Yes, I believe I do need sleep!

I'm not a morning person... not on a Wednesday, or a Friday, but really not.so.much on a MONDAY!  That's almost like the good lord sticking his tongue out at me... but not quite.  BUT I'd do anything for my mama... so yesterday morning found me lumbering down the stairs for an extra strong coffee way before the sun came up.  I needed to buzz over to mama's house to puppy sit as she had to go into the hospital for a heart procedure.  So, fuzzy purple pajamas, slippers and a change of clothes for AFTER the sun has risen and I had arrived at my childhood home.  But then I drank a bazillion cups of coffee... which led to no nap in the afternoon - aw shucky darn - so last night about 6:30, the wall became increasingly closer. 

By nine, I was toast!

But good news for mama, the procedure she's undergoing seems to be working.  Sending up love & prayers that it continues to improve and she's feeling like herself by Wednesday.  The heart is such a tricky organ.  Trust me when I say never, ever take your heart for granted... and never ignore warning signs of "not feeling quite right." 

In other updates, we had a fun open house on Sunday despite the weather not cooperating.  It was pouring rain... not just a drizzle, but seriously dumping 5 gallon drums at the exact moment you got out of your car to walk into the house. 

But here's the crowning moment of the weekend...

I had the most amazing experience on my way to the open house Sunday.  I had been feeling punky... for many reasons.  So I figured what the heck, pick up a super.duper.LARGE.mocha.loaded.with.sugar.and.caffeine on my way out to the open house and at least I can fake it that I have a boatload of energy going on.  I ordered one for my and a custom drink for my friend Elaine who was hosting the open house.  

I ordered, and pulled forward eventually getting to the window for my drinks.  The barrista (who looked like a young fabio... beautiful hair, dark and curly, a little long - I swear right out of the Mediterranean) said it me "It's your Lucky Day!"  My quizzical look prompted him to continue.  "The woman in the car in front of you wanted to buy one of your drinks.  So you only owe me $2.06 today."

My response, "Really?  Who was she?  Do I know her?" "Nope, she didn't know you, just wanted to treat you today."

"Oh my, Thank you so much.  I really needed this today."  

After pulling away from the window, I pulled over and broke out in tears.  While I've given many of cups of coffee as a Pay it Forward over the years, or bought a drink for another table at the restaurant, I've never been on the receiving end.  This experience simply melted me.  How the kindness of a complete stranger 100% flipped my day around.  I was so grateful, humbled, inspired and amazed.  Seriously, I had no idea how it felt... and now having experienced it myself will do this again, and again.  It was simply amazing.

So that's my weekend wrap up.  I'll be adding a few new pieces to my Etsy store today, keeping mama in line at the hospital, making sure my papa is behaving himself at home and then working on a few custom orders that I really need to finish. 

Sending you love this morning!  If I could buy you all a cuppa java this morning I would!  'Cuz if you're still reading, I really appreciate it!
{Hugs!}

Prep for an Open House

Look at the sheen on the driveway

This week finds me going over my "Checklist" for my open house.  This Saturday I've been asked over to a friends house to display and sell my jewelry.  I've partnered with her to have an open house before so I'm looking forward to seeing some of her friends again!

As always, I'm tweaking my display, wanting to make maximum best use of the space I have and bring the best of my pieces that will appeal to a diverse audience.

I'm double checking my packaging, business cards and earring cards.

Over the weekend we had a mixed bag of weather... Saturday was sun and blue sky... yesterday rained.all.day!  Which promptly froze last night and I now am the proud owner of a driveway sized ice rink!  There is a beauty in ice however.  It's sparkly and freeform.  Looking out my backdoor, I have this beautiful crab apple tree that is just glistening with ice droplets this morning.  If the sun were to come out it would be breathtaking.  Alas, even under cloudy skies, I see the beauty!  So I wanted to share with you!

Tiny droplets of ice dripping off the branches

I hope you enjoy the day and see beauty in the simple things around you!
{Hugs!}

Open House in Review!

What a wonderful experience I had this weekend for my Holiday Open House.  I spent the last week or two cleaning and prepping my studio and decorating for the holidays.  All the invitations were sent out (I have to say paper invitations in the mail increase your success rate by 10,000% seriously!)

Saturday proved to be cold, windy and raining - BUT - it didn't affect the turn out!  People were to so happy and ready to celebrate and share in the festivities.  We sipped on Hot Sangria.... which was delicious, sampled some Tastefully Simple dips, bread and desserts and feasted on homemade cookies generously baked by my mom.  Thanks Mom!

In addition to my custom designed jewelry, my dear friend Angela was displaying and sampling her Mary Kay products.  The Tastefully Simple was demonstrated by another local business woman Roberta Pollak (FYI I'm closing out my party this week, so if you need to restock your Bacon Bacon or Garlic Garlic - or any other T.S. products, let me know and I'd be happy to put your order in for you).

Finally I had my good friend Stacy Petersen sent up some of her amazing crafts.  Stacy sent ornaments, bookmarks, fabric baskets, brag books... it was like Christmas for me just opening the box!  I put up a great display of all of her crafts and was able to have her here in spirit with me!  People just loved the variety and I think I can speak for all of us that we were all very pleased with the end result.

Angela and I - bff's since we were 14! ♥

The results of the open house were amazing!  It exceeded my expectations and made me even more excited to spread Christmas cheer this holiday season! (For more photos, click this link to my Facebook photo album http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=567622&id=10150114260055133&ref=mf ) And now, I'm headed back to the studio to tidy up and work on some custom orders from over the weekend!  Hope you all have a TERRIFIC week!

{Hugs!}
Dawn

P.S.  If you're wondering where the photos are with all the people... ummm, yeah, I was flapping my jaw and socializing so much I forgot to get the camera out... nice, right?  Silly me...

Counting Down...

As I poured my first cup of coffee this morning and logged onto the computer and Ebay flashes "45 Days until Christmas."  I start to count on my fingers... realizing quickly how much more coffee I'm going to need today.  WOW, only 45 days until Christmas, really?!?!

I absolutely love Christmas.  Partially because I love LOVE... so I get to spread love all over by sending cards, delivering homemade cookies, picking out or creating gifts made specially for that person, and spending time with family.  I love listening to Christmas music, and setting up our nativity set which Chris' mom handmade over 20 years ago... it's absolutely stunning!  Click on the photo of the camel to see the detail.  She used Swarovski Crystals, 14K gold overlay paint and just stunning detail.  I love putting the ornaments on the tree and reminiscing about where this one came from or whom gave me that one. 

But before I get swept away in this winter wonderland of love, I must put the finishing touches on my open house.  This coming Saturday, Nov. 13th from 10:00 - 3 I have tidied up my studio, decorated for the holidays, invited a few friends over that are also in business for themselves and we're opening the doors to help people start their holiday with lots of CHEER! 

In the past, the open houses I've done have always been at a hostess' house.  This will be the first at my own studio.  I'm very much looking forward to it and seeing some people that I didn't get to see over the summer months.  While I finalize all those last minute touches, I'm as busy as Santa's elf hoping to create warm, cozy and fun environment for all who stop by.  I'll post pictures when I've got everything set up and we're all having a grand time!

Make the most of your 45 days... spread love and cheer... and of course, share a smile!
{Hugs!}
~Dawn

P.S.  Yup, that there pendant is a wire wrapped Juls Bead original... and yes, the bead was stunning from the minute I opened the package... So if you like it, let Juls know... she just listed a whole bunch of new pieces.... including some birds!  Tweet Tweet Y'all!  :o)  http://www.etsy.com/shop/Julsbeads

Christmas Gift Giving!

Making a list, and checking it twice... gonna find out who's naughty or nice... and I'm sure you've been very NICE all year, right?  I know you want to be on my Christmas list!  This year for the holidays our goal in gift giving is to support our communities.  The gifts we are looking for are either handcrafted or made by a small business owner.  One of the most fun places to shop that really allows you to see all sorts of artisans and creative work is on Artfire.  You'll find a whole host of gift ideas, at reasonable prices.  The best part is that you know you're helping a family, a community and keeping our country going!

I was recently featured in a collection of great gift ideas on Artfire.  The curator of the collection put together a whole host of ideas that would be perfect and there are various price points to appeal to everybody's budgets.  Have a look-see for yourself!

Great Jewelry gif...

Curated By: lunarskies

Craft Supplies

This post is part of the Holiday Open House Series with the Blogmania 2011 Dream Team.  If you'd like to participate for a chance to win over $2,000 in prizes.... take a look at this!

 

<a border="0" href="http://designsbydawnmarie.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/jacquiblogger/ginaparkerblinky.gif" /> </a> All you need to do is write a post about the holidays and how it pertains to your business, entertaining, family meals, traditions and how you celebrate.

Then, Please ENTER THE DIRECT URL to YOUR Holiday Entertaining post (post must include our giveaway button in it)  in the link up below  for YOUR chance to win the over $2,000 in prizes* - all chosen to make you the Holiday hostess with the MOSTESS!!  Click HERE to see the prize list!

*All links must link directly to a winter/holiday entertaining post. Links to main pages will be deleted. All linked posts must include our giveaway button. Any posts without our button in them will be deleted. Winner will be chosen using random.org. from all eligible (remaining) links and announced on www.parkerpronline.com on Nov. 11, 2010 and winner will also be contacted via comment on winning post.  Winner will then have 72 hours to submit their contact information to blogmaniapr@gmail.com   in order to claim the prize package.  If not claimed, a new winner will be selected from remaining eligible links.

Nothing but Beading Here!

I'm sitting with my foot up and a whole lotta nuttin' but beading going on.  Since I attempted to use my superpowers to walk through a wall on Monday (and trust me, I must not have renewed my contract with SuperPowers R US because they cut me off) and one of my small toes on the right foot has turn oh so many unique colors in the last 48+ hours. 

BUT... if there is a bright side it's that I must sit with the foot elevated which leaves nothing but time for me to bead and create new jewelry!  So that's what I've been up to.  Well, that and lining up a few select friends that also have home businesses to participate in my "Welcome the Holiday" open house I'm having at my place on November 13th.

In lining up my friends I wanted a variety of products so nobody is in direct competition with each other AND of course since we'd be spending a whole day together I wanted fun, loving people.  So we've got my friend Angela, Mary Kay Beauty Consultant coming and a Tastefully Simple Distributor (because every party needs food, right?)  And I'll be working on the invite that will mail out next week. 

I'm having my holiday open house on a Saturday so even those people that work during the week, or are traveling a distance can stop by, do a little holiday shopping and enjoy lots of laughter with other early Christmas Shoppers!

And that means that this darn foot better heal fast because I've got a whole lotta Christmas decorating to do before the 13th!  I've got a tree to put up, stockings to hang and Christmas CDs to dust off!  I know you can't rush healing... but I'm still trying to prod it along a bit. 

Hope your day is full of unicorns & rainbows!
{Hugs!}

~Dawn

P.S. I just purchased this book to spur on some creative ideas that I can use some of my Juls Beads with.  Each of her beads are so beautiful, I thought this would be the perfect way to show them off in style as they should be modeled!  I'm really pleased with the projects and tutorials!  If you're looking to shake up your beading, I'd encourage you to get yourself a JulsBead, check out this book and let your inner wild child design!

Open House Photos

Hey all,
Just a quick post for the afternoon... here's photos from my open house last week.  It was delightful, the hostess had decorated her home so festively for Halloween.  From the pumpkins on the front stoop, to spiderwebs on the grand piano, and garland over the fireplace, it made for a very fun party.

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Here's the gift I made for the hostess...

Silly me, I got so busy chatting and meeting new people, I didn't get a picture of the hostesses together.  But I think you'll get the warm and fuzzies from seeing these pictures.  Thanks again for keeping your eyes on my blog to see what's new in Dawn's world.  I really appreciate your friendship!

{Hugs!}
Dawn

Giving Love

Last week, if you read my post about my October "To Do" list, you'll know I haven't fallen off the face of the earth... but rather it's been a really good, busy few weeks here.  I wanted to share with you a moment last week that just makes me glow.  My mission in life is to spread love and happiness.

For the Open House I did at a friends house last week, I always make a special little something to say "Thank you for sharing my jewelry with your friends."  Well at this particular party, there were two hostesses and they invited both of their circles of friends.  As a showing for my appreciation I made them each a bracelet - different and representing each of their personalities.  Upon opening their gifts together, I hear a squeal and "Oh my gosh - it's so beautiful... Look, I have goosebumps!" 

Just being me, those moments are what I live for.  This was of course followed with big hugs and happy dances all around.  I appreciate it so very much when people believe in me enough, and love my designs enough to want to share me with their friends.  It's a personal referral that means the most to my heart!

I'll get pictures of my open house and such posted after I get them off my camera.  I also received the most amazing two packages last week from my friends which I can't wait to share with you as well.  I've got so much to say, but first, I must get my fur babies out for a walk.  They are both giving me that look - and if you have fur babies, you know the look I'm talking about! :)  Of course they get cookies when we get back and I just might dive into a piece of leftover birthday cake from our party yesterday... just maybe!

Make it a terrific day!
Hugs!

Dawn

October... did you knock before you entered?

Holy Jeepers... seriously, all of a sudden October is here!  It seems to have snuck in sometime after I went to bed last week and now... Monday and *BAM* we're smack dab in the middle of it!

What does October mean for me?
* An early Holiday Open House
* My Sweetheart's Birthday
* My Mom's Birthday, Mother-in-Law & nephew's b-days too
** Holy Cow... I did say Open House - as in THIS Thursday!

Yikes!

I'm in super hero mode as we speak.  Finishing some more wire crochet pieces as those were really popular at my last open house.  Bringing in a few elegant pieces that will be perfect for holiday parties.  And laying out the one of a kind piece for my giveaway... yes, that's right!  All open house attendees are eligible to win a piece of custom designed jewelry!  Plus over the weekend I finished the jewelry for a very special bride.  I'll ask her permission to share pictures first... but I have to say, I just LOVE creating bridal jewelry!  :)

So that's what my crazy week looks like.  Can I just say... I absolutely love it?  I feel so blessed to be so very busy!  Hope your week is as promising as mine is too!

{Hugs!}

Open House Tips

Hope your holiday weekend was wonderful!  I was finishing up my paperwork from the Open House I did early last week and wanted to share with you a few tips that really helped me.  I could write a novel, but that would be WAYYYYYY to long to read today.  But here's a few important points that I used to get ready.

1. Display in Levels - It's really nice for some things to be displayed on a higher level so everything is not on one flat surface.  I used a few priority mail boxes with a secondary table cloth to create height and dimension.  I also practiced setting up my display the day before.  This gave me a chance to see how things look on my easel stands and my jewelry trees.  It also gives you a good idea how long it will take you to set up.

2.  Promo Materials - Make sure you have plenty of business cards or fliers that have your contact information on so people can get in touch with you after the open house is over. 

3.  Payment - decide what forms of payment you will accept.  Create a tent card that says: "Payment Accepted:  Cash, Check, Charge" or whichever you decide.  If you're at a house party where you know the hostess well like I was this time, I chose to accept personal checks.  But if I was at a craft show or art fair where I received a large amount of unknown traffic I would not have accepted personal checks.  Whichever you choose is a personal choice.

4.  Receipts - have some form of receipt to give your paying customers.  It makes you look more professional and helps you later with your inventory updating.  I purchased a simple carbon copy receipt book at our local office supply store and it worked perfect!

5.  Custom Orders & Referrals - One of the areas I specialize in is jewelry for bridesmaids and other custom orders.  Obviously, if someone is ordering something custom, it's probably been shipped.  I happened to have a few custom orders that were waiting to be shipped (I had asked the buyers permission if I could hang onto them to display at my open house) and I displayed them with a SOLD sign.  It also said custom orders welcome and I listed several points where custom orders would be perfect: weddings, prom, Mother's Day, Christmas, etc.

6.  Partner with a Complimentary Distributor - the open house I was at was hosted by a very good friend that is a distributor for the Miche Bag purse system.  She was displaying her new styles for fall and the holidays.  Purses & jewelry are complimentary products for women so it worked out really well.  Plus when you're partnering with someone, introductions are easier, and your turn out will be bigger because you both will promote the event and your guest list will be larger.

Sold Display & Custom Orders

Like I said, this is just a few points and I have oh, so many more.  I'll be sharing those soon.  The message I want to leave you with is this:  If you have an opportunity to have a live show or open house, EMBRACE it!  Pictures can only show so much.  When people can touch and feel your designs in person, or try it on to see how a piece looks on them, they feel much more confident in the decision to purchase.  And just by having conversation with your guests and customers, you never know the referrals you will get!

Open House Tomorrow

I've been busy as a little bee here in WI.  Buzzing around, tying up loose ends, putting up my table, re-arranging, trying different things and creating special designs that are going to be debuted live & in person at my first Open House - TOMORROW!  I'm extremely excited and very greatful to my friend Carol for asking me to be part of the open house. 

While I don't strive for perfection most of the time I think I'm almost ready!  YEAH!  I've made sure all of my designs are well labeled so people know what quality materials I use and the size of the necklaces, bracelets & anklets.  With people starting their Christmas shopping, I think that knowing sizes of things really helps people to have an easier time buying jewelry as a gift.

I can't wait to meet new people from my area, and see some that I haven't seen for a while!  Should be a grand time and I'm looking forward to sharing my custom designs with an audience that has yet to experience Designs by Dawn Marie!

Wish me luck!
{Hugs!}

Open House

Dearest Jewelry Designers and Crafty Creative friends... I'm seeking a bit of advice and your opinions. 

I've just been approached about sharing my jewelry at an open house a good friend is having.  She has a home business as well, so rather than doing a "formal" party, she's going to host guests "Open House" style so people can come and go as their schedules allow. 

She knows I've primarily been working with custom orders and customers from all over the globe and so kindly offered to have me join her to introduce my jewelry to local friends.  I'm excited... have some butterflies and that's why I come to you.

My question is display related.  I have some "props" that I use in my photos and for my own hanging jewelry.  The party is indoors, so I don't have to worry about windy or rainy weather.  (thank goodness.)  If you could share a tip or two on what you find most important/helpful when displaying your pieces at home parties, craft shows, art fairs, etc. I would greatly appreciate it.  How do you display your wears?

It's my first go-round offering my jewelry on display for a live show... I can't wait.  I appreciate your feedback in advance!  You are the best!

{Hugs!}
~Dawn