Dishwasher Magnets

Garden Party Magnet - $15

I am SO utterly excited about my super chic dishwasher magnets.  They are bright and lovely and full of fun.  They come in a myriad of color schemes and patterns and more are being added daily.

This project is something that has been very undercover since the beginning of spring.  It was hard the design just right.  It was hard to decide how many color combos to do.  It was hard to decide they were ready for the world.

Each one measures about 4 inches in diameter and has 2 layers that rotate.  You will be hugely surprised at how smooth they do so.  That way, you can deem the dishes clean or dirty at your discretion. 

Try to be honest though, ok?

My Roots

I have become increasingly aware, in the last year or so, that I should revisit my roots.

I've been making jewelry since 2005 and I started with a distinctly "my own" style.  Even though I taught myself with other people's work, my disassembling and reassembling seemed to turn something pretty into something unique.  I uncovered the mysteries of jewelry assembly by both my hands on "research" as well as by reading everything I could get my hands on.

About  6 months ago, I discovered a mostly strung necklace filled with big, plump, copper freshwater pearls and a myriad of garnet shapes and sizes.  I didn't have the heart to unravel the intricate pattern that I'd so easily set 4 and a half years ago.  So, I instead blended it.

I used my now tried and true technique of lacing the back third of a necklace with a singular stone as to bring a bit of extra focus to it.  Though the row of stones are the same at the back rather than part of the overall pattern, the idea breaks up the design so that the ends of a necklace become as much of a focal as the center.

Another technique that I used to incorporate regularly within my work was the idea of asymmetry.  If you take a close look at most of my work, you will see this "lack of pattern" an ever-existing theme within the style of my designs.  But, its not really a lack of pattern at all.  Rather, the pattern is simply more intricate than many designers employ.  You have to look closely, study the whole, and see that the lack of pattern becomes the pattern.

The pieces that feature this "lack of pattern" are like witty conversationalists.  Most don't get it.  But, every now and then, someone will notice and be highly amused.  They'll commend your work in a different sort of way that is like a secret handshake.  And then, you know they know.

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?

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!!!

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

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...

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!

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!

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!

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...

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!

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...

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...

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...