Off to the bus in a moment but before I do I wanted to share my etsy shop with you. May you have a awesome day!



Peace,
Tera

Time Flies

Already having been in the Seattle area for a month and a half, I can say I am quite pleased with life. My designs are being shown at the Columbia City Gallery and I am waiting to hear back on my application to another. I am also waiting to hear back on a festival application for August.

My goal is ten galleries or combined retail locations all at once. This may take some time to achieve as I also am pursuing my writing. Stayed tuned... I am up to almost 2000 words. Writing for me is so rewarding and I get on a "roll". My creative juices don't stop. Just like when I sit down to create jewelry, I can often spend hours upon hours at it.

I have a desk in the corner in pieces meant to be my jewelry work area. I may have to tackle putting it together myself very soon. The beads are calling me and they, along with the wire, tools and clay are all here now.

Whatever shall I make first? I think some bead weaving is long overdue.

Love and Kisses

It's coming close to that time....Valentines Day is almost upon us. Sweetness, love, honey and baby....speak these words every day and you can't go wrong.

For something tangible you can try taking home your lady sweetie something like this newly made creation Love and Kisses Necklace.

Almost Christmas

Good morning all,

Hope this Sunday is finding you rested and peaceful. Here I sit at my computer still in my pjs relishing the rare morning that my husband is here to occupy the little one. In all reality, he's not so little. He will be two in March and has been wearing toddler sized clothes for a bit now.

I find myself keeping him up later just to see him run and smile. Simple little pleasures that mean so much. I know from experience that these days will pass all too soon. My daughter will be eighteen next week! I still get the occasional smile along with the eye roll. However, I thank my blessings every time I see her doing a chore I didn't have to ask her to do since I am pulled in many directions by a roaming toddler that is discovering everything!

He does his part to help in the house by putting the dogs dish in the sink when its empty, dumping everything he can onto the floor so I can put it away, smelling the candles and putting the in between the couch cushions to make it smell yummy. He has even tried to put the leash on the dogs to walk them. My favorite is when he throws all his toys into the tub so mom can enjoy them.

As for the jewelry designing, I do have a small collection started that has not yet been photoed. I am so scattered in my designs that I believe I will categorize my site eventually by style instead of by the usual necklace/earrings/bracelet and such. I think every woman or man for that matter can reinvent themselves almost daily and jewelry is one way to do that. We decorate our homes, why not decorate ourselves?

I personally never leave home without earrings on. Often, I also pile on the bracelets and favor short necklaces over long ones since I have a little one I have to carry around and dogs in the house that like to chase me when we are playing piggy back.

When things quiet down and I finish the chores, run to the store for sewing needles, research personal papers, see the husband off to work, I will finish the pearl and sterling silver flower necklace I have started and post a picture for you all to enjoy. In the meantime, enjoy the picture of my little one. Notice all his bling. He has his own collection he likes to pile on all at the same time. Maybe he's the next big designer!

News!! New Site Design!!

Elation! I have been working once again with up and coming web designer Melinda H. and we are very near putting the finishing touches on my website.

I can't say that zencart has been my most favorite thing to work with. We have considered at times ditching the whole site and starting fresh but alas, we may not have to. Simplicity is key. Black, grey, white, gradients, slide show and more....I think we may have just found the answer to dressing up a template.

Trying to think outside of the box when your working in boxes, literally...well, it's a challenge. I am admittedly not a coder, so please everyone a round of applause and a big pat on the back to Melinda for her patience!

I am still taking new pictures and resizing so the site is faster and the pictures are cleaner looking. I hope you all take a moment to peek in and send me an email with suggestions or comments.

Wandering Creations

I am wondering just how many artists begin with a clear picture of what their ending peice will actually look like. I often find myself beginning something and thinking that it will be a bracelet when in fact when I am done it has transformed into a necklace. Something about the creation process is fulfilling even if you don't end up with what you thought you originally would.

Currently, I am working on a woven peice that was to be a bracelet that then was going to be a small pouch and now is almost a completed necklace. I am not sure if anything what this says about me. Except I can "go with the flow" and I am spontaneous. When the necklace is complete I will post pictures here for you to see. It is still a work in progress and I imagine it will take a few more days to finish. This is mostly due to the path I will take to get to the "end" and a little to do with the time it actually takes to weave.

A simple woven bracelet can take 2 hours to complete while more intricate patterns can take 6 to 9 hours. If your ever in my neck of the woods, possibly we can sit down together and start a project.....

Midnight Madness

Tomorrow from 8pm until midnight you can find me at the Finders Keepers Mall in Heath, Ohio for Midnight Madness. There will be sale prices on everything in the store, my own booth will be 20% off and there will be artists on hand to show their craft. It will be a great time for all! Pictured is a clay heart I created that is hung on beadalon wire with bone and is secured with a mother of pearl shell nugget. I will be taking this item to the mall for the event.

If you have never been to Finders Keepers you are missing out on hours and hours of shopping, browsing, wonderful sights and scents. Candles, jewelry, antiques, furniture and more fill the extremely large store.

If your anywhere near Heath, I would love for you to join us! Don't be shy, walk right up and introduce yourself. I love to mix, mingle and meet new people. Hope to see you there!

Brushyfork Campground Music Fest

Today's show at Brushyfork Campground to sum it up was super great music and nice weather! What more can you ask for? More people! The music truly was wonderful. However, so many people were waiting for the main show (Andy Griggs) to sing that very little people showed up earlier in the day. The performers kept the beat, the spirit of the day and thier sense of humor. Kudos and high five to them!

In closing, I'm tired, its been a long but fun day. I met a few new people and sold a few pieces of jewelry. I got to spend time with my daughter and my little boy so, all is good. Here's hoping for fabulous fall weather just a little longer!

Copper Faced Goddess

This beauty is a polymer clay faced I created from a mold I made myself. She sat waiting for me to create something worthy of her copper god likeness and one day last week....voila'! Goldstone, copper seed beads, bronze and yellow crystals look spectacular when set with her and the pretty copper bali style toggle. She will be listed in my Artfire shop for all to see.

Hope your all having a fantastic day!

Tera

Yippppeee

Frist Yippppeeee.....error 28 is no more! Take a peek at my site http://www.bohemianglitz.com and it looks great! We hope to still get the drop down menu implemented but it is a far cry better than it was! Funny how you don't know how "bad" something is until you improve it. Who knew that removing purple moving petals and adding green "wallpaper" would make such a difference?

Another yipppeeee....I attended the annual bead show over the weekend and purchased some fantastic 8mm pearls, agate, crystal and more. I am looking forward to going to another in Cinncinnati at the end of October. I just love gem and bead shows! You get the best of the best at the best prices! Who could resist handling pearls vs shopping on the internet? Which I do that too.

Third yippppeee....we hit the drag strip to watch qualifying runs after the bead show. Yeah, I know. Seems out of place doesn't it? But its really not~my dad raced cars and I practically grew up in the pits. We didn't stay long since the little one had to nap but just hearing the thunderous roar was fantastic. It's so loud that it makes your chest vibrate! It reminds you that your alive!

Last yippeeee for today~it took 2 days but my son finally took a nap longer than an hour. Whew! he was starting to tire me out. It's hard work chasing after a little one.

Signing off for now,

Tera

Jack of All Trades

Wowzer! Is all I have to say...I have worked side by side with a web consultant for over two weeks now to reconstruct my site. New template, new colors, texture, moving and resizing, drop down menu, footer nav and so on and so on.....

All was good until yesterday. Error 28 is haunting my site. Seems to be a temporary file or host file size problem. Not something I have done. However, out of frustration I have gone backwards and undone some of our work, hoping this would bring the site back to functional. It comes and goes. When it feels like it. Kinda like a teenager or a wandering boyfriend. Like the analogy there? I am trying to keep my sense of humor.

Amongst taking care of my little one, my teenager, my husband, my animals, the house and all it entails....my site is misbehaving badly. So very sad.....

I hope anyone checking in to browse or shop will come back again. I am hoping to have this corrected by this evening. In the meantime, my etsy and artfire shops are still going.

I like to be hands on so I can navigate, lay out, change, and so on most things on my own site without having to go to someone else for help. This really shouldn't be this difficult. Can someone out there please stomp all over error 28!?!?*?&!!

To all you independent artists out there: I hope you never have a site crash. It's a sickening feeling.
To all the supporters of independent artist: Please be patient with "us" and be sure to come back time and time again.

Sincerely,
Tera

New items added today!

Hey! hey! I feel like shouting it out....I am adding new items to my site today. Here is one of my favorites~a stunning and edgy design with stick pearls and garnet. Be sure to visit often as I am still working on site improvements:)

Hit Counter

Just a quick update! I forgot to let everyone know that the winner of the $50 gift certificate is Sharon C. from Wisconsin. Happy Shopping!!

Beautiful Balance

Good Tuesday Morning to all!

If you haven't checked in lately, be sure to visit my website http://www.bohemianglitz.com/ not only am I creating new designs but I have a whole new web layout! It is crisp, pleasing to the eye and as the days move forward so are we. Look for upcoming improvements such as drop down menus, live links, new shipping options and more!

Sometimes when you are the "do-it-all" things like computer work is last to get done. Unless, of course computers are your passion. My passion happens to be jewelry first, beads second. Jewelry only comes in first since my love of it began at a very early age. I remember at around the age of 12 my mother having some sort of home party for tupperware, avon or something of that nature. Honestly, I can't remember what the party was for. All I can remember is I was able to wear the most beautiful rhinestone bracelet that I had ever seen. Turns out, this was all part of a memory game.

Here's basically what went on: I was dressed in my "finery" (as fine as I could get at 12) with the fancy rhinestone bracelet on my wrist and I paraded around our living room carrying a round tray with objects laying on it. I had to go by each person in the room and let them look at the tray then, each guest had to try and list as many things on thier notepad that they could remember seeing. The catch here was the bracelet was an object they should have noted. I, of course, did not know this and had my hand under the tray part of the time.

I am sure there were other times even before that where jewelry was introduced to me since my mother had a love for it also. I grew up in the 80's and had all the big hoops and hair to prove it. Layered colors, multiple bracelets and lace anklet socks! I think what I really enjoyed the most was the fact that there was this attitude that "anything goes". To this day I push myself to think outside of the box with designs in every aspect.

Like most artists, we focus more on creating the art than creating a business. When beautiful art is created I believe people will take notice. So, in closing this month is balance month. I am learning new computer skills, taking better pictures and creating new designs. I am sincerely trying to do it all. Not only am I the designer and creator of jewelry but since I write the descriptions and photograph them I do a lot of computer work!

In addition to my growing business, I am a stay at home mother, a wife and all that it entails. I also have furry critters to care for. More than one of us needs special care and attention. I hope that you enjoy all the improvements happening on http://www.bohemianglitz.com/ and my postings here.

Balance and happiness to all!

Tera Vermillion

Hit Counter is at 25,000!

Hooray!!! The hit counter is at 25,002....the drawing for the gift certificate will only be open to those who are newsletter subscribers at this time and who respond to the notification that the hit counter is at 25,000. This reply would confirm they wish to participate in the drawing for the gift certificate. I am hoping this way the prize will not go unclaimed. Good luck to all:)

Friendly Reminder and "The Fine Print"

Good evening!! In regards to the upcoming drawing for a $50 gift certificate to be used at www.bohemianglitz.com: I will be emailing every newsletter subscriber to confirm receipt of email/notification of upcoming drawing. If you do not respond within three days your name will not go into the drawing. Please check your spam if you are not getting notifications. I am doing this to ensure that the winner is aware of the drawing and wants to participate. The gift certificate will expire in 9 years. No other restrictions will be set. If you wish to use the gift certificate on something listed in my artfire or etsy shop you can either email me and have me cancel your gift certificate and unlist the items from the appropriate store and mail them to you. OR purchase them so no one else beats you to it and I will issue you a refund. Then, I would cancel the gift certificate. I usually check my email several times a day and try to always respond the same day.

This is your first notification of the upcoming drawing, second will be an individual email. When the hit counter on my personal website hits 25,000 I will have a seperate party draw the winners name. I will notify you by email of your winnings. Please reply back so I know you have received this notification then, have fun shopping! Currently, the hit counter is at 24,925. I expect by this time tomorrow we will be at the magic number. The goal here was to spread the word about my one of a kind beaded jewelry and the website. I hope you all have enjoyed staying updated and please let me know of any feedback or suggestions.

You must be a newsletter subscriber at the time the hit counter hits 25,000 and a winner is drawn. No late additions please.

I now have a booth at a local craft mall-Finders Keepers in Newark, Ohio. If you had your eye on something and it no longer appears on the website it may be in the booth there. All of the purses have been moved to Finders Keepers. Please feel free to email me to see if it is still available or with any other questions.

Happy blogging, happy crafting and happy day!!

Tera
aka Bohemian Glitz, terabg.etsy.com

Marketing Your Craft and Other Stuff

Quite possibly, I am not the one that should be writing about this subject. I am a stay at home mom, have many responsibilites including two children both with thier own "special needs". I have been working on or with computers since 1985. You would think I would be a pro by now. Just the opposite! I get by. Up until a few years ago, I didn't even realize how much information you could look up on the internet. When I took my first computer class you had to enter mathematical equations to create pinwheel black and white flowers. Nowadays, I am sure there are third graders that could create better blog pages than I.

I create jewelry. I certainly do not spend enough time marketing myself and if I do possiblly not in the correct places or not enough....Have you heard of my site? If you have, then maybe I am doing something right. Somewhere in the day to day goings on of chores, bills, kids, animals, I create. Sometimes, I find time to tweet, post on facebook, indiepublic, americancraftguide or ustrendy. But I still don't know how to do a beautiful blog page for example: http://www.willoaksstudio.blogspot.com/

Visit this site and you will see what I am talking about. Not only does she create beautiful jewelry, take amazing photos but she does market! Blog! Shine! I would love to sit down together with her or anyone like her over coffee and learn a little. I should have named this blog "Help Me" !

Anyone looking for ooak jewelry or pouches please take a moment to visit my site: http://www.bohemianglitz.com Here is what one customer has said about her items she bought:

"I got my necklace!!! I absolutly love it!!! thank you so much for the pouches, those will be perfect for my trip coming up!!!! OH and I love the bracelet you know me too well!!! Thank you so much!! I gave your card to my mom to give to a lady she works with, I know she will love your stuff, her name is T*** A***, so I hope you get some orders from her!!! Have a great day!!!"

If you would like to see other feedback, please visit http://www.terabg.etsy.com

In closing, I can tell you word of mouth is the best! Marketing online still gets around because people share your links. That is still word of mouth that is definetely faster than face to face! So, if you are looking for places to market yourself and your handcrafted items you can try:facebook, twitter, indiepublic, americancraftguide, diyscene, byhand.me....any others that I have not mentioned feel free to email me with them!

Thanks so much for reading this, supporting your artists and our efforts to create handmade unique items!