Happy Belated New Year

Happy belated new-year 2020.  Goodness, I still write "2019" on everything.  It's been quiet here, but I wanted to share a few custom pieces I made today while the little one slept in.  Both pieces are hand-stamped metal: one a baby spoon, the other a writer's talisman pendant. 

 

 This Write More talisman pendant was created to be a good-luck piece for writers.  I can stamp either solid copper or brass.  Each letter is individually stamped by hand, and hammer marks are visible on the front and back where I've hammered the piece.  My creative process in making this talisman mirrors the writer's process itself, sometimes imperfect but always necessary.  

Custom stamped baby/toddler spoon - stainless steel, made in the USA, and safe for your little one.  My toddler has used this particular spoon brand since she started eating solids.  Great quality and design.  I can stamp a first name on the spoon handle.  Spoon available in coated or noncoated.

Work of the Heart

Hello blog, it's really been awhile.  Motherhood will do that to you.  You blink and your child is now three years old.  You blink and your Etsy shop, once a quiet vessel of life, is semi-busy again with orders after a long, long drought.  Life has currently been on less of a time warp and more on an ebb-and-flow continuum, as life goes. 

I recently sold these tiny labors of love: book-page phrase gift boxes.  Each box top features tiny words cut by hand and a pair of scissors from a copy of Jane Eyre, my favorite book.  I then rearranged the words and made poetic or thoughtful phrases.  I had made these boxes years ago when I wanted to stand out from the mass-produced crowd, when I wanted to be creative in my own resourceful way.  So happy they have found a perfect home! 

Is it weird to talk about one's work in that respect?  As if the work themselves are, indeed, real?  

March

It's been a whirlwind first part of the year, hasn't it?  I need not discuss the state of our nation or the world here, but I assume you understand what I mean.  As for my Etsy shop, I've been receiving an increase in writing service inquiries.  This has been a blessing because, as you know, I'm an academically trained writer with an MA degree.  However, one thing that clients frequently ask for is editing done within 24 hours.  I unfortunately can't meet this requirement right now.  Firstly, writing and editing is a process that takes intense concentration and time to complete.  For me, at least.  I look over a piece many times before I am happy with the edits I've made.  Secondly, I contact the client with my questions on the piece, and don't start editing until I hear back from them - these questions can include tone, content, word choice, a need for more detail(s), etc.  And lastly, I have a busy home life that includes a very mobile toddler whose love for conversation and books takes precedent over all else in the moment.  I edit in the in-between moments, in the wee morning and twilight hours, during nap time.  And the wait is entirely worth it.

Visit my main website here.

Halloween Is Calling

I've always loved the fall and this year is no exception, as I'm excited to share the changing of colors with baby A.  Above is my Etsy Autumn findings list which, after looking through it, has admittedly put me more in the festive autumn spirit.  As for my shop, I'm trying to move product for the holidays and have further marked down items in my sale section here.  I personally shop early to avoid the stress, so likeminded folks, here you go.  Happy shopping, and happy October!



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September

From last September when I was still pregnant

It's September and I haven't had the energy or creative spark to make a piece of jewelry.  Baby A. now sleeps at a somewhat reasonable hour but doesn't nap in her crib, so my off time is spent unwinding or frantically cleaning our place little by little.  Not an easy task for the introverted.  Therefore, new jewelry will have to wait until I am fully in the creative flow - when meticulously designing, making, photographing/editing, and writing listing descriptions do not have to fit like a jigsaw puzzle piece into my schedule.

I know I say this often, but I mean it: thank you for your support.  Customers old and new have given me the momentum to simultaneously be a shop owner and a mom.  Your kind words do not go unnoticed.  For instance, I recently sold a pair of winter-inspired earrings - whose entire proceeds were donated to Feeding America - to a new customer who thanked me for shipping so quickly...a handful of days after her purchase.  Needless to say, your understanding is very much appreciated!

Although I don't have new jewelry listed for sale, I have recently renewed a few paper goods, including this fall favorite.  In addition, my content writing services are available for purchase.  When I make new jewelry, which I hope will be soon, you will be the first to know here.

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They're Back!

Recently renewed in my Etsy shop, check them out...

Small Book Page Envelopes

Monogram Small Book Page Envelopes

Hand-Stamped Name Tags - Sage Green & Black

June

via Instagram

It's been three weeks since my last blog post.  Goodness.  In baby time, that's a lot of developmental growth.  However, in mama time, three weeks has slipped through my fingers; I've forgotten how crazy life has been lately with a teething almost-there crawler.  (I am amazed at how mamas of more than one baby manage work and family life, especially those who work from home.)  

As for my Etsy shop I am still shipping orders as time permits, usually twice a week.  Lately, my writing services have been inquired about the most, which has been a wonderful surprise.  I've also noticed that there's been a clustering, an ebb and flow if you will, of specific shop item inquiries - that only my jewelry work is asked about one week and only my writing services the next.  It's as if we're all connected somehow in this amazing vast universe.  And I love that.  I like to think that positivity perseveres over the negativity in our society, our world.  That goodness and kindness are more commonplace than we know.  It's my hope to pass this on to my daughter who is becoming more and more observant as the days go by.  More importantly, it is my steadfast hope to be the best mother I can be.  Mamas out there, I feel you.

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In jewelry news, I hope to unveil new jewelry designs this autumn!

We Did It!

via Instagram

A belated thank you for helping me reach 1,000 sales on Etsy!  It's been a long time coming, but the wait was worth it.  Crazy that 1,000 pieces of my jewelry, wedding goods, and writing services are out there - all over the world.  As a deeply private person, this milestone was met with a humble gasp and a giddy half-grin.  Again, thank you from the bottom of this excited mama's heart.

Almost There!

One sale away from the big 1,000th on Etsy!

Buyer of my 1,000th sold item will receive a free piece of my jewelry.
Thank you for all the shop love!

1,000th Sale

If you've stopped by my Etsy shop recently, then you've likely noticed it's nearing 1,000 sales.  I'm elated!  As a gesture of thanks, I'm gifting the buyer of my 1,000th sale with a piece of jewelry of my choosing.

P.S. I just did the math - and can't believe I've had my Etsy shop for almost a decade come this fall!

New Year Thoughts

via impressus

Ah, 2017.  It still feels like 2016 to me, probably because last year was when all-wise little baby A. came into our lives - but back to the present moment...

My goals for 2017 are to enjoy family time (I often forget to take pictures!), make new jewelry when time allows, and begin again on expanding my writing services in shop.  I'm of the mindset that family comes first, so I'm continuing to accept custom orders on a case-by-case basis.  As I look at all the changes being made on Etsy and in our world, I'm astonished by the money-driven nature of it all - at the expense of creativity and ingenuity.  And need I mention old-fashioned integrity?  This I think about as I'm now a parent.

This I now realize as the first month of the new year unfolds.

A Little Break

Each time, it's been a dilemma whether or not to put my Etsy shop on a little break - this coming from an Etsy seller of nearly six years!  I've since decided that it's in everyone's best interest if I took a much needed break, however brief or long it may be.  Clarity, creativity, and a newfound sense of wonder tend to be the exciting results, as well as a fresh perspective on running an online shop.  As for this mini shop vacation, it'll happen within the next few weeks, so make your purchases now.  All jewelry will ship ASAP.  I do plan to reopen my shop before the start of the holidays (with new designs in tow), so check this blog or my Instagram account for periodic updates.  Thank you for your support!

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In the meantime, here's a true story of an intelligent shelter dog who boldly makes a "break" of her own:

Back at It

Trying to get back in to making jewelry.  I even set aside the above stones, looked at them glinting gloriously in the light, and then of course - like the tentative dreamer I am - put them back into their respective little containers.  Still, these stones sit on my desk (in containers), so I'll wait for inspiration to light a fire under me before I break out the sterling silver wire and actually make something pretty.  My goal: something different, color driven, and effortlessly autumn - but wearable all year-round.  At least I'm actively thinking about jewelry making, right?

Stones shown here: peridot, peacock pearl, labradorite, citrine, opal, hessonite garnet, white moonstone, carnelian, kyanite, smoky quartz, amethyst, and heliodor.

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Thank you to my wonderful buyers for sticking by me and continuing to support my ever-evolving vision!  My shop was first a jewelry shop, then I added wedding goods, and finally quality writing services after I received my MA degree a few years back.  I'm still amazed that I have return buyers (half-kidding here).  Lastly, I'm slowly taking shop inquiries again, so if you have questions please ask.

Last Day

Today's the last day of my Christmas in July sale, that is!  Visit the shop here.

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In other news, I recently finished an order of pendants for a bachelorette party.  See my Instagram account for a photo of some of the completed pieces.  It's not the best photo, I know, but it was nighttime and I was tired after having not made jewelry for months.  Thank you for all your support--it means so much to me as I try to get back in the swing of things.  Happy (almost) August!

Lately

I love that it's now June.  The weather is warmer, the pollen less, and summer wedding season is officially here.  If you're like me, you've been eyeing summer wedding dresses on Instagram and Pinterest with oohs and aahs, and reveling in the details of a bride's accessories and the wedding, itself.  It's pure creativity at play, a gorgeous mixing of traditional and modern elements that catch my eye.  But what I don't love is how behind I am on the shop front.  I haven't made or added new listings in months, but will finally make the May donation to Feeding America this week.  Also, I've further discounted my popular wedding-speech writing service for a limited time for wedding season, so check it out here.

Here's my tentative to-do list for the month...

To-do list for June:
- Finally make the May donation;
- Sit down and create new jewelry;
- Design new book-page wedding signs (from your helpful input);
- Carry out photography sessions for the aforementioned (new) shop goods;
- Edit photos and then add fresh listings to my shop;
- Work on my novel, whose progress has been on a months-long hiatus.  Yikes!
- Read more.


Can't wait to translate creative shop ideas, which I've been working on in my head, onto the page!  It may take a few tries, and certain projects may be scrapped altogether once begun, but that's the creative process for you.  Lastly, thank you for the high number of clicks on my blog post chronicling our recent road trip to Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park in Nevada.  Hope you enjoyed reading the post (read here).

More soon,

   Deanna
EmeraldCut | The Introverted Writer

In-Shop Wedding Favorites

1. Please Sign Our Guestbook Hand-stamped Book Page 4" x 6" (sold)
Received a few inquiries lately for this stamped book page sign, which has just sold.  This particular item is cut to 4" x 6", but I can stamp entire book pages without cutting them down.  I also have a few book page sizes to choose from if page thickness and length matter to you.  Word count limit is due to stamp size.

2. Custom Wedding Speech Writing Service
Perhaps my most popular writing service, my wedding speech writing service is also a personal favorite.  With the purchase of this listing, I will edit and polish your wedding speech from information that you provide--and work with you until the speech is what you are looking for (wording, tone, style, content, etc.).  My writer's credentials include a Master's degree from an accredited university.

3. Stamped Custom Initials Seed Packets - California Poppy
These handmade seed packets include upcycled vintage book pages, which I hand cut and then stamp with your two initials in bold typewriter font.  Seeds are organic California Poppy.  With a bookish touch, these seed packets make lovely wedding, bridal shower, and engagement party favors.

4. Bridesmaid or Maid of Honor Small Hand-Stamped Manila Tags
We can't forget the bridal party.  This listing is for bridesmaid or maid of honor small manila tags stamped by me using small typewriter font.  The classic font with colored twine will adorn gifts perfectly.  Attach individually to your bridal party thank-you gifts and you are good to go.

5. Wedding Website Content Writing Service
A less traditional but much-needed offering, this writing service allows for your love story and other wedding website content to be edited for clarity, content, flow, and tone.  I will need a rough draft, so I can build on your unique voice.  Like my wedding speech writing service, this writing service will help with the wedding planning process.

6. Long Hand-Stamped Name Tags - Sage Green
Another versatile listing, these long hand-stamped tags fit a first name or first-name-with-last-initial combination.  Simple yet visually appealing, I stamp each letter freehand so layout varies per tag.  Sweet as wedding place cards and favor tags--or even as gift tags, too.  See the non-twine version here.

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Interested in a variation in these designs?  Contact me via Etsy (username: EmeraldCut) to discuss the details.  See my entire wedding goods section here.

900 Sales

Thank you for helping me hit 900 sales on Etsy today!

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It's been an amazing almost five-and-a-half years selling online, and I couldn't have done any of it without your support and feedback.  When I started my shop in 2010, it was only in my wildest dreams that I'd make it this long as an online seller.  But life has an interesting way of stepping in, without you knowing it, and sometimes that's all that's needed to keep going.  The next milestone is 1,000 sales (which sounds so daunting...), but it's all baby steps from here since 1,000 sales is only one-hundred more than the current 900th sale mark, right?  Beyond quality and integrity, "slow and steady" has always been my mantra--I deeply appreciate your sticking by me and my creative vision.  My gratitude to you; thank you.  And happy weekend!

Q & A: Custom Stamped Tags

Custom Mini Bookmark-style Stamped Tags

With wedding season just around the corner, I've received some questions about the above listing for custom hand-stamped kraft mini tags.  Here's a breakdown of the Q&A:

- Can you print on these tags?
I hand stamp each individual letter, so I cannot print on these tags.  No printers are used in my stamped shop items.

- Can I have longer words stamped?
Longer words mean that the tag will be longer (see image above for a visual).

- Why can't I purchase these tags at a bulk price?
The cost reflects the unique handmade qualities of my work.  I cut the cardstock and stamp each letter by hand, as well as use archival permanent ink, hole punch by hand, and add the tassel manually.  All cardstock in shop is acid-free and lignin-free--this particular cardstock is a thicker 100lb. weight.  Basically, you pay for quality and my meticulous nature.  As always, shortcuts are never taken in my work.

More EC | TIW wedding goods can be found here.

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Have a question?  
Please convo me on Etsy (username: EmeraldCut) or leave a comment below.

A Burning Question

This might not be a burning question, but it's one that I've received lately about my writing services.  The question is: "Can you write blog entry content for me?"  I answer yes, but that I would need a rough draft, or at least an outline, of the content for direction.  (Static is then heard on the other end...)  The line of inquiry proceeds: "I need you to come up with the content.  I don't have time to write it."  My next email explains that I don't write content without an outline or rough draft because there's many ways in which the content could be written--and that my listing description clearly explains the type of writing I do, and why.

After that, I don't hear back from the potential client...

The thing is, I am a writer with an MA degree, but what I write is based solely on the information the client provides.  I do not pull ideas out of thin air, although I do add to ideas--nor do I allow them to materialize in front of me without the client's input: there are just so many directions in which the content can go.  Tone, for instance.  Upbeat and conversational, or professional and polished?  Word choice is another direction, as is content, organization, sentence structure, voice, etc.  Voice is especially important because it tells the reader who the writer is.  If there is a discrepancy between any of these elements in a written work, the reader will know.  Many times, we don't give the reader enough credit for noticing.  My academic training, as tough as it was for me, undoubtedly contributed to my detail-oriented writing style.  Academics taught me how to look critically at the writing process from all perspectives: brainstorming, organization, word choice, structure, clarity, and length.  Taught me that each word holds a different weight in a sentence.  That each statement matters.

Inadvertently, the high-brow culture of academics taught me something interesting: humility.  After six drafts of one chapter, you learn firsthand how to be humble and deft.  You learn new ways of writing and seeing the world, and you learn how to edit and write with relevance and a critical eye.  This is why I provide quality content writing services through my main site, theintrovertedwriter.com, in addition to my Etsy shop.  The writer, the written word, the content--it all matters.

Read my writer's FAQs: theintrovertedwriter.com/faqs.html

January Donation Made

#goodsforgood #givingback @ectiwshop

Great news!  With your help, I just made my first-ever monthly donation to Feeding America, which was $15 from your January purchases.  Thank you to everyone who participated this month--the note of thanks above lists the states/countries from which these purchases were made, along with a personalized handwritten message.  (Hopefully you can decipher my chicken-scratch handwriting.)  It means so much to me that I was able to contribute $15 this past month.  This donation couldn't have been made without your support, and it's my full-hearted hope that with each coming month the amount that I give to this charity will grow (full details in link at post's end).

To help facilitate this, I've been working steadily on creating new jewelry, which I recently posted a photo of on Instagram here--will share close-ups of these pieces later on this week on this blog.  (I'm still editing photos because I took close to 100 shots of just a handful of new pieces...photo editing is a slow, steady process with winter light.)

Here is the January 2016 donation receipt:

This year, I will donate $1, via each listing bought by you, to the food bank charity Feeding America.  A contribution will be made monthly, with the donation receipt--and handwritten thank-you note--posted on this blog.  Read all the details here.