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Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Year!

Wow, its so hard to believe that I've not blogged pretty much this entire month. I know I went through a solidly uninspired chunk of time where words were not adequately available to me. Instead of words, I used my hands and made art. At the time, I recall being frustrated that I could not blog. But, rather than talking about creating, I actually did create. I created my new hairpieces and tons of new necklace designs. I did a little dreaming and established my resolutions for this coming new year. I also had the pleasure of taking part in some shows around town. I love doing shows! There's just something about actually getting to paint a moment with your words to someone about your art. Its lovely, really.

Enough excuses about why I've not been keeping up with my blog. Or, I suppose another way to look at is that the above just gave the crash session update. Either way you consider it, I'm thinking I need to move on and post my goals for the new year. So, here goes nothing!

1. This year I'd like to make my jewelry business income my primary income.
2. This year I'd like to participate in 3 (yes, 3) big shows comparable to Shecky's events.
3. This year I'd like to again have my own studio space to work in easily and without restriction.
4. This year I'd like to organize my business.
5. This year I'd like to be able to sync up with the wholesale calendar and venture into that arena.

Ok, I'm thinking 5 is a good starting place. I also think that all of the above have solid, measurable levels to gauge how I'm doing.

So what are YOUR resolutions for your business this coming year?

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Valentine Giveaway!!

Tell us what your favorite Valentine gift was and enter to win the Coral Valentine Necklace!

Doesn't matter who the gift is from - husband, momma, sister, best friend. There are all sorts of wonderful relationships out there that are not romantic! Don't have a date for V-Day? Don't distress. Grab a good friend, get beautiful, and celebrate the enduring friend love that you have for each other! After all, boyfriends can come and go, but best friends are eternal!

Just post your entry below and you'll be entered. You don't have to blog or Twit or FB this giveaway, but how much fun would it be to see how creative everyone is? Yeah, that's what I thought. Submission deadline is February 7th so that you can receive your prize in time for the big day!

Thursday, December 03, 2009

My Minimalist Side Emerges...

I have a friend that is new to Etsy. He's a graphic artist and he does fabulous work. He also is a minimalist. The proof is right here in his newest project, a 2010 desk calendar. Go to CHANCELLOR DESIGNS Etsy shop now to see more...



Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Thankfulness

Instead of my standard "let's talk about jewelry approach", I thought it would only be right to take full advantage of the love flying around us all right now. So in honor of Thanksgiving, here is my list of what I'm thankful for tonight:

a husband that loves me
family
a turkey
peanut butter on toast
creativity
hope
people to laugh with
surprises
winter scarves
a plant i haven't killed
books
rainboots
my health
little kids
god
dreaming
a car
a fluffy pillow
the lessons I've learned
those that make up the military
music
classic Hollywood films
marriage
grace
chocolate cupcakes
compassion
old friends
etsy
my laptop
understanding
a warm bed
joy


So, what are you thankful for?

Monday, November 23, 2009

Shopping Parties

I know this doesn't apply to lots of, and I'm sorry about that. But, if you're in my area (Northern California), I am currently booking appointments for Holiday Home Shows and Shopping Parties.

How do I book mine, you ask? All you have to do is click the below link and check the schedule for time and date. It's that easy. What are the perks? Well, the hostess of the event receives $10 credit for every $50 purchased at their event. As an added bonus, they also get a special little hostess gift just for them.

Wondering if you are "local" enough to book a party? If you are within 60 miles of Redding, you are "local" enough for my tastes. Other locations are possibilities, but let's talk about it first.




Sunday, November 22, 2009

Thanksgiving Weekend Sale

From now until Cyber Monday, you'll find all sorts of sweet little discounts, promotions, and deals tucked in and throughout the Etsy Shop. We'll list just a few of them here to get your attention. Also, follow us on Twitter to see them first!



Winter Wine Charms



OOAK Hidden Rooms Necklace



Mermaid Earrings



Valentine Wine Charms



OOAK Chardonnay Citrine Necklace

Thursday, November 19, 2009

$10 Sale

My favorite Etsy team is hosting a "$10 & Under" Sale all this weekend! There will be tons of special deals that you will not want to miss!

Click here the comprehensive list of participating shops.

By the way, get a set of the gossamer studs in plated metal for $10 this weekend only. Their the ones that made the front page of Etsy last month - twice.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Team Time: Trade-a-holics

This time, I'm talking about someone else talking about trading. Be sure to check out the feature that the trade team I am on landed just in time for the holidays. If you have an Etsy shop, you should come play with us! Trading is all the rage!

Read now: Team Time: Trade-a-holics

November Giveaway!

There are a few giveaways on the horizon for the the holiday months. Yes, I realize that November is already into full swing. But, as an artiste, I am excused from being fashionably late for my own announcements. Excuses aside, here's the skinny on how to get gorgeous free stuff this month.

November Giveaway - Featherette Ornament Trio!



That's right, the newest & sweetest set of ornaments you've ever seen are up for grabs just in time for the holidays! The Featherette Trio is comprised of well placed metallic ribbon, snow white feather whisps, and natural baroque pearl clusters. Yes, as in real pearls. They're beyond words.

Now that I've convinced you how fantastic they are, I'm sure you want to know how to enter the drawing. You can enter by doing any 2 of the following tasks and posting which ones you chose on the Facebook Fan Page Discussion Board HERE. You will not be entered for the drawing unless you do your follow up post on the discussion board. One last thing, whichever tasks you choose must be completed during month of November to count as an entry.

~Tweet the link to this giveaway, my shop, or any of my products and be sure to add in @chrystalpaasch
~Blog about this giveaway and post the link in the below comments or on the Facebook Fan Page wall
~Become a fan of Chrystalyn on Facebook or Twitter
~Make a purchase at the Etsy Shop
~Sign up for the newsletter on the main website

Logistics - One name will be drawn by using random.org on December 1, 2009. Winner will be announced that day by whatever means available and with the contact information provided upon entering. Be on the lookout!

Special note to Redding locals: You can also enter the drawing by filling out an entry at this Saturday's Arthop Artist Marketplace! Attend, look around, and fill out the form. It's just a bonus to all fun you'll have this weekend welcoming in the holiday spirit.

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Twitter Business

I am a fan of Twitter. I didn't get it at first, but I've recently become keenly aware of how awesome of a platform it is for small businesses. I try to read tidbits from a variety of social media sites and resources to see how to use it most effectively for my business.

You're probably thinking I'm a total geek right now. But seriously, I found a directory from selectsources.com entitled "100 Terrific Twitter Feeds for Young Entrepreneurs". If you're a small business, it might be worth it to check out some of the Twitterers listed.

Let me know which ones are YOUR favorites!

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Jazz... How Do I Heart Thee

I used to have a CD entitled "A Jazzy Christmas". Not sure where it is now, but I'm pretty sure that it consisted of all the greatest jazzy holiday instrumentals known to man. I need to find that thing. After all, I'm already hearing holiday tunes when I'm out and about shopping for supplies for all of my new holiday themed projects. I better get with the retail program.

Jazz might be, in fact, my favorite style of music to jump start a creative crash session. Why is that, do you think? I've read all about how classical music is a great mind-exerciser and how it's ideal for creativity. And I do enjoy some classical. But jazz... how do I heart thee? Let me count the ways!

1. Jazz has layered texture that my brain translates into visual composition - When I hear jazz, I 'see' jazz in beads and stones and as a wearable design. Each instrument plays a design that I feel compelled to layer out and build on.

2. Jazz evokes moods - I remember the first time I saw Phantom of the Opera (the new one). I had my stones out ready and willing to make something lovely. I played off of the romance and grandeur of the music and came up with something utterly stunning that evening. I realize the soundtrack wasn't packed full of jazzy tunes, but my creativity reacts to jazz the same way it did to that movie. A mood rises to the surface of my consciousness and it must be translated by my fingers when I hear jazz.

3. Jazz makes me feel like the most elegant version of myself - Thus the "Epitome of Elegance Me" takes wild chances with color and texture and design techniques that she wouldn't were she not feeling so whimsical. That's the reason I was adamant about having most of the music at my wedding (only 3 months ago) be predominantly jazz... because it draws out the most glamorous me there is.

4. Jazz causes me to dream about what the past looks like redefined - Most of the jazz that I love most is from years gone by. And because I was not around when those songs were written, I'm aware that the world was another place then. But I, in this day and age along with my modern influences, have the pleasure of reinventing a bit of history in a visual context. I've thought, at times, about naming pieces based on the song that inspired them. The problem with that is there are so many different songs that may merge together to help me discover a design. Or maybe the song inspires 10 different designs over a period of a month. Should I really name each piece "When I Fall In Love 1", "When I Fall In Love 2", "When I Fall In Love 3", ect. Yeah, I didn't think so either.

So I'll ask the question again... Jazz, how do I heart thee? I guess I heart thee x four tonight. I could probably go on and on and on. But, unless you love jazz with the same intensity that I do, you may already be wishing I'd go back to musing about jewelry and gemstones and holiday shows. Oh, the creative process! It amazes me so.

Sunday, November 01, 2009

How to do wholesale

Got you. No, I'm not going to tell you how to build a wholesaling empire today. On this blog, you'll find mostly creative muses and quirky inspiration and friendly banter. But though I'm probably not so great at tutorials, I am pretty good at finding good resources. And I found a good one this morning on Twitter for anyone looking to offer wholesale.

Handmadenews.org - Are You Ready to Wholesale - Part 1

There are 3 parts and each builds off of the next. Now go get your wholesale packet together!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Always talking about trading...

I know, I'm always talking about trading. I can't help it. I love trading. I mean I LOVE trading. I've said it before and I'll say it again. I'd trade for everything if I could.

I did some trading last Sunday, as a matter of fact. I tried to keep my trading controlled in this 12 hour trading frenzy. My motivation was the flashback of my ridiculously large shipping bill from last time. So, I tried hard to find things that were specifically on my Christmas shopping list. I think I did a pretty fine job. Here are some of my new toys...

This gorgeous scarflette is from mireilles.



here's this sweet little passport cover from owlsay.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Warm & Cozy

I awoke extremely early this morning so that I could see my husband off to jury duty selection. And because we like to sleep with the windows open, I was freezing when I finally talked myself away from the covers. Then, while we were waiting for the coffee to steep in the french press, Daniel turned on the electric fire place. Granted, it's not quite the same as having crackling logs as a platform for dancing blue flames, but it's something none the less.

So, here I am. I dropped him off at the courthouse and I still have my coffee. The fireplace is still going at full blast. All of it reminds me of olden days in a cabin somewhere when all you could do was read to entertain yourself. Well, except that I have my laptop and the microwave to reheat the coffee.

Anyway, the point is that I am warm and cozy. As I've been sitting here checking email, I've been wondering where to direct my creative efforts today. Should I work on listing some of my sweet organza blossom hairpins that I debuted at my wedding? Or, maybe I should jump headfirst into what is soon to be the holiday season and develop this year's holiday gemstone ornaments. I've been toying with both for a few months now and I really should be getting busy.

Even still, there's a little bit of my creativity that has a wild hair this brisk, bright morning! I want to create something that captures the concept of "warm & cozy". I want to make a necklace that is chunky enough to be well suited for sweaters. I want to design a pair of earrings that reflect the textures and depth of thick fabrics like tweed, jacquard, & plaid.

I think I will go with the urge and do something not on my to-do list. Winter, here I come!

Monday, October 19, 2009

Sugar & Spice

So I made it to Etsy's front page again today with one of my newest pieces. It's a mixed shell shard necklace entitled "Sugar & Spice". Unlike much of my work, it is plated metal but it's a great price - $19. However, feel free to special order the gold filled version for $29.

Anyway, I just wanted to share. I was so excited when I found out about an hour ago. It's so funny how I'm not aware that I've ever been featured on the front page until the last month or so. It's a huge thrill!

Saturday, October 17, 2009

A New Bag of Tricks - ChickyBags

Today is my first ever feature of someone else's product. I've grown tired of talking all about me and my promotions and I've decided to join all of those who so selflessly blog about the virtue of other people's creativity. Actually, this isn't me being completely selfless... I sort of wanted to brag a little.

You all recall when I mentioned my trading spree that I went on about 2 and a half weeks ago? Well, this gorgeous tote-able treat is one of my favorite things that I received then. It's by the extraordinarily talented Dede at www.chickybags.etsy.com and I'm simply in love!

Of course, the reason that you don't see me in the photo beaming from ear to ear with this beauty is because I told my husband that he could give it to me for Christmas. Not only that, but I also handed it over to him (along with quite a few other traded treasures)so that I wouldn't be tempted to 'break it in' while I wait for the holidays to approach. You have no idea how much self control it took for me to turn it in. The first two days, I went and peeked in the box from time to time just to gaze at it.

Ok, enough of my bragging. I'll let you go now so you can go get your own ChickyBag. Go ahead, make everyone jealous!

Friday, October 16, 2009

Looking Elseware



So we all know that Etsy is a magical place. I could spend all of my time there and never tire of the terms OOAK (one of a kind) or DYI (do it yourself). Even still, I have yet another site suggestion that you may very well curse me later for sharing with you.

It's called elsewares.com. It's beyond words, really. No mere mortal can embody elseware's depth by trite words. Ok, anyway... the site's tag is "Independent Art and Design," but it's really so much more than that. It seems that many of the products are sustainable, multi-functional, and all around as innovative as it gets.

I also love that the site has a search breakdown by recipient, price, and gift ideas. When I searched 'For Her,' I found measuring cups that masquerade as mod Russian nesting dolls. I also found an uber sleek clutch comprised almost entirely of recycled pull tabs. Seriously, don't knock it until you see it.

Anyway, you now have yet another retail playground to frolic amidst when you're supposed to be working. Have fun with that.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Featured



Here is the front page treasury from etsy.com that I was included in last week. I just had to post it because of how gorgeous the blues and creams look together. And, I'm developing a necklace to go with these earrings. Just something to think about.

Thursday, October 08, 2009

Front Page of Etsy




The gorgeous Gossamer Earring Studs that I listed last week made it to the front page of Etsy today! I can't tell you how excited I am! I'm excited because I've been on Etsy almost five years now and I've never been on the front page.

Ironically, earlier this month Etsy was doing a Weekend Deals promotion and one of my items was handpicked to be featured in that showcase as well.

That's all I have to say today. I'm just thankful...

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Trading

I'm still reeling from the most exciting weekend I've ever had in cyberspace. If you know me well, you know that I love to trade. If you've got something I can use (whether it be a product or a service), I'm probably game for trading you something from my stash. In fact, I love trading so much that I joined an Etsy Team all about trading. Don't laugh, I'm not kidding.

Every few months, all of these crafty people get together and designate a weekend as an official trading weekend. During that weekend, the people in the group contact other people in the group and try to establish a trade. Trades are to be fair and are to be equal in price. You give something, you get something. That's precisely what I did all weekend long. I traded. I traded. And then I traded some more. I racked up a whopping 29 trades when Monday evening came rolling in. There were some shops that traded a modest amount of 3 trades and there were some shops that traded a grand total of 54 trades. There were prizes for those that traded the most.

I have to admit, I was a little nervous about what my husband would think about all of my trades. I am pleased to report, though, that he was a huge supporter. I seriously think I took care of every woman in the family for Christmas. I can't guarantee that the gentlemen will have the same fun that the ladies will, but I think they'll survive. I even traded a few things for my husband to give me for Christmas.

After it was all said and done, I am pleased to say that I've gathered together some encouragement and inspiration for the future of my shops and my jewelry. It's always funny how someone's handmade soap can plant a seed of creativity for a piece of jewelry. In the following days, I hope to begin posting new work that can be directly linked to this weekend.

In the meantime, if you have an Etsy shop and you'd like to join the trade team, let me know and I'll give you the details. The more the merrier!!!

Friday, October 02, 2009

Front Page - Oct 1



Here is my 2nd time on the front page and the first time with my gossamer earrings. You'll see my 3rd front page appearance over to the right with the romantic treasury in blues. I heart Etsy.

Material Girl

A few mornings ago, I awoke to a delicate idea swirling through my head. It was demure and transparent and blissful. I had seen a partial picture of an ethereal pair of earrings made of the white organza left over from the detailing of my wedding dress.

When I actually got out of bed that morning, I made myself some coffee and set to work playing and playing and playing with that organza. I rolled it this way. I rolled it that way. I thought it was too big and then I thought it was too small. Then, in a moment, I saw the physical reproduction of my vision from earlier that morning. They were perfect. They were small enough that they would not be overbearing and large enough that they still would demand respect from any fashion loving individual.

I'm very pleased with the outcome of the earrings. Not surprisingly, it has also inspired me to consider other pieces incorporating strategically gathered and placed textiles. For those that appreciate jewelry in general, you might wear them for a while and then move on to the next lovely thing. But for those that know the secret of appreciating a well made article of clothing (it's all in the fabric), you might be enamored.

We'll see what comes of these inspired musings for the future, but in the meantime... enjoy the airiness of these lovely stud earrings.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Aquamarine = Happy Marriage



I was reading about Aquamarine today online and discovered the most interesting thing. Supposedly this stone was known in ancient cultures to be a soothing stone. It was also an ideal wedding gift as it would ensure a long and happy marriage.

I find this very interesting because aquamarine is the stone that I chose for my engagement ring as well as my wedding band. It also happens to be one of my favorite stones to work with when I design jewelry.

It's funny how these things happen, hmmmm???

Read more about Aquamarine here - http://tinyurl.com/y9oz5jk

Monday, September 28, 2009

Inspiration

The last few weeks, I've done a complete overhaul on the look and feel of Chrystalyn. If you've seen the website, you know what I mean. Even the blog is showcasing the results of my focused efforts.

And now, this lovely morning, new inspiration is stirring within me. Maybe it's an effect of the new logo. Or maybe it's just the crispness of an early morning where it's actually cold outside. Either way, I feel a newness and I can see it coming around the bend in my work in the near future. What will it be exactly? Your guess is as good as mine. I'm sure we'll both be pleased, though.

Until then, I think we both should go back to enjoying our coffee...

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Post Bridal Shoot



So we got married about 6 weeks ago. Crazy, I know. I just wanted to start my blog back up again with a shot of my post bridal shoot. I LOVED my dress. It's so awesome!

New Logo!



As you can see, we've got a new logo. If you venture over to the website, you'll notice that has changed completely as well. Don't be alarmed. I think such changes are necessary every few years as we progress in our work. Here's a teaser of our new setup. Now go check it out!

Friday, July 03, 2009

Wedding Website

Our wedding website is up and running! Go to www.chrystalanddaniel.com to get the scoop!

Friday, June 05, 2009

married!

so if you don't already know, i'm getting married this august. i'm so excited. i'm trying hard to figure out how to feed my wedding blog from my wedding website to this one. i can't figure it out. i need to get better at, number one, blogging and, number two, cross referencing all of my web presence.

anyway, i'm getting married. you'll hear about it as soon as i conquer the mystery of blog feeds. i will be victorious!

xoxo

Friday, May 08, 2009

Blog Facelift

As soon as I get my new laptop, I'm going to give this blog a facelift. I've seen so many super hip blogs lately, I'm actually embarressed by my own. Stay tuned for the debut of my blog's new dress!

Oh Cyber World, Watch Out Now!

So just bought a laptop on eBay yesterday. It's a red Gateway. Once I get moving on it, I will back post (just shameful!) so that i will have finally let everyone in on the amazing roadtrip I had over a month ago.

It should be here by the first of the week. I know I keep promising attention to my blog, but I mean it this time. You will read a medley of late night surmises, random and possibly wonky marketing ploys, and a myriad of melodramatic muses (that all end happy, I'm sure).

AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH, I'm so excited!

Sunday, May 03, 2009

Last Minute Mother's Day Shopping

So you have until Wednesday (5/6) to order for Mother's Day if you actually want to give your gift on time. Get on it now!

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Newletter Glitch

Sorry to everyone that has signed up for the newsletter in the last couple of weeks or has added their bday to their subscription information. I've got a special little treat in store for you, but the mail system I'm currently using is trying to iron out an automated system glitch. That has to happen before you get your virtual goodie.

Anyway, it's bound to happen someday. And when it does, it'll be for anyone that's signed up for the Valentine's Day newsletter or has had a birthday since this spring.

Keep holding your breath...

Monday, April 27, 2009

Spring Giveaway!

All you have to do tell us what you love about what we do. Shoot us an email and share why you shop with us, why you refer us, or why you signed up for the newsletter. That's it.

Just make sure it's done by May 25. The drawing will be that week and the winner will be announced on May 29.

The prize, oh the prize, is a Threaded Necklace of your choice based on availability. Can't wait to hear from you!

dang, this blog is in shambles....

so i'm always trying something new and different. always considering new ways to link all of my cyber life together. sometimes it works well, other times the gesture is much like a bad outfit. good idea, wrong execution. anyway, i need to tighten things up here.

for instance, i noticed that my parallel jewelry supply photos are intermingled with pictures of me! if want to hear about me, why would you care about stones? good question, chrystal.

anyway, i still haven't posted dallas. so wrong. i just keep deliberating over how i'll do it. i should have done a story here or a story there all throughout the trip. however, there was no time for that. it was a full on adventure. i think i'll just go along and pick a photo and tell a story. yes, that's what i'll do. and i'll do one at a time as not to make myself nuts.

in the meantime, follow me on twitter. yes, do that. http://twitter.com/chrystalpaasch.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

posting, oh, posting.

i think i have a hard time updating my blog sometimes. i think it may have to do w/ the fact that i can get my jewelry blog to feed over to my social media sites but can't figure out to how to get this one. it makes me uninspired to think i'll have to copy and paste. oh, the horror. anyway, i'm going to do a bad thing and backblog. it's sort of like being backlogged on blogging. yes, that's what it is. so i guess i should post about my texas trip. i wonder if i can remember anything but the shining faces i saw there. oh yes, i weight about 5 pounds more because of that beautiful trip. (-;

watch for it.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Newsletter Schnoozeletter

I can say I'm happy to be finished with the newsletter. I love making them, but I hate the deadlines I put on myself coming up close to any holiday. In the retail world, you have to get moving on the looming holiday so far in advance it's ridiculous. Sometimes I'm aware of said holiday and am very in sync with the retail timeline and sometimes I'm very much not. Aaaaaaaaaaaaahhh!

And while I'm on the topic of newsletters, I just found the greatest little tidbit of a thing tucked away in the depths of the newsletter website that I use. It's called autoresponder. When new people sign up for the newsletter, it will automatically send them a little note with whatever I think will impress them right out of the gate. (-;

It also has a trigger for birthdays! There are VERY few of you that have imputted your birthday into your newsletter data and it's a real shame. It's a shame because I just set up an autoresponder that will send you a $10 coupon to help celebrate the day that you came into this world. You know, there's still time to get yours...

Thursday, April 16, 2009

As promised... Mother's Day Specials!



Mother's Day is the debut of the Solitary Star Necklaces as shown above. The necklace features a singular stone that is suspended by either a gold filled or sterling silver chain that is utterly delicate. It measures 16 to 17 inches unless otherwise specified. The singular stones are Moukaite and vary in color with tones of burgundy, lavender, vanilla cream, and mustard yellow. It's a bit contemporary and wonderfully minimalistic. Available for $28.50 in gold filled and $26.50 in silver.

The center necklace, the Baby Star Necklace, is special for Mother's Day as well. It's made of faceted smoky quartz and is also threaded with either sterling silver or gold filled dainty chain. What makes this necklace special is that you can order it tailored to symbolize one child per stone. If you're an only child, select one stone. If you've got 4 siblings you'd choose 5 stones total. It's a gift for a timeless beauty that has done a coveted job of raising her children. Available for $31 in gold for single stone and $29 in silver. Add $1 per additional stone to either necklace.

There is a small stock of these necklaces so order early! Free shipping on orders $50 or more.

Debut of Solitary Star Necklace for Mother's Day

So it's almost Mother's Day and your scrambling around websites looking for the perfect gift. You've hit RedEnvelope and it's all the same stuff. You've considered itunes and it's too impersonal. You've even toyed with Ebay for that one perfume she loved 30 years ago.

Stop wasting time and check out the Solitary Star Necklace for the classiest mommas around! The necklace features an exceptionally dainty gold filled or sterling chain and one solitary shining stone threaded through the chain. It's dramatic in a demure way. It's chic in the french minimalist sort of way. It's elegant no matter what you pair it with.

You'll see it tomorrow...

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Did you know about the Newsletter?

Did you know that you will get a "can't pass up" offer if you sign up for the newsletter on the main website? Go to www.chrystalynjewelry.com and find out how generous we are. You'll be so glad that you did. In fact, you will probably tell all of your friends...

Friday, March 06, 2009

TOUR OF TEXAS

so i wanted to let you guys know that danny (boyfriend) and i are leaving on sunday to roadtrip to texas. we will be hitting up dallas, longview, and beaumont. the tentative dates for the tour of texas are as follows:


sun, 3/8 - leave redding
mon, 3/9 - sleep in arizona, drive
tues, 3/10 - audit classes @ convergence school of supernatural in fort worth (want to see what our friends are doing)
wed, 3/11 - longview, spend night
thurs, 3/12 - leave for beaumont
fri, 3/13 - beaumont, parents!
sat, 3/14 - beaumont, parents!
sun, 3/15 - beaumont, parents!
mon, 3/16 - leave for dallas, dinner w/ family in greenville
tues, 3/17 - 6am prayer in denton , fun in denton, dinner @ greenhouse restaurant on locust @ 6pm (rsvp w/ me please)!
wed, 3/18 - move a storage unit in aubrey(want to help?), fun in dallas!
thurs, 3/19 - fun in dallas, dinner @ gloria's on beltline & tollway @ 7pm then drinks @ palomino club (come one, come all... just rsvp!)
fri, 3/20 - fun in dallas!
sat, 3/21 - fun in dallas!
sun, 3/22 - church @ denton, leave for california
mon, 3/23 - sleep in arizona, drive
tues, 3/24 - back in redding

i am going to do my best to see as many of your as possible. one thing that will help me is if you make an effort to attend one of my fun dinners tues 3/17 or thurs 3/19. oh, how i've missed black bean dip and quail! oh, how i’ve missed quaint patios w/ mild non-rainy weather!

note, we're still looking for a place to stay in longview as well as on the trip back and forth to and from dallas. we'd ideally love to land in arizona for a night on the way to and from texas b/c it's a pretty good midway point. even still, we're open. i feel a tad weird about asking for a hookup and i know we could just get a hotel, but it took a miracle of god to get us on this trip. you have no idea how much we’d appreciate it...

love you all and can't wait to see you, catch up, have a nice drink, and laugh a little. and i know that danny looks forward to meeting all of you!

much love...

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Customer Appreciation Contest

Congratulations Kristin from Dallas for winning the Customer Appreciation Photo Contest! You'll be happy to know that your Shape of My Soul Coral Necklace will go out in the mail tomorrow!

Thank you everyone for submitting your happy photos! You guys rock!

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

"chrystal the hairstylist"



i'm so far past proud of the fact that i cut my own hair this past friday. when i was in dallas, i had a friend do it and it was always amazing. i got compliments all the time about how chic it was. the great thing about the cuts i used to get was that i didn't have to do anything with my hair after i awoke in the mornings. it was true bedhead. i went to bed with it wet, tossed and turned all through the night, and arose each morning with a tousled and textured mess that was a little rocker and a little kindergardener. it was wonderful.

since i moved to redding (a year and a half ago), i'm embarrassed to admit that i've only had one haircut. the cut wasn't bad, but dang, it wasn't very much fun. it was stuffy, it was bland, it was grown up. no one seems to understand (god bless danny in texas) how to cut my hair in such a way that i don't have to fight it's natural tendencies.

so on thursday i got a wild hair (pun so intended) and started snipping away. i used the techniques i learned from my most beloved stylist and twisted every which way all the while blindly hacking here and hacking there. i forgot to mention that i prayed too. it turned out great except that i couldn't seem to thin it out enough.

friday morn, i hit up wally world and made a $7 investment for thinning shears. how's that for the price of a haircut? i arrived home utterly eager to do part two of the hack job on my coiffe and it was so worth it. after i was done thinning, it looked like i had cut my hair all over again.

in conclusion, i think i've found a new passion... anyone want a cut? (-;

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

what ever happened to kansas?

so i realized recently that i never actually told about my kansas trip from almost 6 months ago. i still don't want to tell about it because i don't particularly care to go so far back into that long ago all with a bunch of words. so... here's a small collection of my favorite photos from the trip to tell a good story. if a picture = 1000 words, i've done my duty. (-;








Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Interview!

check out the LillyShayStyle blog to see me featured as an etsy artist. there are questions about the creative process and how i got started. fun!!

Interview!

check out the LillyShayStyle blog to see me featured as an etsy artist. there are questions about the creative process and how i got started. fun!!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Happy customers, listen up!

That's right, folks! For the remainder of February, we're doing a little
promo revolving around your apprecation for Chrystalyn Jewelry. All you
have to do is take a snapshot of you and your favorite Chrystalyn piece and
email it our way. You'll not only be posted modestly (unless you love the
limelight, of course) on the Testimonials page of the website, but you'll
also be added into the mix to win the hippest accessory on the block, the
Shape of My Soul Coral Necklace (formerly Valentine Coral).

Details
Drawing will be held on March 1 so be sure you get your snapshots submitted
by the end of February. If you've already submitted your most glamorous
smile, then rest assured because you'll be automatically added to the
drawing. Now grab the camera quick...!

Happy customers, listen up!

That's right, folks! For the remainder of February, we're doing a little
promo revolving around your apprecation for Chrystalyn Jewelry. All you
have to do is take a snapshot of you and your favorite Chrystalyn piece and
email it our way. You'll not only be posted modestly (unless you love the
limelight, of course) on the Testimonials page of the website, but you'll
also be added into the mix to win the hippest accessory on the block, the
Shape of My Soul Coral Necklace (formerly Valentine Coral).

Details
Drawing will be held on March 1 so be sure you get your snapshots submitted
by the end of February. If you've already submitted your most glamorous
smile, then rest assured because you'll be automatically added to the
drawing. Now grab the camera quick...!

Sunday, February 15, 2009

coral necklace featured in online catalog

the amazing coral necklace is featured @ www.shoppingconnection.com. check it here.

jewelry featured in an online catalog...


my super snazzy red coral necklace has been featured in an online catalog called www.shoppingconnection.com. cool, no? check it here!

Saturday, February 14, 2009

aquamarine valentine earrings!


woohoo! here are my new aquamarine valentine earrings! and, i even wore eyeshadow to match them today! oh ya!

it's been a long, long time coming...

i've not posted in forever, i know. however, tonight i'm working on increasing my web presence for chrystalyn jewelry. just thought i'd go ahead and pop in to say hello. plan on writing a novella w/ updates very soon. i know, promises, promises...

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

customer appreciation photos contest!


i sent out a great little text to my greatest and closest clients earlier this week to request customer appreciation photos from anyone and everyone that's purchased chrystalyn jewelry. i was excited to get some replies. however, there weren't anywhere near enough responses to call the promotion a success...

so, this is what we're doing now. send a photo of you loving your favorite piece of chrystalyn jewelry and be we'll throw your name into a hat for a chance to win the coral valentine necklace! how's that for the price of a picture? in this case, it's worth about $35 if you get yours in gold filled chain.

for examples of a great customer appreciation photo, visit the testomonials page now! in addition, we're also recruiting a few good words about us too. so if you loved having the opportunity to custom create with chrystal, tell us about it! i know, we're fishing for compliments... but can you blame us? a well spoken recommendation is worth it's weight in gold!

Friday, February 06, 2009

book now button

So there's this new little gadget that I'm all sorts of excited about. It's called the Genbook and it's a site that manages appointments. Click the link to schedule a shopping party, to make a custom design date, or to sign up for a jewelry class. Oh yeah.




Sunday, January 25, 2009

valentine's day coral!


How can you not fall head over heels in love with a funky piece of coral strung on a dainty gold filled or sterling chain?? And for $35? Seriously, you've got to get yours before they're out of stock. It'll be the thing you wear more than your diamond earrings, your charm bracelet, or your plumping lip gloss all together. Just click the photo and get yours now...