"Artisan Component Marketplace" opens doors today!

I have a surprise announcement for you today!  

This afternoon I just launched my third online store!   Like my new store on Etsy, this one is also called "Metapolies™" and is on a brand new online marketplace for artisan jewelry bead and component makers.  

Marla James (MarlasMud) is the founder of the new selling venue.  She and a small merry band of 5 other component makers (myself included) have been working to set up the site. 
  




It's called the "Artisan Component Marketplace" or "ACM" for short.  My Metapolies™ store is currently one of six but there are more stores being added soon!  


If you are interested in joining, there is detailed information in the "Learn about ACM" and
"Team Member Pricing" sections!   

I hope you'll pay a visit to the new ACM site and continue to find me in all my locations!   There are stores-full of unique items in every location!

Metapolies™ on ACM 

(components and beads only)

Metapolies™ on Etsy 

(components and jewelry)

SharylsJewelry on Artfire   

(components and jewelry)

Watch here and on Facebook for upcoming GRAND OPENING EVENTS!

If you haven't signed up to follow my blog 

or Facebook page,

now is a great time 

to make sure you do so you can keep current 

on special offers and promotions!!!

As always, thank you all for your support

and friendship!    ~Sharyl

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Photo Credits:

Butterflies:  wpclipart.com

Metapolies Banner:  Sharyl McMillian-Nelson, 2014

ACM Banner:  Marla James, 2014

Fireworks photo:  Sharyl, Belfast, May 2014

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"Metapolies" and More: "Sharyl's Jewelry" changes and grows!

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately.  (Oh, no!)

I've been contemplating where I am and where I would like to be and realize:

• My business has changed quite a bit during the 3 years I've been operating.  (Brief timeline here.)
• My style and skills have developed in ways I never dreamed, and I expect that to continue.
• My desire to grow this business is increasing.
• To support these hopes and dreams, and to offer the best service I can to my customers, some changes are needed.
• I want my customers to be favorably impacted by any changes I make.

And so it begins!   

I've been developing plans that will be implemented in stages over the next 6 months.   The first stage is the opening of a new store, Metapolies™ on Etsy.    

METAls + POLymer clay = METAPOLIES™

Pronounced: meh-TOP-oh-leez

(My special thanks to Marla James for help brainstorming a name!)

I will run both stores, Sharyl's Jewelry (Artfire) and Metapolies™ (Etsy) simultaneously for a while, then will evaluate to see how that is going and make additional plans.  



For the time being at least, both of these stores will offer a combination of jewelry,  beads, and components.  


Please note that I've added links to both stores at the top of my blog. I've also updated Pinterest, and will add to Facebook pages next.   I want to be sure you can find me!    

You can expect the following:

• Grand Opening Events!
• All new jewelry and handmade beads added regularly to Metapolies™ on Etsy.
• Upcoming sales events, especially at "Sharyl's Jewelry" on Artfire to gradually reduce some of the inventory in that store.   (Some new items may still be added there too.)
• With two stores currently open, an even greater selection of handmade one-of-a-kind jewelry, art beads and metal components
• Updates on future store expansion and developments here and on Facebook.

If you have questions or helpful suggestions, please let me know.     I'll do my best to make this go smoothly.   

My sincere thanks to you all!  I hope this opportunity will allow us to connect in new ways! 
~Sharyl

P.S.  I've been exploring website options, to use as a landing pad to link to the stores, blog, etc.  If anyone has particular suggestions or favorites, I'm eager to hear more!


P.P.S.  A few more details below:

  +        =      saved

FAQ #1:   Until further notice, I'll be happy to combine shipping to save you money.   You can either leave me a note at ArtFire before your purchase and I'll adjust shipping costs, or you can make your purchases at each store and I'll refund you the difference through PayPal.   This offer is good on purchases made at the same time.    

FAQ #2:  There are currently a few small variations in shipping charges and policies between stores.   I will align those as closely as possible as soon as I can.   Purchases made from each store will use the policies/charges for that store.  For combined orders,  any variations will work in your favor until updates are made.

Thank you and best wishes!

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Graphics:

Store banners by Sharyl.  2014

Other graphics from WPClipArt:  http://www.wpclipart.com

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Are you "slipping?"

Those of you who just cleaned up your work spaces, do you find yourself slipping back into old, messy habits already?   I know I do.   (Ugh!)  

Well, this is your reminder that you may need to do a daily and/or weekly quick clean-up to keep things tidy.   Which do you think would work best for you?   

I've had times in my life when I set aside time on Sunday evenings to take a quick look--but I mean take a REAL look--around my workspace to see what's where that doesn't belong there!  Then, I took a few minutes to clean-up and return things to their designated spots.  It worked great,...as long as I did it.   I'm going to try that again.  

What ideas do you have for keeping work spaces tidy?  Drop us a line!  (Anyone can reply, whether you were part of the blog hop or not!  Those who are ALWAYS tidy, we need to hear from you too!)

And, to re-inspire us, I have an updated link to one of our "Clean-up, Fix-up" blog hop participants!     Check out Swaarda's new BEFORE and AFTER photos!   

Please keep your photos, ideas, and comments coming!  We (I) need continued inspiration!  

With thanks,

~Sharyl

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Image Credits:

Woman with Broom:  http://www.wpclipart.com/working/people_at_work/cleaning/housekeeper.jpg

Cleaning items:  http://www.wpclipart.com/household/chores/cleaning_tools.jpg

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"This and That"

Growing up in my small town, there was a lovely woman who wrote a chatty little column in the weekly newspaper called "This n' That by Pansy Penner."  In that column you might find out which friends had paid her a visit, who had their in-laws over for dinner and what they served, what former high school student in town won an award 15 years ago, who was ill that week, who went on vacation, who celebrated a birthday or anniversary, and any other news of equal importance to her and others in town!  It was a way to keep up on things you would not find out anywhere else, and sometimes it was just a hoot to read.   Stories about gatherings often ended with this phrase, "A fun time was had by all!"   It's funny how after all these years, some of these words, phrases, and stories have remained with me.   Just little bits and pieces of this and that...

That's what today's blog post is...some bits of news I want to make sure you hear about!

#1 --  Blog Hop Reminder!

First of all, a reminder to all participating in the "Seed Bead and Metal Blog Hop,"  Shirley Moore and I hope you've enjoyed creating your jewelry from the pieces you were sent!  The blog hop is Sat, Oct. 19th.

• Your pages should be ready to go live Friday night around 11:30pm Central time.  
• If you are posting your photos and text on my blog, please have to me by Wed. so I have time to get added to my page!   If you are on Facebook, please send your file to me via private message.  If not, email me at sharylsjewelry (at) kc (dot) surewest (dot) net
• I will repost the list of participants to be included in your blog pages later this week.  

#2-- SALE!

I'm putting everything at Sharyl's Jewelry on sale for the next week, through Sun, Oct 20, 2013, at 20% off!   Please use this coupon code at checkout:  FALLSALE

SPECIAL! 11-piece Autumn component set, altered brass AC13-059

#3-- Local Event:  

For any of you in the Kansas City area, I will have a booth at the Holiday Treasures Craft Festival Sat., Oct. 26, 9am-4pm, in Shawnee, KS!  Tanya Goodwin will be joining me!   Come visit us!


#4--Prize Winner of Components:

The winner of the patina prize did not claim her gift, so I will announce a new winner soon.

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Now, "This and That" news can't be just about me, but must also be about friends and neighbors!   So are some newsy bits about others I'd like to share!

#5--TreeWingsStudio Updates:

Rebekah Payne of TreeWingsStudio is having a sale and a give-away!   Check out these precious items:

These 3 darling items will be given away!
Visit the Tree Wings Studio site to find out how to sign up for the drawing!

And just in case you fear  you may not win, why not purchase an item or two while the TreeWings Studio store is having a 15% off sale!  

#6--Amagazine Launch for Lisa!

In other news, this week, Lisa Lodge of Pine Ridge Treasures launched  new magazine today on Amazine! Here is the link if you would like to "follow" her: http://www.amazine.com/user/pineridgetreasures
She kindly featured some of my components in her first issue!

#7--Local friends!

Finally, last week I met up with two local jewelry people from the KC area, Tanya Goodwin and Tracee Dock!   I will link to their pages and tell you more next time, but in the words of Pansy Penner,  I assure you, "a good time was had by all!" 

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Image Credits:  

Newspaper:  http://www.wpclipart.com/education/books/books_4/.cache/newspaper.png

20% off sale:  http://www.wpclipart.com/office/sale_promo/burst_blue/.cache/20_off_left_blue.png

Sad Face:   http://sharylsjewelry.blogspot.com/2013_09_01_archive.html

TreeWingsStudio photos by Rebekah Payne, used by permission.

Sharyl's Jewelry photos by Sharyl.

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Back-to-School Event Concludes!

I hope you've enjoyed the drawings and chance to win prizes in our celebration of Back-to-School! The last winner in our event is:

Angi!

Angi will win a "Mystery Assortment of Jewelry-Making Goodies," including (but not limited to) some of my metal components. I'd show you a photo, but I'm still putting the final touches on it all and think it will be more fun for Angi if it's a surprise!  :-)  

Angi, you have 2 days to claim your prize!  Please leave me comment with your mailing address.  I will not publish that comment.   Many thanks for playing and I hope you enjoy your prize!

I want to thank all of you who left comments this time.  I learned so much about each of you, even those I thought I knew fairly well!    It gave me an idea of how varied our interests are and how we can work some of those interests into our blog discussions.   I hope you all will keep contributing in this same way even though this event is ending.   I appreciate hearing your suggestions and enjoy the lively discussions on our blog!   

"Sharyl's Jewelry" Sale Ending

Final reminder that the 20% off sale ends Monday night as well!   Use code:  SCHOOL20

Thanks to all for participating!   Happy Autumn!

~Sharyl

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Graphic Credits:

Sale graphic by Sharyl

http://www.wpclipart.com/holiday/Christmas/gifts/gift_boxes/christmas_present.jpg

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Announcement of Winner & Final Back-to-School Give-Away!

WINNER!

Sorry to keep you holding your breath!   The random winner of drawing #2 is:

Norbel Marolla  -- She Flies Again

Norbel indicated in her answer that she prefers to purchase things to make jewelry (Check out her new shop on Etsy, "She Flies Again!"), but that she would enjoy winning jewelry! So I'm going to give her some choices from my store so she can pick something out to wear!     Congrats on winning and on the new store, Norbel!

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Survey Results:

Jewelry vs. Items to make Jewelry / Buying vs. Winning

I thought I would give you a summary on the results of the survey you replied to!   I expected it to fall something like this but the numbers surprised me a bit!

1)  Which are you most likely to buy? 
     a) Jewelry  =  .5
     b) Items to make jewelry = 14.5

2)  Which would you prefer to win?    
      a) Jewelry  = 3    (includes two .5 votes)
      b) Items to make jewelry  = 12    (includes two .5 votes)

I didn't add my own votes, but will tell you now.   I fall in with the majority on buying mostly items to make jewelry.  I think since it's my business, it makes good sense I would spend more on that than I would on myself.  However, I also believe it's a good thing to support fellow artists and I always admire what others design.  So I do occasionally purchase a piece of jewelry I absolutely love for myself, or more often than that, I purchase as a gift for a family member.  

When it comes to winning though, I'm so happy to receive either!  I love new beads or components, but I also love getting a piece of jewelry, especially when I might not splurge and get that for myself!   So getting a gift of jewelry is a special treat to me!      I see there was more of a split on that among your answers too, but the majority would still rather win items to make jewelry.   

All of this is helpful to me in terms of knowing what to offer for sale in my store and for prizes!   Recently, I've been offering more gift certificates so that people can choose, though I'm sure I will continue to "mix-it-up" at times just for fun!   Thanks so much for your input!

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Final Give-away Instructions:

For the final Give-away for our Back-to-School Event, I'd like to learn more about you.   I've long suspected that most of the people on this blog are jewelry designers.   I know for a fact that not all are though, and I think that makes things very interesting too!   

For those of you who work in the jewelry business or enjoy it as  hobby, I'd like to learn more about you and what you do. Please leave a comment at the bottom of this entry and tell us:

1)  In general what do you make or do? 

2)  Do you have any specialties?  

3) Anything else you wish to tell us!

4)  If you have an online store, please include the name and URL so we can visit!

So for example, mine would read: 

I'm Sharyl, and I'm a jewelry designer.  I love working with art beads (in particular with ceramic and lampwork beads), but I also love gemstones and Czech glass.   My specialty is making metal components to sell.  Sometimes I also offer wire findings.    I want to start making rustic-looking polymer clay beads.   My online store is on Artfire and is called "Sharyl's Jewelry."   http://www.sharylsjewelry.artfire.com

If you are not in the jewelry business,  please share your interest in this blog, in jewelry, or whatever types of art you are interested in!  I very interested in hearing from you as well!

This feedback will help me better know all of you and what topics might be of interest to you in the future!   (Feel free to add that too!)

• Once you leave your comment, you will be entered in the final give-away. If you wish not to be entered, please indicate so.   (Previous winners from the "Back-to-School" event are not eligible for this prize, but are still encouraged to comment.  After this event everyone will be welcome to enter future give-aways again.)   **Apologies, can only offer free shipping to the U.S. for this prize.** 

• Entries will be accepted until Sunday evening at 11:00pm Central time.  The winner will be announced Monday.  

• The prize this time will be a surprise assortment of goodies for jewelry making!   (If someone wins who doesn't make jewelry, I'll switch the prize to jewelry for you.)

• Please check back by Wed. to see if you are the winner.

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SALE!

I know schools start at various times across the U.S. and all around the world!  Schools in our area started this week. Seems so early, but the time has arrived!  Happy back to school for kids and adults!

Remember the 20% off sale ends Monday also!  

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Image Credits:

Event graphic by Sharyl.

Money:  http://www.wpclipart.com/money/.cache/cash.png

Gift box:  http://www.wpclipart.com/holiday/Christmas/green/gift/.cache/gift_10.png

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Summer Color Inspiration Challenge Update!

---> Click here for "Bead Hoarders Blog Hop" Reveal!

First of all, welcome to our new followers!   We've gained a few recently, so it seems a good time to stop and say that I'm grateful for all 149 of you!   Please join in, ask questions, and share!  

Now back to some previous business... when I wrote the blog post with the flower photographs and using the colors as inspiration, I encouraged you to take a “mini-challenge” with me and I’d post your photos on my blog.  I was thinking I might get a couple of takers, but I’m happy to see that quite a few of you responded! Now I’m thinking this will be better arranged as a small blog hop.  I hope you’ll agree.

I didn’t ask for enough information to be entirely clear as to whether you were voicing your favorite color combinations or intending to contribute a photo of one of your designs last time, so I’m going to take as step back (as I often do) and ask for more info! 

Sorting Things out:

I’ve made a list of those who responded, that I thought might be wanting to participate. It appears below. Please take a look.

• If you would like to participate, please send me the following information if it is not included: your name, your blog name, and your blog URL.

• (If you do not have a blog  and wish to participate, please let me know. I’m still happy to host your entry on my blog page!)

• If I have you listed, but you do not wish to participate in the challenge, please let me know that.  My apologies!   (Also, if you do not send the other information, you will be deleted from the list of participant list.)

Draft Participant List:

Note:  I'm updating the list as I see your messages!

Kashmira Patel   .....    Sadafulee...always in bloom!     (confirmed!)

Norbel Marolla      (If you would like to create a piece, you can post on my blog.)

   

Elena Adams    (If you don't have a blog, you are welcome to post on my blog.)

Sharyl McMillian-Nelson     Sharyl’s Jewelry     (confirmed!)

Valerie Garber ....   Work Of Our Hands  (Valerie, did you want to do the blog hop?)

 

Lisa Lodge  ......      A Grateful Artist - Pine Ridge Treasures   (confirmed!)

 

Dolores Raml     (If you don't have a blog, you are welcome to post on my blog.)

Chris  ....   Wanderware

 

Tanty Sri Hartanti   ....   TJewellicious by Tanti       (confirmed and updated!)

Kathy Lindemer ....  Bay Moon Design    (confirmed!)

Heather ....    (If you don't have a blog, you are welcome to post on my blog.)

Laren Dee Barton ... Laren Dee Designs       (new/confirmed!)

Melissa Trudinger  ... Beadrecipes      (new/confirmed!)

Deadlines:

Sat, July 27:  
Need blog list info. 

• I need your name, blog name, and blog URL  so I can prepare the blog list and repost, and you can add it to your blogs.   
• If you don't have a blog, you are welcome to post on mine.  Just let me know that. 
• I’ll continue to accept entries until July 27 so please feel free to join if you haven’t! 
• You can also feel free to spread the word! 

Wed, July 31:
Entries from those posting on my blog due.

• Send a photo or two and any text in a Word file in a private message to my Sharyl's Jewelry facebook page by Wed. July 31 so I have time to prepare them.   

Fri, Aug. 2:
Blogs should be ready to post by 11:45pm Friday night Central time, Aug. 2, 2013, so they will be ready for Sat., Aug. 3 reveal! 

Sat. Aug 3:
Official Reveal Date!

Sun. Aug 4:
Random prize winner selected from among participants!

Reminders:

• Photos, color options, and guidelines are all on this page!    (It's SO EASY to participate!!!) 
• You can grab the Challenge image (top of page) for your blog entry and/or as a badge for your blog border.   
• If you have questions, changes, want to add or drop, please let me know!   Many thanks for playing along!   
  
  

~Sharyl

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Summer Color Inspiration and a "Mini-Challenge"

There is an informal "mini-challenge" at the end of this entry!  Be sure to read on!  

In my jewelry-making, what inspires my designs most is the beads.   And I'm drawn to the beads I choose first of all because of color.  Of course there are many factors (such as what the beads are made of, their quality, texture, shape, uniqueness, etc.), but my designs tend to begin with color.

Because of this, I am always looking around me for new color combinations.   Sometimes that may come from a textile, a piece of art, or nature--anything that gets me to looking at and thinking about colors in new shades and combinations.    

Most of you know, I also have a fondness for taking macro-shots of flowers.   Over the last few weeks, I've been lucky enough to receive a lovely bouquet and collect some fresh blooms from my own garden.  

#1:  dark pink, yellow, dark purple

And I tried something new this time.  Because I couldn't seem to find a place to take the the photos that highlighted the flowers without the background of my furniture and walls, I tried photographing them in the light tent I use for my jewelry.   I thought the results were rather unexpected, the images more crisp and vibrant!

#2:  lime green, yellow, pinkish-red

#3:   periwinkle, berry, yellow, green

#4:  raspberry/fuschia, carnation pink, bright yellow, sage green

I also took some in the front living room window, where I used to do all my jewelry photography.  There is lovely light there in the summer months and a sheer curtain which serves as a nice filter.

#5:  white, soft pink, cranberry, yellow

But I'm really sharing these today, not as examples of photography, but for their color inspiration.

#6:  bright yellow, raspberry, lime

Each piece of each bouquet offers some new opportunity to combine colors that would be beautiful in jewelry design!   In addition to color combinations, the photographs suggest colors which could dominate and others which could be used in smaller quantities to accent.  

For example, without the photo above, I don't think it would occur to me to create a bracelet with yellow beads and smaller accents of deep berry and lime green...or perhaps brass beads for that center!  But it strikes me now how eye-catching that would be!

#7:   fushia, violet

What about this deep purple and pink?   More to your liking? 

Totally Informal "Mini Challenge!"

• Which color combination do you like best?  Please leave a comment!  I'm hoping you'll find one that inspires you today!

• If you do make something based on any of these color combinations, I'd be thrilled to receive a photo of your work and the number of the photo on this blog post you used as inspiration!   I'm hoping we can show your jewelry in future blog post!  (To begin this process, please leave me a comment on this blog and a way to reach you.   I'll contact you with further instructions.)

• For this "mini-challenge" you may also submit a jewelry item you have already made that fits the color combinations.

• You are NOT required to use every color listed under the photo.  Please use at least 2-3.

• To sweeten the pie, anyone who submits a photo by  July 31st, will be eligible for a give-away drawing.   I promise you something colorful as a prize!  

If you have any questions, please let me know!

Have some fun and enjoy the weekend!  I hope you find yourselves color-inspired!

~Sharyl / Sharyl's Jewelry

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