New! Sterling Silver "Matchstick" Dangles + Give-away!

(Be sure to read to the end to find out how to enter the give-away!)

I'd like to show you a new line of components I'm making.  I've been so excited to announce these, and I've released the first five pair into my Metapolies™ store on Etsy!   

I'm calling them Sterling Silver "Matchstick" Dangles,

 and hope I haven't reused a term or concept 

developed by anyone else. 

These are handmade start-to-finish, and they begin with me using metal scissors to cut the silver sheet metal.  

The process of creating these involves a number of steps and takes 2-3 times as long as many of the components I create.  Sterling silver is not cheap, of course, but I'm pricing conservatively, hoping people will like them enough to try out!  

Currently selling for $18/pair.

There are a variety of colors and if I find interest in them, I'd love to add more colors!    (I'm not currently taking custom orders on jewelry or components, but I'm very happy to hear your color recommendations!    Any suggestions?)

You can find the following colors in my store now:

• Orchid (medium purple shade)
• Sage green
• Red
• Dark Violet (a very dark bluish-purple)
• 2-toned Blue (navy and medium blue stripes)

Give-away!

I haven't had a give-away for quite a long while, so I'm going to have a random drawing for a pair of these in your choice of color (provided I have it or can mix it)!   

To enter:

1. Please share this post on your own blog, Facebook page,or other social media. 
2. Leave me a comment on this blog of where you posted it.   (Please include link!)
3. Include your color of choice.

From the entries, one will be randomly chosen.

You have until Sat., April 4, at midnight Central time to enter!  

I very seldom get so specific with a give-away but I'd really like to reach a wider audience this time. Thank you very much for helping me spread the word. I am most grateful!  

Best Wishes,

Sharyl

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Art Bead Scene Monthly Challenge: March 2015

Art Bead Scene Monthly Challenge:  March 2015

Haida Totems, 1912

By Emily Carr

Watercolor on Paper

76mm x 55mm

BC Archives, Canada

For more information on this piece and the artist, please visit ABS.

A while back, I created this polymer clay pendant using a rubber stamp design and layering with metallic acrylic paints.   

If I say so myself, it's one of my favorite pieces I've made with polymer clay.    It immediately came to mind when I saw this month's Art Bead Scene (ABS) challenge.

 I would love to try it again in colors more closely matching the watercolor painting, but not sure time will permit me this month.   So I'll offer this piece, and if I can get another art bead entry finished by the end of the month, I'll add to this!

Or, perhaps I'll attempt to create something using this piece.  Time is running out!  We'll see!   

I encourage you all to join in the monthly Art Bead Scene challenges.  There are 2 now, one for handmade jewelry using one or more art beads, and one for bead artists.   Take a look at this month's entries:

Jewelry Entries for March 2015

Bead Entries for March 2015

Happy Creating!

Sharyl

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Getting my (Business) Act together + Give-away!

Just as 2014 is about to come to a screeching halt, I've managed to meet one more of my goals for the year!   (No need to add comments such as "It's about time!" or "Cutting it mighty close there!"  ha!)  




I've long wanted to get my own business domain name again.  I had one back in 2011 and let it go with the website I had.   I started on Artfire then, and went with theirs.


The truth is, as I've expanded this year from one store to three, I've found it rather clumsy trying to direct people to "where I am."    3 stores, 2 store names, all those urls!

                                                                     Metapolies
                                                          (Etsy)
   
Sharyl's Jewelry                                                                   Metapolies
(Art Fire)                                                                                            (ACM)

Having 3 online stores may be an odd thing to do in the first place, but it's an experiment of sorts, and I'm determined to play it out a little bit longer.   

 You might recall that in May of 2014, I did some branding work and redid my business cards, (and banners, virtual and physical table ones).  Of course I did that just before deciding I would like to change my business name and open more venues!   Well, as I've been in flux, I've continued to use those cards, adding stickers on the back with the two new store urls.   (Yes, yes.  Tacky, I suppose.   But think of it as moving to a new location.  You "make do" until you get settled in, right?)



The other evening, I finally decided to get the domain name and create a one-page landing site (home page) for all my business needs.

  The url is:   metapolies.com.  

I do hope you'll check it out 

and give me feedback!

From the one-page website, you can (hopefully) easily get to all my stores and my social media (Blog, Facebook, and Pinterest).
I've tried to optimize it so it works well with computers,  tablets, and phones.    That's made the layout a bit tricky and not quite what I had hoped for.  I'd really like it to be attractive/inviting AND intuitive/functional.   I'm not sure if I've made the mark yet, but I'm going to begin using it.

Some things I can change, but others I'm limited by what this simple system can do.  

Please, please, please...
If you have ideas, suggestions, complaints, do let me know! I'm very eager for feedback so that this works well for YOU and anyone one else trying to find their way to my stores and social media contacts.  How can I make it better for YOU to use?

My main goal is, instead of directing people to 3 sites, I now will direct them to one only. ONE on my business card, ONE on Facebook announcements, ONE when I run into friends and family.  All the same ONE!  

Just:   Metapolies.com

Hopefully, it's all easy after that!   

As always, thanks for helping me out and sticking by me as I evolve!

~Sharyl

GIVE-AWAY!!!

We just hit 175 participants on this blog! 

Miss Val's Creations

was the 175th person.

Welcome, Val!

I've sent her a small sample packet of Metapolies™ goodies, but want to give the other 174 a chance too!    A look at Metapolies.com and a comment on my blog here by 12/26/14 will get your name in the drawing!   (Please make sure I can find you again on Facebook or  email, store, etc.)   I'll announce the winner on 12/27 and attempt to notify the winner.  If the winner hasn't claimed the prize by 12/30, I'll draw again.

I'm hoping to renew my blogging efforts in 2015 and if you are not a member, I hope you will join us!   

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Graphics:   wpclipart.com
Business card/photo:  Sharyl McMillian-Nelson, 2014.

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Grand Opening Winners Announced!

And the winners are:

Prize #1- Shaiha Williams

   

Prize #2-Ann Schroeder

Thanks to all for participating in the Grand Opening events this week!

The sale at the Metapolies store on Etsy
is extended through Sunday, 8/17/14.
Code is:  GRAND16
15% off.

Most recent items added:
     

Thanks again!  ~Sharyl

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Week-long Grand Opening Events!

Sat., 8/16:  For updates, please see this page!  Thanks!    ~Sharyl

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

You know me, I'm all about small business and hand-made!   I love OOAK.   However, this time I'm borrowing an idea or two from the "big stores" by holding the Grand Opening of my new Metapolies™ store a bit after the "real" opening and celebrating the event in all locations! 


Grand Opening Week Events:


 Store Sales:



Tue-Wed, Aug 12-13, 2014   Sharyl's Jewelry (Artfire):
20% off beads and metal components (all metals and polymer clay sections) + Clearance items
Coupon Code:   BeadsMetal20




Thur-Fri, Aug 14-15, 2014    Sharyl's Jewelry (Artfire):
20% off jewelry in Artfire store (necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings) + Clearance Items
Coupon Code:  JewelrySale20

***UPDATE:  Sale on Etsy site is now Sat-Sun, 15% off, Code:  GRAND16***     (8/16/14, Sharyl)

Sat only, Aug 16, 2014    Metapolies™ (Etsy):   

10% off all merchandise in new Etsy store

Coupon Code:  OPENING10

Give-away Prizes:

From now through Sat., please leave a comment on my blog if you would like to be signed up for the give-away.   (You may leave me your email address or FB name in a separate message if you prefer not to reveal it online.   Just let me know if you don't want it posted.)

I will randomly draw names on Sunday and announce the 2 winners.   I will post on the blog and attempt to reach winners by Email or Facebook. If not prizes are not claimed by Tues, 8/19, I will randomly select an alternate.   

Prize #1:   

Purple variegated and white polymer clay pendant and "Funky Flat Poly Beads" 
+ pair of altered brass pumpkin components.

Reverse side of pumpkin components

Prize #2:

Polymer pendant and bead set +
Pair of altered brass earring components.

Hope everyone finds something to enjoy this week!  Thanks for helping me celebrate!  I owe it all to you!

~Sharyl

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Graphics:

Photos of beads and components by Sharyl

All clip art from WPClipart.com

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Meeting friends and making new ones!

Last week, I had the good fortune to meet up with some Facebook pals and make some other new jewelry friends too!   It all happened a couple of days apart!

I took this photo of Kate
during her visit!

I had met Kate McCullough on Facebook well over a year ago and we have kept up since!   She special-ordered a bracelet which I made for her.   At the time, she was making jewelry too and had an Etsy store.  Later she expanded to selling some of her  knitted items too. She sent me a gift of some fingerless mitts, and I liked them so much, I special ordered pairs for all my family (plus an extra set for myself) for the holidays!  I love those mitts so much, I keep a pair in my office here for when my hands get cold while typing and a pair in my car.   I don't think I'll ever go without a pair ever again! 

(Kate's photo again!)

Anyway, Kate has been in art school and now makes wonderful drawings and paintings and sculptures!   When we met in person last week, she presented me with a beautiful bird painting which promptly went on my dining room wall when I got home, just above a favorite antique chest.   It's just perfect for the spot! 

It's too dark tonight to take a photo
of the framed painting as Kate presented it.
Hopefully she won't mind that
I've "borrowed" this one from her FB page! 

Kate and her daughter came to Kansas City for a knitting conference.   So not only did I get to meet both of them, they also took me on a tour of the conference knitting exhibitions.    Like a new jewelry-maker not knowing about art beads, I was brand new to the knitting world!  I never imagined there could be so many types of yarns, so many colors, that wool could be so soft, ...or that a skein of yarn could be so expensive!   But hand-made, hand-dyed, hand-spun is art too! It's beautiful and well worth it!   I had a great day that Saturday and hope they did too!   

____________

Tanya's entry & photo

On the Tuesday following, I met up with my friend, Tanya Goodwin, author of the blog, "A Work in Progress."   (By the way, Tanya just hosted her first blog hop and it was a hit!  If you missed my last blog post visit Tanya's blog to see all the wonderful entries featuring Shibori Ribbon!)  

WPClipart

Tanya and I have done several craft fair events together and this day we spent some time eating and chatting and planning what events we might like to do this year!   We discussed the pros and cons and expenses and challenges and rewards of doing outdoor events!  (That gave us a lot to think about!)  

Tanya was wearing the most gorgeous jewelry, all made by her own hands. Her necklace included a wonderful pendant made by Staci Louise Smith's SLArtisanAccents store.   (The envy that inspired!)  She also had on earrings with components from yours truly and an amazing chain maille bracelet!  All pieces were in a luscious shade of purple!  I wish I had taken a photo of Tanya that day, but alas, I didn't take the camera...

_____________

Valorie's photo--
yep swiping photos again!

That same evening, I had the chance to meet Valorie Tate, who I had met on Facebook more recently.  What fun to meet her in person too!   Valorie recently opened a Zibbet store called "StudioDelaine."  I bet she might appreciate a "Like" and "follow" to her StudioDelaine Facebook page too!   (Remember, on Facebook, whatever you "Like" also "Follow!")

Valorie had invited me to dinner and a meeting with the Kansas City Polymer Clay Guild, where I made even more new friends!   They were a delightful, talented group of artists and it was wonderful to meet with them.   Though the meetings are on a night when I usually work, I hope I can attend again in the future!  (Did I take my camera?  Of course not!   But trust me, we were there!) 

_______________

I had such a great time meeting with jewelry friends last week, and I hope I have a chance to meet more of you in the future!  

Best wishes!

Sharyl

_____________

Photo credits go to the following:

Kate McCullough

Tanya Goodwin

Valorie Tate

Sorry and thank you!

___________________

Are you "slipping?"

Those of you who just cleaned up your work spaces, do you find yourself slipping back into old, messy habits already?   I know I do.   (Ugh!)  

Well, this is your reminder that you may need to do a daily and/or weekly quick clean-up to keep things tidy.   Which do you think would work best for you?   

I've had times in my life when I set aside time on Sunday evenings to take a quick look--but I mean take a REAL look--around my workspace to see what's where that doesn't belong there!  Then, I took a few minutes to clean-up and return things to their designated spots.  It worked great,...as long as I did it.   I'm going to try that again.  

What ideas do you have for keeping work spaces tidy?  Drop us a line!  (Anyone can reply, whether you were part of the blog hop or not!  Those who are ALWAYS tidy, we need to hear from you too!)

And, to re-inspire us, I have an updated link to one of our "Clean-up, Fix-up" blog hop participants!     Check out Swaarda's new BEFORE and AFTER photos!   

Please keep your photos, ideas, and comments coming!  We (I) need continued inspiration!  

With thanks,

~Sharyl

* * * * * * * *

Image Credits:

Woman with Broom:  http://www.wpclipart.com/working/people_at_work/cleaning/housekeeper.jpg

Cleaning items:  http://www.wpclipart.com/household/chores/cleaning_tools.jpg

                                   * * * * * * * *

"Clean-up, Fix-up" Wrap-up and Giveaway Winners!

See Sharyl juggle...

Go, Sharyl, go!  

You see what happens when I juggle?  And the next thing you know, balls are all over the ground!   ...Thank goodness I was more timely in getting the blog hop page posted 2 weeks ago than I have been about blogging since then!

I want to SINCERELY THANK all who participated in the "Clean-up, Fix-up Your Workspace Challenge and Blog Hop!"   I'm glad that the idea resonated with you and you took the time and effort to join in!    Thanks to those who cheered us on with comments too!   Every bit helped!  You saw those tidy, creative work spaces re-emerge, and hopefully all found some new, inspiring ideas!  

GIVE-AWAY ANNOUNCEMENT:

  

I promised give-aways of some of the goodies unearthed during my clean-up!   While tidying my tables, I unearthed single beads, packets of beads, components I had made, and more!   I've divided those into 3 groups and added ribbons and something made by a bead artist to make sure you each had something special in your packet.  

Everyone who posted for the blog hop was eligible for the random drawing.   The following 3 people have won a package:

Heidi Kingman

Helen Simon

Natalie Pappas

Please get back in touch with me by Friday to claim your prize.  You can just leave me a message here with your mailing address and I'll ship you your winnings.  I WON'T post your address on the blog!   I'll draw again if the prizes are not claimed.  

Below are photos of prizes, but I'm not telling which one goes to which person, so there's still an  element of surprise!  ;-)

I hope the winners will have fun with their bits of this and that!

BONUS: 

Items will be packed in a small plastic storage container, so the beads don't scatter all over clean work spaces!  ;-)

Thank you again!   Best wishes to all!

~Sharyl

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Sharyl's Jewelry

20% off everything in store through March 17th!

Use code:   CELTIC20

A few of these are Easter-themed and I'm in the process of listing.
Coming Soon!

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Blog Hop List Participants:

This is not fancy, but hopefully it will get the job done! 

·      Please see if I have your blog link correct.  Some I looked for because I didn’t have your address.   Some were Google+ accounts and I’m not sure if that is where you intend to post.  

·      A few mentioned you do not have blogs.  Please let me know if you would like to post on Facebook, if so which FB URL, or want to me to post on my blog.   If you want to post on my blog, please leave me a way to contact you.  I’ll send you details.

·      If your name is not on this list and you wish to participate, please comment with name and blog address.  Apologies for anyone who wanted to be on that I missed.  I tried to compile several lists and get everyone!   Many thanks! --Sharyl

·       P.S. I’ll update this list tomorrow so you can have the corrected, properly formatted version to add to your blogs!   Thanks! 

********************************************************************

Participant List:

Host: Sharyl McMillian-Nelson … http://sharylsjewelry.blogspot.com

Donna Millard http://fyrebeadz.blogspot.com/

Ann Schroeder… http://www.beadlove.wordpress.com

Pamela Rachelle… http://crazycreativecorner.blogspot.com

Kristin L Oppold… http://www.yayjewelry.blogspot.com

Heidi Kingman ... http://heidikingman.blogspot.com

Andi ... http://strungoutjewelry.blogspot.com/

Patricia Buchanan Click “Blog” on the menu bar at http://www.braceletstoo.artfire.com

Helen Simon… http://helensharvest.com/

Kashmira … http://sadafulee.blogspot.com/

somethingunique ... http://somethinguniquebylana.blogspot.ca/

Renetha ... http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com

Kathy Lindemer ... http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com

Swapna Dinesh … http://www.swardaa.com

lindalandig ... http://lindalandig.wordpress.com/

Ann Schroeder ... http://www.beadlove.wordpress.com/

Beti Horvath ... http://stringingfool.blogspot.com/

Sam S ... http://samsbeadshopandjewelry.blogspot.com/

Christina Miles ... http://wingsnscales.blogspot.com/

Islandgirl ... http://islandgirlsinsights.blogspot.ca/

macmillanmarie ... http://www.macmillanmarie.blogspot.com

Emma Todd … http://www.apolymerpenchant.com

Neena Shilvock … http://www.capriliciousjewellery.com/

Dee Clark… http://biz-e-bead.blogspot.com/

motidana ... http://kalaabhushan.blogspot.com/

Here Bead Dragons ... http://beaddragons.blogspot.com/

Carol D. ... http://dillmansdallies.blogspot.com/

Pam Sears ... http://crazycreativecorner.blogspot.com/

Nan Smith ... http://wirednan.blogspot.ca

AliMc ... http://northwoodscreativestudio.blogspot.com

Beda Hendrix ... https://www.facebook.com/SasijuhlsThings

Kari Asbury ... http://hippiechickdesign.blogspot.com

Shirley Moore ... http://www.beadsandbread.blogspot.com

PyxeeStyx ... http://travelingsideshow.blogspot.com/

Jayne Capps … https://mamasgottodoodle.blogspot.com

Louann Elwell ... https://plus.google.com/117746558861718110652/posts

Rain ... http://honeyandollie.com/

Lori Bergmann ... http://www.LoriBergmann.blogspot.com

Helen Simon… http://helensharvest.blogspot.com/

Arlene Dean ... http://aglassbash.blogspot.com

Sandra... http://city-of-brass-stories.blogspot.de/

Alicia ... http://www.allprettythings.ca

I’m so pleased that so many of you joined in this blog hop and that we participants from India, UK, Canada, as well the U.S.!   (Did I miss your country?  Please let me know!)    Many thanks to all for making this a fun experience!   ~Sharyl

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Sorry, removing Janice and Sy.  Not sure how to reach you or where you would like to post.  Apologies.   Feel free to add a note to comments if you see this and I'll add you in! --Sharyl