New! Sterling Silver "Matchstick" Dangles + Give-away!

(Be sure to read to the end to find out how to enter the give-away!)

I'd like to show you a new line of components I'm making.  I've been so excited to announce these, and I've released the first five pair into my Metapolies™ store on Etsy!   

I'm calling them Sterling Silver "Matchstick" Dangles,

 and hope I haven't reused a term or concept 

developed by anyone else. 

These are handmade start-to-finish, and they begin with me using metal scissors to cut the silver sheet metal.  

The process of creating these involves a number of steps and takes 2-3 times as long as many of the components I create.  Sterling silver is not cheap, of course, but I'm pricing conservatively, hoping people will like them enough to try out!  

Currently selling for $18/pair.

There are a variety of colors and if I find interest in them, I'd love to add more colors!    (I'm not currently taking custom orders on jewelry or components, but I'm very happy to hear your color recommendations!    Any suggestions?)

You can find the following colors in my store now:

• Orchid (medium purple shade)
• Sage green
• Red
• Dark Violet (a very dark bluish-purple)
• 2-toned Blue (navy and medium blue stripes)

Give-away!

I haven't had a give-away for quite a long while, so I'm going to have a random drawing for a pair of these in your choice of color (provided I have it or can mix it)!   

To enter:

1. Please share this post on your own blog, Facebook page,or other social media. 
2. Leave me a comment on this blog of where you posted it.   (Please include link!)
3. Include your color of choice.

From the entries, one will be randomly chosen.

You have until Sat., April 4, at midnight Central time to enter!  

I very seldom get so specific with a give-away but I'd really like to reach a wider audience this time. Thank you very much for helping me spread the word. I am most grateful!  

Best Wishes,

Sharyl

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FINAL DAYS of Artfire Store -- 50% OFF all items!

    It seems like only yesterday I was contemplating opening an online store, what venue to use or whether to sell through the website I had going then.   Through the helpful comments many of you made and the support you offered, I finally made my decision and opened my first online store in the Fall of 2011.   

Well, a lot has changed since then.   My store was named "Sharyl's Jewelry" on Artfire and once I started selling components several years ago, the name seemed inadequate.   I was also wanting to experiment with online stores, so since Fall of 2014, I tried out several new venues too, and opened 2 other stores under the name "Metapolies™."  Those stores are on Etsy and ACM.  

While I did reasonably well on Artfire (current total = 451 items sold), I'm still hoping to do better, and to streamline what I do.   It was an interesting experiment having stores in several places, but I admit it was difficult to keep fresh items going all the time in 3 places plus a local art gallery.   

While I fidgeted, trying to make up my mind what to do, "real life" stepped into my life and demanded that I cut back a bit.

So, I'll be closing the Artfire store in a matter of days -- with a whopping 50% off all items remaining in that store!   

I may find I need to limit myself to one store, but for now, I'll keep both ACM and Etsy venues going.    

Just so it comes as no surprise, I'll temporarily close ACM for about a week starting on Feb. 24, and there will be an announcement on Etsy that items may be delayed a week in shipping.   After that, hoping things will smooth out a bit.

Thanks to all of you who have supported me through my venture.  I hope you'll continue to visit me here, on my Facebook page (remember to click both "like" and "get notifications!"), and at Metapolies.com where you can always find the latest news on stores, sales, and more!   

Hope you enjoy the sale!   Please spread the word if you feel so inclined!   I would love to sell as much as possible from what remains in that store.

My very best wishes to you all!

Sharyl

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Image Credits:

clip art:   wpclipart.com

sale poster and photographs by Sharyl.

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What's New at Metapolies™?

Wondering what's new at Metapolies (ACM/Etsy) and Sharyl's Jewelry (Artfire)?  
Plenty!  



1)   Last Sat. was the Grand Opening Event of the Artisan Component Marketplace.  Thanks to all of you who visited, shopped, and participated in all sorts of ways!   And thanks to Marla James for organizing ACM and the event!

The winner of the random prize drawing from Metapolies was....

Marybeth Rich!

Marybeth is the owner and designer at Forest of Jewels on Etsy.

You can find her store's page on Facebook too!

* * * * *

2)  Marybeth and many others (click here for list) will be participating in the Pine Ridge Treasure's Clay and Metal Blog Hop this Saturday organized and sponsored by Lisa Lodge!   While the designers are using packets featuring polymer clay and metal components from my stores, this is all Lisa's doing, and I'm so honored by it!   Over the past year, Lisa has collected the components for her unique designer packets.   (I don't even know what the packets look like!)

The fun part is that I just get to sit back and admire the designers' work.  I'm so looking forward to it!   

My sincere gratitude to Lisa for hosting this event and her support of me through the years.   Lisa is well-known for her blog hops, but be sure to look her up if you haven't already!

Where you can find Lisa online:

Lisa's blog,  A Grateful Artist
Pine Ridge Treasures on Facebook
Pine Ridge Treasures Jewelry on Zibbet

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3) A couple of weeks back, a few of us Kansas City area artisans hosted booths at the Holiday Treasures Craft Festival in Shawnee, KS.

I was there, of course, taking the photos!

Tanya Goodwin, my lovely friend from
A Work in Progress,
brought fun new chain maille necklaces,

bracelets,...

....as well as some of her lovely,
intricate bead work!

I love sharing a booth with Tanya!  

(This was our 3rd year of doing this event together!)

She's helpful, friendly, and really makes the day pass in such a pleasant way!

Thank you, Tanya!

Next to us this year, for the first time ever, was the Bagomag.com team of Mike and Carol.

Mike Flint is a lampwork
and stained glass artist.
And to support his efforts,
Carol made jewelry
to help show off some of his great holiday beads!

Friend, Patti B (not shown), even brought some of her handmade paper bead
jewelry pieces
and demonstrated her skills
in making paper beads for intrigued passers-by!

The stained glass fronts Mike makes for instruments drew much attention too!

Fisherman Banjo

Abstract Violin

TY, Jenna & Kevin!

We had a great day and enjoyed seeing our family and friends who came out to see us and lend a helping hand.  We were glad to meet lots of new folks too!  


Our thanks to all who support us, in so many ways!  Best wishes until we meet again!  ~Sharyl

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Image Credits:

Pine Ridge Blog Hop Event Logo by Lisa Lodge

All other photos by  Sharyl, Oct/Nov. 2014

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THIS SATURDAY-- Holiday Treasures Craft Festival, Shawnee, KS!

     

For those of you in the Kansas City area, I so hope you will join me, family, and friends at the 

15th annual 

Holiday Treasures 

Craft Festival 

Saturday, October 25th 

9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. 

Shawnee Civic Centre! 

Yep, that's the talented Tanya Goodwin,
from "A Work in Progress," on the left!
We've done this Shawnee fair together 3 years now!

Joining us this year,  Carol from the BAGOMAG.COM
lampwork & stained glass team
in Kansas City, MO!

Location: Shawnee Civic Centre (inside)

13817 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS 

Earrings by Sharyl

Booths 12-13 on lower level, near outside doors

Cost: Admission is free, but bring your money for all the great gifts you'll find!

For information contact the Shawnee Parks & Recreation Department at (913) 631-5200.

Hope we see friends and family, 

and get to meet some of you 

we've not seen before in person!   

Please join us in a fun day!

--Sharyl, Tanya, Carol & gang

Some samples of our work:

(These exact pieces may/may not be at the show!)

Necklace by Tanya Goodwin

Earrings by Tanya Goodwin

Earrings & metal work by Sharyl (Metapolies).
Lampwork beads by Mike Flint, Bagomag.com

Necklace by Sharyl
featuring lampwork beads from many artists.
(My thanks to them all!) 

    

Stained-glass from Bagomag.com!

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Clipart from WPClipart.com

Photos by Artisans featured

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Sharyl McMillian-Nelson

"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

 * * * * * * *

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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BACK2SCHOOL Sale & Give-away!

Back-to-school has always been one of my favorite times of the year!   It's full of new beginnings, new promise, high expectations, and anticipation!  

While the schools in our area started several weeks ago, I know some areas just began this week.   So I'm thinking it's not too late to celebrate with a Back-to-School sale in my Sharyl's Jewelry store on Artfire!  

Everything in the store is on sale for 20% off price shown through Sun. 9/7/14 with code: BACK2SCHOOL

• metal components 
• polymer clay beads 
• jewelry
• even Clearance items!

I'm also giving away a canvas shopping bag!  Check poster below for details!

Sale & give-away applies to Artfire store only, but please visit my Metapolies™ store on Etsy too!

Many thanks and Happy Back-to-School!  Let's celebrate!

~Sharyl

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Graphics:

Book Clipart: http://www.wpclipart.com/education/books/books_1/book_stack.jpg  

Jewelry photos & poster:  Sharyl

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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!

* * * * * 
Graphics:

Store banners by Sharyl.  2014

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

* * * * * 

The Gift of Blarney

And now... on to County Cork, home of ...

That's it, one of the most famous landmarks in Ireland, the Blarney Castle!  (Of course it has quite a history!)

I admit, I wasn't so keen to go to this site, thinking I had read all about it and there would be more interesting sites to see.   WHAT WAS I THINKING?!

There were quaint cafes (which I didn't stop in, but enjoyed from outside)...

The best gift shops we saw the entire time in Europe...

Irish musicians,...

Beautiful grounds with creeks and streams...

The most amazing gardens and trails...

(I think I'll have to do a separate post of the flowers at Blarney!   They were so gorgeous, I took too many to include here!)

And finally, yes, the Blarney Castle itself,... which was MUCH more imposing and impressive than I had ever imagined!

(One of us kissed the Blarney Stone, but it wasn't me!)  

Every step taken leads to another scenic view! 

(Maybe I'll show you some of the fabulous nooks and crannies with the garden photos next time!) 

We all agreed.  There couldn't have been a better way to spend the day!    So glad we went!

Go raibh maith agaibh!  (Thank you!)  Sláinte mhaith! (Good health) 

~Sharyl

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All photos by Sharyl, c. 2014.  

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Sale on all-things-Celtic 

ends Sun, 6/29/14!

Sale prices already marked.  

No coupon code needed!

Click here for Sharyl's Jewelry 

(and components) 

Celtic collection!

Thanks!

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