TUESDAY TREASURES

Lots to treasure this Tuesday so let's get started....first, in case you haven't heard ~ I'm going to be a Mimi again! How exciting is that!  I must say that the "first time around" with Miss Abby has been more than incredible, so the bar has been set very, very high for grandchild #2, but I have no doubt that he or she (we find out in just another week or so!) will have no trouble warming our hearts every bit as much :).

Next, if you are an artisan, crafter, or "creator-wanna-be," don't miss out on ArtFire's one-time, limited offer to open a Pro-Account Shop on their awesome site for only $5.95 per month for life....FOR LIFE....yes, I said, for life....NO OTHER FEES with ArtFire ~ no listing fees, no percentage of your sale fee....this is a GREAT deal, especially given the marketing tools and support that ArtFire provides.  I've had a basic shop for some time now - not wanting to make the $$ commitment to go "pro" - but with this offer, I'm "in" for sure.  Compared to Etsy, this really will be a bargain ~ and ArtFire has become Etsy's equivalent (and is edging ahead, some say) in the quality "handmade" marketplace.  Take a look around -- see what's offered & give it some serious thought....but don't take too long.  This "treasure" is only good before October 1st!  After that, the Pro Accounts will remain at their $15.95 per month level.  Eek!

A reminder of my special upcoming Mimi-addition and another "heirloom" treasure I'd like to share with you is a custom order bracelet that was ordered just this week from the SignatureSterling Etsy shop.  "Grandma's Gems" is available for up to 16 (!!!) grandchildren (this picture shows a bracelet made for 5 grandchildren, using 2 birthstones for each one).  Called "Grandma's Gems," this can also be designed as a mother's bracelet and is made using all sterling silver, Swarovski pearls and crystals.  I'm reminded this week that I still need to make one for myself! :)

NEW YEAR ~ NEW SHOPS...NOW OPEN!

Yes, 2009 brings SignatureSterling opening new doors! You'll continue to find us, as usual, at Etsy, our original home, but as of today, we are also, slowly building a shop at ArtFire, a wonderful new venue for artisan creators of all "muses." Hope you'll stop by and check out the new "digs" soon ~ and if your creative juices have been flowing and have been looking for a place to "land," consider ArtFire....it's a wonderful place to be for sellers. Feel free to ask me if you have any questions about my experience there so far. AND, if you do become a "neighbor," don't forget to let them know you heard about ArtFire from me when you sign up! Thanks!! :-)

Coming soon.....SignatureSterling at 1000Markets!

First Snow

It's snowing! Our first one ~ and it's not a wimpy, spitting, oh, let me thing about it, maybe I'll just be a flurry snow....it's that beautiful puffy, floating - you're in the middle of a snow globe - snow...I could sit here curled up on the sofa and watch it all afternoon. Well, at least until halftime's over 8-) - GO BUCKS!

The "muse" was working overtime last night, and I've gotten a couple of the new items listed in the shop ~ still a couple more to list.

~ Scarlet and Gray Elegance Earrings

~ White Ice Earrings
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Feeling Blue? This Will Make You Smile!

Feeling Blue Necklace
Originally uploaded by signaturesterling

Here's one of the latest shop listings ~ "Feeling Blue? Necklace," a deep blue "chunky yet classic" look with nuggets of sodalite and rounds of lapis lazuli and sodalite...and sterling silver, naturally! Added "bonus" is in knowing that the gemstones sodalite and lapis lazuli are associated with the natural properties of inner peace, healing, and love ~ now that will bring a smile to your face!

END OF SUMMER SALE

☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼
All items in the "END OF SUMMER SALE" Section of the shop are available NOW for a limited time at 20% off the list price. Just be sure to put "SUMMERSALE" in "Notes to Seller" at checkout and WAIT for a revised invoice before making payment (or make immediate payment and I'll refund the discount to you, if you prefer). Discount is pre-shipping and only one discount code may be used per transaction.

A Change in the Air?

Maybe it was the first soccer scrimmage of the year, a sign of the upcoming fall season...or the noticeable coolness as the sun set last night...or perhaps, the refreshing late summer breeze this afternoon as we enjoyed another day on the pond but this time aware of the water being just a bit chillier...and, yes, the weather forecast for this weekend is almost early autumn-like.

No doubt, we will have many more warm sunny summer days ahead, but a change is in the air ~ getting us ready for our Buckeye football, back to school, a full successful soccer season, warm fall sweaters, Friday night lights, brilliant trees, and all the many changes that come with every autumn.

Breathe deep and enjoy!

FALLING IN LOVE Necklace


HARVEST LACE Earrings

A CHANGE OF HEART Necklace

Remembering....

Not quite "Caribbean" but as close as I get, and I'll take it! :-) Just found out Sarah and Mike will be heading to the condo as well in a few weeks - a great way to end the summer!

Naturally, all that time on the beach was inspiration for these pieces...
CARIBBEAN DREAMS Necklace


CARIBBEAN DREAMS Earrings

English Gardens and Beautiful Sunsets!

Well, proof that beautiful sunsets can happen anywhere! :-)

And...some new pieces inspired by the beautiful artisan lampwork beads of DerondaDesigns which made me think of rich, wonderful English gardens...a matching set if you like! Check out the new listings in the shop.

ENGLISH GARDEN Necklace

ENGLISH GARDEN Bracelet

ENGLISH GARDEN Earrings

Last Day to SAVE!

Today's the FINAL day of the Artisan Beaders' "No Fuel Required" SALE! Members of the team are offering discounts and/or free shipping.

Through MIDNIGHT (EDT) tonight, all items in SignatureSterling, are 20% off (except for custom orders and gift certificates). Simply check out as usual, put "NO FUEL" in "Notes to Seller" and WAIT for a revised invoice before making payment.

You can find ALL of the ABS Team items by searching tags on Etsy using ABSTEAM.

NO FUEL REQUIRED SALE CONTINUES & JEWELRY CARE TIPS!

The price of oil might have dropped today, but I wouldn't bank on any significant changes in the price of gas anytime soon SO....why not shop where "NO FUEL (is) REQUIRED" at the Artisan Beaders Street Team Sale, now through July 19th, at participating shops -- AWESOME discounts and/or free shipping - check the shops' announcements to see what the offers are!

SignatureSterling is offering 20% off the ENTIRE SHOP (except for custom orders and gift certificates) - just be sure to put "NO FUEL" in the "Notes to Seller" at checkout and WAIT for a revised invoice before making payment.

NOW...how about some great, interesting tips on how to care for that jewelry when you get it? Check out these ideas from Kristy of ShinyAdornments who has put together a whole "fridge" of suggestions for you! :-)

Etsy Artisan Beaders Street Team "No Fuel Required" Sale!!!!

With fuel prices higher than ever, what could be easier than forgoing your trip to the mall and shopping from home? The Artisan Beaders Street Team is holding a “No Fuel Required Sale”.

Members of the team will be offering discounts and/or free shipping from Sunday, July 13th through Saturday, July 19th. All items in SignatureSterling, will be 20% off (except for custom orders and gift certificates) if purchased during the sale. Simply check out as usual, put "NO FUEL" in "Notes to Seller" and WAIT for a revised invoice before making payment.

You can find ALL of the ABS Team items by searching tags on Etsy using ABSTEAM. Happy Shopping!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!....And...more SOCCER Pics!

Yes! It's finally almost time for the Creative Minds for Charity Challenge ~ so mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 23rd, when the polls will be open ALL DAY for YOU to vote for your favorite collaboration piece (and get a chance to win a prize basket full of goodies, too! whatta deal!). You can see ALL of the gorgeous pieces right now at the CMC website, but remember the link to the poll will not be open until Wednesday so be sure to check back then and cast your vote! Every item will then be available for purchase in the Etsy HOST shop with all monies donated to the HOST mission (see the HOST shop profile for more details - a great cause!). Naturally, I'm partial to the "Spring Reflections" creation, but you can see that your decision on Wednesday will be difficult choice - everyone's pieces are truly OOAK and absolutely stunning! What a talented group of artisans! :-)

And, of course, spring soccer has begun ~ whatever the weather! Here are some favorite pics from our first few games...

SHOP-WIDE SALE TODAY!

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Happy April 15th! $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

15% OFF EVERYTHING in the shop (excluding gift certificates) through midnight EST tonight. Be sure to put "HAPPY15" in your "notes to seller" at checkout and WAIT for a revised invoice before making payment. One discount code per transaction.