What has happened to our Customer Service ?

Wow! I've been away for three years ?!?

A lot has happened to me in that time, healthwise, emotionally you name it.

That is all on my other blog, so I will try an keep this one to jewelry making, ethics, etc.

Today I want to discuss how customer service affects our outlook on other companies, and in turn how we treat our customers,  reflects on us.

I have long been a customer of one bead seller online. I could always get what I wanted in bulk size packaging and was relatively happy. I had read a few complaints in a FaceBook group I participate in, but comtinued to defend this company.  Well, sadly as they have grown, their service is now suffering.

The company was originally Auntie's Beads, now it is Auntie's Beads Direct.
I began noticing last year, that each order always had a few items on back order. Normally not an issue for me, but I found I had to keep the invoice out and after a few weeks, send a friendly email asking when my item would be received. Now, mind you these items were still showing as in stock and ready to ship.

At one point, I sent a friendly email to one of the co-owners asking if there was an issue in the "backorder department" and stating why. I was assured they looked at the back orders daily. Somehow, I still felt I was being missed. You know that feeling.

It had been awhile since ordering and they were having a great "pre-order" sale. The term pre-order should have clued me in.  I placed two orders, only needing ONE item, Super Duos Pearl Shine White. I agreed to the pre-order shipping terms and thus began my wait.

I received one shipping notice with a tracking number. My package arrived and yes there were back ordered items ! Now if I order early and a company has weeks to get their inventory set, why is there a back order ?  And the Pearl Shine White was one of those items. Those I need for upcoming orders- and I stated that !

Now I have a plethora of emails between us. They say it was shipped and received. I sent them photos of EVERYTHING  that arrived along with the invoices - showing the White Pearl Shine Super Duos as being backordered. They still adamantly refuse to admit there could be an error, because the post office says it was delivered.  I received the other backordered items along with a duplicate order of a different color super duo, reflecting back, yes there was an error made on their part. Someone read that invoice backordered item incorrectly and sent me a duplicate of something I had already received and NOT what I was missing. I suggested this as a possible misread on their part, giving them a professional way out.. Nope.. "This is not on us !" was the response I received. Seriously ?!? you speak to a long time customer this way?

I was offered a shipping refund on the duplicate order AFTER I ship them back, not a refund so I can ship them (something I would automatically offer a customer of mine). I was also asked if I wanted a refund for the Pearl Shine White as they have NO idea when they can get more in !  Yet is shows available on their site at this time. The one item I needed and did not receive.

The end result ? I await the refund for the Pearl Shine White, because I will not ship back the duplicate beads until I receive it. I refuse to go through this mumbo jumbo again !

Moral to my story...
Treat your customers with the care and consideration you would love to receive. They will reward you with loyal repeat business.

I had no idea how long I've been away !

Goodness how time flies !
Well in all honesty, July and August were pretty much a blur for me. i was in and out of the hospital the entire time !  :(

I am now working with leather as well as my wire working, beading and chain maille.

Watch closely.....


There will be a New Years Day Giveaway on my FB Page starting tomorrow !!!  One day only !!!

I do hope many will share - with FaceBook making all those horrid changes trying to shut us little businesses out.. shame on them !

Happy stalking ! and Entering


Happy New Year to you all !

Guess My Size Giveaway !

I've been lapse in keeping up with my blog. I have two blogs, and *hangs head* sadly have neglected both.

Being away for such a lengthy time, I think my return should herald a giveaway !  Would you like that?
I think everyone loves a giveaway, especially if they win right?

So... here you have it ! This is a 11x8mm faceted Blue Goldstone with Swarovski crystal embellishment, wrapped in Copper Wire.

To enter:

The first person to guess the correct size will win this eye-catching beauty.

1.Comments must be posted under this blog post.

2.  You may only guess twice. Please no multiple guesses.

3."Anonymous " entries will cannot be accepted  (I have no way to contact you) 

4. I must be able to contact you, for a mailing address within 24 hours or the next person closest to the correct size will be the new winner.

I can always be contacted via my FaceBook page with any questions. Simply click on message and type away :)

Have fun ! Guess away  ♥

Organizing

I've spent the last few months organizing what I like to call my "Design Palace"
I figure if men can have a Man Cave we can have a Design Palace right?


That being said, I have discovered many goodies I had long forgotten about !  Oh my ! the items I found !

My local friends are enjoying this trek through time as they get the items I have chosen to toss out. They love the beads, old tools, wire, and even yes I found some shiny silver elastic.  Didn't we stop using that in the Dark Ages sometime ... lol

In my re-arranging I came across a case of jewelry making kits I had purchased when I was teaching jewelry making basics. There is a variety with each being slightly different from the others. I soon stopped teaching with them as I never seemed to have enough of a certain kit the EVERY student just had to make.

So here they sat.. Until now..
I will also be listing them for sale or you may contact me by posting a comment.


I digress...

I've chosen one of these kits to be my next giveaway ! And it is right here on my blog !

This is a Jewelry Basics kit from Cousin Corporation. It contians 81 pieces and enough to make the necklace, earrings and bracelet in the photos. There is also a detailed instruction booklet included.

I've made this particular set and really like it ! I've also used another one for the pieces. Who doesn't like all that romantic filigree metal ?

To enter:
1. Simply post a comment below this blog post.  **Please NO anonymous  posts, I can't find you if you're anonymous**

2. Check back on Monday  March 17, 2104 for the winner announcement.

3. You will have 24 hours to contact me and claim your prize or a redraw will be done.

4. You are not required to share this on FaceBook, Google +, Pinterest, Picsity or other social media sites, but it would make my day if you did !  I am on all the above media sites and it makes me smile to see a giveaway in my NewsFeed....

Good luck and don't forget to post a comment !!

30 Day Challenge Day 3

  We all know I will never be able to complete 30 days of jewelry challenges right?  Well, in all honesty I only saw the email from Fusion Beads on Saturday so I was already 2 days late. March 2md called for having a Beading Party, and since it was the 2nd - too late !

I chose to work on day 3.  Make a bracelet with matching earrings.. Easy Peasy right ?
Well, these are the items I chose:

So I started with Silver Fill Wire and Vintage Faceted Swarovski Crystals in Montana Blue.  I think that Silver brings out the shades of Blue perfectly. Though I will admit to loving Gold too !

First thought- earrings ? Not a big issue. But then I remembered I need to have 3 matching crystals. Whoa ! I need a bigger table !

I cleaned and cut my wire and set it beside each crystal as I cut.. Ideas forming in my mind. I settled on an elegant look. As I worked I realized these needed more sparkle. I added a few Swarovski Bicones in Metallic Blue and Bermuda Blue and one Crystal AB.

Now the fun part:

The earrings came out beautifully

 Here is the matching bracelet with a bit more bling at the top.

And here is the completed set !

Anastasia in all her beauty will be listed today in my Etsy shop

I enjoyed the challenge immensely ! I even used those faceted crystals I've been looking at for over a year now.. So maybe I also completed another of the daily challenges too :)

If you want a challenge and bit of fun  join the challenge- you'll unleash your creative muse from the winter doldrums !!

 

Copper In Jewelry

I've been away for the holidays , camping in the Florida Keys and have found something unique about my copper thumb ring.

My ring is made completely of wire and braided. While at home, I wear it daily.  So it gets washed continually throughout the day when I wash my hands. I marveled at how it has remained so shiny and untarnished.  It is oxidized and sealed; but after all this time, one would think I'd have to clear the tarnish at some point.

Here it has sat on the table for a few days.
I picked it up this morning to find the beautiful rosy color has darkened.

I decided to wear it anyway. To my surprise with each hand washing, the pretty rose color is returning! Only using Dawn dish detergent or soft soap and water.

I am excited to experiment further.  I normally advise removing rings when washing, cooking , etc but with Copper tgis may not be necessary.

More to follow as I experiment.

Sharing Handmade

As many of my fellow Artisans know, our handmade products are slowly being copied and mass produced.
Our hard work and passion is being, re-created into a lesser quality for a lesser price.

That being said I am hoping you will join me in spreading our Handmade beautiful works of art. Whether you create Flower Arrangements, Jewelry, Paintings, Baskets,Crochet, Knit, Sew or the many others ways he share our love, please help share it with the Global world.

I hope this doesn't end with only the Christmas season, but continues on indefinitely. I will certainly continue to do my part !  All I ask is that we take a few moments every few days and "share" anothers work.
Simple, easy and we all band together as one, showing our passion and quality for each others business.

I will be placing a similar posting such as this on my FaceBook Business Page in the notes section. I am asking any Artisan who would like to participate to post a  *valid* (please check it for us) to your business page.  I am also asking that they please share others work as well. This can be on your personal profile, blog, and Twitter. When sharing please include a link to that particular item, hopefully it can create a sale !
And the same will be done for you also.

Please use the hashtag  #ArtisanSharingArtisan    maybe we can take this further than even I hope ! Let's sprad the handmade movement and help each other  !

I will be sharing links on my FaceBook Profile, and Tweeting that same link each time I share. I've been doing this for a few weeks now and it makes me feel really good inside, helping a fellow passionate artist be seen by my friends and on Twitter !

I can be found at Twitter here 

If you would like to join me- remember to post your links here, I'll check back regularly.
And/or on my Business Page on FaceBook !

Ring Tutorial

Dana Ring Tutorial

This is a ring I named The Dana Ring, after  dear friend.  You will make this ring using a 2 hole bead and wire. You can embellish it with crystal bicones, and the possibilities are endless !
I love making these rings and thought why not let others make one as well. They are fun, get lots of compliments and do they ever scream bling !!!

As a courtesy to me, I request that this ring NOT be made for mass production. copied or taught without my permission.  
And please go easy on my photos. I tell everyone on my Fan Page  that I make jewelry NOT photos :)

I hope you enjoy making this #blingring !

TOOLS

22 gauge Artistic Wire
Swarovski 2 hole crystal heart
flat nose pliers
flush cutting pliers
ring mandrel
The Swarovski heart crystals can be purchased here on Etsy  in a variety of colors.

1.  You will want to cut your 22 gauge wire into 2 pieces of 10-12 inches each.  You can use 20 gauge wire, but it can make the ring a bit bulky with wire. Thread your Crystal Heart using both pieces of wire, and place the heart in the center.

2.  Place the heart and wire on your ring mandrel at a size approximately 1/4 -1/2 larger than you want to make. This is due to the inside diameter of your ring changing after you wrap it all together.

3. Wrap both sides of the wire around the mandrel once. This will give you 4 strands of wire for the back shank. Be careful making sure the wires do not twist.

4.  Make sure you have one side facing up and one side facing down.  Gently make one loop around the heart, ending with wire on each side.

  5.   Wrap 2-3 more times or as many as you would like in your design. I generally wrap 3. This will also help to secure your crystal from turning or angling the wrong way.

6.   Gently remove your ring from the mandrel, and while holding it take one side of your loose wire and wrap once around your ring shank, just to secure the side. Now do the same with the other side.
you can now continue with 1-2 more wraps on each side, finishing with a short cut near the shank and tapping the cut end down with your flat nose or chain nose pliers.. Remember to feel the edge to assure of no wire that could cause a scratch to anyone.

And there you have it ! A stunning #Swarovski Crystal #Heart ring !!

Playing with Leather :)

No.. this is not an excerpt from "Fifty Shades of Grey"  I'm talking about bracelets.
You know all the different leather with "pretties" on them.

I opened the mail today and Wa-La!  My order came in !  I've made wrap around leather bracelets with rhinestone chain, multiple rows of leather with crystals and beads, but I really like the simplicity of these.

That being said... I've decided to have a Pin To Win on the leather bracelet you see in the photo. It's a way to give back to the most wonderful fans/ friends in the world ! You've stuck by me when I was sick (when am I not?) and you've given me tons of encouragement to keep going !

For this alone I thank you from the deepest depths of my heart !

This bracelet is grey with a stunning crystal rhinestone slide bar ! it will match anything !!!
I can make it up to a size 8 1/2 .. Or you can use it as a great surprise gift..

To enter ??  Just post a comment under my photo board titled Pin To Win..  Though sharing it on your boards would seriously make me smile too  :)
Not into Pinterest? Not an issue - you can merely leave a comment here ♥

Happy pinning  : Pinterest link

Good luck !!!

To Tut or not to Tut ?

Last year I wrote a tutorial for wire wrapped beginner ring.
It's a very simple tutorial really, using a Swarovski crystal heart and wire.
You can add bicones to enhance it as well.

My tutorial has been accepted in Step by Step Wire Jewelry magazine thus creating a dilemma.  I have been considering placing the tutorial here on my blog for all to use. If I send it off to print I guess that would be the same?
They want so many changes though arrrgghhhh !

Stay tuned, maybe this dilemma will get resolved .

New Giveaway on my FB page !

I decided it was time for another GiveAway on my FaceBook fan page !
It's  a 28mm Crystal faceted Heart wrapped and woven with non-tarnish Silver Artistic Wire.

The heart isn't nearly this dark, but this is how the photo came out with the camera and the white background. The heart has more of a peachy/teal look when you turn it to see the different facets.
It is a remarkable crystal and one I immediately fell in love with when I saw it.

As always, a MUST have !

Here is the link to the  Giveaway  merely click on Giveaway and you will be spirited away to enter !

I do have a question for you to please answer,though it should have been more specific. I ask if you would like to see more wire work from me. I actually would like to know if you'd like more wire work or bead work. But the mind wanders when we need to think sometimes :)

It is not a requirement, but I would be grateful if the link is shared too ♥

Good luck !!

Heartbreaking

I went to the local gallery to check on my pendants they have behind the counter and was dismayed.
No one had been cleaning them, or taking care of them.They had the door open and moisture was exacerbating the condition of the Argentium.

The owner mentioned I may want to bring in some new pieces !  yeah so you can ignore them as well ?
When I asked why I wasn't called when they needed cleaning the reply was "I just make money off them and that's it"  So I now have these pendants in my possession and doing the cleaning and polishing .

I am so upset I will be putting up for sale -auction - or giveaway..


Here is the before photos from today:

Stay tuned for a great buy ♥

jewelry with a story

Here is the latest Awareness Bracelet, one of my copyrighted originals. I love making these because every one has a unique story.

This one is no different:

Childhood friends lose touch and reunite to tragic news.

One has breast cancer and has lost her daughter. This bracelet has many meanings. I chose to put the Rose Swarovski Crystals in the forefront as facing breast cancer is upper most in her mind.  so her daughters birthstone would not compete (October) i chose RoseWater Opal AB Swarovski Crystals.  Rose for Pink Tourmaline & Opal which are both considered birthstones for October.

And the Aquamarine for the wonderful friend who is overjoyed to be reunited.
The Rosewater Opal and Aquamarine are to remind the recipient that though her daughter is gone now, she and her best friend are both behind her recovery all the way.

Time for a Pin To Win !!!!

I promised a Pin To win this afternoon -before I got tied up with The Geek Squad and my computer.

 Since many of  you like my new Blue Gold Stone Ring I will be offering one as a Pin to Win

 Your ring will be made in Copper- non-tarnish- or pure your choice and your choice of crystal color.. I personally think light sapphire or aquamarine would be stunning..


 All you need to do is Pin the photo of the ring to one of your boards to be entered..


A winner will  be chosen Saturday January 19, 2013

Happy Pinning !!!

Legal Age to Drink !!!

Well I mentioned on my FaceBook fan page that something was afoot today.

Today is my 21st Lungiversary ! My lung transplant is now legal drinking age  :)  Funny how we celebrate things in different ways.. I have no intention of  drinking, I have new life not ready to destroy it .

But, for you this means alot.

You see I came to an idea.. I've had a total of 3 organ transplants, and 21 (2+1) =3 so naturally there should be three specials on my pages and I so hope you will participate and celebrate with me !

1. From today until Sunday every item in my ArtFire store is 21% off ... cool huh?  Just use the coupon code  Lung21 at check out to receive your discount.
This is a 2 way win!  The % you save will be added up and donated to help another lung transplant recipient with housing while recovering from their new gift of life. Your name, with your permission will be included in a card as a generous donor ♥

2. My FaceBook Fan page will be hosting a give away !
     Look for my post (upcoming) with the heading "Let's Party"  Post underneath my post with what awareness ribbon means the most to you and be entered for a $10 gift certificate to my ArtFire store. This will also expire on Sunday.


3. You will see a new "Pin To Win" going up today. It will be my new "you Have My Heart " Ring ! you are all so special to me, and have no idea how you cheer me up on those days when my world isn't that great.  You my online fans/friends have helped me through a lot of "yucky" days.. You're the best ever in my book !
The Pin to Win link will be posted on my fan page too !

I want to take a moment and thank you all, for helping me celebrate my many chances at life. Sometimes it has been a struggle, but every single second is precious and I am so Blessed in so many ways..

Thank you for being a part of my life ♥

4400 Fans Giveaway!

I was so surprised to see I had reached 4400 fans. Thank you all so much !

 You are not just my fans you are my friends.  And each and every one of you mean so much to me, you would not believe.

While I was making this my fan number did drop, but I'm giving this away anyway!

When I asked what I should make, dear sweet Amanda suggested "something beaded, on wire on a chain.

She definitely challenged my creative faeries!

While I did stretch it a bit this is the result.

A gorgeous green/blue faceted crystal heart wrapped in silver plated wire on an organza ribbon choker.

I hope the ribbon choker will pass for a chain.. Honestly nothing else looked good with this pendant.

This will be a dual entry:

You can either post comments here to enter . Please don't post as anonymous because I can't find you :(

OR

you can Pin to Win 

OR both!

The giveaway will run from Sunday September 9,2012 until Saturday September 15,2012

I will announce the winner here, on my FB fan page  and Pinterest .

Good Luck and Happy Pinning !

The Watcher

                The Watcher


The last of his kind on Middle Earth.
 His eyes have born witness to the battles of Men.
 His Armour handed down through the Ages..


This piece has been over one year in the design and making. First I had to convince the fantastic Polymer clay artist Lynn Reno of Desert Rubble   that her Polymer Clay Dragon Eyes were the utmost closest to perfection to be found. I knew I had to have one. She even made the eye (ball) the color of my choosing.


After the eye arrived I looked at it for months..Secretly opening the box,  unwrapping the tissue paper and gazing at this phenomenal work.  I have a boot at the Sarasota Medieval Faire and knew this Dragon had to be back in his own realm.


The finished product you see here is the culmination of 7 different design attempts until I was satisfied. The Watcher has European 6 in 1 Aluminum chain maille for the base, surrounded of all 4 sides by Helm chain. The Dragon's armour is Japanese 12 in 2 in Mint anodized Aluminum.
The Watcher also comes with a chain also handmade. I chose aluminum for the lightweight appeal.


Large Magatamas create the look of scales surrounding the Dragon Eye piece.

Pin To Win !!

So here is my first PIN TO WIN  giveaway !

I'm new at this so if I do something wrong please bear with me.
The giveaway is a pair of my "Ritz" Earrings!  They are made using Silver Filled Wire and gorgeous Swarovski Crystal Top Drill bi cones.

To enter - merely Pin the photo to one of your boards. Winner will be chosen randomly through Random.org on Sunday night .

Happy Pinning !

Possible new tutorial on the way

As many of you know I work in a Bead Store part time as well as teach there. We have a very sweet lady who is allergic to all metals, but loves her jewelry. She has a great eye for color and design too!

So she was playing with different ways to bead around a magnetic clasp so she can wear it safely.
She came in and showed us what she came up with and it was so simple and fast!

Would you like me to photo it and post it here for you to try?

When I mentioned her making a tut for others, her reply was " Post it on your blog for others to enjoy. It may help someone else with metal allergies"

So be on the look out for
Karen Cooper's  10 minute beaded magnetic clasp covers  soon !

And the Holiday shopping begins!

Beginning yesterday (Thanksgiving 2011) every item in my ArtFire Store is on sale.

No coupons needed! no jumping through hoops merely choose, click and you are finished!

I've also taken the pledge to "Shop Small Businesses on Saturday" too. You too can get involved.

Have an American Express card? Register it on the Small Business site and you can get a $25 credit on your purchases!