How It All Started!

I thought it might be fun to post the story of how I got into Jewellery making - I'd also love to hear others stories of how they got into selling their handmade goods! So here goes :

My sweet grandpa (RIP) had given me the oppurtunity to live in his condo for 7 months while he was on an adventure in Thailand. It was my first time moving out of my parents house, and my boyfriend at the time decided we should live together ( Im thinking one of my first mistakes was always letting him make the descisions lol) This guy was very into his "guy time" and before we even moved in together,would say that he knew I woud be "needy" ( nice guy huh ?) So I was worried right from the beginning that I would push him away if I didn't busy myself at all times ( I know I know - but I was young and naive). So one day I went for a walk, and stumbled upon this lovely little bead store, just a tiny little thing full of gorgeous stones and pearls. I picked up some strands, and some basic tools, thinking, " hey this could be a fun hobby!" Well, who would have known that I would have been hooked from that very second. I went from a watch-only jewellery wearer, to a full blown bling addict! I was making more than I could ever keep and would sell pieces to friends and family. Around the same time I discovered Etsy, and decided to take a try at selling online.
Before I knew it, the boyfriend was complaining that I spent all my free time making jewellery ( of course, control freak he was) He didnt consider what I did as a "real" job, and even though I had a full time job, plus the never ending full time job which is selling jewellery on Etsy. So needless to say, I finally dropped the boyfriend, and continued to gain love for Bella-Bijou. Starting my own business really had shown me not to be afraid to do things on your own, and never to let someone tell you they don't think you've got what it takes. The love for the ex died, and the love for what I do intensified. I knew that the right person would come around, and would love the fact that I was trying to make a living doing what I love. I knew that there would one day be a person in my life, that encouraged me to focus on the business, and to teach myself new things.
It's kinda funny, I guess I really am an example of making something good out of a bad situation. I never would have guessed that I would have ended up being a metalsmith, if you had asked me 7-8 years ago. Or that I would have loved shopping for tools rather than clothes. There was a time where I wasnt sure that anyone would understand my passion for my business, until Dan came along. His support, and enthusiasm is what keeps me going some days. His understanding of my rediculously messy bench/kitchen bar, or when I need to hammer during his favorite show, or when the "PING!" sound of metal flying accross the room happens, even further proves to me how lucky I am. How lucky am I, to live in a huge city and manage to stumble into that bead store that day ? Or to even look for a hobby, to stroke the ego of my controling boyfriend - would I have ever started making jewellery ?

Things happen for a reason right ? I believe so.

So there you have it. I did not plan on making jewellery. I never even wore jewellery....I just did it. Sometimes, after all, things just happen!

You Heard Right - I'm Having a Giveaway! Part Deux!

Your eyes are not misleading you - I'm having a giveaway!! I plan on having giveaways every couple of months just as a way to say thank you for reading my blog. Since I never seem to win anything myself, I might as well be the one to giveaway!! I will announce the winner on Sunday March 1st, hopefully be video blog!


Now to the good part - what you win! One lucky reader will win my Turquoise Cuddle Necklace!
Just comment on this post, mentioning that you would like to win!!

I called this line of necklaces Cuddle, because the oxidized sterling circle wraps around a 5mm bezel set turquoise, in a never ending embrace :-) The stones in these pendants are always set off to the left, so they sit next to your heart. Pendant is 1 1/4 inch in diameter, hung on sparkly 16 inch sterling chain.

The Cuddle line has been discontinued, so this is the last one! Which means no one else will ever have the same necklace. I hope whomever wins loves this, or gives it to someone who loves it!

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On another note, I'm having a sale in my shop to celebrate my web relaunch! Any purchase over $100 will get a free LONE ring in their size! Just leave your size in the notes to seller - until Feb 28Th only!!

Website Relaunch - I did it finally!

Click me! (please and thank you!)

After many tireless nights, swearing and muttering under my breath ( and also sometimes quite loudly lol) I've finally finished my web revamp! I'm so pleased, and and hope you all like it! I wanted something clear, and consise, and chic. Nothing to frou frou here :-) I would LOVE feedback ( be honest I can take it!) and please let me know if there are any broken links etc. Oh and of course - if you have any questions about making one yourself, I don't bit ( well sometimes...) so feel free to ask!

A Happy Bride!

Today I dropped off the custom veil to my friend who is getting married this weekend - she absolutly LOVED it!! She loved the little swarovski crystals I attached throughout it, and the pearl detailing along the top. She also adored the jewellery she had me commision for her bridesmaids ( her sisters). Its such a sweet moment when you know someone really loves something you do - it makes the whole day better! I will share some pics of the glowing bride after the weekend!

A New Venture!

After much research, trials and prototypes, I've begun to launch my line of Nose Screws! Since I've always been too chicken to get my own nose pierced, I had my lovely friend Ashley be my ginnea pig on this one, and try out my prototypes. Well, what a big coo for me it was when she said that my DIMPLE nose screw in the 20 gauge was more comfortable that the one she had had in since having her nose pierced! She said she loved how tiny it was, and it was your "everyday nose stud!" - um YAY! I am also offering this particular nose screw in 22gauge, for those who have more inexperianced piercings, or have maybe never changed their nose screw, cause Ive been told a smaller gauge might add some ease :-)

DIMPLE - Nose Screw in 20 or 22 gauge you pick!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21372740

CRATER - Nose Screw 20gauge

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=21395948

I get so excited when I can launch something new, that Ive never done before! I was even more excited to hear some of Ashley's ideas :-) I have another new product I will be launching soon too - so keep those eyes peeled!!

Where have I been ?

.......... right here, labouring away at dreamweaver revamping my website. UGH. I've been working away a few days a week for about two weeks, changing my mind on design etc. I think I've finally figured out a layout I like. Of course once its all said and done, you will all be the first to know. For those who didnt know before, my website http://www.bella-bijou.com/ was an ecommerce site. I built it with Zen Cart about 3 years ago, and was sooo bored with it. I got the occasional sale from it, but it was more stress than its worth. I would always worry that a OOAK item would sell in both places at once. So I decided to turn my site into more of a gallery, with sections for Limited Edition, Signature Line, and New Work. All sales would be directed to etsy, and it would be a neat way to quickly show of the latest and greatest! I should have it done in the next couple of days ( yippee!) and then can't wait to relaunch!

In the mean time - Ive also got some new Bella-Bijous for you all to take a look at :-)

BABY DAISY

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21333752

STUDLETTES - Chalcedony

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21338424

DARK AND STORMY

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=21332533

Special Wedding Commission

Well some of you may remember I mentioned doing the jewellery for a co-worker of mine for her wedding ( which is next weekend eek!) Originally she had wanted me to make her some simple pearl adorned bobbi pins to tuck in her hair, but somewhere along the way she decided to wear a veil. She bought just a single layer, plain as you get short veil, and asked what I could do with it! Well after sewing pearls along the comb into about 1am the other morning, this is what we have! I'm still going to sew/attach some tiny clear swarovskis along the bottom, so I will post when that part is done as well. Katie is going to make a beautiful bride!

Definitely not my usual work - but I love a challenge!

SWEET SENSATION

Well, I think I've outdone myself with this one! Not to pat myself of the back of course, I'm just so happy it came together! It was labour of love, full of melting bezels, and sizing, then resizing because the first measurement was too small... but here she is! SWEET SENSATION :-)

Made from an amazing piece of bluey green turquoise, freeform tear drop shaped, which just looked in harmony together with the soft purple faceted oval amethyst next to it.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21209544

New Packaging - Take a Gander!

So I wanted to get an opinion from all you wonderful and supportive readers out there about some new packaging! I've designed everything myself, and No, I wont be hurt if you hate it lol. I thought this would be a simple, clean way to ship items, and would love some feedback!

In other news, I'm almost done doing the jewellery for a friends wedding, which is on the 28Th of this month (eek!) I'm now also sewing some pearls and crystals on her veil for her as well :-) Ill post pics of everything when its all said and done!

Ciao beautiful people!

All Alone, Keeping Busy & Happy Birthday Tucker!

So Dan has gone out of town for a few days- and I hate sleeping in this house alone :-S The landlady drives me nuts, and makes tones of noise at all hours of the night. Ive got the TV on for background noise, and am trying to keep busy with some orders as to not think about it. The funny thing is, I really love my alone time, my quiet time, my independance, *BUT* I still like having him there at the end of the day! :-(

On the good side of things - today is Tuckers birthday!! For those who don't know, Tuckie is my sweet and adorable family dog( ok so we treat him like he's human...)

Happy 4th Birthday Tuckie!

Here's a couple new rings I've made, and posted tonight. The first one is not for the faint of heart, and the second is an everyday wear.

TWIST AND SHOUT

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21111856

BANDED TOGETHER

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=13388585

(im gonna make this one with one of the bands oxidized for a variation too!!)

Valentines Haters

For those who hate Valentines :-)

Happy Loooooooove Day!

I just wanted to wish you all a happy Valentine's tomorrow! If you arent celebrating with anyone, I hope you treat yourself to something nice, after all - how can we love another unless we love ourselves first!

Some of the ♥ Heart ♥ themed goodies in my shop!

SWEETHEART DROPS

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19211139

HEART BUDS

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15381205

SILVER HEARTS

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19625442

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

And of course, buy any two items by tomorrows end and get a free pair of Hollow Hearts!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20539882

Brick & Mortar Tale To Tell and New Pretties

So before I get posting about some new pretties Ive been making the last few days, I thought I'd talk ab it about my recent communication with a local B&M store here in Vancouver. I emailed them about 3 weeks ago, looking to see if they were taking on any new designers. This particular location is in a fairly affluent part of town, and the boutique was very simple, chic, minimalist - one of's and such. The store owner replied back, and was indeed interested, however she managed to compliment and insult me all in the same email. She said that she loved my items, but that the low price indicated to her that I "couldn't possibly" make them myself, and must use fabricated pieces from Thailand or China.

WTF !?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! - mind my language please.

So I'm sitting there, reading this email, with my jaw on the floor thinking, did she really just say that!?! I responded, not because I felt the need to justify, but almost to put this girl in her place. I kindly explained that not only do I make everything MYSELF BY HAND, but that Ive refined my skills over the years to be able to create pieces in a timely manner, that allows me to price competitively.

Needless to say, I decided not to sign an agreement with this boutique. I'm not sure what any of you would have done in the situation, but I felt that if this store owner was insulting right from the get-go, I couldn't trust her as a representative of my work. All my pieces are a reflection on myself, as a metalsmith & artist if someone insults and item of mine, they hurt me! Ive shaken it off, and will keep on truckin' as usual, but it has made me look at my pricing system, and ask myself If I am doing things right ? Am I pricing too low just to try and tread water in the ETSY community ? Probably. Will I get sales If I charge a little more ? Maybe, but I doubt it. Have I dropped prices on things before because I doubted that anyone would buy them for what I thought they were worth ? Of course.

I'm taking this as a positive thing. When the time is right to get my pretties into stores in will happen. Ive been selling jewellery on Etsy for 3 1/2 years, and that is what I focus my energy on. Well, that and making new items where the majority of my energy goes! If you made it this far through my novel post today, thank you :-) Now its time to post pics of new items ( yay for pictures!)

AQUA - Ring Trio

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20962271

TIGER LILY - Earrings

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20872927

STUDLETTES - Pink Tourmaline
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20875373

POPPY - Earrings

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20962198

Thanks again if you got this far reading! As always I love insight on my items, of content of this post. If you have had any difficult or interested retailer/ customer experiences let me hear about it! After all, we can't please everyone, but as long as I go to bed happy with WHO I AM at the end of the night, that's what matters right ??

Love Is In The Air Sale!

Just a quick post today, to mention my Love Is In The Air Sale! Purchase any two items from now untill Feb 14th and recieve a free pair of my Hollow Hearts Studs!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20539882

Fill these little guys up with love, or give them to a friend or loved one to brighten their day!

SUMMER DEW {wishful thinking}

Happy Sunday Morning all! Hope you all are enjoying your weekends!

Another "dew" inspired piece! Im thinking that im longing for spring and summer more than ever! I absolutly adore this ring, even the boyfriend thought it was cool looking! I made it in a 7 3/4 which is too big for me ( darn!!) and Im just loving the brushed finish with this glossy turquoise!! This one's "dew drop" is a 3mm AAA grade faceted Swiss Blue Topaz.

SUMMER DEW - Ring

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20777080

Ohhhh Ahhhh New Necklace!

Im really excited about posting this necklace! It was a vision I had ( oh doesnt that sounds so profound ??) and I was soo delighted to see it come to light! Its one of my new turquoise stones, full of blue green & black matrix, set in scallop bezel with a gorgeous 3mm AAA white topaz set next to it! It reminds me of the garden in the late spring, when the dew settles in the morning!

SPRING BEAN - Necklace

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20744322

Weekly Update

Hi everyone!! Just wanted to touch base with you all - Ive had a crazy week! I was lucky enough to get some sales this week ( and oh sooo needed they were - thank you!!) I also found out that the etsy team I applied to did not accept my application, that bummed me a bit. I thought my work really would have fit well into the group, but alas they didnt think so :-( Im trying to brush it off, because the whole process seemed a little snooty to begin with, so Im better off - right ?
I've also been dealing with some crap at my day job, specifically with an idiot manager. He's given my problems since day one ( he's been there 2.5 years now ugh) and he has a serious hate-on for me! He's decided he would like to completely change my schedule, to work weekends and late shifts, when we have a bunch of student employees, who were hired to work these shifts. Needless to say, he is trying to make my life difficult, and is doing a pretty good job right now. However, there is rumors abound that he may get transfered, and Im crossing my fingers ( wish me luck!)

Anyways enough about all that boring stuff. I have more great ideas in my head, that I plan on working on this weekend ( yay) and I also have a sale going on in the shop - Every 2 purchases recieves a free pair of Tiny Sprouts! Feb 4th - Feb 10th !!!

So Many New Pretties - So Little Time!

Today will be a busy one for me in the studio! All weekend was actually. I got a later star to the morning than I wanted to, but im catching up finally. I have TONES of new Bella-Bijou pretties to show you all today. I was a busy bee all weekend creating ( and making white chocolate macadamia nut cookies *drools*). As promised, the first of many rings ( i hope!) with one of my new gorgeous turquoise stones, aswell as many new permanent additions to the line!

ARCTIC FLOW

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20538015

HOLLOW HEARTS - Studs

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20539882

STUDLETTES - Cocoa

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20540517

WEE CUPS - Studs

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20539220

LUCK OF THE IRISH - Hoops

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20540294

PANSY - Hoops
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20538706

Feedback, as always is loved!!