30% Off End-of-year Sale

Huge end-of-year sale in shop now!

Enjoy 30% off selected items, as marked - no coupon code necessary.  I'm clearing out my shop for the new year, so get your holiday gifts now at truly affordable prices.  All items will arrive thoughtfully gift wrapped.  Stop by soon as this sale isn't going to last!  Shop: emeraldcut.etsy.com

P.S. Also enjoy free domestic shipping on orders $15+ when you apply FREESHIPPING at Etsy checkout.

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Gypsy Fleur Brass Necklace

Huge weekend jewelry sale! 

Take 35% off jewelry* when you apply SPRINGJOY at Etsy checkout.  *Valid only on jewelry purchases.  Enjoy, and happy weekend!  Enter my shop here.

Mother's Day Sale

I'm having a Mother's Day jewelry sale in shop! 

* * *

Take 20% off selected jewelry (as marked) from now through the big day, May 8th.  No need for coupon codes, since the discount has already been applied to sale items.  Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Huge New Year's Jewelry Sale

Happy new year, my blog-o-sphere friends.  As some of you may have noticed, there has recently been a note in my Etsy Shop Announcement stating that all EmeraldCut jewelry* is now 30% off.  Yes, 30% off!  All you have to do is type NEWYEARS2014 in the "Note to EmeraldCut" box at checkout to enjoy the discount.  Once payment clears, I will refund you the discount amount through PayPal.  Sale ends 1/31.

Don't delay...hop on over to my shop for some pretty new year's (or V-Day) jewelry!

*Excludes donation items, custom orders, destash items

EmeraldCut Shop Sale

Having a little Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale in my shop to celebrate the shopping season...

BLACK FRIDAY/CYBER MONDAY SALE!* 
Apply THANKFUL20 at checkout for 20% off your order, or FREESHIPPING for US orders over $15. 
*Excludes donation items, custom orders, and writing services; one coupon per order. 


Sale ends 12/3. Take a peek and let me know if anything suits your fancy--because as always, blog readers receive a special complimentary gift per purchase!  Just a little gesture of thanks for following along on my inspirations, mishaps, and ideas via this blog.  Hope you had a delightful Thanksgiving!

In Budding Anticipation

I much prefer fall, weather-wise, but spring flowers are the cat's meow...

Nothing is really new here, besides that I uprooted my indoor planters, which had, as of last week, consisted of stump-like stems and no growth since a spider mite made a nesting ground of them last fall and I, out of fright, severely cut both down to mere nubs (as documented here).  My indoor planters are now prepped and set to grow Greek oregano (same as last year) and lemon balm (a newbie plant for me) from seed.  Growing plants from seed have been a curious lifelong, albeit non-constant, past-time of mine.  Although my love of plants has waxed and waned throughout the years, I continue to be awestruck with the transition from seed to seedling, from nub to bud.  If you haven't already, feel free to read about my love of growing plants from seed here.  Will talk provide some photos as soon as the seeds sprout (crosses fingers).

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Gearing up for a HUGE Easter SALE--35% off all items starting today through April 1st.  Stop by my shop for the coupon code!

Valentine's Day Sale

It's Valentine's Day sale time at EmeraldCut!

• For a limited time, select items are 50% off: see them here.
  Items will be continuously added to this one-time sale, so please check back often.

• Take an additional 15% off with coupon code: BOWANDARROW
  Not valid on Hurricane Sandy and Japan earthquake donation items, which can be found here.


Please let me know if an item is a gift, so that I can write a little note for the recipient (from you)!

A November Thought

Last vestiges of autumn...

I hope you all had a very cozy Thanksgiving.  As for me, I've been MIA from bloglandia for the majority of this week, and I feel like I've missed out on so many...thankful posts.  Yes, I am being slightly sarcastic/ironic here.  What I mean is...

Why should a national holiday urge us forth to be thankful?  

Shouldn't we be thankful every day?

In truth, I guess national holidays push us to examine, contemplate, and otherwise decry our love/hate relationship with these very national holidays that drive us insane--or into a blissful world of holiday cheer.  So, on that note, I will leave you until next week. 

P.S. If you're into Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales, enter THANKFUL20 at Etsy checkout for 20% off items in my shop.

The Bright Side

Welcome to the bright side of things.  I know that times have been tough for everyone, and that life sometimes breaks apart in fits and starts at its seams, bursting with anxiety and gloom in all its darkness.  Sometimes it's hard to just take in a deep breath--I know this.  But as in every dynamic, there is a probable upside, even if it is merely considered a silly learning experience or, conversely, a epiphany-like chance at introspection.  This post chronicles a few recently found up sides...

Have you heard of The Bright Side Project?  I stumbled across their website through vitrifiedstudio, who is having a giveaway (which is currently open through 9/18) there.  In addition to hosting giveaways, The Bright Side Project is a collection of DIYs, interviews with shop owners, and quotes--with a "when life gives you lemons...make lemonade" perspective.  Very optimistic and real without being overly sentimental or gushy.

(I tend to steer away from the gushy.) 

The Bright Side Project's mission statement is clear: no matter how bad you currently have it, there is optimism among the ruins.

On a more personal level, as you know, my shop's September sale (via a 30% off coupon code: HARVEST) is half over as of yesterday.  I recently received an order from a buyer who purchased a Pay it Forward item, which is exempt from the sale, with this coupon code.  Upon realizing its exemption, this buyer actually sent me back the money due.  How refreshingly honest is that?  Very much so.  For me, this integrity-laden act genuinely made my day, put a little skip in my step--not that someone read the fine print and adhered to "the rules," but that someone cared enough to be kind.  And to simply pay it forward, which is inspiration enough for me.

Sale and Giveaway: 15 More Days!

Just a reminder that my September Etsy shop sale (enter HARVEST at checkout for 30% off your order) and giveaway end in a mere 15 days, on September 30th.

For this giveaway, one listing purchased this month equals one entry--a lucky buyer will win this autumn-themed stationery set made from recycled book pages, complete with sage green-colored cardstock inserts:

Winner will be drawn on 10/1: please see the full details of this sale and giveaway here.  Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

* * *

P.S. The holidays are quickly around the corner.  Don't know what to get for the witty little girl in your life? You know, the one who doesn't really like frilly dolls, but has a deep appreciation for playthings in general. Or for the doll aficionado who collects uniqueness rather than mass produced?  Check out this blog post: GoHeyJudy!: Little Girl Dolls.  The lady behind it all has an absolutely high quality, witty, and unique shop--and not to mention, some enviable mad sewing skills!

Quote

Hi, you may have noticed that my Etsy shop is on vacation until 7/20, without actually being in full vacation mode (where my entire shop would be temporarily closed).  This is my thinking: since my month-long Christmas in July Sale is in full swing, it truly wouldn't be fair to temporarily close up shop for a week and have the sale last for only three weeks.  Since there are only four full weeks this month.  You know?

 In the meantime, away from computer, I go, but not before I conclude this post with a quote that has deeply resonated with me about the intricacies of creation and interpretation, how one could never truly stand for the other:

"Works of art are complex events; their true complexity is revealed in criticism and its attempt to circumscribe the boundaries of art.  Criticism idealizes representation and consequently distances the viewer from actuality.  This is evident in the way marginalized discourse has been used to reduce complex experiences to overarching themes that relieve us of the responsibility of having to deal with the works themselves."

-Charles Gaines, from The Theater of Refusal: Black Art and Mainstream Criticism

If you are wondering what those bare-looking stalks are in the photo, they from are my Thumbelina Leigh Lavender plant.  Without the identifiably aromatic lavender buds!  Oh, the lengths I will go to for an interesting photo.

BOGO Sale: Mix-n-Match Pendants

Just wanted to let you know that all listed mix-n-match pendants in my Etsy shop are buy-one-get-one-free through next Sunday, July 1st.  Discount will be via PayPal after purchase.


Hope you've had a good weekend!  As for me, the last few days have been quite swell.  My mind has been wrapped around designing and creating earrings as of late, and I feel my creativity, once again (thank goodness!), making a tentative resurgence.  Like a bee drunk on pollen, I am--needless to say--feeling semi-ecstatic again in the creative department.  Cautious, yes, but also bravely taking the plunge into the unknown depths, seeing where it leads me.  I'm taking full strides, with hands slightly over the eyes.

20% Off Sale: Coupon Code ENDS 4/8

Yes, it's sale time.  Great for Easter, Mother's Day, early graduation, and spring wedding gifts...oh my!  See below for the coupon code.

Take 20% off* in my Etsy shop with the coupon code: BUNNYHOP20

*Coupon code excludes donation items and gift certificates.

Hoppy Easter.  (Couldn't resist the play on words.)

50% Off* Weekend SALE--Extended

Enter HALFOFFHURRAY at Etsy checkout for 50% off* most items in my shop.
This is my BIGGEST sale, ever, and I'm excited to clear the way for new items in 2012! 

*50% off coupon code excludes HELP JAPAN items, gift certificates, and PAY IT FORWARD items.


1/11/12 UPDATE:
This coupon will expire on 1/15.

First Anniversary SALE (Info. Inside)

November marks my first year on Etsy, as both a seller and a buyer.  Hurray!  I've met some amazing people, and learned a whole lot about marketing, selling, and networking in this first year: the good, the bad, and the lesson learning.

In honor of my first anniversary, I am having a HUGE (month long) SALE:

30% off w/ coupon code* 
"BDAYJOY" from November 1st-22nd;

BOGO SALE*
from November 23rd-30th (discount via PayPal)

 *Offers not valid on HELP JAPAN items and gift certificates.

Psst...this sale is the perfect opportunity to purchase holiday gifts before the holiday rush.

Read on for a blog reader exclusive.

For my blog readers:

Type the word "earrings" into the "Notes to Seller" portion of the Etsy checkout to receive a FREE pair of earrings with your purchase* through the month of November!

*One pair of earrings per customer.

Visit my Etsy shop here.
Thank you for helping make my first year on Etsy so fulfilling!  Cheers to all.

Turning a New Leaf

Intellect:
I think that I'm finally ready to retreat from the stillness and engage.  I began reading an interesting psychology/astrology-esque book, Relating: An Astrological Guide to Living with Others on a Small Planet, by Liz Greene.  So far, the text is quite interesting and insightful, blending astrology and psychology into an exploration of how we treat and understand others.  However, there are some psychological jargon and concepts that I had to reread a few times in order to grasp (oh, the woes of intellectual intangibility), but 16 pages in, I am enjoying it.  It makes sense.  It's a brand new world for me: psychology plus astrology--the latter of which I have always been interested in, but also skeptical of.  FYI: I'm a Scorpio.  Can you tell?

About half of what is said about people born under the astrological sign Scorpio is what I would describe myself as (Greene says that one person can be described in numerous ways, by different people, which is colored by one's ego and projections).  According to Wikipedia, Scorpio is an introverted sign.  Check.  Astrology Online says Scorpios dislike "shallow relationships, flattery and flattering" etc., and "In their everyday behavior they give the appearance of being withdrawn from the center of activity, yet those who know them will recognize the watchfulness that is part of their character."  Check.  Zodiac Signs Astrology says, "Scorpios are very deep, intense people, there is always more then meets the eye." Um, yeah.  But as I've said, I'm a skeptic--one who has mellowed out since marriage, or so I think (you'd have to ask my husband about that one).  However, I do believe that we are born with certain innate characteristics that we are unable to change, even if we tried fervently to do so.  Nature and nurture.  With an emphasis on nurture.   


Shop:
Turning gears, this week I've been contemplating and brainstorming new ideas for my Etsy shop.  I've been trying to figure out how to sell my shop and its inventory in a more effective way besides (expensive) ads.  That, blended with a multitude of new ideas flooding my brain--and too much inventory.  Ideas are sprouting out that just need a good watering and TLC, some refinement.  Also, materials are taking over desk space--leaving me about 2 feet to rest my arms, books, computer on--which further jumbles my thoughts.

So that leaves me to wonder: Do all creative minds work like this, or is this a sign of manageable madness and disorganization?

Today, I further reduced the price of my SALE section items.  Sale items are an additional 50 cents to 2 dollars less than they were yesterday--these prices are staying, indefinitely.


Shop Anniversary:
 Next month marks my first-year anniversary as an Etsy seller and buyer.  I'm not very good at celebrating, I must admit.  I did, though, finally decide on having a very generous coupon code for the month of November.  Stay tuned--my blog readers will get a sneak peek of the sale in a very near future blog post, plus some free goodies to go with their purchase(s)!



A few late afternoons ago, the sky looked like it was punctuated by razor marks, and shone through the billowing clouds in straight, bright blue streaks:

25% Off Back-to-School Sale Ends 9/15

This week has flown by so quickly.  I made a whole lotta new jewelry pieces (including brass necklaces, some of which have been listed for sale in my Etsy shop), for my writing: edited out of anger and frustration much more than I thought I would (for I have a difficult time parting with already-written words), and actually had some time to relax a little.  No more obsessing over Art Deco bar pins, or how my flowery words can be misinterpreted by others. 

Oh, I must get back on topic...this stream-of-consciousness writing has become almost a mainstay in my writing, embarrassingly enough.  The main point of this entry was to give the word of blog that my Etsy shop 25% off sale is extended through September 15th--the listing prices already reflect this sale, so coupon codes are not needed for this sale.  I wanted to try the tool, Etsy on Sale.  :)  Depending on how this sale goes, I will either use Etsy on Sale, or will stick with coupon codes from this point forward.

Hmm, you may wonder, with a de-ja-vu moment slowly permeating your thoughts, didn't you have a 25% off August sale?  Yes, but now my sale has morphed into a back-to-school sale.  Please just go with it; I create faster than I sell. 

40% Off July 4th Sale in Effect

Happy 4th of July!  I decided to start my 40% off Etsy sale a day early, so now it is in effect.  :)  This sale is: 40% off ALL listed items in my shop until midnight PST, on July 4th, with the coupon code: 40OFFJULY4TH

Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy yourselves this holiday!      


7/4/11 UPDATE:
Sale will be extended until 7/10/11 for your shopping delight.  Also, I have so many new items to add--it's not even funny!  My yearning/itch to add more items to my Etsy shop is to your benefit.  Need birthday or holiday gifts?  Stop on by, my dear readers.  

4th of July SALE! / Brassy Lady

I've been loving my brass jewelry a lot, lately...the neutral, moody color suits me quite well.  This new-found love is evident in many of my newly listed items, as brass is incorporated into a bunch of these new pieces.  My brass components are all lead-free and nickel-free, so you don't have to worry about lead exposure and nickel allergies.  With a family of allergy sufferers, I am pretty vigilant about allergies of any kind.  Comes with the territory. 

HOWEVER, I must urge that brass jewelry should be worn only by preteens and older--and that you should never put brass in your mouth, as trace amounts of lead may be present.  For the little ones (younger than preteens), I'd recommend sterling silver as a metal of choice. 

I've noticed that there are nearly 200 items for sale in my Etsy shop!  Whoa, right?  I don't know whether to be proud (of creating all of those lovely pieces), or alarmed (they added up so quickly!) about this thought.  So...I will be having a one day, 40% OFF sale for the 4th of July.  Get it--40% off for the 4th of July?  I'm trying to be creative; please go with it.  :)  This will be the largest discount in my shop, so please take advantage of it.  The 25% off sale items promo will be deactivated on July 4th.

Be on the lookout for a coupon code listed on my Shop Announcement on the evening of July 3rd.  Until then...keep on keeping on, with love and gusto.

New Coupon Code

To take 15% off your entire order from my shop from now until Mother's Day (Sunday, May 8th), use the coupon code: EASTERMOMDAYHURRAY

Just a little thank you to my customers.  After Mother's Day, only the 10% off coupon code, SPRING2011, will be active until the end of May.


Lastly, a sneak peek of new items...

Brass pendants with silver-plated copper wire

Enjoy your day!