Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Mailing List Time!

I have decided, in the interests of actually trying to be a businessperson as well as a metalworker, to start a mailing list to keep customers apprised of additions to my website or my shop. I tend to list things in bunches, not one at a time, so this makes sense.

If you want to be added to the Arcadian Dreams mailing list, please send an email to info@arcadian-dreams.com , and I will add you. :)

I promise I will not spam you with blinky marquees, and the begging and whining will be kept to a bare minimum. *grin*

Monday, June 29, 2009

Best of Ets -- June's Gold Star Sellers (and Buyers!)

So let's talk jewellery -- and not mine this time!

ErtheFae stands out like a diamond in the welter of beaded jewellery on Etsy; her pieces have a distinct, almost mythologically creative flavour. If she were chocolate she would be intriguing awesome chili/cayenne chocolate (and more on that below, btw...). It's difficult to explain better than that, but check it out:

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WAY better in person -- each bead perfect and carefully stitched, very secure clasp (I'm a stickler for the stickers ;) ), beautifully designed... and her descriptions, particularly her Steampunky ones, are definitely worth reading all the way through. If I did beaded jewellery, I would be delighted with myself if my pieces came out like hers -- so check her out!

I did mention chocolate, didn't I... well how about Mayan chocolate caramels? Ever wondered what would happen if you put cayenne and cocoa together? Here's your answer, and let me tell you it is a yummy, buttery, creamy, spicy and sweet answer.

Haveitconfections makes handmade marshmallows, nougat and caramels from top-quality ingredients. They are on the scale of good where "shelf life" doesn't even enter into it, because they won't make it past a week in your house. I'm not even a foodie really -- I'll take a cheeseburger over Chateau Briand any day of the week -- but even my rude palate can discern that these are truly of a superior nature. She also offers little samples, "just a tastes", so you can try a bit before you commit... but I promise you it won't matter. Once you try them, you will be hers forever. ;)

And finally on our Best of Ets roster we have our first buyer: maythenwolfbane. Naturally, I love all my customers, but I get a particular thrill at selling to fellow metalsmiths or metalsmiths-in-training; I know they will understand the tenterhooks of reticulation and alloying, will cast a critical and cognizant eye on everything that went into a piece. They will know without being told that those moonstones are of particularly good quality, or the difference in long-term wear between using light findings or heavy findings. Makes me all fuzzy inside. :)

Anyway, back to this lovely lady -- should she happen to buy from your shop, consider yourself a fortunate seller! Not only was payment quick and communication perfect, but I really felt that she was engaged at every step of the way not only as a customer, but as a genuine appreciator of the art and aesthetic... and for those whose metalworking is like tiny shiny members of the family, you can rest assured that your work is going to a great home.

Coming soon: Results of the new eyeball line's naming contest! :D

Saturday, June 20, 2009

50% off? Holy @%^#!!

So a very merry solstice to you, and a very happy birthday to me! :D

In honour of this auspicious event, all items in my shop are now priced all crazy like at a full 50% off. Woo hoo! Ends midnight of the 21st.

Clicky here to get to the loot!

Cannot be combined with the Triskaidekaphobian Tease, unfortunately, but all other goodies apply. :D Cheers!

Friday, June 19, 2009

Gentlefolk, start your engines...

Just a quickie blog post reminding everyone that on my birthday, the 21st of this month, all items will be 50% off in my shop :D

There will be a few less things as some are going to a B&M, but consider this my own version of "Christmas in June". *grin*

Thursday, June 4, 2009

CONTEST: Name That Eyeball

Good afternoon lovely Blogians! I haven't done a contest before but hopefully it will be well received. :D

So I have a new line coming out next month consisting of glass taxidermy eyes, mostly reptilian, set into silver. The few pieces I've made so far look pretty darn good! The problem is, I'm not sure what to call them...

Something about primitive, primal, cold-blooded... oh bother! I'm not quite getting it right. Maybe you can! :)

So let's Quid Pro Quo. You suggest to me a suitably Arcadian name for the new line, and I will award you a pair of earrings or a ring from the line as a thank you if I choose your name!

Contest open for one month from today's date -- so comment here with your most pithy, punny, intriguing nomers. Suggest as many as you like, and thanks in advance!

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Get Teased! -- June's Triskaidekaphobian Tease

Convo or email me with the correct answer to this question and get 13% off any one item in my shop for the remainder of the month! :)

June is largely the domain of those crabby Cancerians (of which I am one, pinch pinch!) -- and in astrological terms, Cancer is considered the "cardinal" water sign of the Zodiac. What are the other two water signs in the traditional Western Zodiac?

Psst -- also keep your eyes open on the 21st! To celebrate my birthday, I will be putting all items in my shop at 50% off for one day only. WOO HOO!