of the projects I would like to have up in my shop before the beginning of October are some very cool silver and onyx spider web earrings. On the menu are also some deliciously dainty carnelian pumpkins and candy corn. Last but not least, some cheeky Dia de Los Muertos skulls in all the traditional bright colors.

Keep stopping by to see that finished works as they pop into the shop. Some of the other Eclectic Artisans Team members are getting ready for Halloween too. To read more about what they have in store, stop by Michelle's Charm World to see what cute and spooky things she has in store.

Fall Is In The Air

It is getting close to the time of year when the temperatures start to fall and the leaves start to change. That is unless you live in Texas like I do, then it is still 95 and humid!

Well, even with the temperature not cooperating fall is on the way never the less. All you have to do is look in the stores to see it. Fall colors of browns, oranges, maroons, and golds are on every clothing rack. This has prompted me to do the same thing and pull out all of my fall themed beads and gemstones.

I am in the process of getting out my fall line made of Fancy Jasper, Tigers Eye, Garnet and Andalucite (just to name a few)! When the seasons change, so does the clothing and in turn the accessories. The seasons wait for no one, and neither does fashion!

Other members of the Eclectic Artisans Team are getting their shops ready for fall too! Go check out what Michelle' Charm World has in store for the fall season.

Troubles and Trials

Even though I love designing and creating jewelry, I still have periods of time that I find myself struggling. It is not the silver or beads that give me trouble, but rather the business of, well, running a small business.

My biggest trouble when it comes to running my little corner of cyberspace is time management. It is so easy to get wrapped up in the business of getting business that you end up being a hamster on a wheel, always running but never really getting anywhere!

I am still learning the ropes of online selling, but one thing I have already seen is that it can consume you if you let it. When that starts to happen it is probably best to take a deep breath, take a step back for a second and them regroup and reorganize. It is really important to me that Indigo Orchid Designs stays something that is beneficial to me and my family, and does not become a burden.

Are there any things going on in your life right now that seem to be a struggle for you? (I'm sure there are, everyone has some struggles now and then). Take a step back, reevaluate and regroup! You will feel better for having tackled it, even if it doesn't get completely solved.

Reading about others struggles can help put our own in perspective and give us motivation to take them on! Go, and stop by Michelle's Charm World's blog to see what struggles she tackles as a small business owner!

Are you ready to go back to school?

It's that time of year once again. Time for Moms and Dads to run around town stocking up on paper, pencils, and folders for the kids first day back to school. At least this is the first picture that pops into my mind when I hear the phrase "Back to School".

There is a whole lot more to back to school than paper and pencils and elementary classes. What about all of the College students heading back to University after a summer break. One of the top priorities from them is "How do I look"? Well, you are in luck today (wink, wink).

In a back to school tribute, I would like to show off some of my super simple, but eye catching jewelry. Perfect for those mornings when you rolled out of bed just in time to run a brush through your hair and make it to class right before the professor starts his lecture. (I am an expert in this subject!) The right jewelry can take that thrown together look and make it look planned.

Earrings that go from jeans to night out at the coffee house after class:



Super slick necklaces to help balance out any outfit:


This is just a small example of some of the things in the Indigo Orchid Design Shop that can help you start the school year out right! Don't forget to have your most important supply with you when you start back to school this year... your style!

Want to read about what other Eclectic Artisan Team members are doing to get ready for school? Check out DivaDea's blog to continue the back to school fun!

Why Etsy?

That's a good question! Why DID I chose to set my shop up on Etsy? Well first I guess I should tell you about what motivated me to look for a place to set up shop.

As you have heard me talk about in the past, I had been designing jewelry for my own enjoyment and use for several years before I decided to venture into the world of sales and custom work. One of the biggest motivating factors for bringing my work out into the public market was the hope that it would offset some of the financial burden brought on by my decision to be a stay at home mom. Being at home with my girls is hugely important to me and my husband, and I would make the same choice even if I didn't have a way to try to contribute.

After I had done my research on supplies and what I would need to start an official business with a tax ID, I started the search for the best way to get my product out in the market. Immediately the online marketplace stood out as the perfect option.

Since My primary job is to stay at home with my girls and make sure that my house runs smoothly, being able to sell online was ideal. It gave me the freedom to create and list my items as well as "keep shop" while the girls were asleep or having movie time. Freedom and flexibility were a must! This is when I was introduced to Etsy.

In one of the forums I post to I was always hearing the name "Etsy" brought up. Finally I decided to check it out. BINGO!! Etsy's fees were well within my price range, and it was available whenever I have a free moment to post. Another big factor for me was the community support network available through Etsy. The forums, teams, and news letters were a great source of information and support for me as a newbie. I have been with Etsy for almost 6 months now, and am very happy with my experience so far!

Speaking of a great network of artists... Want to read other Etsy set up stories? Go visit the Eclectic Artisans Team Blog and see what motivated some of the other artists in our team to join Etsy.

Can it "B" Tuesday?

Best Friends, baby-food and Basset hound puppies.

An eclectic mix of happenings today!
Best Friends:

Tuesdays ( and Thursdays) are fast becoming my favorite weekdays. The reason being that my best friend, Ali, comes over and has coffee with my before she heads off to work. I get to have true girl time before the morning rush of feedings, whining and dirty diapers begins. It is a refreshing way to start the day, and it helps me get my head on straight so that I can deal with my girls the way I need to the rest of the day! Thanks Ali! Woo woo woo!

Baby Food:

Today's menu item of choice for Aliana was banana cubes coated with crushed multi-grain Cheerios. I have to say it was a big hit (Once she figured out that she could mash them in her hand before she ate them.

Here is a little video of her post banana, giggly self!



Basset Hound Puppies:


In other random cuteness... On my families recent trip to Indiana we had the fortune of playing with some of the most adorable and cute Basset Hound puppies! Here are a few pictures so that you can Oooo and Ahhh for yourself!

Mondays were made for saving - money that is!

I have decided to dedicate my Monday blog feature to all of the great deals that I have found out there in the handmade world. Each week I will list links to all of the great places you can save money on your favorite things. After all, with summer coming to a close and Christmas peeking around the corner it doesn't hurt to find a great deal on a great item!

The Eclectic Artisans Team on Etsy has a weekly post to feature all of the great sales going on through the week here.

If you are in the market for some very cool handmade lamp work beads, don't miss the sale at MelissaBeads Artfire shop. Today only, she has her prices marked down 20%!!

Bluepisces76 is having a BOGO sale on their handmade soaps. Looks like they have some great stuff!

Claudia's Creations has these absolutely marvelous butterfly plantable handmade paper gift tags on sale 50% off!!! Once the gift has been given, the tag can be planted and wildflowers will grow. Talk about a gift that keeps giving! Lopts of other great deals at her shop too, a definite must see!

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to great deals on handmade! Have you found a great deal latley, or would you like to feature a sale on my blog? Email me and I will add you on to the next Monday Feature!