Gypsy Jewels

Computer Giveaway LIVE!

2009-11-25T03:25:00.000-08:00

SWEET! I'm so geeked about this great giveaway! Here's hoping I win - Gypsy Jewels could really use a new computer!!!

http://www.hp.com

Hosted by http://www.jollymom.com/

Good Luck!

Gypsy Jewels is MOVING!

2009-11-21T08:02:00.001-08:00

That's right, folks. Thanks to Amy - the past owner of gypsyjewels.blogspot.com who came across me and my blog on one of the fabulous blogs that hosted a Nursing Clips giveaway. She contacted me and asked if I was interested in taking that URL over and of coarse I said yes! So, we are in the throws of creating a whole new vibe and environment for ad even more fantastic experience. Cassie and I are officially teaming up and coming up with fantastic ideas to blog about - like a "that's what she said" of the day and recipies and products of the week!

Should be fun! Make sure to subscribe!! :)

www.gypsyjewels.blogspot.com

Sweet Giveaway coming up!

2009-11-16T17:28:00.000-08:00

Win an HP TouchSmart 600 Computer on Jolly Mom next week!

http://www.jollymom.com

I could REALLY use a new computer.....

cross you fingers!

Buddy Blankets and the Best Model EVER.

2009-11-14T21:28:00.001-08:00

Aren't I a lucky mommy to have made such a cute model? I'm having so much fun taking pictures of the little Z man with our stuff - and I'm also having fun making it!

Cassie and I have a goal this weekend to get as many Buddy Blankets as we can made and ready to be put on Etsy. I'm personally extremely excited about the Buddy Blankets because I think that they are so damn cute and because Z genuinely seems to love his. I can picture him carrying around his Buddy Blanket everywhere and it possibly one day being a hard thing to let go of. I think it's good for kids to have a security item and the idea of making something that can be that meaningful to another child's life is truly touching. I'm eager to make them and perfect my approach to marketing them along with the Nursing Clips. It's a fun journey though, and the journey is the best part. :)

We went to an event called "The Breast Sublime" last night and it was a fun experience. The nursing clips didn't sell but I got my name out there. My theory is that this sort of event, which featured art, photography, dance and even cake inspired by breasts and breastfeeding attracted the more feminist type of women who are proud strong breastfeeders. I don't think many of them were interested in the idea of covering up. As a matter of fact one woman read an essay all about not covering up which made me kind of uncomfortable for being there trying to sell stuff specifically designed to cover up. Honestly, I didn't make Nursing Clips so that other people would be comfortable - I made them so that even modest moms could have something to make them comfortable enough to feed thier babies wherever they needed to. I know women who have quit nursing early because they were not comfortable enough to nurse when needed. I feel like there is no reason a woman should have to cover up - but there is also no reason that she can't choose to use a cover. The point is, she's breastfeeding. I don't care what she's got to do to be comfortable enough to do that. Honestly, I hardly ever use mine because I rarely feel like I need to cover up. But I did see a need and I'm proud to be making them.

I heard that some of the ladies there recognized the clips from Hop Scotch - a local children's store. I thought that was encouraging! I should stop in there and see how they are doing. Maybe bring in a couple of Buddy Blankets to show her too...

I'm a winner. Things are gonna change I can feel it.

2009-11-10T12:45:00.000-08:00

That's right! Ever since I started entering blog giveaways - which was about 3 weeks ago - I have actually been winning! This is a miracle of sorts because I simply don't win anything. Seriously.

Check it out...

www.simple-momreviews.com
LL Bean Raincoat (143.00 value <- and that's the SALE price!)

www.supermomreviews.com
Organic Baby Shampoo & Wash, Organic Baby Bubble Bath and Organic Baby Lotion ($24.00 value)

www.Fabulousfunfinds.blogspot.com
Pettiskirt ($75.00)

www.ithodeyouso.com
Happy Baby Foods (no idea how much it is worth - but a lot I'm sure...espeically with the cans of formula!)

www.minnesotamamasmusthaves.com
Pop A Tot ($50.00 value)

Cute Baby Shoes ($30.00 Value)

Bravado Body Silk Nursing Bra ($50.00 value)

That's $372 worth of stuff - not even counting the baby food!

Hopefully this is the signal on my life path that my luck is changing!!! :)

It's official. I'm addicted.

2009-11-04T12:41:00.000-08:00

When I started making the Nursing Clips and posting them on my Etsy site, a woman contacted me and asked me if I might be willing to send her a clip for her to try out and then write about it in her blog. I thought, "what a great idea!" and was drawn in right off the bat. So, I began actively looking around for blogs written by mothers who were breastfeeding. On my search I found many - and a LOT of them did these reviews and giveaways. Once I started contacting them I also got drawn into entering these fabulous giveaways and it quickly evolved into it's own addiction.

You see, I'm broke. No, really...Shawn and I may appear like we have money, but the truth is we are both serious bargain people. The nice Intrepid I drive around that is all pimped out and on super sweet rims? Shawn bought it totaled for $700.00 and fixed it up for around $500. The nice clothes that we wear are all found by my super thrifty skills. The furniture and decor of my house almost all came from garage sales and goodwill - and I have some REALLY sweet stuff. I almost never buy anything full price. So, finding out that there are places on line where I can enter giveaways and win free stuff is flippin' sweet.

Then I won something. I won a nice L.L. Bean raincoat from www.simple-momreviews.com. This only fed my interest and so I have been entering them like a mad women ever since. This was probably around 2 or 3 weeks ago and thus far I've won the raincoat, a complete organic skincare set (for baby) and a whole bunch of coupons for free organic meals for Zander (which also came with a sweet packet of recipes!).

Through this "addiction" though, I actually have found many blogs and contacted many women who are willing to do reviews on my Nursing Clips. I've sent off about 15 of them so far to various ladies and am looking forward to see if it helps my sales at all. I know the clips are pretty sweet, I think people just need to become aware of them....at least that is what I'm hoping for. I've invested pretty much everything I have in them in the past few months and I need to see some kind of pay off. I'm not worried about it though, I really believe in the clips and believe once people know about them they will sell themselves. Us women are smart and we LOVE a practical buy. ;)

Here are links to two of the blogs that have already done review/giveaways on the Nursing Clips:

http://cavanjenleah.blogspot.com/

http://www.breastfeedingmomsunite.com/

Zander Patrick is a super hero.

2009-10-03T20:48:00.001-07:00

Zander is what we named our son. The name is taken from Alexander, which means defender of the people. I wanted something strong, something that gave me hope for our future. It needed to be different, but not too different. It is very hard to name a boy, I think. You can't go too crazy, but you don't want him to be a Jim, John or Joe either (no offense). When I saw the name Zander, 3 days before he was born, I instantly knew that was his name. After about 6 months of seriously searching and feeling almost helpless in finding a name that struck either of us.

So, here he is. Zander Patrick. He was born September 7th. The delivery was insanely fast - from the time on my phone that I had called the midwife to tell her we were on our way to the time he was actually born was 40 minutes. I had been in labor all day, but was sent home from the hospital because no one was sure that it was real labor, so in a sense it was never treated like it was. In hindsight that is the only thing that bums me out. I know it may sound crazy, but I really wanted to enjoy the experience. To really put to use all the things I have learned in my Doula training. Instead it ended up going down in record time. I still essentially did it my way. No drugs and I ended up having him on all fours. It was a pretty great labor, and things couldn't have turned out better. My 8#13oz. boy was healthy and beautiful. He latched on right away (before they weighed him or anything) and has been a dream as far as breastfeeding goes. I've had little to no discomfort this time around.

All in all, I am a very happy woman. I am blessed with a beautiful family and I am also feeling my mojo coming back around. I've been more motivated and inspired than I have been in a very long time. I am starting on exciting new adventures and hoping to expand my business and begin working as a Doula as well. Things are fantastic!!

Nursing Clips - Discreet Nursing Anywhere With Anything

2009-09-29T14:00:00.000-07:00

Introducing Nursing Clips!! These great little tools can be used with anything to create a nursing cover. Wonderful to keep in the diaper bag or your purse for those on the go feedings, but not nearly as bulky or expensive as conventional nursing covers. Plus, since they can be used with anything, such as receiving blankets, towels, napkins, etc. you don't have to wait for it to go through the wash.

Gypsy Jewels is giving away a Nursing Clip in a drawing on October 29. To enter, leave a comment on this blog and include your name and e mail address. For extra entries you can Tweet, My Space, Facebook, etc about the drawing. If you chose to do this, leave a link for the place you promoted Gypsy Jewels' Nursing Clips and once verified your name will be entered however many places you have promoted it (so, if you promote it in all 3 places -or more- your name will be entered 3 times). Winners will be announced and contacted by October 30.

Good luck and happy nursing!!!

www.willowmoonspirit.etsy.com

Oh, Baby!!

2009-08-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been quite some time since I have been on here to blog about what's going on with Gypsy Jewels - part of that is because not much has been going on with Gypsy Jewels. When I found out I was pregnant back in December for some reason I lost a lot of interest in my creativity and began focusing on my journey to becoming a Doula as well as becoming a new mother for what almost feels like the first time.

My son is 12 and daughter, 7...and she was supposed to be my last - so I got rid of everything. Now, not only am I used to my older children, I am also starting over as far as all the "stuff" that goes with it. And, I'm doing everything differently this time. We're truly trying to leave as small of a footprint as possible with this child and I'm a little intimidated about learning all the new things and routines I'm going to have to face. Cloth diapering is a completely foreign thing to me, but I'm more than determined to do it. My other son was circumcised because I was 17 and honestly never even thought about it - I like many other pe

ople out there just thought that was simply what you did. Now that I'm a little more evolved (well, let's face it - I've evolved plenty since I was 17) I've chosen that cutting my little guys penis up for cosmetic purposes isn't necessary - but that doesn't mean I yet know the first thing about taking care of an uncircumcised penis. But, I'll learn. This is among many things that I'm doing differently this time around, but I'm eager to as I have looked back on my previous experiences with my children with regrets. This is not only a learning experience but an opportunity for redemption.

I've done pretty well so far, not only can green be better, it can be CHEAPER! I know I can not afford "green" furniture for my baby, so my compromise is to be pretty strict about buying used. This way the items have already off-gassed for the most part - plus it is recycling in it's finest form - REUSING! I've found that Craigslist is an EXCELLENT resource for this, as well as garage sales, resale shops and hand me downs from friends and family. I found a great car seat/stroller travel system for $60.00, a very cute changing table for $25.00, a IKEA crib for $60.00 (that I'm happy to be picking up today), a full set of Dr. Brown's bottles for $18.00 from Craigslist. My girlfriend called me from a garage sale and found me an amazing Peg Perrigo high chair that completely folds up (and retails for $200) for $30.00 and a Eddie Bauer baby swing at Once Upon A Child (resale shop) for $30.00. So, I'm up to what, like $220ish?? People spend that on ONE thing easily...and I know, I've shopped

and compared prices everywhere. I have also saved a LOT of money on NOT buying maternity clothes. I've found that other than a few key pieces I haven't needed to at all as long as I buy shirts that are long enough and wear lots of skirts and pants with elastic or flexible bands. With the prices of new maternity clothes, I don't know how anyone can allow - or even afford - to buy them. Luckily I have quite a bohemian flare about me and even had a lot of flowing clothes that worked better than fine.

So, I'm pretty proud of myself thus far - and the stuff is all top quality so there is no compromise on standards. The only things I am buying new is an organic mattress (which will be $190. - one of the most expensive pieces to this puzzle) and his pack and play which is $120 - BUT, I've been saving a $100.00 gift credit card for over a year n

ow and plan on using toward that purchase @ Babies R Us - where I will also get 10% off of it because it was left on my registry. So, I'll actually only pay about $10 for it out of pocket. Not bad, eh?

Though I seem to have it pretty together and well on my way, I still definitely have a list to tackle. I need those last two items as well as some other cloth diapering necessities which will end up being about $50. On top of that we HAVE to replace the window in the baby's room and still need to re-wallpaper and paint - though at first he's going to stay in our room with us, winter will be here before we know it and it's got to be done before then. It seems like I realize that the time is ticking away way more than daddy does. He works so much that he really doesn't want to hear about it or feel under pressure about it. So, it's a bit frustrating and worrisome. I just hope that we can pull it together before winter does

actually rear it's ugly head. To help cover the costs of these upcoming needs, I've decided to get creative and sell everything in my shop at ridiculously low prices. Hopefully this will help us come up with the rest of what we need for this little guy (who still has no name).

The Doula training has been going well, though it's in limbo for now until I deliver. I went to the doula training weekend and have attended my first official birth that will count towards my certification. I have one more lined up and then I am going to utilize my midwife's office in order to doula for some complete strangers. As of now, the first birth was for my best friend and the second will also be for a good friend. I think it would do me good to try it from scratch as well. I'm eager to get it all rolling, but have to take a s

tep back for a while to have this baby. I have picked a name for my business though and have started a website for it, too. www.crowninglotus.com

Eventually I hope to open a natural birthing and parenting resource center in Grand Rapids. I'm working with some local companies and resources to help me find my way. My dream is to combine all of it in the long run. The jewelry, the photography, the doula business and even a green party planning/living service. I've got lots of ideas and a ton of motivation, but I know that I need to take baby steps for now or I will surely get overwhelmed. So, for now, my focus is within. On this life that is going to be added to our

family sooner than I can even comprehend. I've done everything that I ever wanted to do in pregnancy this time around, like getting my belly henna'd, doing a belly cast, pregnant modeling, etc. so I'm feeling quite ready. We even had an amazing "green" baby shower where there was VERY little waste involved. I was very proud. I'm a pretty lucky girl when it all comes down to it. Great friends, beautiful children, creativity and the ability to stretch a dollar as far as it will go. Makes me feel like I'll be just fine, which is refreshing and fills my heart with hope.

Shop Gypsy Jewels For a Good Cause.

2009-03-21T14:28:00.000-07:00

I finally know what I want to be when I grow up. I have decided to become a Certified Doula and help women fulfill their potential as birthing and new mothers. I can always remember being drawn toward pregnancy and babies, and each time I have helped in a delivery or helped a new mother I have felt a strong natural assurance that I was not only doing something that came very naturally to me, but that I was good at it. I have said on more than one account that I could definitely see myself becoming a Midwife or Doula, but until now have taken no actions toward my dream. To me, becoming a Certified Doula is a great step towards my career in working with women and their labors and babies and I am more than ready.

It's going to cost me around $1,000.00 to become a Certified Doula, and I need to come up with about $800.00 of that in the next two months. I need to complete certain requirements before attending births, so if I can do this before June I should be able to count my best friends labor and delivery (you must attend 3 births before becoming DONA Certified). Not to mention I need to get as much accomplished before my own baby is due in September.

I do not have parents and this is not the kind of thing that is eligible for student loans, and we certainly don't have the money laying around so I realize that in order to do this I am going to have to rely on myself and my abilities to make beautiful things for beautiful people who enjoy supporting the goals and positive outcomes of another - and the great karma (and jewelry) that comes along with it. So, if you feel compelled, please buy something from Gypsy Jewels for yourself or someone you love and ask your friends to do the same. I promise you wont be disappointed and wouldn't be able to thank you enough. I know times are hard for a lot of us, but I believe that if we help eachother in any way we can, we can still see dreams come true and goals become reality.

Thanks.

Juliea

GypsyJewels

I'm So Crafty I Make People.

2009-02-02T08:11:00.000-08:00

So, I've been pretty MIA lately. Though I have only been feet away from my computer, I have simply been unable to get my ass up and do anything. And, I mean ANYTHING. For weeks now I have been puking my guts out, tired and hormonal from my latest creation - a human! I type this on the day I turn 9 weeks, and feel slightly OK. OK enough to catch up a bit with my readers and let everyone know why I've been gone, anyways. I'm truly hoping that I can get the ball rolling again soon before I go completely broke - but for now, my greatest creation gets all the energy....

The hunt is over!

2009-01-06T06:15:00.000-08:00

While on my trip to Florida and South Carolina, I visted as many bead shops as I could find. I used to live in Gainesville, Florida so I already knew of Gifts Of Avalon. I love their selection of pendants and gemstones. Just like in all bead shops, if you look for the right beads, you will definetly find affordable, beautiful things to add to a peice of jewelry to truly make it special.

After gathering beads in Gainesville we then went to visit my best friend Tessa near Hilton Head South Carolina. I helped her set up her own shop on Etsy and Artfire while I was there. You can see her things at www.bellacreation.etsy.com

Tessa and I went to a bead shop (I can't remember the name now) and found lots of goodies to add to my collection from Gainesville. Then we spent a lot of our time beading. It was a really nice visit as well as productive. Gotta love that!!

So, now I have some beautiful new jewelry to add to my site - but not until I take some more fabulous pictures of Cassie wearing them!! I love having a model and think she's truly a beautiful reflection of what Gypsy Jewels represents.

I hope you all had a fabulous holiday - however/whatever you celebrate.

`j.

Bead Treasure Hunt

2008-12-29T09:07:00.000-08:00

Currently I am on vacation in Gainesville, FL and heading to Bluffton, SC (near Hilton Head) in the next couple of days. I have been relying on the Internet to help me find bead supply shops so that I can bring home the most fabulous new gemstones to use in some 2009 jewelry. Even though I am enjoying my vacation, I am almost more excited to get home to bring together the beads I've found on my trip with the beads that I ordered from Etsy right before I left and get these necklaces in my head out of me!!

Keep your eye out for some fabulous new things in the coming year. I'm positive they will not disappoint.

Have a happy New Year!!!!

Gypsy Jewels has a new model and has reached 100 sales!!

2008-12-21T23:56:00.001-08:00

Gypsy Jewels would like to introduce Cassie! My new official Gypsy Jewels model. That's right, folks! No more hassle with self portraits - not when I've got a beautiful girl like her more than willing to have some fun and let me take pictures of her!

We are also celebrating our 100th sale today!! Winter Solstice I hit 100, and I think that is pretty rad! This is a perfect milestone to hit right before we really overhaul Gypsy Jewels and start taking things a little more seriously. Better pictures, better beads, trying to incorporate more sterling silver without having to increase my prices (fingers crossed), and most of all - aggressively seeking avenues toward opening my own coffee shop / art studio. These are my New Years Resolutions. What are yours?

Gypsy Jewels and Arbonne Party!

2008-12-21T23:17:00.000-08:00

The first offical Gypsy Jewels party was hosted by Shawna and Leticia, and we had a wonderful turn out! What a great way to kick off this new chapter for Gypsy Jewels!!

Sylvia Longcore from Arbonne was there doing amazing makeovers and being that helpful ball of light she always is! These products are truly wonderful and it's great to see products that aren't only bent on being beautiful, but being safe for us AND our environment!

The Raffle for our Grand Prize was a smashing success! For $5.00 people were given the chance to buy a raffle ticket for a drawing at the end of the night to win a beautiful pearl necklace and bracelet as well as a very nice Arbonne spa package! I almost wanted to buy a ticket myself! Carrie Karston was our lucky winner, which I felt was karmically owed to her after having her spinach artichoke dip locked in her van and unable to enter it into our recepie contest.

The recepie contest was many people's favorite feature. The ladies who attended this party more than rose to the challenge! We had the BEST food and plenty of it. From Tuscan dip, Chicken and rice and crab stuffed mushrooms, which Shawna made and took the prize for best appetizer to "Better Then Sex" cake, cookies, fruit punch cake and the prize winner - Banana Bread. MMmmmmmm. This is definetly a feature I will be holding onto in my future Gypsy Jewels parties!

Overall, I think everone left having had a great time, which is ALWAYS good. :O)

Gypsy Juliea's Natural Beauty Secret - Anti- Cellulite

2008-12-07T14:53:00.000-08:00

Did you know that jojoba oil is the closest to our own skin's compound - therefore it penetrates deeper than any other carrier oil? It's true. That makes jojoba oil the best oil to use in this following anti-cellulite regime.

Anti-cellulite treatment:
Take the warm grounds from your morning coffee and put them in a bowl. Grab a carrier oil (jojoba is best, but you can use other oil's such as almond or grape-seed) and bring everything to the shower with you. When in the shower, put some of the ground in your palm and put some carrier oil on top of it (you don't need much - there should be more grounds than oil). Rub your hands together slightly to mix the grounds and oil and then rub vigorously into thighs, belly and anywhere else you may have a problem with cellulite. Circular motions work best.

When you are done, rinse off and rinse the grounds down the drain (it does not harm your pipes - it's actually GOOD for them!).The bottom of your tub may be a little slippery from the oil, so be careful!This is also a great thing to do after shaving - it leaves your skin the softest and smoothest it's ever been. I PROMISE.

My 100th Sale!!

2008-12-03T23:24:00.000-08:00

I have 92 sales right now and I want to get to 100 before the holiday comes - so I'm giving a beautiful freshwater pearl bracelet to whoever is my 100th sale and FREE SHIPPING on their entire order!

I wonder who it will be.....

Wednesday Dec. 3

2008-12-03T10:08:00.000-08:00

I guess I'm motivated, even if I don't feel very good. Today I finished three projects that I'm really happy with! Three decoupaged items, kind of a strange mix, but, whatever. I'm a weirdo and I'm OK with that. But, I bet you'll rarely find pot boxes next to baby boxes anywhere else! :O)

I have opened a new shop on Etsy called "The Smoking Section" and it is going to contain all of my marijuana themed items. I think that ending prohibition is an absolute priority. I think it is wrong to turn good citizens into criminals for something that is completely harmless - especially when you consider the amount of Rx meds, cigarettes and alcohol that are killing people on a daily basis. Even if marijuana WAS harmful (which I do not believe that it is - I believe that smoking it can be harmful, but that is because of the fire - not the marijuana. There are HEALTHY ways of ingesting marijuana.) it should still be legal because we are grown and this is a "free" country. We should be allowed the right to choose a SAFER buzz. This shop will be my outlets for expressing that, and I'm eager to get things in there! I already even have my first order.

Check it out...stuff will be going in pretty regularly - at least weekly. http://www.smokingsection.etsy.com/

This next item isn't exactly a box, it's BETTER! I did an exceptional job on this one and loved the way my vision for it was complete!! The paper is really hard to get around the hardware one the front of the drawers but damn I did good! I really REALLY like this one, and the drawers pull out smoothly - which is what I'm always going for.

The "Get Me Drunk" Sale

2008-11-26T18:01:00.000-08:00

This Friday I will be listing a new item in my shop every hour in hopes of making some sales and getting my "red" a little more "black" if you know what I'm sayin'.

I'm am offering FREE SHIPPING on all jewelry and gift certificate purchases and FREE gift wrapping. But, that's not all, folks! For one day only - I'm going to do a shot in celebration of any sale I make. Could be one...could be more - let's hope it not NONE! I'm taking one per item sold, so if you buy 5 things, that's 5 shots. And, yes, I've pre-written all my listings so I can keep listing items in my shop without typing errors. :O)

There will be cameras involved....as well as live chat. See the Etsy.com forums to find me Friday.

So, remember, shop Gypsy Jewels this Friday not only because you love it, but because you love to get me drunk (and save money, AND support artists at the same time)!!

PS. Just so those of you who don't know me know - I obviously know my limit and would in no way give myself alcohol poisoning. Don't worry - this is all in good fun!!

Gypsy Jewels home Parties!

2008-11-25T20:57:00.000-08:00

*Hostess receives 50% off total order at the party and a gift from me

*Guests receive 25% off total purchase for signing up to host a party

*Grand Prize Raffle drawing - Winner gets to choose from a beautiful necklace set or a gift certificate of equal value ($40.00). Raffle tickets are $5.00 each. They are sold at the party and can be sold by the hostess before the party. Hostess will get $1.00 from each ticket they sell. The winner does NOT have to be present to win. The name and phone number are written on the back of the raffle ticket and if the winner is not present they will be contacted the following day.

*Dish To Pass Challenge! - If your group is the cooking or baking kind, this is for you! Sharing food is a custom that has gone back as far as mankind itself, and this is a great way to get the conversation going between guests. Not only will everyone get great snacks to munch on - but there are prizes awarded to best appetizer and best dessert. Winners are chosen by votes cast by the guests at the end of the party.

*Gift Wrapping available on site

*Jewelry tools on hand for length adjustments

*Instructional parties are also available! - Jewelry instruction or Decoupage instruction. Both incredibly fun and very comprehensive. Cost per person applies to cover supplies.

*Music, Wine, Friends and beautiful things - all while supporting a LOCAL cause. What more could you want?

Want to book your super-awesome party? Contact me!
Juliea @ willow_moonspirit@yahoo.com

I Aint Your Ho Ho Ho...

2008-11-22T15:56:00.001-08:00

After hours of stalking and looking up the items I wanted to include, I FINALLY got a treasury on Etsy. It used to be so much easier than it is now, you really have to keep a close eye on it if you want to make it happen.

The theme of my treasury is "Naughty Santa" -or- I Aint Your Ho Ho Ho. I found all kinds of sexy items to put in there to display the hotter side of the holidays. ;O) Check it out!!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=22591

Leave a comment to help it go to the top of popular treasuries~!

I Have Gone Decoupage Crazy!

2008-11-19T11:21:00.000-08:00

From gift and baby boxes to jewelry boxes galore - I've gone decoupaging crazy. I was asked recently to make a memory box for a baby boy, and it has inspired me beyond what I ever thought it might.

I have even stepped away from my life online a bit because I've been so caught up in creativity. I've got ideas flying through my mind all the time and sitting down and making a vision become reality brings out so much from seep within. It's kind of hard to keep up with myself. Unemployment changes the whole game, and even though I never considered this a hobby and always wanted to create full time, it still changes your whole approach to what you do. Hopefully, regardless of the economy, I can still manage to find people who value handmade goods and love to support people rather than corporations so that Gypsy Jewels might survive. Truly, creativity is all I've got left. It's the only time I feel in control and at ease - like I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing. So, it HAS to be right. I'm willing to start slowly because I know what hard work and persistence will get anyone in the long run.

I'm enjoying the extra time I have now each day to hone my craft(s). I've gotten pretty good at getting my seams as perfect as possible, and I am pretty proud of how professional everything is turning out. These boxes could easily rival anything found in stores and I take a lot of pride in that. The quality of my work is often what keeps my Gypsy Jewels customers coming back, and even though I know eventually everything can break or wear - I feel absolutely terrible if anything I made does. That is why I'm forever telling my customers that if anything does happen they can send it back and I'll fix it no problem. This is another one of those things that helps build confidence for my customers - and that makes me feel great!

The baby boy box is my favorite. There is an adorable baby girl one too (available in my shop), and usually I'm a bit partial to girls - but, this box is sooo cute! I just can't help but love it to pieces.
The Gypsy Woman jewelry box is another truly fun, beautiful and PRACTICAL box. I'm currently trying to keep myself from using it because I know I'll get attached. This one is truly my style. I did a little painting on the front which is something I really want to start doing more often, but that definitely makes this box a little more special to me. Plus the LID! When I shop for boxes, I always pay attention to the lids and how easy or hard it is to open or close them. This box is exactly what I look for, which is loose enough to open easily and without much effort - but tight enough to catch if just flipped over or something. I think I spent a good 10 minutes just opening and closing the lid. I'm kind of ODC - things have to be perfect - so when it is, it's sooo pleasing! :O)

WM

2008-11-15T10:22:00.000-08:00

Black Saturday @ Gypsy Jewels
www.willowmoonspirit.etsy.com

Recently it seems I've been making a lot of beautiful black things, and I'm taking the time today to post everything on my ETSY site. I'm also offering free shipping for the first time ever in my store, so we'll see how that goes. I am excited to offer the people who have been loyal to Gypsy Jewels a special this holiday season, and hopefully make some new friends while I'm at it. :)

Take The Pledge!

2008-11-12T09:58:00.000-08:00

I want all of you to think about what you are buying for the holiday season - and ask yourself - who will it benefit? You? The person getting the gift? The people selling the gift to you?? Why not buy gifts that EVERYONE benefits from?

Buying handmade insures that you are getting something with meaning, by someone like me who makes it. It is better for the environment, usually cheaper and of a better quality, AND you are not supporting big business like Target or Wal-Mart - who don't need your money the way that artists do.

Please, take the Handmade Pledge and buy or make handmade gifts this holiday season. You truly do have the power to make a difference in the lives of individuals who create as a career.

WWW.ETSY.COM
WWW.WILLOWMOONSPIRIT.ETSY.COM
http://www.buyhandmade.org/
http://vimeo.com/375970

Getting back up.

2008-11-11T17:02:00.000-08:00

Adding things to my ETSY shop today has been making me feel so much better. I've been sitting on a lot of unfinished projects - it's just the Aries in me, I guess.
Ever since I lost my job, I have been pulling out all the stops and getting the lead out on finishing the unfinished and getting excited about new projects and expanding my horizons. Now hopefully I can get the ball rolling just in the nic of time for the holidays.

I'm learning how to use my new camera, too. It's all seeming new even though I've been at this for years. It took me a long time to teach myself to take pictures of jewelry with my old camera, and now I've got this awesome camera and only half of an idea on how to use it. It'll take me some time, but I don't mind. I can get it good enough for now.

I think the new approach in my art as a job is inspiring and focing me to get serious. Put up or shut up. I like the kick in the pants...it just may be exactly what I needed. Though, I still miss the steady income. The book "The War Of Art" has found it's way into my life right on time and I constantly get myself to overcome the resistance that holds us back from doing what we want to accomplish. Let's hope this is only the beginning....

I need some advice

2008-11-09T08:16:00.001-08:00

I want some opinions on something I've been throwing around in my head for a little while now - I'm debating on changing the name of my business from Gypsy Jewels, which it has been for years - to Willow Moonspirit. Here's why...

When I started my ETSY shop, I was not aware (like a lot of people aren't) that the user name you chose for yourself would also be the name of your shop in your URL. Well, I, personally have always identified myself as Willow Moonspirit online, so that is what I chose for my ETSY user name. It is the name of my spirit, and I have never EVER heard it anywhere else. Where as, I HAVE found other businesses (that sell similar stuff) that are also called Gypsy Jewels.

So, there lies my dilemma. While I would have to change other things that have the Gypsy Jewels name tied to it already (such as this blog), I would be able to keep my shop on ETSY as it is now (I even already made a Willow Moonspirit banner for the shop) instead of making a new ETSY shop with the Gypsy Jewels name and leaving behind my history and feedback. The only reason I am hesitant is because I believe I have built a name for myself under Gypsy Jewels for so long. But, I'm also encouraged because it's almost like it signifies a new start and I will be free to completely reinvent myself - which is exciting and inspiring.

I would love any thoughts on this...

The Present Is A Gift

2008-11-08T19:42:00.000-08:00

Today I decided to take my art to the next level. I'm opening up my mind to the possibility of many different facets of craft and it has my mind buzzing with excitement. It all started when I decided to start a group called "Creative Outlets" for my friends and I.

The objective is to get together with the people I love and make stuff. To share ideas and different facets of art while encouraging each other to remain creative. The first meeting was two weeks ago tomorrow - and tomorrow is the second. We got together and made decoupaged magnets out of half glass marbles. Everything we used was recycled or purchased from ETSY, so it was something we had a lot of fun doing and were very productive at and also something we could feel good about. The flat marbles were left over from the decorations from my wedding that I had no idea what to do with until I thought to make magnets. I've had SO much fun with that since! The possibilities are endless, and I'm getting some great ideas.

I'm very much looking forward to tomorrow's meeting. It's looking like it's going to be a good one as a lot of my favorite people are coming. We are planning on decoupaging different items and discussing future plans for the group. I think it is a good idea to pick and schedule the projects that we are interested in doing so that we can all better prepare. I've been poking around the Internet for hours looking at different projects to do. I found a lot of good ones on Martha Stewart's site and there are a few I can't WAIT to try!

It'll have to wait....but I'll be dreaming about it!