Hidden Santa Treasure Hunt November 14-28, 2009

Contest Update: eSMArts team is sharing the love with a handmade bundle to warm your holidays!

Enter our Hidden Santa Treasure Hunt to WIN a Christmas Gift Bundle of unique handmade creations.

The complete prize package, item photos and detailed descriptions will be announced on the Esmarts Blog  shortly.

Our contest begins November 14th so check the Esmarts Blog for the full list of Sponsor Shops. 

Sponsor Shop banners will be displayed at the top of the Esmarts blog (both left and right sidebar). 

Simply click the banners to visit each of our Sponsor Shops.

How to Play:

• Check the Esmarts blog for contest details and a list of participating eSMArts Sponsor Shops.
• Visit each participating shop to find images of our santa.
• Make note of the url where you find our santa pictured!
• HINT: santa images are not embedded yet. They won't be online until the contest start date of November 14, 2009.

Here's how to complete each entry:

1. find 3 Santa images that you haven't previously submitted.
2. Email the urls along with your name & address to esmartspromos [at] yahoo.ca to be entered.
   
3. Find new/unsubmitted Santa image urls and enter as many times as you like!
4. Entries will be validated to ensure that contestants are submitting fresh Santa spottings.
5. Remember that 3 new Santa image urls equals ONE additional contest entry.

• Contest runs November 14-28, 2009 (close is November 28/09 at midnight eastern).
• Drawing takes place November 29th
• Winner will be announced here November 30th
• Prize package ships December 1st, 2009.

check back for hunting hints and tips!
and Happy Hunting :)

Team eSMArts Wants to Wish You a Merry Christmas!

Team eSMArts Wants to Wish You a Merry Christmas!

We are making plans, and we're checking them twice. We want to make sure your Christmas is nice!

eSMArts members across the globe are coming together to make your Holiday Season special this year. We have a bag full of gifts all handmade and donated by eSMArts artists from Etsy and Artfire and it can be yours to use as Christmas gifts or to keep for your own - you decide.

The game starts November 14th so check back often for updates and maybe even a clue or two!

Stay tuned to Hidden Santa at the Hidden Santa Blog for more details

Lemonade Award for Me? Sweet - Fresh or Melodius

What a nice surprise tonight to find I've been awarded the Lemonade Award by Mary Ann Gruen of Starlight Blog for featuring the team members of ESMarts, the Etsy team I belong to. For quite a while I seriously neglected my blog because I really didn't feel like I had anything to say. I guess everyone goes through that.

Recently though, I realized there are plenty of talented people out there that have something to say and they say it most eloquently in pictures. So I started posting the pictures that I like of the work my friends do. I sure hope you've enjoyed looking at my posts as much as I have putting them together.

In honor of receiving the Lemonade Award each of this weeks offerings are: SWEET - Fresh or melodious

Callidora's Shop

Sassy D'Light by Anna Lee

Chic Hats n More

Don't forget to visit A Beaded Affair, supplies for the discriminating jewelry designer

Unpretentious - Without Ostentatious Display

Wash When Dirty by Kristina

Of The Earth Artisans by Kim Paluch

Battlefield Rosaries by Karon Adams

Ardent Designs by Joelyn

Don't forget to visit A Beaded Affair for beads and findings for discriminating jewelers.

What's Sweet Tarragon Up To??

Some of you know Sweet Tarrgon is the incredibly talented duo Dani and Meredith who also just happen to be my daughters. And no I'm not the least bit prejudiced. Dani and Meredith have their own line of incredible jewelry that they market on Etsy and various venues around the area. They put me to shame when it comes to marketing and the number of shows they do each year. Just check out the list of upcoming shows at their etsy shop, Sweet Tarragon. I can't imagine where they get all that energy. Perhaps, it's from their jewelry which is clearly a cut above.



They've just announced a new venue where you can see Sweet Tarragon Jewelry in person. Hello Bluebird is having their Grand Opening tomorrow, September 3rd, located in the historic business district of West Reading and Sweet Tarragon is going to be there. In fact, stop by and check out this great new indie boutique and gallery and say "hi" to Dani. Read more here at the Hello Bluebird blog.


Don't forget to stop by A Beaded Affair for wire, beads and findings. Bead Store quality at Gem Show prices.

Copper and alternate metal Lovers - Come join Copper Wire Jewelers

ESMarts Team Challenge is Back with a Twist

ESMarts, the Etsy Social Marketing Arts Team I belong to is having a new team challenge. Create something natural. Sounds simple, doesn't it? I thought so until I started to try to draw on my creative muse and I got lost in flowers and clouds. Well, it is summer and the sun is shining today.

Anyway, as a Team we've had other challenges and the team always enjoys the competition, creativity and camaraderie. This time we're doing it with a twist. You, our readers, get to vote for your favorites. So watch the ESMarts blog for updates and the announcement when it's time to vote. Pick out your favorite and have your voice heard.


Check the links for our ESMarts Blog and the Esmarts Team Store where all proceeds go to worthy causes.

When at Etsy, don't forget to check my store too, A Beaded Affair for hand selected and individually photographed beads, findings and copper wire for discerning jewelry designers. For even more selection and additional discounts try my online store A Beaded Affair.

Always Wired Bead Lady

It's only natural for me to be atttacted to the work and art of the Always Wired Bead Lady. Joella combines all of my favorite materials in glorious combinations of color, texture and shape. She creates wonderful hand made chain maille bracelets like this copper byzantine chain and Kambaba Jasper and offers it in a variety of other stones and crystals too.










The Romanov is a popular chain maille weave sporting swarovski crystals in the center of copper byzantine chain which has been oxidized to give it an antique look.

Comprised entirely of sparkling sterling the hand cut rings and lazer cut beads in this dazzler will brighten any outfit.





Never settle for costume jewelry when you are searching for accessories to go with your carefully chosen outfit, stop by and select a piece of hand made art to wear.

You can find the Always Wired Bead Lady at Etsy and stop by her blog Always Wired Bead Lady to see the new pieces she is working on too.

Just a few updates

I am participating in the One World One Heart Blog Give Away and have a lovely pair of earrings up but you can't register here......please go to my other Blog A Beaded Affair to comment for a chance at the earrings. I have had such a wonderful response I am going to add more earrings and have more winners,....just 'cause it's fun.

Oh2122 posted on her blog today an update on the CPSIA debacle. Check it out. Finally some good news.

Jamie over at Creations by Jae is really ready for spring. She just listed a choker on Etsy that just chears me up and shakes out the winter doldrums. Check it out here Creations by Jae.




Wilma of Whilma's Whimsey has been selected to be featured in an Esty treasury today. Check out her Swirling Seas Lampwork beads on the treasury and all the other wonderful items in her shop.






Our very own Auggie Queen-Parker, mia from our Etsy social marketing group Esmarts while she makes a major move had her first sale in her shop over the weekend. I've seen Auggie's work and that's one smart buyer. Visit Auggies shop at The Queen's Jewels.







Get rid of the winter blues, there's new work from the elegant studio's of Ga'Hooletree Designs and they are just in time for the perfect Valentine's Day Gift for your favorite gal. Visit Ga'Hooletree Designs on Etsy for elite gemstone jewelry.




Don't forget to visit A Beaded Affair for high end, hand selected, individually photographed beads and 1/2 round and copper wire for all your jewelry designing needs.

Jewelry Elegance by Jill

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary defines elegance as that "state or quality of being elegant; beauty... resulting from choice qualities...; grace given by art or practice; fine polish; refinement; -- said of manners, language, style, form, architecture, etc."... and might I add jewelry? Grace, polish and refinement are the hallmarks of Jewelry Elegance by Jill .

I consider myself fortunate to have met Jill a few months ago when we both joined the Esmarts Team on Etsy, the number one online marketing venue for hand crafted art. Esmarts Team members are dedicated to promoting our shops and each other through social marketing. Jill is a strong member and brings style and grace to the team.

Eclectic...

Creative....

Delicate....

Dedicated to perfection...

At Jewelry Elegance by Jill you will find only the finest in gems, swarovski crystal, czech glass, sterling silver and natural copper

A California transplant in Georgia, it's easy to see West Coast freedom mixed with Southern Charm in all Jill's work. A quick trip through her blog, Jewelry Elegance by Jill , reveals a little about her life and loves. Devoted wife and mother of 3, who apparently aren't reading her blog, shame on you guys, Jill is also Momma to fur and feather babies that she adores. You must read Meet the Talker about Nika, an African Gray that keeps the family, apparently including the fur babies, entertained on a regular basis.

It has been my disticnt privilege to introduce you Jewelry Elegance by Jill and I hope you will stop by her shop and have a look around at her extraordinary offerings. You can also find Jill's work at Jewelry Elegance at 1000 Markets and This, This and That also at 1000 Markets.

Interested in selling on Etsy and learning the skills to sell successfully through Social Marketing? Visit the Esmarts Team Blog or Esmarts Team Profile to find out more.

While at Etsy, take a stroll through my shop, A Beaded Affair for top of the line, hand selected beads, findings and copper wire in hard to find 1/2 round and square.

Stu Stu Studio618

Showing my total lack of knowledge of modern music, if a 1985 song by Phil Collins can be called "modern music", when I first met the talented Theresa Kwong, the brains and talent behind Studio 618, I couldn't for the life of me remember her real name. Every time I saw her the adulterated lyrics of Phil's pop hit were all I could bring to mind and Theresa became Stu Stu Studio to me. With apologies to Theresa, Phil Collins in a 1997 interview with VH1 said, "So I set up this drum-machine pad, and I got some chords, and I started to sing into the microphone, and this word came out, which was "sus-sussudio." The world of course thought it was Stu Stu Studio, me included, and that is the name I dubbed Theresa.

I've gotten to know Theresa a little better and still secretly think of her as Stu, but there is much more to Theresa Kwong than an out of date pop ditty. One look at her Etsy Store Studio 618 will reveal the depth of artistic talent and vision that continues to reveal itself with each new addition. Structure and flow identify her style which makes sense when you know that Theresa is a practicing architect by day and a jewelry designer by night.

A Silversmith, Theresa uses only the best gemstones, sterling and copper to create a wide variety of one of a kind treasures. One of my current favorites is this hand engraved sterling cuff with the following scripture from Numbers 6:24-26 "May the Lord bless you and keep you;May the Lord make his face shine upon you;and be gracious to you;May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace." See more historical information on hand engraving on Theresa's blog aptly titled Studio 618.

Theresa says, "My inspiration comes from my past experiences in life, my cultures, my environment, or a specific moment in time. Sometimes interesting techniques will challenge me to come up with different designs too. My work keeps evolving, with fresh ideas all the time."

I think Stu says it best, "After many years of practicing as an architect, I craved to create with my own two hands instead of just sitting behind the computer or drawing board and have other people carry out my designs. From mega-scale projects to micro-sized adornments, I execute my jewelry designs/fabrication with an artful eye, precision hands, and human comfort in mind. I hope my jewelry collections will bring you as much meaning and enjoyment as the passion I pour onto each piece."

A visit to Studio 618 will grab the imagination, satisfy your senses, engage your heart and provide you with your favorite gifts to give or keep for yourself. Thanks Theresa!

While visiting Studio 618 check out her favorites Sellers, team mates on the eSMArts Team for a wide variety of fine art, craft and collectibles. New this month is our eSMArts Team Store with a variety of donated items from generous team members the proceeds of which will all go to good causes.

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think of this article.

Beads, Beads, Beads and Free Shipping

What's new at A Beaded Affair at Etsy?

Beads, Beads, Beads!!!

Bead Store Quality, Gem Show Prices

Each and every day A Beaded Affair strives to bring you the best prices on hand selected, gemstone beads for all your creative needs.

At A Beaded Affair we understand the inherent problem of buying beads online.

"The pictures look great but will the beads I get look that good?"

Ours Will! and Here's Why,

The beads you see in the pictures are the beads you get. We never use stock photos prefering to take the time to shoot the strands you will get in your individual package. I will even re-shoot them for you before shipping if you like. No more guessing, no more dissappointments. You get the beads you see in the picture.

But Wait, There's More......

100% satisfaction guarantee. If you get them and you are not satisfied simply return your beads for a refund of the purchase price. It is that simple.

But Wait, There's More......

We also carry Hard To Find 1/2 Round and Square Copper Wire, solid Copper findings and soon to come Sterling findings all at great prices!

So what are you waiting for? You know you need fabulous beads. Head on over to A Beaded Affair at Etsy and tell them, Lois sent ya!

"Talent at eSmarts - Art You Can Wear"

“eSmarts” Guild Team, an Etsy Team, is lucky to have found an extraordinary artist who also happens to be a Marketing Maven. From her blog "My Gemstone Box" and very active group participation in “eSmarts” Yahoo Group, Diane informs and educates the team with marketing tips and tricks to help us navigate the jungle of Social Marketing sites on the World Wide Web.

As lucky as we are to get an experienced marketer in our midst, even better is the artist and her work. Fine gemstones, pearls and precious metals combine to create “simple yet elegant jewelry that is art you can wear”.

A wife and mother with a full time job as a Quality Engineer for a Rhode Island printing company, yet this giving artist still finds time to help the more IT challenged of us sign up for Flickr and LinkedIn, We Love Etsy and Scoutle, all the while creating and posting to Etsy her beautiful hand made creations.

See more of Diane’s “art you can wear” at her Etsy store UnicornGem1994 and figure out what LinkedIn, Twitter, Flickr and many more are at “My Gemstone Box”. .

Art you can wear, what a wonderful vision.

Check out my blog/shop at A Beaded Affair and

my Etsy Store also A Beaded Affair

Not Your Mothers Pearls

Fresh water pearls combined with micro faceted blue sapphire.

When you hear that combination, if you are like me, you think of a strand of pearls with a sapphire clasp. But when the sapphires are as beautiful as these, why hide them in the back where no one would ever see them.

Now available in my Etsy shop, 3 strands of incredible white fresh water pearls combined with about 8-9 carats of micro faceted cornflower blue sapphire beads. These are the real thing. Fine pearls, fine color and accented with sterling clasp and professional fininshing. Inside length of 17 1/2 inches.

Prefer it in black pearls, different gems? email me at Lois@abeadedaffair.com and design one just for you.

Cutting Edge - Ga' Hoole Tree Designs

Being on the cutting edge of anything has never been my strong suit. I tend to hold back and wait until "you" have gotten the bugs out of the works for me before I'll consider trying something new. To say I am old fashioned and behind the times, well, it's really not an insult to me. I take great pride in doing some things the old fashioned way.

I still use maps...no not printed off the computer...but smelly, old, wrinkled map books for all the surrounding counties which I keep in the pocket behind my seat. When I make stuffing, I break the bread and chop the celery and onions myself. I make my own pies and cakes and my daughter was 10 before she had a store bought sweater. I hand write letters and have no idea what an iPod is, let alone does.

Recently, however, I met a dynamic jeweler who is really on the cutting edge in so many ways and she is trying to bring me out of the dark ages and into the 21st Century. Of course, I am kicking and screaming all the way...but just think...she has me blogging.

AnnaLee Husband is the leader of our Etsy Team eSmarts, The Etsy Social Marketing Arts Guild. In addition to producing exquisite jewelry for her Esty shops Ga'Hoole Tree Designs and Sassy D Lite she makes available to us all the remarkable gems she has hand selected for her supplies shop Ga'Hoole Tree Supplies. Even better, AnnaLee is sharing with the team her years of experience and most importantly her success marketing online through Social Marketing Techniques she has developed and with our team effort we will be able to create an online presence, which none of us could have achieved alone.

AnnaLee Husband is always trying something new and recently I caught up with her blog Ga'Hoole Tree Designs where she is trying out a new slide show. It's worth a trip to Ga'Hoole Tree just to check out the slide show but doubly worth it since it's full of AnnaLee's treasures.

Ga'hooleTree Designs: a new slideshow

Enjoy the trip and stop back here often for reviews of other team members and Etsians as I travel the road to the 21st Century. Who knows, maybe I'll get a fax machine or something exciting like that.

A Beaded Affair - An affair you'll remember - Esty Shop
A Beaded Affiar - Gem Stories