My LUXE Shop

Prices Changes & New Necklace Designs Unveiled!!

2012-01-15T08:50:00.000-08:00

I have this wonderful opportunity to sell my products through a big name salon on Friday, January 20th. The salon is Warren Tricomi. I had never heard of them before, but after I told my friend, Ashley where the trunk show was being held, she gasped at the stroke of luck I had been dealt. Here's the deal.....I get to sell my products at their salon for the day, but they get 50% of my sales. That means if I stand a chance of turning a profit, I have to increase my prices.

Up until this week, I didn't see my products as terribly inexpensive.....in fact I've had a hard time justifying charging as much as I do. Fact is, my prices are wholesale as they are. They only factor in cost of materials and the time I spend in creation. To be retail, I need to double that price. This way I can offer wholesale pricing to future vendors and not feel like I'm losing money.

And honestly, my products are well made and I'm always thinking of ways to tweak the designs so it's better for future buyers. I never understood how Chan Luu bracelets could cost $300 or more, but now I get it. Her wholesale price is probably not much different from mine.

So, as of January 20th, my prices in my Etsy shop will reflect a retail mark up. If you have had your eye on something, buy it between now and then.

Now for the New Necklaces.....drum roll please....da,da,da,da,da,da,da,da

Loving these: Versatile and stylish. You can't go wrong!!!

Convertible necklaces that can be worn short or long. Attach the toggle for short, detach for long.

Now for the other style: Gorgeous, simple.

These are so pretty and so simple. Just tie them around your neck and go. The clusters of gemstones will prevent the necklace from coming untied.

Here's another style that is also a gemstone chain, but without clusters. It's longer, so it can go around your neck several times, but you decide the look you want.

I still need to list on Etsy, but the shorter necklaces will be priced at around $100 and the long chains will be around $200.

Thanks for reading.

Until next time.....

Kristen

New Designs Are In The Works!!!

2011-12-23T13:08:00.000-08:00

2011 has been a year of self discovery. A year where I've had to turn inward and really explore the different facets of myself and what truly resonates with my heart. My newest designs are highly reflective of that journey and what I've been creating is finally an honest representation of who I am.

My new designs will be launched on my Etsy site between January 1st and January 5th. As usual, I will be incorporating sparkle into my jewelry designs. These pieces are versatile and are elegant, but can also be worn with your favorite jeans. My offerings will be narrowed down to one style of bracelet, two styles of necklaces and two styles of earrings.

The earring wires are shaped by hand. There are no pre-fab structures at work here.
Here's a few shots of the earrings to come.

The bracelets will be Chan Luu style wrap bracelets with my own sparkly twist on the design. Bracelet size will range from 1x wrap to 5x wrap. Custom orders are always welcome. Here's a preview.

Necklaces will be the surprise. Versatile, fun and beautiful. I hope you like what's in store.

OH, by the way, I'm having a SLASH & BURN SALE in my Etsy shop to clear out the old designs to make room for the new. Go to the sale bin in my shop and scoop up great products at unbelievably low prices.
Have a wonderful holiday and a fabulous New Year!!!

Thanks for reading.

Kristen

Meditative Beading

2011-04-02T07:18:00.000-07:00

I have been perfecting the art of wrap bracelets since my last post. As you can see in my Etsy shop, they have improved! In fact, I made the Sparkly one for myself and wore it to yoga class and got four orders right away!

I continue to make these bracelets and just love them! Even the process of making them is so meditative. I put on some good music and find my groove. I'm now able to produce a 4x around wrap bracelet (with 4mm beads) in about 4 hours. Once or twice around may take me 1 to 1.5 hours to create. So I've gotten much more efficient! The size of the beads largely dictates how long it takes to make a bracelet.

The material I use to string the beads on has changed as well. I'm no longer using hemp to string the beads on as it just got so fuzzy and messy looking. Silk cord as well would do the same thing.....even if I waxed it beforehand. So I found a really super strong product that hasn't let me down yet. The only drawback is that it doesn't come in a wide range of colors. There's also another product I have found that works just as well. It too is super strong and it comes in many more colors.

Here's a few examples of my latest works that are not posted on Etsy. Loved this one so much I had to keep it for myself, plus I had made it too small for any other wrist but my own. Clean lines and small beads give it a very delicate and minimal look. Just created a few days go, not listed yet, but will be. The first in a line of 1x around wrap bracelets that boast chunkier beads and metal accents.

This bracelet was a commissioned piece by a fellow yogi who loves Chan Luu bracelets, but hates the price, so I created my interpretation of the piece using amazonite beads and faceted czech glass beads plated in 24 karat gold.

Please be sure to check out my shop regularly as I have been adding lots of new product lately. The change in seasons from winter to spring always brings about a creative surge. You can also follow me on Twitter for the latest updates http://twitter.com/#!/LUXELutherYOGA .

Feeling the pull to create something beautiful!

Until next time....

Thanks for reading!

Kristen

I'm Baaaaaaaack!!!!

2010-09-06T12:18:00.000-07:00

After a VERY long bit of time off, I have returned with some fresh, new, handmade items for sale. While going through my yoga teacher training, I was captivated by a particular style of bracelet that so many people were wearing.......and get this; they were spending upwards of $300 on one of these bracelets!!! The very frugal shopper in me said that was ridiculous and swore that I would learn how to make this type of bracelet or just find it really inexpensively elsewhere.

The type of bracelet I'm talking about are the leather wrap bracelets that essentially weave beads into the design. They are very cool looking and super comfortable to wear......a perfect yoga accessory! Here's an example of what I'm referring to.

I just love the look of these bracelets, but seriously, how much money does it really cost to make one of these to justify a price tag of $300???!!!! Well, I decided to find out.

I marched myself to the craft store, picked up some leather cord, hemp thread/cord, silk cord, beads and buttons. All of which maybe cost me about $20. I got to work trying to figure out how to marry the components together and make it look like all those fabulous bracelets I'd already seen. My first few attempts were pretty good, but I wasn't satisfied.....the weave wasn't tight enough! As I continued to toy with my latest crafting endeavor I realized the justification for the steep price tag.........these bracelets take FOREVER to make. A bracelet that wraps around twice, can take as long as 3 hours to make! I have made only two bracelets that wrap around 5 times and they took me about 2 days to complete. Next time I'll log exactly how many hours the really long ones take, but it takes a long time! And as we've all been told, time is money.

Here are some examples of my latest creations that you can purchase on Etsy.

Not bad, but I need to figure out how to use the silk cord I picked up instead of the hemp. It lays flatter and doesn't fuzz with wear. I'm sure there is a trick that makes the silk cord easier to use, but I'm not sure what it is yet. I'm sure I'll figure it out......I figured out how to make these bracelets all by myself, didn't I? Yes, I did! In time, the answer will come and maybe one of my fellow Etsian's will clue me in.

Until next time......

Thanks for reading!

Kristen

Hiatus

2010-04-16T04:53:00.001-07:00

As I'm sure anyone can tell from my lack of posting that I've pretty much taken some time off to focus my attention on other things. I'm currently getting 200 hour certified in yoga and simply have no time to create much of anything or even update my shop. Sorry.

I did create a bunch of new inventory prior to the start of my training, however between the amount of time it takes to get decent photos, uploading and resizing and then composing something catchy about my products......a whole day is spent. Mind you, it's always time well spent and I look forward to diving back in once I've completed my studies.

For the time being, here are some previews of what I've been working on. They won't be posted to Etsy for a while, but at least you know what's going to be available.

Until next time.....

Thanks for reading!

Kristen

Addicted to Beading

2010-01-26T18:56:00.001-08:00

I told myself a LONG time ago that no matter what, I would NEVER become addicted to beading. I thought it was really strange that there were actually people who liked to sit there and bead.....for HOURS.....and they had massive collections of beads and findings and all the things that go along with the hobby of beading.

Nope....it wouldn't be me.....not a chance. I'm not going to be sucked in by a bead or two.

Then it happened. I was in the craft store one day looking for ribbons and charms for my bookmarks and was caught off guard by some silver doughnut beads. I pictured something crystaline suspended in the center of those beads and thought it might look nice. I refused to buy beading wire and crimp tubes, because they require tools. Nope, I went for clear elastic cord and found some clear pink glass cubes to be suspended. I bought my stash and took it home. The rest is history.

I still create the same basic bracelet I started with, just with different beads in the center. It's always been a big hit with those who come across the bracelets. As far as my bead stash, I have two HUGE bead organizers; each with 5 boxes FULL of beads.....and the collection keeps growing.

Ebay and Etsy have been my best friends for supplies. Oh what I wouldn't be able to do without them!!!! And to think that I never pictured myself a beadaholic. Crazy.

Until next time......

Thanks for reading!!!

Kristen

LUXE Luther Creations Fundraiser Catalog

2009-09-28T08:33:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone. It's been a while since I last posted. Apologies. I've been a bit sidetracked with the fundraiser catalog that I've been putting together for an Irish Dance Class that needs to raise money to get themselves to Ireland in 2011.

It is such an honor that to be asked to do this. My neighbor's daughter is in the Irish Dance class and all the girls are super talented. It's amazing to watch them dance! The speed and agility with which they dance is incredible!

I have hand selected some of my favorite pieces from my collection as well as create a few new ones for the catalog. Several of the pieces have an Irish theme as it is for an Irish Dance Class. It was only fitting to include those pieces. I love the Irish culture and the myth and lore that surrounds it as well.

In addition to the catalog, I have created an online shop on Etsy where customers can order the fundraiser items of their choice. Here is the link: http://www.mulkerins.etsy.com/

Here is a preview of some of what you will find in the catalog:

Wow! It's been a while!

2009-07-06T09:13:00.000-07:00

I really need to update this!

Here's the latest......I hosted a LUXE Luther Jewelry party on June 25th and had a pretty good turn out and sold lots of stuff.....many of my newer designs! Here are some pictures from the party!

I decked out the backyard with paper lanterns and arranged seating areas with small tables, candles and even a table lamp.

Foodies included veggies and dip, cheeses and meats along with figs, grapes and yogurt covered pretzels. Oh, and of course LOTS of wine!

Here we have one of two jewelry tables with assorted necklaces and bracelets. I didn't have an earring tree, so I used my fireplace screen as a place to hang earrings. It worked out beautifully!

Here is the second jewelry table with some of my newer designs featured on it. Long link necklaces, twisted strands of pearls and yoga inspired necklaces.

We all had such a great time! The backyard came out exactly as I envisioned it and the weather couldn't have been more PERFECT.......that too was just as I had envisioned it!

Until next time.....

Thanks for reading!

Kristen

Oh Boy.....a trip to the craft store is in the VERY near future!

2009-06-20T05:22:00.000-07:00

Uh oh, I have to go to the craft store to pick up some supplies for a birthday party tomorrow where close to 20 tweens will be making charm bracelets under my supervision. I've never done this before, so it should be a unique experience.

In any case.....the craft sore.....I might as well call it a candy store, because that's what it's like for me. I get nuts looking at all the beads and findings and and and EVERYTHING! The last time I went to the craft sore I dropped WAY too much money there.....like $130 on BEADS!!!! Okay, so the Swarovski crystals certainly tipped the scales, but it still would've been about $100 without them....EASILY!

Well the store opens in about 30 minutes and I still need to get dressed and get myself and my daughter fed before we go. Trying to get an early start to our day. I'll post teaser pics of what I picked up as I usually get hit with divine inspiration at the store to create something wonderful.

Until next time....

Thanks for reading!

Kristen

Friday Shop Props!!!

2009-06-19T12:48:00.000-07:00

Here we are....it's Friday again and as promised I would make up for the brain fart I had last week and forgot to post my weekly shop props. It's been a busy day, and it's only getting busier.

This week I would like to focus on painters. Whether it be painting on canvas or glass, this week I am featuring those who use brush strokes in their creative expressions.

First up is Art to Art Colorado (http://www.art2artcolorado.etsy.com/). I stumbled across this artist by freak accident and fell in love with the colors that are used in the work. The texture of the paintings was also something that pulled me in. The way everything looks all soft and fuzzy and so very inviting. Here are some of my faves from the shop.

Second comes from an artist that I discovered on Etsy some time ago. I was looking for hand painted wine glasses at around 1:00am and stumbled into her work. V Silcox Designs (http://www.vsilcoxdesigns.etsy.com/) has the most wonderfully beautiful and yet highly functional wine glasses, vases, bowls, etc. and each pieces looks like wonderfully leaded stained glass. However, each piece is lead free, dishwasher and microwave safe and every other fabulous perk you could imagine in hand painted glasses. Here are some of my faves from her shop.

Next artist is Mandala Arts (http://www.mandalaarts.etsy.com/). The use of color in these works is exquisite! This man creates these window stickers that all have the theme of peace and well being built right into them. One of the images of a Pegasus brings me right back to my childhood when I was obsessed with all things fantastical and imaginary. Truly stunning works and inexpensive too.....only $3.00 per sticker. I may just indulge in a few. Here are some of my picks from his shop.

The next artist is Dana Marie Art (http://www.danamarieart.etsy.com/). She makes the most wonderful little pendants. She takes little squares of Strathmore linen paper and then creates one of a kind paintings that can then be worn around your neck. Her work has been featured worldwide and she just LOVES what she does. Her little masterpieces as well as her bigger masterpieces are a true delight for the eyes. What I love is her style and technique....it reminds me of one of my favorite artists, Van Gogh. Take a look.

I know I promised six artists to be featured this week, but when it comes to art that uses brush stokes, these four are my all time favorite right now. Once I find more that I like, I will post them. All of these artists have one very obvious thing in common.....they love color and are not afraid to use it. Just love it!

Until next time....

Thanks for reading!

Kristen

Ding Bat

2009-06-15T08:05:00.000-07:00

I confess, I was a total scatterbrain this past Friday and forgot to post my shop props. To make up for it, I will post SIX picks this Friday. I better get to work hunting down my faves for this week.

In the meantime, please be sure to check out my Etsy shop. I have been making jewelry like crazy and posting new things every few days. I have a slew of new and stunning earrings. Enjoy!

Until next time...

Thanks for reading!

Kristen

YART SALE Days on ETSY!!!

2009-06-09T07:52:00.001-07:00

Beginning tomorrow, June 10th, 2009 thru June 14th, Etsy is having their annual YART Sale which gives Etsians the opportunity to clear out all their "older" merchandise to make room for new items.

I have 26 items in my SALE section that have been significantly reduced.....some as much as $30! Check it out! www.LUXELuther.etsy.com

Until next time....

Thanks for reading!

Kristen

Friday Shop Props

2009-06-05T14:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday Everyone!!!! It's been a rainy day here today in Norwalk, CT, but I'm making the most of it by getting lots of business work done....and neglecting my house chores. The laundry and floors can wait until just a little later.

This week I've chosen to focus on Etsy shops that make one feel good about buying their products whether it's because it's a product that's made from sustainable materials or because it simply smells nice. Here are my three picks for this week......

The first one is Gudonya Too (http://www.gudonyatoo.etsy.com/). I have purchased their products in the past and let me just say that if the pictures of their products alone don't make you want to buy their stuff, you are simply a hard sell. C'mon people, you know a great looking cleanser or scrub just by looking at it......and they show you what it looks like....and the quality is obvious from the pictures alone. When I purchased from them, I asked if they could make a custom scented Whipped Clean(c) for me in Pink Grapefruit......they were perfectly willing to oblige and the body wash is HEAVENLY! Check them out!

My second pick of the week comes from Econica (http://www.econica.etsy.com/). I just stumbled across this Etsy shop today and absolutely LOVE the designs and the fact that the materials used are all organic and sustainable fabrics like cotton and bamboo. And the prices are very affordable as well. These days, lots of shops that sell clothing made from organic fabrics are hiking up their prices to cash in on the new wave of earth conscious people. This shop is keeping it realistic for anyone who would like to do better by our Mother Earth! Check out these items from Econica's shop:

My third and final pick of the week comes from Darrielle's Clay Art (http://www.darriellesclayart.etsy.com/). I've always loved pottery and the process that goes into making the individual pieces. Each piece is unmistakably crafted by hand and by doing so is also crafted with love. Her pieces are simple and yet varied and her prices are so incredibly reasonable that anyone who would like to own a piece certainly can and not feel the least bit guilty about it. Here are some of the pieces I adore from her shop.

All these shops have one thing in common, you can feel good on so many levels by owning a piece of their creations. Check back next week for my next three picks and see who I give shop props to. Keep up the good work!

Until next time....

Thanks for reading!
Kristen

Swarovski Crystals - Gotta Love 'Em!

2009-06-05T13:23:00.000-07:00

Outside of diamonds and all those other precious stones, I have to say that Swarovski crystals are my next favorite sparkly bit of bling. I bought a pair of earrings off of Etsy a while ago that utilized open designed square shaped Swarovski Crystals in Bermuda Blue. They were the prettiest earrings I had ever seen. I remember I had added them to my Favorites on Etsy and was surprised and delighted when I saw they were still there months later. Obviously, I had to buy them......how could I not? Here's a picture of the beauties. I just love wearing them!

Then a couple weekends ago, I was shopping for beading supplies for an order and came across smaller Swarovski Crystal circles in the same color and couldn't resist buying them. The Bermuda Blue color has to be the most irresistible color they offer, but I'm sure as time goes on, I will develop other favorites.

I am hosting a jewelry party at my home on June 25th and am hoping for a large turnout which would warrant that I have lots of new merchandise to choose from for those who have already seen my work. So I took those gorgeous Swarovski circles and made these:

I already have them posted on Etsy, so maybe they won't even last until the 25th. Here's to hoping they get scooped up.

Until next time.....

Thanks for reading!

Kristen

Friday Shop Props

2009-05-29T20:17:00.000-07:00

Here it is Friday again! It seems like Friday is coming quicker and quicker these days. I suppose that's a great thing, so no need to complain.

In any case, here are my Friday Shop Props for this week from Etsy. My favorite shops of the week are as follows:

I have a thing for paper products. I'm not sure why, but something about paper just does something to me.....I have to have it so I can create with it, write on it and in the case of Peculiar Parchment (http://www.peculiarparchment.etsy.com/), I just have to have her mini note cards!!! They are so sweet....and come on, let's face it, when do you NOT need thank you notes???? Her note cards are great quality and her shop is so fabulous and well stocked and so inexpensive. How can you say 'no' to that? Check her out! Here are some things I like from her shop.

My next fave is Pink Lemonade Bags (http://www.pinklemonadebags.etsy.com/). I have a weakness for handbags that are THIS cute!!! These bags are so wonderful! They are fun, trendy, stylish and classy. You must check them out! They are constructed so well. What's not to love? Here are some of my faves fom her shop.

My third and final Shop Prop of the week goes to (drum roll please).....Lauren Rose (http://www.laurenrose.etsy.com/). This shop carries the things that make women drool over jewelry in the first place.....the BLING! Okay, so it's art glass, but it's cut into those shapes we all know with the light catching facets. The colors she features these gems in are surreal, but so very beautiful. Her service is great and her prices can't be beat. What a "gem" of a find! Take a look.

These are the amazing picks for this week. Check back next week to see which shops get my props.

Until next time.....

Thanks for reading!

Kristen

Friday Shop Props!!!!

2009-05-22T18:10:00.000-07:00

Here I am again, posting my favorite Etsy shops for the week and giving props to those shops who offer something truly unique.

My first fave of the week is http://www.strungoutdesigns.etsy.com/. Strung Out Designs makes fabulous jewelry using medium gauge sterling silver wire. Her designs are so fluid and poetic.....but then again, I'm a HUGE fan of swirlies. I just love her pieces. They are so simple, graceful and delicate. Here are a few of my faves from her shop.....
My second fave of the week comes from http://www.thehouseofmouse.etsy.com/. The House Of Mouse has the most adorable little mice figurines. I guess I gravitate towards these cuties because I used to play with something similar as a little girl. The ones from my childhood were made with rabbit fur.....not very animal friendly, but still cute. The House Of Mouse creates these mice with felt and ribbon....a painstaking, detail oriented process with tons of love poured into each character created. Check out The House Of Mouse!
My third and final fave of the week is from http://www.kreativlink.etsy.com/. Kreativlink makes the most awesome handmade journals. Each one is unique with a personality all its own. She uses materials including leather, suede and fabrics that paints take well to. Her work is just beautiful especially since she is inspired by a time when books were full of wonder and secrets. I just love the old world charm her books possess. You must check them out!

Well that's all for now. Check back next week for more Etsy Faves. Maybe I'll give Shop Props to you....

Until next time....
Thanks for reading!
Kristen

New Treasures In My Shop

2009-05-20T05:35:00.000-07:00

I posted six new bracelets in my Etsy shop yesterday. It feels so good to be creating pretty little things again. My favorite is this one.....

I'm hoping others feel as good about my jewelry as I do. I spend so much time getting the design just right so that the piece not only looks good, but will also fit the wearer perfectly.....this is especially important when I'm working with elastic cord. This bracelet and the other five I made incorporate elastic cord for ease of wearing, so I need to keep all potential customers in mind when I create these. Too small....and someone with a larger wrist won't buy it for fear it will cut off circulation. Too big.....and someone with a dainty wrist won't be able to keep it on. Finding the happy medium is tricky, but I believe that when making these, 7" around is perfect....not too big, not too small.....and they stretch, so that's PERFECT.

However, it does happen that I inadvertently create some of these types of bracelets that are only meant for a tiny wrist. Here are two from this bunch that are currently meant for smaller wrists, but could be sized up if needed.

I also did a remake of a bracelet I sold a while ago. This time I made it a bit bigger. It's a very simple, open design that goes with anything. I call it ELEGANT.

For more treasures, go to http://www.luxeluther.etsy.com/. That's all for now.

Until next time.....

Thanks for reading!

Kristen

Another Treasury! YAY!

2009-05-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

I was featured in another treasury today on Etsy. I was amazed to see so many other artists have the same design style when it comes to these kind of bracelets. Perhaps that's a sign that I need to branch out and create something truly unique. Take a look.....

Nevertheless, I'm truly grateful to Sunyata for including me in her treasury. She too has wonderful things in her shop. Go for a visit.... www.sunyata.etsy.com. Here are a few things from her shop that caught my eye.

Well, that's all for now.

Until next time......

Thanks for reading!

Kristen

Giving Props To My Fave Etsy Shops

2009-05-15T06:32:00.000-07:00

When I discovered Etsy, I was amazed by all the fabulous handmade treasures that were to be found there. I just want to take this moment to give props to the shops I go back to time and again for supplies, unique gifts or to just see what unique treasure has been created lately.

The first shop is Jenn Gee (http://www.jenngee.etsy.com/) and she makes the these awesome coffee corsets. Yeah, I know, "What's so great about coffee corsets?" Well, hers look like corsets. They are laced up with ribbon and have a cute button on top and a perfect little bow on the bottom. She makes them with all sorts of fabric and could probably make one custom for you if you had a particular fabric in mind. I've given these coffee corsets as gifts to friends and family and I of course have one too and LOVE it! Here are some pics of her corsets. They are so sweet! These are only 2 of her stock of 127! Take a look if you like what you see. The next shop I frequent is called Sliding Along (http://www.slidingalong.etsy.com/) and this is where I find many of my unique slides for making jewelry. I go back to this shop because her selection is so varied and STUNNING! The service is great too and she ships lightening FAST! Lots of sparkly stuff here that's fun to work with and her prices are very reasonable! Here are some of the nearly 260 items from her shop!
Another shop I will check in on from time to time simply for some great laughs is called Maybe You Should Die (http://www.maybeyoushoulddie.etsy.com/). The name says it all. It's an Etsy shop that puts a mean (yet very funny) twist on the everyday. Instead of bean bags, they have things called MEAN bags which they embroider obscenities onto. I had one made for my husband for Valentine's Day one year as a joke and had it say DUMBASS. It's pink fabric with brown embroidery floss. LOL! We still get a kick out of it. Their cards are hysterical. You must check them out! I can't post them though.....they are a little racy and tend to used profanity....and I don't want to offend anyone reading my blog, but if that kind of thing doesn't bother you, check out this shop.

For my gemstone bead fix, I tend to visit an Etsy shop called Stoned (http://www.stoned.ety.com/). She has a great assortment of gemstone beads both large and small with a great color palette to choose from as well. If you need something unique, here's where you can find it!

The final shop I will give props to today is Ling Glass (http://www.lingglass.etsy.com/). I have one of her pieces and it's beautiful! She crafts stunning stained glass jewelry. Her use of color is exquisite and her prices are incredibly reasonable considering the amount of work that must go into making one piece of jewelry. Here are some of my faves:
Well, that's it for this week. I'll give more props to more Etsy shops next Friday. Have a great weekend and happy browsing!

Until next time...

Thanks for reading!
Kristen

TREASURY FEATURE

2009-05-05T06:41:00.000-07:00

Take a look, I was featured in an Etsy Treasury today! Yay!

It's so exciting when things like this happen! Nothing like some free advertising!!! Thank you RozPetalzStudio for spreading the good word!

My bracelets really are a perfect summer accessory. I make it a point to never leave home without wearing one. I wear them not only because I love them, but it's also free advertising.

As my thanks to RozpetalzStudio, here are some of my faves from her shop! Check her out at http://www.rozpetalzstudio.etsy.com/

Until next time.......

Thanks for reading!

Kristen

Woo Hoo! Had a sale!

2009-05-04T16:03:00.000-07:00

Yeah, it was only for a $12 bracelet, but it's still a sale! Perhaps things are beginning to turn around for me. I sold a pair of my Lilly earrings last week. I'd better get busy making some new products if only to introduce something fresh into my Etsy shop. Here's what I sold and shipped off today:

Until next time.....

Thanks for reading!

Kristen

MAY Promotion

2009-05-03T10:13:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the month of MAY, I am having a HUGE sale!!!

* All notecards are buy-one-get-one-FREE! Just listed new inventory!

* All jewlery, Buy-one-get-one 1/2 OFF!!!

* All bookmarks, Buy-on-get-one-FREE!!! More inventory coming!

* All orders come with a surprise gift!

*** Looking for a gift and can't decide? Why not a LUXE Bucks gift certificate?***

Here's a preview of a few of my new note cards:

I just love making Thank You Notes! There are so many ways to express your thanks whether it be fashionably, whimsically or in another language. I know these are very simple and I know I have the ability to make them so much more elaborate. Perhaps if I find the time, I will make some more that are far more fancy.

Until next time....

Thanks for reading!

Kristen

A Promising Day

2009-03-29T18:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the tag sale at my daughter's school. People were invited to come in a sell their goods, be it crap they have from home that they want to get rid of or honest to goodness handmade crafts, like mine.

Set up began at 7:30am and I arrived at about 7:50am.....not knowing of course whether or not I would have any competition. It turned out that I had no competition and that was fine with me although I neglected to acknowledge that most everyone who would be at this tag sale was looking to pay next to nothing for what they wanted. I stood my ground on all but one of my pieces that I sold. It was one of my favorite necklaces, sterling silver with green amethyst. I had it marked at $100 and the woman asked if I was open to negotiate, so I sold it to her for $75. I wouldn't normally do something like that, but I was just as happy to make $75 as I was to make $100. It was a profitable day so I can't complain one bit.

Everyone who bought an item from me left very happy that they stumbled into my little shop. I was also asked if I might create a jewelry set for the school's silent auction in May. Granted I won't make a dime off of it, but my name will get out there and hopefully there will be some interest in my products from the school community. We'll see. Here are a few shots of what I sold at the tag sale.

So, am I back in business yet? Perhaps. It was a promising day a the tag sale that turned out to be much more profitable than I had first envisioned. So maybe that itch to start selling my products again will be too much to ignore.....we'll see.

Until next time......

Thanks for reading!

Kristen

LUXE Luther Creations

2009-03-23T11:57:00.000-07:00

LUXE Luther Creations is obviously a whimsical play on words; one that my husband thinks he should receive royalties for. It came to me one night as I was trying my hand at making note cards and I needed something different from my (at the time) current business name of Charming Adornments, which was the branch of my business focused on making handmade bookmarks, key rings and wine charms. My notecards didn't, in my mind, fit in with my line of Charming Adornments products, so a line extension had to be created; hence LUXE Luther Creations was born.

As time went on and I opened a 2nd Etsy shop for my LUXE Luther products, I realized that maintaining two Etsy shops was hard work. So I decided to have a merger; one in which LUXE Luther Creations became the brand name for ALL my products.

Shortly after that, in the spring of 2008, I began trying my hand at jewelry and quickly became addicted. My obsession with ribbon for making bookmarks and key rings was quickly replaced by an addiction to beads! I now have 2 rather large rolling bead "suitcases".

Given the current economy, sadly, I have put my business on hold, but it is not without its silver lining. I am taking this time to focus on personal growth to I have a clearer outlook for my products and my business in the near future.

In the meantime, if you would like to check out my Etsy shop, please visit http://www.LUXELuther.etsy.com.

Thanks for reading!

Kristen