House of Raquel

The Federalists - Santana

2008-10-11T10:30:00.000-07:00

The Federalists

10-12-2008 17:30 at Sleep Train Pavilion - w/SANTANA
2000 Kirker Pass Road, Concord, California 94521
Cost: 20-75
Bands: Santana, Salvador Santana Band, & The Federalists www.livenation.com

The Pavilion is about 5 minutes from our house. I've seen gobs of bands there. Now I'm going to see my son play his guitar on stage there. I know I'll be crying. Pictures! coming soon.

Lucky Winner

2008-10-09T13:20:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
Thanks for participating in this week's Jewelry Tuesday's blog. Unfortunately, there can only be one winner and she is Ms. Vickie, congratulations! I hope you truly enjoy the beautiful work of Miriam Grafer.
Thank you Miriam for your generosity.

Jewelry Tuesday - Miriam Grafer

2008-10-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

Welcome Miriam Grafer a fabulous jewelry designer who crochets her designs. I crochet with yarn, but man do I want to crochet with wire. Look at what she is kind enough to give away to our readers.

What inspired you to start creating jewelry? I have crocheted for so long that when I read about crocheting with wire, I knew I wanted to do something unusual

How long have you been making money selling your jewelry designs?About 1 year

Is jewelry designing your only business? Yes. ( I do have a couple of companies I do affiliate work by showing their sites).

Do you ever get in a slump in your creativity? Yes, but I am on the boat and there is so much nature around me that it doesn't last to long

What do you do to get out of it? Taking walks and just watching nature.

How do you sell your designs? Internet and house parties

Do you have a blog? Yes http://adailydecision.blogspot.com/

What is the name of your blog? Wire Crochet with beads and semi-precious stones - Unique Handcrafted Jewelry

Do you have a website? I use my blog as my website

Where do you advertise other than your website and blog? Ning sites and internet sites.

What are your future plans? Learn more about marketing

What advise would you like to share with other jewelry designers? You need to find something unusual and unique.

If you are interested in winning this beautiful necklace, leave a comment along with your email address. Winner will be chosen by random Thursday afternoon 1:00pm Pacific Time.

Social Networking

2008-09-24T19:27:00.000-07:00

Hello all,
I want to talk about a internet site that I'm proud to be a member of, it is called iEmporium. If you have a business and want to network with other business people you should check it out. You'll find lots of helpful information for your business. If you're a shopper looking for a great place to shop, this is the place. There are so many creative men and women doing their "thing", it is really amazing.

You've got to check it out.

www.iemporium.ning.com

Jewelry Tuesday

2008-09-23T06:54:00.000-07:00

2 week Fall break.
Check back in two weeks when the line up starts again with Miriam Grift. I love her designs.
If you would like to be added to the list. Leave me a comment with your email address. The list dates start at 11/4 perfect for the holiday advertising. Happy Autumn!

Sale items

2008-09-21T16:54:00.001-07:00

E100792 $10.00

E100715 $10.00

N010622 $15.00

N030715 $20.00

On my website "Sale Items" at www.houseofraquel.com

Jewelry Tuesday - Paula Taylor - Dollie C's

2008-09-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

This week's Jewelry Tuesday designer is Paula Taylor from Dollie C's.

What inspired you to start creating jewelry? A friend and co-worker turned me on to beading. Thanks Raquel!

How long have you been making money selling your jewelry designs? Almost 5 years.

Is jewelry designing your only business? Primarily, but I also make and sell knitted scarves, hand-made ribbon wreaths, beaded miniature Christmas trees and glass mosaics.

Do you ever get in a slump in your creativity? Not often.

What do you do to get out of it? Review my supply inventory and discover great items I forgot about!

How do you sell your designs? Several local boutiques, art and craft shows, my website and Etsy.com.

Do you have a blog? Yes/No No.

Do you have a website? Yes/No Yes.

What is the name of your website? www.dolliecs.com

Where do you advertise other than your website and blog? Boutiques, customer referrals, wearing my own designs, and I send out occasional e-mail news updates.

What are your future plans? Finish organizing and arranging my at-home craft/office studio, and create designs full-time.

What advise would you like to share with other jewelry designers? Try something new. Keep challenging yourself. Take chances, mix colors, textures, weights, bead sizes, and go for it! Refer to floral arrangements to see how colors can be mixed and accented.

Thank you Paula for accepting my invitation to interview you. Please leave a comment to enter to win her gorgeous earrings. Winner will be announced tomorrow at 7:30pm pacific time.

The earrings are white coral briolettes with gold vermeil daisy flowers on 14k gold filled ear wires. Approximately 2” in length

My Michelle friend - Lady Language

2008-09-12T21:45:00.000-07:00

She kindly shared pictures of herself with my earrings and necklace on her blog, http://www.ladylanguage.com/blog

She is incredibly beautiful, look at her! I asked her to please share her beauty secret. I gotta have it!

I always appreciate selling my jewelry to my customers and truly appreciate getting pictures of you wearing House of Raquel. Thank you again Michelle. Anyone else out there wanting to share pics, please please do. :)

Winner of Jewelry Tuesday - Michabella Creations

2008-09-10T19:46:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for posting a comment to win the beautiful ring by Michabella Creations.
Please congratulate Pansy. Yes Pansy YOU WON!

Jewelry Tuesday - Michelle Harvey-Michabella creations

2008-09-08T19:44:00.001-07:00

Please help me welcome Michelle Harvey from Michabella Creations. You're gonna love what she is giving away. I believe it is the very first time that a designer has done this piece of jewelry.

What inspired you to start creating jewelry?

I have always been interested in fashion. After receiving my B.A. in Visual & Apparel Merchandising, I worked for 6 years in the fashion/retail industry. I always wanted to have my own business, and after having my daughter, I decided to become a full-time mom. About a year later, I knew I needed something for myself. I taught myself how to create jewelry and became acquainted with a fellow jewelry designer. We decided to join forces and created Michabella Creations.

How long have you been making money selling your jewelry designs?

About 2 years now.

Is jewelry designing your only business?

Yes.

Do you ever get in a slump in your creativity?

I certainly do.

What do you do to get out of it?

I step back for awhile. I go about my daily routine, and before I know it, I'm inspired to create something. I often see things when I'm out and about that gives me a spark. I am influenced greatly by nature and the seasons, which I'm fortunate enough to experience all of them!

How do you sell your designs?

We have a website and we also participate in craft shows throughout the year. That is where the bulk of our business comes from. We also do benefit shows in our area, where we donate a portion of our proceeds to organizations such as the Children's Miracle Network and the PA Breast Cancer Coalition.

Do you have a blog? Yes/No

Yes

What is the name of your blog?
Michabella Creations, The Crazy Life of a SAHM and Jewelry Designer.
michabellacreations.blogspot.com

Do you have a website? Yes/No
yes

What is the name of your website?

Michabella Creations~ Handcrafted Jewelry at Affordable Prices
www.michabellacreations.com

Where do you advertise other than your website and blog?

We have participated in the Valentine Gift Guide by IndieShopping, and the Spring & Summer Gift Guide by Indie Collective. We have advertised with Modish, Mixed Plate, and are joining the Trina & Friends community. We are always on the lookout for great places that fit in with our style.

What are your future plans?

To grow Michabella Creations into a recognized name in jewelry design. We would love to sell our designs in boutiques across the country and have a bigger presence in the internet world.

What advise would you like to share with other jewelry designers?

My advice would be to find your creative path and follow it. There are a lot of talented jewelry designers out there, and you have to be willing to stand by your designs. It takes a lot of hard work and determination to have a successful business. I find most of my time isn't spent on designing jewelry, but networking and promoting myself on the internet. Don't give up and allow yourself time to see things pay off.

Michelle Harvey
www.michabellacreations.com

My giveaway item is a ring, so the winner can choose her size!

Post your comment for your chance to win this beautiful ring. Please leave your email address if you are not a member of Blogger so Michelle can contact you if you are the winner.
Contest ends Wednesday at 7:30pm pacific time. Good luck!

P

The Federalists - News

2008-09-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

-The Federalists have officially signed to TALKING HOUSE RECORDS!! (www.thpro.com) And we will be starting work on our new record early next month.
-We have a few new reviews this month including, Recording Magazine (article is only available in the print version), The Concordian (www.myconcordian.com), and 411mania.com

Winner

2008-09-04T08:52:00.000-07:00

The winner of Peggy's hummingbird earrings is Liz. Congratulations Liz. Thanks for your comments. Look back again next Tuesday when I interview Michelle Harvey.

Jewelry Tuesday - Peggy Marzano

2008-09-01T19:50:00.000-07:00

This week's Jewelry Tuesday designer is Peggy Marzano - Peggy's Beadwork.

What inspired you to start creating jewelry? I just decided to start making my own Jewelry to wear.

> How long have you been making money selling your jewelry designs? I started selling at a craft store in 2000. Sold more at a Craft show at a church & now on etsy.

>Is jewelry designing your only business? Yes

>Do you ever get in a slump in your creativity? Not really!

>What do you do to get out of it? I get more joy out of the Jewelry that I just created.

> How do you sell your designs? I haven't sold my design yet.

>Do you have a blog? Yes/No Sometimes

>What is the name of your blog? I sometime have some on here on Jewelry Network as Peggys Beadwork

>Do you have a website? Yes/No Yes

> What is the name of your website? peggysbeadwork.etsy.com

> Where do you advertise other than your website and blog? on myspace.com/peggy624

> What are your future plans? I would like to know how to sell in boutiqic, Other places or department stores where they sell Jewelry.

>What advise would you like to share with other jewelry designers? All I can think of right now is Good Luck for your future designs that God Blessed us with a wonderful gift to create for all of our Customers.

Please leave a comment to enter to win Peggy's beadwork Light Blue glass hummingbird earrings. Also make sure to leave your email address to contact you if you win. The contest ends Wednesday at 7:30pm pacific time.

Jewelry Tuesday Winner

2008-08-27T19:30:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for participating in this week's Jewelry Tuesday Interview/Giveaway. The winner is Julie.
Diane Brixley will be contacting you to send you, your gift. Congratulations.

Jewelry Tuesday - Total Delights

2008-08-26T06:21:00.000-07:00

Meet Diane from Total Delights!
What inspired you to start creating jewelry?

A gift from a friend, she gave me a bracelet and I liked it so much that I started making some and it just grew from there.

How long have you been making money selling your jewelry designs?

Just over a year, and I know that I have been very blessed.

Is jewelry designing your only business?

Right now it is. I will be expanding to more things when my family moves.

Do you ever get in a slump in your creativity?

Yes and there are many things that shake that, the need to pay a bill being first, just kidding.

What do you do to get out of it?

For me it is getting out some gemstones and just playing with them. Laying different ones next to each other and going from there.

How do you sell your designs?

On my website and by wearing them, this always brings comments. Then I hand out one of my cards.

Do you have a blog? Yes/No

Yes

What is the name of your blog?

http://totaldelights.wordpress.com/

Do you have a website? Yes/No

Yes

What is the name of your website?

www.totaldelights.com

Where do you advertise other than your website and blog?

I do both of these and I belong to several social networking groups

They have been fun and very helpful.

What are your future plans?

To continue building my website and to survive the move my family is making.

What advise would you like to share with other jewelry designers?

To remember to keep having fun, with out joy there is no reason to create.

But for the business side of things find a mentor who is willing to help you and answer your questions even the silly ones and trust me when you start they can all seem silly.

The bracelet is made with Rhodonite, Sterling Silver is 7 1/2 inches in length with matching earrings.

Enter a comment for your chance to win Total Delights bracelet with matching earrings, NICE!
Contest ends Wednesday at 7:30pm pacific time. Please leave a email address so you can be notified if you are the winner.

Jewelry Tuesday - Manic Butterfly Jewels

2008-08-18T20:37:00.000-07:00

This week please welcome Manic Butterfly Jewels.

What inspired you to start creating jewelry?

When I was growing up my parents encouraged my creativity. I took knitting, crochet and macrame classes, entered drawing and art competitions at school, and regularily ordered materials from craft catalogs to make little items for myself and my friends. One day a few years ago, my daughter and I were searching the internet for sterling silver charm bracelets, and we discovered how little it would cost to make them ourselves, so we ordered the individual materials. While looking for instructions on how to make the bracelets, I discovered so much information on making other types of jewelry-and once again-I was back to creating!

How long have you been making money selling your jewelry designs?

Almost since I first started. My daughter worked at a hair salon and took my jewelry to work with her to sell, and then it was word of mouth from there.

Is jewelry designing your only business?

Yes it is.

Do you ever get in a slump in your creativity?

I go through periods where I'm not in a 'creative' state of mind, and focusing on other things besides my jewelry. I'm always coming up with new ideas in my head from shapes and things I see day to day-I try to jot down a picture of what's in my head when possible. Then suddenly the mood strikes, I'll sit down at my work bench, and all of the ideas I've stored up in my head start coming out. I'll work on many pieces and do almost nothing else for a while.

What do you do to get out of it?

I mostly wait until inspiration comes and the urge hits me to start working on the ideas I've been thinking of.

How do you sell your designs?

I have a website where I sell my jewelry, also through my daughter and word of mouth.

Do you have a blog? Yes/No

Not yet-I'd like to do that sometime in the future.

What is the name of your blog?

N/A

Do you have a website? Yes/No

Yes I do.

What is the name of your website?

www.manicbutterflyjewels.com

Where do you advertise other than your website and blog?

www.shopit.com/manicbutterflyjewels

I'm also on the Jewelry Designer Network, Myspace, and numerous other networking sites.

What are your future plans?

To gain more exposure for my work, allowing me to advance sales. I'd like to branch out into other mediums, such as working with different types of metals in my designs.

What advise would you like to share with other jewelry designers?

Price competitively, be original, and spend as much time as you can networking!

Please leave a comment for your chance to win Manic Butterfly Jewels gorgeous necklace. Its so pretty I want it!
Contest will end Wednesday 7:30pm Pacific Time

Contest Ended - Winner

2008-08-13T19:43:00.000-07:00

Thank you Erin for participating in a successful jewelry tuesday. I'm very excited to announce that the winner is Lyn and entered the contest from New Zealand. Wow! I love Blogging contests, don't you, it really makes the world a smaller place to live, no?

Erin will be contacting Lyn to get going on her choice of style for her custom design. Can we get a picture of it when it is done? Who would like to see it?

Join me again next Tuesday when I will have another fabulous designer.
Manic Butterfly Jewels.

If you are a jewelry designer and would love to be added to my list of interviews, send me an email.

Jewelry Tuesday - Jewellery by Erin

2008-08-12T06:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome for the 2nd time Erin - Jewellery by Erin. Also today is her birthday, Happy Birthday Erin.

1) What new and exciting creations have you made?

I started practicing with wire wrapping and wire working a few months ago. I've only just become adept enough to make consistent shapes. I'm also working with jumprings a lot more to make chainmaille-type pieces.

2) Has your business gone through any changes?

I was focusing a lot of time and energy on jewellery-design and crafting. Given that my current customer base is so limited, it was a disproportional amount. I have cut back to only working on jewellery by erin on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and on Saturday mornings, when I am at my market stall.

3) What inspires you in your creations?

I'd say my biggest inspiration is my customer. My favorite pieces to make are custom commissions. Recently, I made a pair of earring for a mother of the groom. We had a meeting where she brought her dress and we discussed colours and brainstormed a design. It was challenging, because she wanted something unique that I had never tried before; the end result was spectacular and I was really proud of it.

4) How do you announce special sales?

I usually announce them with a blog entry, a sidebar notice on my website, and in my etsy.com store announcements.

5) Do you have a special sale going on now?

Actually, I have. Today is my birthday, and I am having a 50% off sale on all items in my jewellerybyerin.etsy.com and jbebridalboutique.etsy.com stores.

Additionally, 20% of all sales made before September 20, 2008 will be donated to The Children's Wish Foundation.

6) Share a huge lesson that you've learned while selling your designs?

When I first started making jewellery for sale, I was trying to meet all the needs of any potential customer. You can still see that in the designs in my etsy.com store. Lately, I have come to realize that it is better to focus my talents. It's an ongoing process, but I'm working on finding my niche.

Erin has agreed that the winner can choose to have a piece custom designed (max retail value of $50) or pick any item in my etsy.com store.

Please leave a comment and enter to win an one of a kind custom design jewelry piece by Erin. Contest ends tomorrow, Wednesday at 7:30pm pacific time.

Daily Stab - Contest Winner

2008-08-11T11:16:00.001-07:00

My Genie in a Bottle necklace and earrings was won by a customer, Cindy. I found out today. I am really happy that one of my customers won it. Thanks to everyone that left a comment on the Daily Stab website. She has another contest going on this week. Check it out. www.dailystab.com

Tomorrow, Jewelry Tuesday check back and enter to win, Jewellery by Erin!

Before and After

2008-08-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

OK so I'm adding jewelry to my "sale items" on my website. But I want the photos to look nice. Here is two that I'm photo shopping. Above is the before and below is the after.

Necklace and bracelet can be purchased on my website. Click here:
Sale Items

So although the process takes some time to complete, I really think its worth it. Now the question is should the photo have a background or like I prefer a white background or black background. I guess it's up to you.

Image! Image! Image!

2008-08-07T18:27:00.000-07:00

If you walked into my Jewelry site you wouldn't get to meet me nor I, you. Just the photos of my designs with the best descriptions I can create. It's hard to sell with out the one on one face to face communication. There is no touchy feely going on either that we women all love to do. Also you can't try on anything either to see how it looks up close. All we have is the image we portray on a webpage.

We all know there are a zillion of us out here in cyberspace creating and selling jewelry. Many of them you have met here on my blog. It's a whole different world from the world my designs were used to selling in. The home shows, warm and cozy, invite the friends you knew who loved jewelry.

When I first started out in cyberspace. I had my own hand created website with this logo and name. I was told that cyber-world couldn't pronounce it and wouldn't remember your name. I was sold that image image image was important in cyber-business. I changed my name, logo and website.

My regular customers visit my site on occasion. I get a few customers from the world of the internet. But it was still not what I dreamed it would be. I needed something else. I wanted someone to promote my business and I got her, Morgan McKean. She knows her business and has a lot of clients and even more connections.

This week she had me posted on www.dailystab.com. Many of you commented on that site and I really appreciate it. I'm waiting patiently to find out who won my Genie in a Bottle necklace and earring set.

Today I was also posted here:
http://www.advicesisters.net/advicesistersblog.html
In September the necklace will be given away to her readers.

Also today House of Raquel was mentioned on the radio on South Florida's "Buzz 103.1 ::: Heart, Buzz and Roll this Thursday at 8:00 am. Read more about why at http://www.fightpinkchocolate.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51&Itemid=67
Click under Events - Party Goddess Friends.

I don't know where this road is leading me, but I am getting the House of Raquel's name out there. Exposure baby, want some of your own?

If you want more than you are getting now, I highly recommend her. It's no secret I could not get this wide spread exposure on my own. I needed help! I want you to know I'm sharing, she is my secret. :) But no longer she can be yours too.

Morgan McKean
Executive Director
Breathe Media Communications
30262 Crown Valley Parkway, Suite B-525
Laguna Beach, CA 92677
www.breathemediacommunications.com

(t) 888.663.8999
(f) 949.276.8909
m.mckean@breathemediacomm.com

Can I get a Drum Roll please*********

2008-08-06T19:41:00.000-07:00

The winner of Jealousy Jewel's - Tracy Cox's Jasper Necklace is

Tammy McCain of White Iris Designs.

I want to thank all of you for taking time out of your busy day for stopping by each Tuesday to give our designers a little love. Look forward to next Tuesday.

Jewelry Tuesday - Tracy Cox- Jealousy Jewels

2008-08-04T20:51:00.000-07:00

I am happy to introduce Tracy Cox of Jealousy Jewels.

What inspired you to start creating jewelry?

I was turned on to designing jewelry when I volunteered to help a friend’s mother make jewelry for her daughters wedding party. We made some basic necklaces and I absolutely loved it! I have been creating jewelry ever since!

How long have you been making money selling your jewelry designs?

I didn’t really start selling my jewelry until about 3 years ago, prior to that I only sold to friends and family that approached me and asked to purchase something.

Is jewelry designing your only business?

Yes! It takes a lot of time and devotion to run a business and I give credit to anyone that can successfully run one business, let alone more!

Do you ever get in a slump in your creativity?

Of course, just like life there are ups and downs to my creativity. I feel less creative when life becomes too busy and hectic!

What do you do to get out of it?

It always helps if I can take a “break” from life. Sometimes I just sit out in my backyard by the pool and water-fountain and listen to the sound of the water for a while. It’s very calming and allows me to connect back with my creative side.

How do you sell your designs?

I primarily sell my designs online through my personal website site and Etsy. I also sell to friends and family and via word of mouth.

Do you have a blog? Yes/No

Yes, I finally created a blog over the last couple of weeks! Although it is still “under construction” I would really appreciate it if people would come by and check it out! www.jealousyjewels.blogspot.com

What is the name of your blog?

Jealousy Jewels, by Tracy

Do you have a website? Yes/No

Yes, My website is currently my primary means for selling my jewelry.

What is the name of your website?

Jealousy Jewels (jealousyjewels.com)

Where do you advertise other than your website and blog?

I currently advertise on the wonderful networking sites that I belong to, I purchase ad spots with websites that I feel fit well with my own business, advertise on the Knot.com, and I also network every chance I get!

I also like to participate in sample bags, giveaways and donations. It gives me a chance to get my name out there and do a good deed at the same time!

What are your future plans?

I hope to grow my business so that my business name and jewelry are well known and carried in boutiques throughout the United States.

What advise would you give other jewelry designers?

It’s always important to follow your dreams, but you have to do so in an educated fashion! Educate yourself on what is takes to actually run a business. I feel that it’s also extremely important to know your product and who your target market is. The competition in the jewelry business is steep; there are a lot of great designers so it is important to know both the business and the craft side of things!

Tracy this necklace is so pretty! Leave your comment to get a chance to win! Contest ends Wednesday at 7:30pm Pacific Time.

House of Raquel Giveaway on Daily Stab!

2008-08-04T06:27:00.000-07:00

Yes I'm giving away my jewelry. Genie in a Bottle (Christina Aguilera)Necklace and Earrings at Daily Stab. Click here:

http://www.dailystab.com/its-contest-time-4/

You Tube Video

2008-08-03T08:04:00.000-07:00

I am in the process of posting a video to You tube.

Does anyone out there know how to load video from camera to utube? Or should I edit the video first? Yes
Then upload from computer to Youtube? Is there a time limit? I hope this works.

But of course, since I've posted this on my House of Raquel blog. It will be my designs !
Hah

First thing get the spelling of U Tube right!

I did it! I am excited my first jewelry video. I used my son's video camera and Imovie to edit it. Oooh I wanna do another one now! hahaha wuu huu here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpOflgK7DGk