I need to start this post with several huge acknowledgments. I’ve said this so many times already but I need to express how genuinely thankful I am to everyone who contributed to my Go Fund Me campaign. You got me … Continue reading
I know everyone is waiting for an insane update on my VanCon Experience – and while I’m getting that ready for you, I want you to show some love for my featured customer of the month and friend of mine, Robin!
Robin and I met while I was selling at a flea market in Bayonne, NJ. This woman pulls up a chair to my table and her ever patient fiance, Jason, sits with us and gives feedback on which pieces Robin chooses.
It’s a hoot seeing these two together, they complement each other so well, and you can just tell they love each other so much.
They’re planning on being married in the summer of 2014 – I can’t wait!
Robin and Jason travel a lot and like to collect found objects as souvenirs.
One day at another flea market, Robin and Jason came by with TONS of sea shells, stones, corals, you name it.
Robin really knows what she wants; she’s very particular and sees potential in many things to have artistic qualities.
For example, here’s Robin wearing some of the pieces I created for her using her found items:
Robin’s here to tell us in her own words about herself
Hi, my name is Robin. I graduated college back in 2007 with a BA in psychology, but I always enjoyed taking art classes for fun. I am engaged to a wonderful man that I have been with for 9 years.
I also enjoy making jewelry. Back in college I used to take jewelry and ceramic classes.
I have always preferred handmade jewelry over store bought. I don’t only enjoy handmade jewelry, but handmade anything, for example, in Pennsylvania in the Amish country where everything is handmade – I love that stuff. I love it because it has its own sense of quality you know; time was put into the work that was done and it was done with care.
In that sense it seems to make the product of greater value. Plus, with factory pieces, so many are made of the same thing.
With handmade, every piece is uniqe in its own way.
The wire work seems to be my favorite medium because of how many different designs you can make just out of the wire, any which way you turn it. It can turn into a whole different looking piece but with the same formula.
Just the care that is put into each piece you can tell that it was made by the heart, and a passion for the work.
Jodi here again – wow, thank you, Robin! It’s people like Robin that keep me going – she has a genuine appreciation for the work it takes to make my pieces. She’s a staunch supporter of my work – just recently she called me, so excited, because she was on the bus and saw someone wearing one of my pieces. That is one of the greatest compliments I could hope for.
Not only having someone interested in my work, but EXCITED enough about it when they see others wearing my work as well!
Thank you, Robin, I am fortunate to not only have you as my spokeswoman, but as my friend.
As usual, I need to throw in a Supernatural reference – so I’m not even apologizing for that anymore because you’re probably reading my post for it, lol!
As you all know, I was in Vancouver this past weekend. A FULL account of my weekend will be unleashed next Friday, I PROMISE.
I do have to say that it was an amazing experience. Many of the actors and production crew of Supernatural are walking around with my jewelry – it was INCREDIBLE!
The Vancouver convention was financially JUST under what I needed to break even, but in terms of actual sales – well I kicked ASS! Unfortunately, traveling to the other side of North America ate into my profits. Had it been a local event, I would’ve been financially very successful.
I learned so much and have a much better understanding of my audience and how to travel smarter.
In order to keep up the momentum, I need to get to the Toronto convention in October.
Would you please consider donating to my Click Start Me campaign: http://tinycs.me/9T
I need help garnering up the funds to cover my travel to Toronto – I have so many people expecting me there, it’s going to be a major success – if you share my link, please let me know so that I can give you a discount towards my jewelry! If you donate, you know the drill – I give you a gift certificate for your donation amount PLUS an additional $25 – THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING IN ME!!!
One of the most important design decisions I make with each of my handmade jewelry pieces is ensuring there are interesting contrasts. One way I like to achieve this is through varying line thicknesses with wire.
Green glass tile ring wrapped with three different wire thicknesses
I’ve explored this design element to a degree that I thought was rather thorough, until I found a wire that blew my mind – 1/4 inch wide silver wire.
As soon as I picked up the spool, my mind raced with all of the design potential – it was insane!
Even as I write this new ideas are popping into my head and I’m getting cracking at them as soon as I post this!
Here’s a peek at just some of the pieces that were born lately:
Rutliated glass with thick silver frame necklace
Gray agate ring with thick wire band
Beach Stone Wrapped in Thick Wire Frame and Hand Forged Hammered Silver Links Wrapped with Lavender Crystals
It’s been so much fun exploring the potential of the new wire. I’m currently working on a woven bracelet with it – I’m looking forward to sharing the results soon!
Now for my incessant need to tie in my Supernatural obsession – NEW SUPERNATURAL JEWELRY!!!
I’ve been working very diligently, getting ready for the Salute to Supernatural VanCon 2013!!! I’M GOING!!! Thanks to my generous GoFundMe friends, I am now able to embark on one of the greatest experiences in my handmade jewelry career. I will never have a larger audience than at VanCon – thank you all so much! I’m still in need of support, as this is the most expensive convention out of all of my traveling needs. I have more information on how you can be a part of my journey, read on!
To help defray the hotel costs, I tried to find a couple of people who were willing to be roommates with me at the hotel where the convention is taking place. I was very fortunate to meet two fantastic ladies who are on board. Initially we connected in order to help defray the hotel costs, but the three of us really clicked and look forward to spending time together at VanCon – so I’ve made some great friends. We’re already talking about making this an annual event for us.
In getting ready for the convention, I really needed to boost my inventory. I wanted to make some SPN pieces to celebrate being in the mecca of all that is SPN – Vancouver.
Some of the pieces that I’ve been making are heavily focused on stamping – which I am really getting the swing of and enjoying tremendously.
Team Free Will – Sam Dean Cass Hand Forged, Hammered and Stamped Necklace
Team Free Will Sam Dean Cass Hand Stamped Oval Bracelet
All of these pieces are available in my etsy shop: http://www.eldwenne.etsy.com
In preparing for Vancouver, I do still need some help from my GoFundMe friends. The traveling expenses have been a heavy burden…any sharing of my GoFundMe link would be most appreciated – and now comes with special offers!
I’m now offering a special discount to anyone who shares my GoFundMe link: http://www.gofundme.com/EldwennesFantasySPN
If you share my link, just send me an email at eldwenne@yahoo.com and show me how you shared it, and I will send you a coupon code for 10% off any item in my shop on etsy http://www.eldwenne.etsy.com (not including gift certificates).
But the gift certificates are special too – don’t forget that with every Go Fund Me donation, you will receive a gift certificate worth MORE than your donation amount! So if you donate $25, you will get a gift certificate for $50! $50 donations receive a gift certificate for $75 – $100 gets $125, and it just keeps getting better! And they never expire!!! They’re valid until you spend them, so there’s no pressure to use them by a certain date.
Donating to my Go Fund Me Campaign is not only about getting me to Vancouver – it’s about jumpstarting a woman’s small business. It’s about believing in what I do and giving me a tiny boost to realize this dream that not only will provide quality handmade jewelry to the masses, but help me provide for my family and build my business to the point of being self-sufficient.
Remember to swing by Go Fund Me at http://www.gofundme.com/EldwennesFantasySPN and check out what special offers I have for you in exchange for jumpstarting a woman’s small business! THANK YOU!
Feathers have always been so fascinating to me. Birds in general – I mean I named three of my four kids after birds – Raven, Phoenix, and Jaden (he likes to think his name is inspired by the blue jay). … Continue reading
Wow, what a weekend!! The Vampire Diaries Convention in Parsippany, NJ came and went so quickly I’m still reeling!
I arrived late Friday night to set up and be ready for the Gold Pass patrons that were there to pre-register.
The location of my table was ideal – I was literally five feet away from the autograph table where a couple of very special guests would be greeting the fantastic TVD fans!
What a challenge it was to arrange my table – I created soooo many new pieces and I just wanted to be able to put them all on display at once. Logistics being what they were, unless I rented three tables it wasn’t happening, lol!
So I tried my best to artfully arrange my wares and my table did receive a lot of attention.
Cluttered, yet classy….I think
This was an incredible learning experience for me. I learned that I do absolutely adore selling in person as opposed to online. I mean I do need to keep a strong online presence, obviously, but nothing takes the place of being there with someone and working with them directly to get to the perfect piece they are looking for, or didn’t realize they were looking for!
Not only were the patrons there amazing, but the other vendors as well. I got to meet some very special people, such as Zephyr and Kierstin. They specialize in autographed posters and photos of celebrities. I can’t tell you what an amazing view I had the entire weekend of a GORGEOUS signed pic of Jensen Ackles directly across the way….sigh….
Then there was the mom and daughter team of Joan and Joanna – a dynamic duo to say the least!
I also met a great couple of best friends Jezzalyn and Lauren. They were looking for matching bracelets to represent their friendship.
The lovely Monica bought a pair of earrings and put them on immediately – warmed my heart!
Zephyr, Kierstin, Joanna, Joan, Jezzalyn, Lauren and Monica are going to be featured next week, so keep your eyes on this space!
I’ve been getting asked “What were your biggest sellers?” – well, I had a couple of really big hits – my wrap necklaces and a lot of my pentagram jewelry.
My wrap necklaces were a big hit! This is my Goddess Spirals Gunmetal Chains and Angel Wings piece
The Ladies of TVDNJ – They will be featured next month, so watch this space!
Also up there were my stamped necklaces.
Damon Stamped Necklace
Stamping is a new medium for me (please refer to my last post “Stamping out The Vampire Diaries – Jewelry That Is!”). I had so much fun doing it and am still enjoying exploring its potential that I’ve come up with a TON of new stamping ideas.
Imagine this – five silver circles stamped with the most memorable quotes and word associations of Supernatural!! Here are some descriptions of what I have on the drawing board:
Dean’s bracelet:
Son of a Bitch
Pie
Eye of the Tiger
Awesome
Jerk
Sam’s bracelet:
Moose
Spectacu-lacular
Salad
Bitch
Clowns
Castiel’s bracelet:
Angel
Trenchcoat
Pizzaman
Ass-butt
I’m God
Crowley’s bracelet:
King of Hell
Morons!
Let’s Make a Deal
Son of a Witch
Hello Boys
I even came up with a other bracelets celebrating Bobby, Charlie, Gabriel, Dick Roman – I can do pretty much any SPN character, just let me know if you have an interest in someone specific or if you want a combined bracelet!
Now, back to the TVDNJ convention!
As I mentioned earlier, my table was so close to the autograph table for a couple of special guests.
First to come in and sign was the most beautiful Torrey DeVitto! She was so stunning and treated each and every fan as if they were the most important person on the planet. A true, genuine person.
My daughter, Raven, insisted on giving her a present! She grabbed one of my geode necklaces (because she said it matched Torrey’s shirt) ran over and gave it to her. Torrey very graciously took the gift and immediately put it on!
Later on came the charismatic Charlie Brewley! He was very upbeat and also treated everyone very nicely.
Raven said we can’t give Torrey a gift without giving one to Charlie as well, it wouldn’t be fair. So I tore apart my table trying to find a piece that could remotely be considered masculine. Aha! I found something!
I had a very simple dalmation obsidian stone on a black cord. Great! I lean over to retrieve a gift box from my bag on the floor. And promptly stumble over my own two feet and land on my rear end. I look up and I see one of the Creation people trying to help me up, the volunteer at the table with Charlie AND Charlie, all looking over at me with their jaws hanging open.
The Creation lady asked me if I was ok. “Aside from an extreme case of embarrassment, I’m fine,” I replied.
I then looked over at Charlie and said, “Yes – I AM always this graceful. But this is actually your fault.”
“What did I do?” he laughed?
“I was trying to get a box so my daughter could give you this.” I said and walked over with Raven, so she could hand him the necklace.
He looked at it and appeared to like it, I think, lol! He then asked me a bit about my jewelry making, said hi to Raven, and I went back to my table to try to salvage what was left of my dignity.
I want to point out that I do not have photos of the celebrities because there are very strict rules in that you are not supposed to take photos of the celebrities while they are at the autograph table and I respect the rules laid out by both the celebrities and Creation Entertainment.
So overall it was an amazing time filled with fantastic people, learning experiences, and more inspiration to “carry on” and continue my journey on the convention circuit.
Raven was also very inspired by the weekend and told me that she wants to become a jewelry designer when she grows up. I’ve never received a greater compliment.
Raven taking a very well-deserved rest after working such a hard weekend!
I’d also like to thank all of you who have been wonderful customers and those who have been such supporters that have donated to my Go Fund Me Page:
http://www.gofundme.com/EldwennesFantasySPN
It’s because of support like this that I’m able to get my small business started. I still do need a little boost in order to successfully complete the convention circuit for the remainder of the year, if you could please pass my link along I would greatly appreciate that!
Remember, every donation receives a gift certificate worth MORE than the donation amount! And it never expires – so there’s no time limit. It’s good until ya spend it!
Thank you, everyone!!
This is the second customer of the month feature and I’m SUPER excited to present Ms. Julie Anne Rhodes!
Julie Anne is a huge jewelry fan. As a matter of fact, her nickname is Jewels!
Julie Anne and I have much in common, including being incessant workaholics, creative souls, and devoting time to give back to others.
She and I connected by way of her phenomenal site: www.personalchefapproach.com – we worked together to create a pendant that Julie Anne sold out of her shop and we donated 100% of the proceeds to a charity that was near and dear to her heart.
Here is the stunning Julie Anne wearing Jodi’s Jewel for Jewels, our collaborative effort to fundraise against children’s hunger.
From there we just hit it off and she’s been an endless source of inspiration and support to me. She’s literally transformed my household with her Personal Chef Approach, aka PCA.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself, anything you’re comfortable sharing; family, work, philosophy, etc. Also, if you have a website or brick and mortar business, please feel free to include that info here!
First and foremost, I’m a mom to a beautiful daughter. I’m also the proud owner of the Personal Chef Approach.
Family comes first and in this day and age where time is a commodity, I strive to provide ways for families to eat better together.
Julie Anne’s website – http://www.personalchefapproach.com – incredible food and company await you here!
2. Do you have creative outlets? Tell us about them and if you have photos of your work, please feel free to share!
My work is a creative outlet – I paint with flavor! I am constantly challenging myself by experimenting with different ingredients and flavor combinations.
I’m also an avid art fan – I’m always on the prowl for inspiration!
3. What draws you to handmade jewelry as opposed to store-bought, factory manufactured pieces?
I like the personal touch that handmade jewelry has. Every piece is unique and I feel like it’s made just for me.
4. What types of pieces stand out to you, for example, wire work, crystals, etc and why?
I find something to appreciate in all kinds of pieces.
5. Is there something specific about Eldwenne’s Fantasy – Quality Handmade Jewelry by Jodi Zulueta that stands out to you? (Don’t be afraid to say no, Lol!)
Jodi puts her heart and soul into every piece she makes and it shows. I always get tons of compliments when I wear her jewelry!
Julie Anne wearing earrings I designed made of Bali sterling silver and Swarovski crystals. These are available in my shop!
Wow, thank you so much, Jewels!! I am fortunate to be a member of her site. Working my tail off every day leaves very little time to plan and cook healthy meals for my family and thanks to her, I’ve been able to do just that!
Please follow Julie Anne on Twitter @julieannerhodes as well as @therovingstove. Her FaceBook page is always a fun place to visit her as well: https://www.facebook.com/therovingstove
My daughter, Raven, is such a huge fan of your recipes and always looks forward to meals!
Thank you so much for taking the time out of your hectic schedule – I’m sending goodies your way!
Next topic on the agenda – gearing up for the Vampire Diaries convention in Parsippany, NJ! Whoo hoo!! I’m so excited and I’ve been cranking out tons of new pieces, including pieces that read “My Heart Belongs to a Vampire”, “Werewolves vs Vampires”, “Peace, Love, and Supernatural” (I know, it’s not Vampire Diaries related, but I have t tie everything in to Supernatural, you know that!)
My Heart Belongs to a Vampire Necklace – available at http://www.eldwenne.etsy.com
And very importantly – please visit my friends at http://www.carryonsupernatural.com – they provide a huge support network for Supernatural fans that are in need of a little help from their friends. I designed a bracelet celebrating the fantastic work they do and it’s available to purchase through their site. Every purchase will result in $5 being donated to support their hard work!
Keep Calm and Carry On…Peace Love and Supernatural
If you’re coming to the convention next month, please come visit me! Id love to meet you!
Here is my convention schedule for both Vampire Diaries and, of course, SUPERNATURAL!!
– The Vampire Diaries Official Convention 7/13/2013-7/14/2013 in Parsippany, NJ
– Salute to Supernatural 8/23/2013-8/25/2013 in Vancouver
– Salute to Supernatural 10/11/2013-10/13/2013 in Toronto
– Salute to Supernatural 10/25/2013-10/27/2013 in Chicago
– Salute to Supernatural 11/22/2013-11/24/2013 in Los Angeles, CA
– The Vampire Diaries Official Convention 12/14/2013-12/15/2013 in Orlando, FL.
My traveling jewelry business is just in its infancy and I’m really in need of support, so I’ve set up a Go Fund Me page that gives all of you incredible incentives! http://www.gofundme.com/2kwx90
Every donation receives a gift certificate towards any jewelry in my shop: www.eldwenne.etsy.com
If you donate $25, you get a gift certificate for $40! If you donate $50, you get $75! If you donate $75, you get $100!!! Ad it keeps getting better!
The gift certificates never expire! So you can hold onto the as long as you want! They’re only gone when you’ve spent them!
Thanks everyone and I hope I see you at one of the conventions!
Try to wrap your brain around that title for a moment…I’m still trying, actually.
Being unemployed (in the traditional sense) has been a blessing in so many disguises. There’s so much clarity that I now possess, or at least now have access to, that simply wasn’t available before. And no thanks to immersing myself in some Sam and Dean ala Supernatural…sigh….that really does the brain (and eyes!) some good. All eye-candy aside – the writing on that show is fantastic and does actually expand my brain cells a bit. Mix that up with the newfound clarity and some wonderful things happen.
So with that let out to dry, let’s talk about wedding season for a moment, shall we?
Having planned my own wedding all those years ago, I still look back to that time with great fondness. Yes, really. Both my husband and I had a total blast calling the shots since we paid for everything ourselves. Very few people dared to challenge us since they knew our retort was, “Oh, you think we should do X? Are YOU paying for it?”
It was glorious!
What I spent a lot of time fretting over was the bridesmaids’ gifts. Being a jewelry designer, you’d think I would’ve just cranked out some pieces and called it a day. Can you believe I didn’t even make their jewelry?? I was too busy controlling, er, WORKING with the DJ to get the music just right.
Looking back I do regret not making their gifts. To (over)compensate, I came up with a fantastic offer.
Wouldn’t it be the nicest gesture to show your bridal party that not only here is the jewelry that you better effing wear on your special day, but have them CREATE it themselves? Throw them a jewelry-making party with the jewelry hostess with the mostest. Sorry, I truly couldn’t find something less trite.
I will go to your home or venue, sit down and design the pieces right then and there with your bridal party. I’ll teach them how to manipulate wire, how to use the tools, how to create a working design that will last far beyond your wedding day. It’s fun, it’s the whole chick-flick bonding thing, alcohol can be added to the mix for some interesting design inspiration, and it adds another fond memory to planning your wedding.
And the bridesmaids will forever be talking about how fun it was to create something and flaunt it to the masses. A special keepsake.
A wire forged piece can be a fun activity
With that in mind, I’m now offering a whole new line of JODi (Jewelry on Demand) parties:
Children’s parties where I come to the home and using your chosen theme create charm bracelets or necklace/earring/bracelet sets.
Charm bracelets are so versatile and customizable – perfect for kids!
Wedding entertainment – I will go to your wedding with a table set up for your wedding guests to enjoy some jewelry making. Their favor from your wedding will be made by their own two hands. The components will be items of your choosing that have significance, be it found objects, color themes, etc.
Found Objects are great ways to create an elegant yet simple design
The old fashioned jewelry workshop – I will go to your home and do a wire jewelry design instruction workshop.
So with all that in mind, I realized, wow – I’m going to be spending an awful lot of time in people’s homes – have I just become the Avon lady?? Not to worry – I’m not handing out crappy lipstick samples. Just don’t step on the rug in bare feet – you might step on a Swarovski here and there…
Anyone interested in having a jewelry making bash for your princess or to thank your bridesmaids, or to get me into enjoy your wedding while I entertain your guests with some fab jewelry making activities – you can contact me at eldwenne@yahoo.com.
If you mention ILOVEYOURBLOG in your email to me, I’ll knock 10% off the price of the package!
I’ve been bitten by the raw gem bug. I got my hands on some absolutely gorgeous raw stones. Not only do I have some beautiful clear quartz crystal points, but some geodes filled with calcite, amethyst, quartz as well…sigh… This … Continue reading
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Down to the Wire - Jewelry by Jodi Zulueta 