I'd like to announce my new MySpace blog that I've created to highlight some of my favorite sellers on Etsy! So check it out and they might become your fav's too:)

JBT MySpace Blog

Please contact reindeergirl for more information on this.


Hi everyone!! :) I'm posting this (sorry the OP below is long) in hopes some of you might be able to help out this women's group? Anyone wishing to donate supplies or with more questions, please convo me! :) I'll see that all the stuff gets to the group. I suspect (if anyone has extra tools, or cheap stuff that you upgraded from perhaps) tools would be particularly needed, but materials too! Thanks for reading!

RG-----Original Message-----

Dear Friends,

As you probably know I am working as the Coordinator of the Women's Centerat CCAC. The women who come to the Women’s Center are all ages (from 18 to60), are different races and are from different social economic status. The women receive free counseling, workshops, and referrals to community resources.

I have initiated a student club, Women on a Mission. The purpose of the club is to provide the women an opportunity to develop supportivefriendships, have leadership opportunities, and to have a way that thestudents can give back to the community. The students have support and a place to meet at the Women’s Center. However, the Women’s Center does not have funds available for the group.

Recently, the concept of making jewelry emerged as a way for the women to spend time together and to produce something for a fundraiser. I am helping them collect materials for their project and will oversee the group as they determine the portion of the money to give a community charity.

If you have old beads, jewelry, or materials that could be used in jewelrymaking or if you are part of a church or organization that would collect materials for this project you support would be appreciated.

You can mail donations to the following address or contact me at724-816-7771 or rdevries [!at] ccac.edu to find a way to get your donation to the students.

CCAC Women's Center
808 Ridge Ave, Byers Hall 305
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Sincerely,Becky

Etsy, The New Wave of Crafters and Hobbyists is Here!

From the traditional to the bizarre, Etsy has something for everyone. Where else can you find a genuine gemstone necklace next to an anatomically correct heart pendant, or a picture of the spooky twins from The Shining? The only requirement for shop ownership on Etsy, is that all items must be handcrafted by the designer. Etsy is a true supporter of independent artists and crafters everywhere. Their virtual marketplace includes handmade items from all over the wold, that previously weren’t available on such a large scale. Etsy also provides a great place to buy arts and craft supplies and vintage items.

The brainchild of a small group of entrepreneurs, it is run like a large commune for artists online. Etsy is like the anti-Ebay, with low listing fees, no auctions or outside advertising, and a personalized touch. Communication between Etsy administrators, buyers and sellers, can occur easily through email or forum style. Customer and artist concerns are addressed in a friendly and personal way.

As a Self Representing Artist and Jewelry Designer, Etsy was the solution to all of my needs. I have been designing jewelry for 7 years, and I have sold online for 5. I became incorporated 3 years ago as Jewelry by Tara, www.jewelrybytara.etsy.com and www.jbtjewelry.com . I decided I no longer wished to sell through Ebay, other auction sites, or craft fairs. Then, after 3 years of solely running my own site, I realized that the costs of advertising, web design, and credit card processing, were killing my business. Designers and artists can get lost on the web, without the larger budgets of our competitors. My move to Etsy has provided me with an outlet to sell my jewelry online with free advertising, low listing fees, and complete technical and community support. Through Etsy I have met true artists and my personal mentor, www.localcolorist.com .Who has given me invaluable help and insight into the artist’s world. I have seen my profits triple in the five months I have been on Etsy and my overhead reduce to half of the previous cost. The support and community of atmosphere of Etsy has encouraged me in my creative pursuits and driven me to expand. I am currently sell my jewelry in the United States and several shops around the world including Scotland, Ireland, and other parts of the U.K. Etsy has enabled people to find me on a global scale and encouraged my international presence.

There are many opportunities for involvement on Etsy, and I am proud to be a member, leader, and co-founder of several Etsy Street Teams. JET is led by myself, and Tanya Gonzalez of www.crescentmooncreation.etsy.com. Jewelry on Etsy Team, boasts 266 members, and we provide fantastic group sales, promotions, contests and support to our fellow independent jewelry designers. To learn more about our group, please visit our blog, www.jewelryonetsyteam.blogspot.com. I am also currently a member of EFA, Etsy For Animals. EFA members are encouraged to donate a portion of their profits to a worthy animal charity that is chosen at random from the group. There are many other eclectic groups of artist run Street Teams on Etsy, representing a variety of people. There is a vegetarian team (of which I am also a member), CCCOE, (California Crafter’s On Etsy), also created by Tanya and I. And many other groups including; gay, lesbian, and transgender, dark crafts, luxury items, glass artists, and everything else you can imagine.

Not only am I an Etsy shop owner, but I am a large scale buyer! I like to support my fellow Etsians and I buy most of my promotional items, supplies, artwork, bath & body, and gifts on Etsy. The quality of these handmade products is amazing! For a society that has lost the personal touch in retail, online and off, Etsy is very refreshing. The store owners are very concerned with originality and craftsmanship. On Etsy, the old saying, “the customer is always right”, actually means something. There is feedback and previously sold items listed in every shop, which reinforces the accountability of the store owner. You can research the reliability and quality of the designer’s work by using these tools.

If you are looking for original photographs, artwork, home décor, clothing, or just about anything else that you can think of, Etsy can and will accommodate all of your shopping needs. Searches from the most obscure to the recently trendy, will undoubtedly result in great finds. Caring administration and customer driven sales, make for a wonderful buying experience. I would strongly urge all artists and designers currently selling on the internet, to learn about the benefits of Etsy shop ownership.
Creative and inventive people everywhere have finally found a home for their handcrafted designs, through the help and support of this amazing site.

To learn more about Etsy, please visit their website here, www.etsy.com.

Still time to win this beautiful crystal earrings and bracelet set:

Just visit my new website and sign the guestbook! A winner will be drawn at random on July 1st.

Jewelry by Tara

Thank you!

Tara

I have a new banner! It was a present and I love it:) What do you think?

What's Hot For Summer 2007

After doing much research in Star and People magazine, I can only conclude that summer 2007 is going to be truly fabulous! Brights, vintage, longer necklaces! And JBT has it all! Check out our fantastic $5 stretchy bracelets, with vintage lucite and beautiful bright colors:

Stretchy Bracelets

And of course, you'll need a gorgeous long vintage charm and pendant necklace for those nights on the town!

Vintage Necklaces

Don't forget your earrings girls! We have a $1 and $2 section that is filled with something for every style!

$1 Earrings

$2 Earrings

And you can still enter our drawing to win a genuine crystal bracelet and earrings set on our new website.

Click on the banner below to check it out!

Thanks so much!
Tara

My 2 most popular necklaces have been greatly reduced, because I have just purchased a huge lot of fantastic vintage items! So take advantage of this great sale and get your:

Fuschia Sparrow Necklace $10
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6136053

Octopus Necklace $15
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6123754

Thank you:)
http://www.jewelrybytara.etsy.com

If you'd like to be in our drawing for a FREE crystal earrings and bracelet set, sign our guestbook.
http://www.jbtjewelry.com

Fantastic Summer Stretchy Bracelets Are Here!! Most are only $5! Click on the bracelet below to visit my shop:)

Also, don't forget to visit our new website and sign our Guestbook for a chance to win a drawing for a beautiful crystal bracelet and matching earrings!

JBT

Thank you!

Tara

The JBT $1 Section is back! And now, for a limited time, we are also featuring a $2 section, where you can expect to find the same great quality post and hook earrings, beads, and vintage lucite!

$1 Jewelry

$2 Jewelry

Thank you, I appreciate your business!

Tara

Hi all!!

Visit my new website, sign into my guestbook and you can win a pair of these earrings!

I will be picking a random winner on the first of the month. No information will be given out or used for mailing lists. I am just interested in getting some positive feedback on my new site!
Thank you and here's the site:)

I am happy to announce the newest place to find JBT information and products! You can still purchase all of my jewelry on Etsy, but here is my own personal website:

WARNING XXX Content Ahead

My friend Kristie Crow made me this fab pendant and I decided that a lucky someone should buy it and never be lonely again!

Great for a gag gift, bachelorette party, or just to be special! Check it out here and please do not look if you're easily offended:)

Portable Penis Pendant

Kattzz Meow

We have all heard of home parties. The first thing that comes to mind is a bunch of ladies gathered in your mother’s living room, shopping for the latest in plastic bowls and spoons! Well there’s something new “buzzin’” around town and it ain’t your mamas Tupperware party! As women become more liberated, the gadgets that make us smile are no longer the ones that can “whip up the best darned mashed potatoes in an instant!” While some are still made of plastic and pyrex, these are the gadgets that keep us barefoot and in the bedroom!

As a Passion Parties consultant I have had the opportunity to meet so many amazing women. Some are completely open about their sex life while others are quiet and reserved and prefer to keep their private lives to themselves. By passing around the latest in edibles, adult toys and creams that do everything from tighten to tingle, ladies enjoy the opportunity of getting a closer look than in a store. The home setting makes for a more comfortable atmosphere and the items make for some interesting conversation to say the least.

If we can get together and educate each other about everything from cookware to skincare, why not educate ourselves about enhancing our sex life? By hosting a Passion Party, you can see, touch and even taste the products before buying them, all while sharing some giggles with your closest friends. If you ask me, that sure beats going into your local adult store!

Many women think that they can’t have an orgasm, but maybe they just don’t know how. The truth is, just because your body belongs to you, don’t expect someone to hand you a manual telling you how it works! If you want to figure things out, you need to do some exploring.

Even though these parties tend to make people blush and giggle, it is something that I think everyone should attend. It doesn’t matter who you are, or how much experience you have, there is something for everyone at a Passion Party. Make it fun by adding a theme, have a potluck and have everyone bring a sensual food or desert! Many hostesses have fun with cocktails by serving pink panties and screaming orgasms. Unlike the usual party hosted with the intention of selling something, people don’t run in the other direction when you mention you are having a Passion Party! In fact, many girls have heard of “those” parties but don’t know how to go about getting one together. Girls are thrilled to come and even bring friends. This is the one party where your significant other will say, “Take the credit card! Buy whatever you want!”

Better yet, have a co-ed party. Bring your man along and taste the edibles together. Explore your options together and find new ways to spice up your love life. I have heard a lot of girls say, “He would never do that”. You would be surprised at how excited men are to see what we have. Men love gadgets right? Men love sex too. Imagine if there was a gadget that enhanced their orgasms, well… there is and we have it! Get a little something for him and how can he complain if you buy something for yourself!

Finding out that “that” goes “there” and you can “lick this” and if you blow on it “it gets hot”, is no longer something to be ashamed of. These once naughty items are becoming more and more popular.
No matter what kind of crowd, I always hear someone say, “Wow, I had no idea!” or “I never knew…” It is healthy to explore your fantasies and lead an active and imaginative sex life. My job brings couples closer together and keeps a smile on their face. While I’m no doctor, I have found a fun, casual way to help you relieve stress, strengthen your relationships with yourself and your partner, and keep you feeling good by introducing new things, or replacing old, overused (cough cough) things in your bedroom! This is what makes my job worthwhile.For more information you can visit my website www.kattzzmeow.com

By-Kristie Crow

New services at JBT! I am putting my banner and html skills up for sale! Please contact me if you need a simple banner or have your own picture you'd like turned into a link for MySpace, blogs, websites, etc. There are many basic styles I can offer you.

For only $8, I will send you a copy of your jpeg and html code. Turnaround should average less than 24 hours and I am just a convo away if you need me!

Here is the listing on Etsy:

Banner and html code

Need an avatar or small linking banner? I can do that too for the low introductory price of $3.

Avatar

New Street Team on Etsy

Welcome jewelry designers to our latest Street Team on Etsy! All are encouraged to join, we are a positive group that will be promoting each other, having fun, and just trying to learn from our mutual experiences.

No fee is required and everyone will be added who has an etsy shop and designs jewelry. Please check out our thread to be added.

Thank you to my good friend Tanya, http://www.crescentmooncreation.etsy.com for starting this with me.

Thank you to the almost 100 people who have already joined this morning!

http://www.jewelrybytara.etsy.com

Tara

Today's JBT Featured Sellers

Greenwillow Crafts

My shop on etsy is Greenwillow Crafts. My name is Ann and I live in North Carolina. I have had my shop on etsy since last August, but I have been sewing and hand embroidering since I was a little girl, making cards for 6 years now, and taking photographs for about 5 years. Since I believe you can show love by the time and care you put into making something, I have always given my family and friends gifts I've made. And in the past 10 years, I have sold locally in art and craft shows. Now that I'm retired, I have plenty of time to put into my crafts. It still thrills me when someone likes something I've made enough to buy it.

Today's JBT Featured Etsy Sellers

Did it Myself/happi commi press

Did it myself/happi commi press is an imaginative charming nod to the 40's, 50's, & 60's with a funky flare, while remaining unique. Theer is a little something for the whole family.

Michelle's Jewelry Designs

Hi, my name is Michelle and I've been creating handcrafted jewelry for three years. I've just recently decided to try to sell some pieces, rather than just making jewelry for myself and family and friends. I just opened shop on etsy on April 10th and am loving the experience so far.

I try to keep my pieces fairly simple, and when I'm creating something new, I always ask myself, "Would I wear this?" I'm particularly drawn to creating things with sterling silver (it's so shiny!) and contrasting beads and stones. I think that small, freshwater pearls make great accents, and you'll find them incorporated into many of my pieces.

cserpentDesigns

Welcome to cserpentDesigns - jewelry and "other things" designed and created by Susan!! I specialize in making a variety of gemstone and glass beaded and wired artisan jewelry and other beaded things. I have a large selection of high quality beads and findings which I use to make the jewelry. My early attempts at jewelry making taught me how short the lifetime is for gold and silver plated findings (at least when I wear them) so in most cases I will use only sterling silver or gold filled parts. I sell my jewelry at a local shop as well as through my Etsy store (http://cserpent.etsy.com) and my own website (http://www.cserpentDesigns.com). Come have a look and enjoy the sights! If you see something you like, but it isn't quite in the colors you want send me an email and I will gladly make something custom just for you!

cserpent blog
http://www.cserpentDesigns.com

Please check out my latest creations! Feedback is much appreciated:)

Click on the banner to visit:

I'm Terri Walton and I've been doing art ever since I could hold a crayon. I create jewelry with whatever I can get my hands on, including vinyl records, glass and plastic beads, charms, paper, dominoes, shrink plastic, and anything else that is fun, funky, and colorful. I'm also a cartoonist and fine artist with a slant towards the abstract style. I'm married to Bob and he's really cool. We live in Massachusetts with our two crazy cats, Tricky and Little Byte. When I'm not crafting or blogging I work as a pharmacy tech. I have another shop on Etsy (yep I'm on of those 2 shop people!) called Impybat. Check out my blog at http://impybat.blogspot.com.

Grooviest Pharaoh Vinyl and Turquoise Necklace

Coral and Vinyl Earrings

Chakra Charm Bracelet

I'm being featured today here:

http://impybat.blogspot.com/

Please check it out and leave me a comment:)

Thank you!