Well, I spend a lot of time lately on eBay. And then, I realized, I lost out on a bunch of money (well, not a bunch, but probably about $5 or so), because I did not log into my Mr.Rebates account before bidding on eBay.
Mr. Rebates gives you money back when you shop, at a lot of different stores...but in my case, I am penny'ing and nickel'ing them to death, as I am buying items that are giving me back sometimes as low as 1 - 3 cents...sometimes as "high" as 81 cents (oooooh, big spender here!). But, it does add up!
Now, the advantage is, when I signed up, I got a $5 bonus for being new, not sure if you can still do that, but...and you can cash out when you reach $10. I just did $11...not too shabby, for doing what I am doing anyway.
Stop by, and click Mr. Rebates to join up!
Friday, August 13, 2010
One way to earn a little cash
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Trading Circle Traveling Box
I am sitting in the hospital, again, for the 2d time this week. The first time was Wed - Sat for bilateral pulmonary embolisms. Went back in Monday night for mild pneumonia, related to the first visit.
So...while I am sitting here, I came up with an idea. I am hoping perhaps some people might be interested in this.
In the past, I participated in a type of traveling box...I started it, by putting in items (and an approximate value), and mailed it to the next person, who took out some things that they wanted, and added more in. It was interesting to see what came through...it got lost after it reached me...but I was happy to see what came back through, and a few disappointments (it was kinda open ended, and child;s pony beads came back, but others might have wanted/needed them. However, I got a nice polymer clay face, and a wire twister brand new in it....so it "balanced").
What I would like to do, is an "earring party" type trading circle box. I make primarily earrings, and tend to use only 2 or 4 of a bead in earrings. I know I would love to have some small amounts, to make more unique types, and/or try some new stones/etc.
I am not going to set rules yet, because I would like to get a group together, and have people suggest. But I do have a minor "set" in mind, I would like to list here...subject to change, but gives us a starting point.
1. 6 people. This box does take a bit to go around, so I would like to limit. If I get enough people, I might start 2 boxes, with 2 seperate groups (yes, I get to be greedy and participate in both). Since this isn't truly through a group or forum, I would like to request that there be some history of the people...i.e. showing posts on etsy/artfire (although I don't belong there) or facebook (with a fan page), etc...I realize that even that is not a guarantee, but I think we could get a fair group going.
2. I will start out the box with 10 baggies. I would like to set a minimum price per bag...we will discuss that. somehow, $5 per bag sounds a bit much, but perhaps not (the clay face I believe was a $13 value). I would like to discuss what in each bag. If a semi-unique cut (i.e. heart-shaped hematite, rondelles of lapis, coins of citrine), then 2 to a bag or so...if it is just "basics", i.e. 4 and 6mm rounds of aventurine), then the bag must contain an amount to reach the minimum.
3. Should we put a maximum? i.e. you can only trade 3 bags, so that there is a variety for the next person? I will start it out with 10, but if you wish to add one or two more, to make the bag more variety, I think that would be good.
4. I think that there should be a time limit, of course, of sending this on. I would like to say try to do it within 3 days, but we know how RL is, so no more than a max of one week, to send it back out. If you cannot figure out a trade in that time, then send the box on, and you will get to look the next time. Also, if you realize you cannot accept the box on your turn (i.e. vacation, money went poof, etc) let us know in time, so we can send it to the next person, and either substitute someone for you, or add you back to the rotation when you can.
5. Do we want to limit it to just stones? Glass/swarovski/swarovski pearls could be good additions, but we know quality, and perceived value. Also, do we want to add findings? I have like 1 inch headpins I may never use, and could add those...
As I write this, I think, perhaps just make it a traveling box, not a "earrings only"...because I have things I won't ever use, Czech glass, etc, and could make some nice baggies. Or like some single drilled amenome half-shell fossil beads, I would put like 1 or 2 in ...makes great necklaces!
Things to consider:
What if someone puts in junk...how do we deal with that? Or overvalues something? One man's meat...but we all kinda know how much swarovskis are, but do we count wholesale? retail?
How do we "end" the box? How many rotations? What if someone wants to join? (I think it would be good to share within your city, as long as you are responsible for quality and sending it off at the end, like I would show my best friend, and she would trade, but I would check to make sure that she didn't trade a $1 item for a $20.
"how to" on the bag -- name, email, item description, qty, approx value.
and what about a "surprise gift" for the next person? little gift wrap, with something special. We can list things about the person in the forum/blog/whatever we post the details to (i.e. I prefer sterling silver, 6 inch wrist, make primarily earrings, allergic to x (not allergic, but gives the idea), color preference is...so that the person before me might see it, and make a pair of earrigns, or wirewrap, or send me wire, because i said i was interested in learning...that kind of thing.
And if this happens, I will state the obvious...not to put in what you can't afford to lose. So...if you join, and you put in items, and they never come back to you...don't put in $50 if you can't afford to let that go to the fates.
These are ideas, and obviously would be ironed out before the box went out. But i would like to get this settled. so that the first round, and maybe the 2d could be finished by christmas.
Long winded, but when you are in the hospital, not much else to do. Can't guarantee this will happen...but just an idea to discuss!
you can discuss in comments here/sign up, or you can email me at kittyn.twins@yahoo.com
Help?
Alright...I imported my wordpress into blogger. I have found out that blogger doesn't automatically change the size of the pictures, that I know of. Does anyone know how? or do I have to go into each post, and change the HTML to adjust the size?
Thanks!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Pretty of the Day -- 7/25
I found this today, in a forum thread, where the person states she might be closing her shop. One of the main suggestions of the thread was, Raise Your Prices. I know this is a problem that most people have, is finding a good price point. I do agree, after looking through the items. Although they are not in a price range that I can afford, I believe that they are on the low end of the spectrum that she needs to charge. I believe that each item could have $5-10 added, and no one would blink an eye.
This outfit has a very classic line...50's? She has some absolutely beautiful details to this dress, from the selection of the material, to the piping around the edges. And the ruffles that she has added, just draws your eyes. Sadly, I could not wear this, as I do not have a shape that would work with that dress, even if she were to custom make it in my size. But I can dream...and draw it to your eyes!
Dahlia Dress:
And another one, just because:
2 new listings today!
2 beautiful bracelets are what I got entered today. Both are elegant, and both have their points. However, I see "Revolution" as a more classic beauty, that you could wear it daily with office wear, for a bit of splash of color. "Deep Blue Allure" is the opposite, pure nightlife. I imagine it on the gambler's wrist, as she walks through the Casino, or the blond with an almost-nothing sequined sapphire dress, as she is let in to the nightclub.
Deep Blue Allure:
Revolution:
Show me some Violet Treasury
I found out today, that I am in a treasury! It's called "show me some violet love" and was created by jacarandawood. Didn't she select a beautiful assortment?
Show me some violet love! treasury link.
Sadly, I don't know how to do one of the screen captures to place it on here, so I will post the item that got me on there:
Friday, July 23, 2010
New Items! 7/23
Okay, I have been posting a few items, despite my severe back pain, and having to take percocet. Trying to make entries on Percocet is fun!!! Colors go wayyyy fun. *laughs*
Anyway, I have posted 4 pair of earrings today, and renewed 2. These are some beauties, and I hope that you like them!
Vibrant Pink Earrings!
Golden Beauty Earrings!
Petite Pleasures Earrings
Peachy Guardian Angel Earrings
And "golden oldies" of my Etsy shop:
Roses and Pearls Earrings
Evening Light Smoky Quartz Earrings
Pretty of the Day -- 7/23
Okay, I never wear scarves. I don't have the clothing for it. But I am finding myself drawn to them.
Look at this one...I love the combination of colors, and textures. This is a beautiful example of hand-craft! A way bit out of my price range...but such a beauty!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Pretty of the day -- 7/21
I was bouncing around yesterday, and I found this piece of art. Interesting, but cute at the same time!
Who would have thought cardboard could be art?
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Joke -- An Old Man's Good Time
The jeweler looked through his stock and brought out a $5,000 ring and showed it to him. The old man said, "I don't think you understand, I want something very special."
At that statement, the jeweler went to his special stock and brought another ring over. "Here's a stunning ring at only $40,000," the jeweler said.
The young lady's eyes sparkled and her whole body trembled
with excitement. The old man seeing this said, "We'll take it."
The jeweler asked how payment would be made and the old man stated, by check. " I know you need to make sure my check is good, so I'll write it now and you can call the bank Monday to verify the funds and I'll pick the ring up Monday afternoon," he said.
Monday morning, a very teed-off jeweler phoned the old man.
"There's no money in that account."
"I know", said the old man, "but can you imagine the weekend I had?".
Surprise Find! -- Crying Baby Doll
Wow! Wasn't going to post more today, but when I saw this, I just *had* to post it!
The detail is amazing..it is a beautiful doll, that you can tell is created with love.
If I did a doll collection, this would definitely be in it! That is some great detail!
Pretty of the Day -- July 20
Okay, something else I am trying. I know it won't be every day, but I hope that I will keep this up. *smiles*
I found this today, just wandering etsy (actually, I think I clicked on an ad from Craftcult.com)...isn't this a beautiful shawl?
So very light and airy:
http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.139837946.jpg
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Surprise Find -- A Shop I like!
Okay, perhaps this might become a semi-regular "chapter" to this blog, I am not sure. I see lots of beautiful items, but rarely do I see a shop with items this beautiful! Okay...I do run across them. But sometimes, something just grabs you. And this time, I have to I ran across this etsy site today, and I can only say, WOW.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/51769431/master-piece
I think this person creates gorgeous items ... for WAY too cheap! I think the stores here in LV would buy it, and sell each of these for anywhere from 4-6 times the amount. I don't wear bold items...and I would be so tempted with several of these.
Oh, if only I could find a magical fairy to supply me with jewels at cost, or near...*laughs* But I will take a magical fairy that will get me one of these beauties!
Heck! You could just about buy the necklaces, just for the supplies! Look at this:
or this one...a Turquoise necklace? at this price?
And I really like this one with the stripes and variegations of the stones.
Okay, I am going back to drooling. And wishing!
Joke -- The Cheap Ring
A young woman walked into a jeweller first thing one Monday morning, handed a large impressive solitaire ring to the owner, and asked could he "just tell her whether this is a real diamond or not, and is it worth having valued" as a very good friend had given it to her over the weekend. The jeweller could tell without from a distance that it was only in a cheap 9 carat gold mount, and a quick look using an eyeglass not only confirmed this, having a "375" hallmark, but also revealed a "C.Z." stamp, so was undoubtedly a cubic zirconia.
The jeweller relayed his opinion to the "customer", who promptly burst out into tears, wailing, gnashing of teeth, and other hysterical behaviour. After five minutes she had recovered her composure sufficiently to further quiz the jeweller, "How can you be so sure after such a brief look, you haven't even tested the stone", she said accusingly. "Madam, from years of experience, I can tell diamonds from fakes without using a diamond tester, they are only used by amateurs, it is only in a 9 carat mount, and nobody in their right mind would set a high quality 4 carat diamond in such a cheap mount, it's also stamped C.Z. inside the shank, so please do not call my expertise into question, especially when I am giving you free advice", replied the long-suffering jeweller. At this the woman burst back into uncontrollable sobbing, and it took several minutes before the jeweller could manage to communicate with her. "Well, dear, don't get so upset. As you were given it, you haven't suffered any financial loss. If this were a real diamond ring it would be worth £40,000 or more, at least you haven't bought it on ebay for £20,000; if you had I could quite understand you being so upset, but as it was only a gift, then really you have not lost anything," he tried to console her.
At this point she snatched the ring from his hand, and snarled "You clearly don't understand the seriousness of the situation! I insist you call the police immediately."
"Why?", said the puzzled jeweller.
Isn't it obvious?, said the woman, "I've been raped!"
Saturday, July 17, 2010
A few of the new items for 7/18!
I entered some beauties in my shop...I topped 100 entries!!! Am so happy!
I think this is my favorite of today's postings:
You can find it for sale here: After Midnight
This bracelet just drips with bali silver!
Mystic Reflections
These earrings are nice, but not for the sensitive ear type...great to make a statement, though...and you won't forget you are wearing them!
Cloudy Skies
Joke -- The Deposit
Judi was walking by the jewelry store one day in the midtown mall. She saw a diamond bracelet that she really liked. In the store she went.
“Excuse me,” she said to the sales lady behind the counter, “Will a small deposit hold that bracelet until my husband does something unforgivable?”
Friday, July 16, 2010
Joke -- The Gold Earrings
Okay...this was so funny, I had to share!
Dianne goes to the doctor, and says, "Doctor, I've got a bit of a problem. I'll have to take my clothes off to show you."
The doctor tells her to go behind the screen and disrobe. She does so, and the doctor goes round to see her when she is ready.
"Well, what is it?" he asks.
"It's a bit embarrassing," she replies. "These two green circles have appeared on the inside of my thighs."
The doctor examines her and finally admits he has no idea what the cause is. Then he suddenly asks, "Is your boyfriend a Harley rider?"
The woman blushes and says, "Well, actually he is."
"That's the problem," the doctor says. "Tell him his earrings aren't real gold."
Garden Light -- Swarovski Crystal and Swarovski Pearl Earrings
Mmmm. Aren't these luscious? Newest post today!
One of my posts today for July 16, 2010.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
5 and under club revisited
It's time for a new edition of the 5 and under club! These are sellers on Etsy that have BEEEYUUUUTIFUL items, but 5 sales or under. These had items that caught my eye, and so I put them out there for people to check out.
Sadly, I am still a member of this club, having sold my 2d item today. So...you will see one of my items on there, until I make my 5 sales. *laughs*
So, here we go!!!
Large Sterling Silver Leaf Pendant
Vintage Look Green Chair
Blue Moon Textile Art
Gallery Silver Earrings
Abalone Palm Gem Tree
Autumn Chimes Bali Silver Earrings
Thursday, April 29, 2010
New Twitter Doorstep for April 29, 2010
It's been a week. Work and other distractions...bleh. Anyway, lots of pretties, and I have more saved up for the next one! (hopefully tomorrow!)
here's the link, I hope that you like it!
April 29th
Contest -- Create a Banner!
I am looking for a banner for my Etsy page (and an avatar, but this isn't necessary). So I thought I would open a contest for this. This allows amateurs as well as professionals to have fun with design elements, and perhaps gives me an alternate idea, other than the tracks I tend to follow in.
Prize will be any pair of earrings that I have listed on Etsy at the time of the contest closing, or a gift certificate for $15 for later purchase. This will include free shipping.
If you would like ideas of what I tend to be drawn towards, I will post some ideas of colors/patterns/etc here, but don't feel limited by them, as I *am* a female, and am allowed to change my mind at any moment. *grins*
Contest ends May 15. I may put entries up for a vote, unless one just really strikes me. To submit, you can email the jpg/gif to kittyn.twins@yahoo.com or etsy me at treasuredlilydesigns. I will post all of the submissions later in a seperate post(s) so you can see the wonderful work!
Some ideas of colors/patterns/etc are below, have fun! (please do not copy any of these great artist's works, they are just ideas that i like!)
Mary
Pink business card design
Brownish business card design
Merrimask Banner
Rose Banner
Left side of these
Colors and Concept, just not quite so...frilly and hard to read?
Love the green/gold
Soft and beautiful
Love the font in this one
interesting business card
I know, I know, probably too much info. But....I hope something comes from this!
Edit May 8, 2010:
Additional information...my shop is http://www.treasuredlilydesigns.etsy.com ... you are more than welcome to use any of the photographs that I have in my ads. *smiles*
Edit May 17, 2010
Sadly, there were no winners. No one submitted a banner for this contest. Thank you, for all who looked!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
New Members to "The Club"
Although it's a dubious honor, I am highlighting more items that I have found. These people have GREAT items, yet only have 5 sales or under. Most of the time, this is from being new, and so just need a little bit of a helping hand.
Me? I am still part of this club...so yes, I am "cheating" and tucking an item or two in here, also...*laughs* But still...look at these beautiful items! Don't you agree?
Miss Prim and Proper Victorian Choker
100 Page Handmade Notebook with Green Cover
Leaf Necklace OOAK in Green on Crochet Brown Thread
Paper Collage of Blue Lizard Galaxy
Solvang Dutch Blue and Butterscotch Necklace
My First Post on Etsy - Flight of Fancy Earrings
Thursday, April 22, 2010
5 sales and under club
I decided today to take a look around, and see what shops are in Etsy, wonderful items, yet have 5 sales and under. Sadly, I do belong to this club, and so have to "nominate" myself as well as the others I am about to post.
I hope that you like the items I found, and perhaps give them some love, either by visits or sales.
Cute little Minny-Pinny
Vermeil Disc and Turquoise Slices Earrings
Circles Ring
Rattan and Turquoise Earrings
English Rose Clutch Bag
3/4 inch 19mm Zebrawood Plugs
Twitter Doorstep List for April 22
I was hurting yesterday after work, and was unable to make a posting...I know I didn't promise that this would be an everyday thing...but it's such a labor of love, to discover lots of pretties, I still went to bed feeling a little guilty.
Anyway, here's the lovelies for today: http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4bd0d74aef816d91527442be
There's quite a selection of artwork today, I think...I believe that it's coming from a want to finally put up pictures in the house we rent...perhaps someday.
And I have to admit...as lovely as that Cha-Cha dress is...I couldn't wear it. A size 22 would not fit into a small. But i can dream, yes? And if it did show up...well, it might inspire me to lose weight. *laughs* okay, i can dream...again.
Lots of creativity today, also, in artistry, from the inspiration cards, to the "Sleep to Dream" picture. And even the gift tag...a lot of "elements" drawn together to make a whole. I envy those who are able to do this...*eyes her box of scrapbook supplies, wondering if she can start ATCing again...*
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Spring Kissed Me Bang!
Sometimes the comments that people send just make you feel good. I came home today, sore, aggravated, and ...well, perhaps not aggravated but i had reached my tolerance level, both physical and mental. Was just....sore. And I came home, and got to read a few people sending me a specific "I like these earrings" email. It's uplifting...even if I am not getting sales, just positive feedback is wonderful!
The earrings? here:
And the quote? I loved it!
"I stuck my head out the window this morning and
spring kissed me bang in the face. "
~~Langston Hughes
A new post for Tuesday
I just got home from work, and am very tired. I wanted to get this post done, both the Treasury, and adding it to my blog. I love finding the lovelies on Twitter, and following leads (if that one isn't "the one"...is the next one the one I like?)
I must admit...the tourmalated quartz (I know I spelled that wrong) is not a Twitter find, though. I saw it featured on the front page of Etsy...and liked it. So...i cheated. *giggles*
Here's the link...hope you like these finds as well! http://www.etsy.com/treasury/6c85ea1d659ace4bd2469e00
Monday, April 19, 2010
Today's Twitter Doorstep
Don't wanna lose today's to history, so here's the link!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/7285ea1d9009cd4b72fe1b00/my-twitter-doorstep-list---april-19-2010
These are all so beautiful, but if I had to choose just one, it would be the handblown art glass flower, with the journal being a VERY VERY close second!
*sighs* sooon....sooon.
Welcome to Treasured Lily Designs!
Hi! Wow...first post. Not a lot of time, I wanted a place to start posting my daily (well, not totally daily, but when I can do it) Etsy Treasuries that I have made. I have made many friends on Twitter since Friday, and have discovered such beautiful products, that I wanted to showcase them. And so they aren't lost to history, and lost bookmarks, I wanted to set them up here, for people to discover in the future.
Anyway, I am Mary Wright, owner of Treasured Lily Designs. And if the business name sounds familiar, yes, I am Kittyn Fuhr on Second Life, owner of Treasured Lily Designs on there, also. (Treasured Lily Designs on Second Life is virtual medieval-style furniture shop.) To find my jewelry, you can find me on etsy here: http://www.treasuredlilydesigns.etsy.com ... I would love you to stop by!
And if you live in Las Vegas...well, I am looking to make friends here! You can send a message, I would love to meet!
Alright...time to start taking pictures of more jewelry, and get better pics of the jewelry I already have displayed, so I should run. Send me a note, or leave me a comment! Might take me a bit to get back, since I work randomly (sometimes full days, sometimes 1 hour), but I love to talk!
And here's the Doorstep Post from yesterday: http://www.etsy.com/treasury/e085ea1d4496cb4b558e9800/my-twitter-doorstep-list----april-18-2010
