Summer Color Inspiration Challenge Update!

---> Click here for "Bead Hoarders Blog Hop" Reveal!

First of all, welcome to our new followers!   We've gained a few recently, so it seems a good time to stop and say that I'm grateful for all 149 of you!   Please join in, ask questions, and share!  

Now back to some previous business... when I wrote the blog post with the flower photographs and using the colors as inspiration, I encouraged you to take a “mini-challenge” with me and I’d post your photos on my blog.  I was thinking I might get a couple of takers, but I’m happy to see that quite a few of you responded! Now I’m thinking this will be better arranged as a small blog hop.  I hope you’ll agree.

I didn’t ask for enough information to be entirely clear as to whether you were voicing your favorite color combinations or intending to contribute a photo of one of your designs last time, so I’m going to take as step back (as I often do) and ask for more info! 

Sorting Things out:

I’ve made a list of those who responded, that I thought might be wanting to participate. It appears below. Please take a look.

• If you would like to participate, please send me the following information if it is not included: your name, your blog name, and your blog URL.

• (If you do not have a blog  and wish to participate, please let me know. I’m still happy to host your entry on my blog page!)

• If I have you listed, but you do not wish to participate in the challenge, please let me know that.  My apologies!   (Also, if you do not send the other information, you will be deleted from the list of participant list.)

Draft Participant List:

Note:  I'm updating the list as I see your messages!

Kashmira Patel   .....    Sadafulee...always in bloom!     (confirmed!)

Norbel Marolla      (If you would like to create a piece, you can post on my blog.)

   

Elena Adams    (If you don't have a blog, you are welcome to post on my blog.)

Sharyl McMillian-Nelson     Sharyl’s Jewelry     (confirmed!)

Valerie Garber ....   Work Of Our Hands  (Valerie, did you want to do the blog hop?)

 

Lisa Lodge  ......      A Grateful Artist - Pine Ridge Treasures   (confirmed!)

 

Dolores Raml     (If you don't have a blog, you are welcome to post on my blog.)

Chris  ....   Wanderware

 

Tanty Sri Hartanti   ....   TJewellicious by Tanti       (confirmed and updated!)

Kathy Lindemer ....  Bay Moon Design    (confirmed!)

Heather ....    (If you don't have a blog, you are welcome to post on my blog.)

Laren Dee Barton ... Laren Dee Designs       (new/confirmed!)

Melissa Trudinger  ... Beadrecipes      (new/confirmed!)

Deadlines:

Sat, July 27:  
Need blog list info. 

• I need your name, blog name, and blog URL  so I can prepare the blog list and repost, and you can add it to your blogs.   
• If you don't have a blog, you are welcome to post on mine.  Just let me know that. 
• I’ll continue to accept entries until July 27 so please feel free to join if you haven’t! 
• You can also feel free to spread the word! 

Wed, July 31:
Entries from those posting on my blog due.

• Send a photo or two and any text in a Word file in a private message to my Sharyl's Jewelry facebook page by Wed. July 31 so I have time to prepare them.   

Fri, Aug. 2:
Blogs should be ready to post by 11:45pm Friday night Central time, Aug. 2, 2013, so they will be ready for Sat., Aug. 3 reveal! 

Sat. Aug 3:
Official Reveal Date!

Sun. Aug 4:
Random prize winner selected from among participants!

Reminders:

• Photos, color options, and guidelines are all on this page!    (It's SO EASY to participate!!!) 
• You can grab the Challenge image (top of page) for your blog entry and/or as a badge for your blog border.   
• If you have questions, changes, want to add or drop, please let me know!   Many thanks for playing along!   
  
  

~Sharyl

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"Bead Hoarders Blog Hop" Reveal!

We happily call ourselves "bead hoarders."   It sounds rather derogatory, but simply means that we search and search to find beads, components, and findings we love long before we plan to use them, so that when a jewelry design opportunity comes our way, we often find the perfect beads needed already in our "stash," hidden safely away in drawers, cabinets, and containers galore!   Beads are our treasures! And some are just nearly too precious for us to part with!   Some, we will part with only for what we see as the most perfect design we can imagine. 
  

Just a wee-bit of my bead storage!

If anyone recognizes this, Lori Anderson does.   And so this summer, she organized the "Bead Hoarders Blog Hop" in an attempt to pry some of our most cherished prizes from our clenched fists in the hopes we would design some of our best jewelry ever.    Nearly 170 designers have joined her in sharing our best attempts.   I hope everyone will enjoy seeing what we've been "hoarding!"  

So what about me?   I confess, I hoard a lot of beads!   I'm especially fond of handmade lampwork and pottery art beads.   I also have containers full of Czech glass crystals, gemstones, metal, and other natural beads.   I like textiles so I have boxes of ribbons and I like working with metals so a good part of my work space is dedicated to working and storing things related to that.    But back to my beads....

It was hard to pick one, but I did.  I picked one I had wanted to work with for months, but had not been able to get to, and so this inspiring bead was my starting place:

Coral Purple Turquoise Murrini Handmade Lampwork Glass Focal BeadBy Leslie Deaunne of Bead Bijoux

I loved the colors here: turquoise, purple, and coral, and it gave me a great opportunity to pair it with more of my favorite lampwork and stone beads in similar colors, as well as with silver!   So much potential!   I started by just digging for beads that would go with it, then narrowing them back down to what I wanted to use.

I'm not sure if it was the bead design or the bead colors that instantly made me think of the American Southwest, but I was never in any doubt about my jewelry design.  I added small purple and turquoise rondelles and silver plated wafers to the focal, then added a silver-plated lizard charm I'd been saving for something just like this!  A carnelian bead became a dangle.   Wa-la!  The focal!

I was ready to build the major front part of the necklace string.  In addition to turquoise howlite, blue/green Greek Mykonos Ceramic beads, orange Jasper, and sterling silver beads, I used 4 pairs of handmade lampwork spacer beads:

From left to right:

purple:  Kerry, Crazy Lady Glass

orange:   Jason Powers, Powers Art Studio

rusty brown:   Jason Powers, Powers Art Studio

turquoise and black:   Lisa, Art by Lisi

I embossed aluminum for this handmade bail.  

For other handmade bails visit Sharyl's Jewelry.

I had planned to use silver ox chain for the rest of the necklace, but changed my mind as I went further.  I decided to try a double row of  fairly large seed beads on each side instead.

One was in shades of blue and turquoise.  The other had a few orange and purple added.   I made a clasp from sterling silver filled wire.   


Then I found I needed a connector to the previous section and went through every silver bead I had and nothing seemed quite large enough.  I settled instead on these large rondelle Fire Turquoise beads with sterling silver bead caps to pull the two sections of the necklace together.   


My "bead hoarders" necklace was complete!

Thanks for stopping by today!  

My sincere gratitude to Lori Anderson, for inspiring me, and so many others, in so many ways!   Please visit her blog and these other participants to see more designs!

1.  Lori Anderson, Pretty Things
2. Nancy Dale, NEDBeads
3. Roxanne Mendoza, Roxi Designs
4.  Melissa Trudinger, beadrecipes
5.  Rana Lea, Rana Lea Designs
6.  Perri Jackson, Shaktipaj Designs
7.  Rita Avila, Jewel School Friends
8.  Linda Anderson, From the Bead Board
  10.  Erin Guest, Renlish


11.  Joan Williams, lilruby jewelry
12. Diane Hawkey, Diane Hawkey
13.  Jo-Ann Woolverton, It's a Beadiful Creation
14.  Sue Kennedy, SueBeads
15.  Lisa Cone, Inspired Adornments
16.  Kari Asbury, Hippie Chick Design
17.  Nichole Byers, Nichole Byers
18.  Lori Jean Poppe, Adventures in Creativity
19.  Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings
20.  Lori Schneider, Bead Addict


21.  Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me
22. Cece Cormier, The Beading Yogini
23.  Niki Sayers, Silver Nik Nats
24.  Elsie Deliz-Fonseca, Eliz-Eliz and All That Craft
25.  Amber Dawn, Inventive Soul
26.  Heather Powers, Humblebeads
27.  Sarah Goode, Pookledo
28.  Monique Urquhart, A Half-Baked Notion
29.  JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions
30.  Cheri Reed, Creative Designs by Cheri


31.  Robyn, Museiddity
32.  Catherine King, Catherine's Musings
33.  Jacquie, Bead Gypsy
34.  Janet McDonald, Singing Woods
35. Kay Thomerson, Kayz Kreations
36.  Tanty Sri Hartanti, TJewellicious by Tanti
37.  Hannah Rosner, Good River Valley
38.  Rochelle Brisson, A Creative Chelle
39.  Nelly May, Smelly Nelly
40.  Skylar Bre'z, Brising Beads


41.  Beti Horvath, Stringing Fool
42.  Christie Murrow, Charis Designs
43.  Leanne Loftus, First Impression Design
44.  Valerie Norton, Hot Art
45.  Judy Riggs, Rigglettes
46.  Crystal Thain, Here Bead Dragons
47.  Terry Carter,  Tapping Flamingo
48.  Sue, Mid-Life Great Expectations
49.  Nan Smith, Wired Nan
50.  Miranda Ackerley, MirandAck Arts


51.  Marie Covert, Creating Interest
52.  D'Arsie Manzella, This Here Now, Mamacita
53.  Stephanie Haussler, Pixybug Designs
54.  Lori Bergmann, Lori Bergmann Design
55.  Johanna Nunez, The Lovely One Design
56.  Mary Govaars, MLH Jewelry Designs
57.  Becky Pancake, Becky Pancake Bead Designs
58.  Alicia Marinache, All the Pretty Things
59.  Debbie Rasmussen, A Little of This, A Little of That
60.  Nat, Grubbi Ceramics


61.  Marjorie Savill Linthwaite, Bennu Bird Rising
62.  Cheryl McCloud, One Thing Leads to Another
63.  Heather Otto, The Crafthopper
64.  Candida Castleberry, Spun Sugar Beadworks
66.  JuLee Wolfe, The Polymer Penguin
67.  Ginger Bishop, Lil Mummy Likes
68.  Karen Mitchell, Over the Moon Design
69.  Jeannie Dukic, Jeannie's Blog
70.  Dini Bruinsma, Angaza by Changes


71.  Birgitta Lejonklou, Create With Spirit
72.  Shalini Austin, Jewellery by Shalini
73.  Jayne Capps, Mama's Got to Doodle
74.  Ile Ruzza, Ilenia's Unique Beaded Jewelry
76.  Annita Wilson, AW Jewelry 
77.  Sherri Stokey, Knot Just Macrame
78.  Hannah Trost, PZ Designs
79.  Linda Inhelder, Must Haves Jewelry
80.  Miri Agassi, Beadwork


81.  Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
82.  Dyanne Cantrell, Dee-Liteful Jewelry Creations
83.  Susan Bowie, Susan Nelson Bowie
84.  Megan Milliken, MaeMaeMills
85.  Menka Gupta, Menka's Jewelry
86.  Ambra Gostoli, Chic and Frog
87.  Lori Lochner, Bloghner
88.  Gerda Jurimae, Gerda's Crafts Blog
89.  Susan, Mistheword
90.  MaryLou Holvenstot, MaryLou's time2cre8


91.  Mary Shannon Hicks, falling into the sky
92.  Karin King, The Sparklie Things Blog
93.  Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman
94.  Jenny Davie-Reazor, Jenny Davies-Reazor
95.  Donetta Farrington, Simply Gorgeous
96.  Mallory Hoffman, Rosebud 101 - For the Love of Beads
97.  Danielle Kelley, Imbue the Muse
98.  Kym Hunter, Kym Hunter Designs
99.  Dolores Rami, CraftyD's Creations
100.  Marcia Dunne, 13 Alternatives


101.  Marlene Cupo, Amazing Designs
102.  Emma Todd, A Polymer Penchant
103.  Wendy Holder, Jewelry by WendyLea
104.  Michelle Escano, The Cabby Crafter
105.  Louise Glazier, Lily and Jasmine Treasures
106.  Dana Hickey, Wind Dancer Studios
107.  Lennis Carter, windbent
108.  Anne Betenson, Crystal River Beads
109.  Audrey Belanger,  Dreams of an Absolution
110.  Lisa Stukel, Carefree Jewelry by Lisa


111.  Janine Lucas, Travel Stories
112.  Claire Lockwood, Something to Do With Your Hands
113.  Kathy Engstrom, Catherine's Dreams
114.  Paula Hisel, Simply Beadiful
115.  Karla Morgan, Texas Pepper Jams
116.  Mischelle Fanucchi, Micheladas Musings
117.  Kim, Cianci Blue
118.  Linda Sadler, Ida Louise Jewelry
119.  Karen, Spokalulu
120.  Jennifer LaVite, Dry Gulch Bead and Jewelry


121.  Andrea Glick-Zenith, ZenithJade Creations
122.  Karen Martinez, Fairies Market
123.  Robin Reed, Artistry HCBD
124.  Amy Bright, LABweorc
125.  Jasvanti Patel, Jewels by Jasvanti
126.  Tammie Everly, TTE Designs
127.  Karin Slaton, Backstory Beads
128.  Natalie Moten, Running Out of Thread
129.  Sharyl McMillian-Nelson, Sharyl's Jewelry & Reflections  <----
130.  Jenny Kyrlach, Wonder and Whimsy


131.  LiliKrist, Handmade by LilK
132.  Jessica Klaaren, The Truth Space
133.  Cynthia Abner, Created Treasures
134.  Beth Emery, Stories by Indigo Heart
135.  Heather Davis, Blissful Garden Beads
136.  Jeanne, Gems by Jeanne Marie
137.  Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe
138.  Laren Dee Barton, Laren Dee Designs
139.  Steph, Confessions of a Bead Hoarder
140.  Carolyn Lawson, Carolyn's Creations


141.  B. R. Kuhlman, Mixed Mayhem
142.  Patty Miller, Cabari Beads
143.  Elizabeth Bunn, Elizabeth Beads
144.  Marianna Boylan, Pretty Shiny Things
145.  Lizzie Clarke, The Need to Bead
146.  Christina Miles, Wings 'n' Scales
147.  Patricia, The Color of Dreams
148.  Marde Lowe, Fancimar
149.  Ev Shelby, Raindrop Creations
150.  Sarah Small, By Salla


151.  Perri Jackson, Shaktipaj Designs
152.  Laurie Vyselaar, Lefthand Jewelry
153.  Pam Traub, Klassy Joolz
154.  Lisa Harrison, Daisy Meadow Studio
155.  Anzia Parks, Anzi-Panzi's Work Shoppe
156.  Ingrid, Lilisgems Handcrafted Jewelry Inspirations
157.  Andra Weber, Andra's Joyful Journey
158.  Kelly Hosford Patterson, The Traveling Side Show
159.  Adlinah Kamsir, Dreamstruck Designs
160.  Marci, That Nothing Be Wasted


161.  Kris Lanae Binsfield,  Cherish Designs
162.  Stephanie Perry, Mustard Bead
163.  Birgit Klughardt, Gites Beads
164.  Inge von Roos, Inge's Blog
165.  Rebecca Sirevaag, Becca's Place
166.  Sandy Markley, Gypsy Spirit Designs
167.  Elena Adams, Lena's Beady Blog

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Special sale at Sharyl's Jewelry

 this weekend only! 

Use code: EVERY1WINS 

at checkout to get 20% off! 

Good on all jewelry, components, destash beads, and already discounted items!

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Summer Color Inspiration and a "Mini-Challenge"

There is an informal "mini-challenge" at the end of this entry!  Be sure to read on!  

In my jewelry-making, what inspires my designs most is the beads.   And I'm drawn to the beads I choose first of all because of color.  Of course there are many factors (such as what the beads are made of, their quality, texture, shape, uniqueness, etc.), but my designs tend to begin with color.

Because of this, I am always looking around me for new color combinations.   Sometimes that may come from a textile, a piece of art, or nature--anything that gets me to looking at and thinking about colors in new shades and combinations.    

Most of you know, I also have a fondness for taking macro-shots of flowers.   Over the last few weeks, I've been lucky enough to receive a lovely bouquet and collect some fresh blooms from my own garden.  

#1:  dark pink, yellow, dark purple

And I tried something new this time.  Because I couldn't seem to find a place to take the the photos that highlighted the flowers without the background of my furniture and walls, I tried photographing them in the light tent I use for my jewelry.   I thought the results were rather unexpected, the images more crisp and vibrant!

#2:  lime green, yellow, pinkish-red

#3:   periwinkle, berry, yellow, green

#4:  raspberry/fuschia, carnation pink, bright yellow, sage green

I also took some in the front living room window, where I used to do all my jewelry photography.  There is lovely light there in the summer months and a sheer curtain which serves as a nice filter.

#5:  white, soft pink, cranberry, yellow

But I'm really sharing these today, not as examples of photography, but for their color inspiration.

#6:  bright yellow, raspberry, lime

Each piece of each bouquet offers some new opportunity to combine colors that would be beautiful in jewelry design!   In addition to color combinations, the photographs suggest colors which could dominate and others which could be used in smaller quantities to accent.  

For example, without the photo above, I don't think it would occur to me to create a bracelet with yellow beads and smaller accents of deep berry and lime green...or perhaps brass beads for that center!  But it strikes me now how eye-catching that would be!

#7:   fushia, violet

What about this deep purple and pink?   More to your liking? 

Totally Informal "Mini Challenge!"

• Which color combination do you like best?  Please leave a comment!  I'm hoping you'll find one that inspires you today!

• If you do make something based on any of these color combinations, I'd be thrilled to receive a photo of your work and the number of the photo on this blog post you used as inspiration!   I'm hoping we can show your jewelry in future blog post!  (To begin this process, please leave me a comment on this blog and a way to reach you.   I'll contact you with further instructions.)

• For this "mini-challenge" you may also submit a jewelry item you have already made that fits the color combinations.

• You are NOT required to use every color listed under the photo.  Please use at least 2-3.

• To sweeten the pie, anyone who submits a photo by  July 31st, will be eligible for a give-away drawing.   I promise you something colorful as a prize!  

If you have any questions, please let me know!

Have some fun and enjoy the weekend!  I hope you find yourselves color-inspired!

~Sharyl / Sharyl's Jewelry

* * * * * * *

Independence Day Sale, Store Update, Metal Questions

Sale Reminder:

Today is the last day of the Independence Day Sale at Sharyl's Jewelry!  (Although it's possible the coupon code will still last through part of Monday.   It's good while it lasts!)     

Use this coupon code at checkout:   

INDEPENDENCE15 

to get 15% off all items in the store!

Store Update:

Hope you've had a good holiday!   I've been working on more new jewelry and handmade components.   Unfortunately, they will not be ready right away.  The jewelry pieces I have ready still need to be photographed. Some are for special projects and can't be shown yet.  And the components are in their early stages:   I'm still preparing the metal.   I recently purchased 5 new embossing folders, and I'm anxious to use them!  First, though, a few kinks to work out of the system.  Please read below!  

Metal Questions:

I often get asked questions about metal work and supplies, even though I've only been at this work for about a year.   I've been happy to share what I know, but today is turnaround time.   I have some questions  and hope some of you may have some suggestions for me!

1)  I continue to have the hardest time finding a good supplier of copper sheet metal.   My local hardware store worked well for quite a while, and offered it in packages at a fairly reasonable rate (less expensive than I could find it online, and I like to buy local even though it's a chain).  It was also handy to be able to go just a few blocks away and pick up a few sheets when I needed it.   However, over the last 6 months or so, they've stopped carrying it consistently. I can order it and they'll get it in. Then I have to coordinate a time to get it between when the shipment comes in and before it goes out on the shelf, but without them holding it for me.  (???)  I'm sure if we do this a few more times, we'll get the process down so it goes more smoothly.  It takes a couple of weeks for the shipment to arrive, so it's not handy if I've let my supply get too low.   They have the nicest staff and are very nice to arrange the order, but I need something faster and more convenient.  

I found another source online that offered even better prices, but didn't take PayPal unless you called ahead and made special arrangements.   Months later, I still haven't remembered to do that.   I need something I can go to, order, and have it be delivered through the mail.   And of course, at the best rate possible.   

Any ideas for me?   

2)  I've been using a sealant with my color patinas I was very happy with, but recently it seems rather sticky/gooey when it should be dry.   I've made several items with this result and so I'm not applying any more from this bottle.  (I'll strip the pieces to the bare metal and redo them.) The bottle is about 1/2 full/empty.   I've shaken it well each time I've used it, but perhaps it is just what happens after a while?

I'm trying to quickly decide whether to buy another bottle of the same  or try something new.  I know some have had good luck with aerosol sealants, but I'm not supposed to use those.   Do you have sealants you like that work well with color patina products?   Renaissance Wax seems to make the color disappear.    It works very well with copper that has been darkened.    What I have been using with color is a Vintaj liquid product.   I will contact Vintaj and/or sellers of their products to see if they have suggestions.  I'm not trying to diss them.   I've been very happy with their product until very recently, and maybe it's just time I get a new bottle. Still, I would welcome your thoughts and suggestions about other products too!


**Customers, please note:    

• I don't believe I've sold any metal components that were defective, with the sealant in this gooey state, but if you feel you have purchased components from me with this problem, I would greatly appreciate it if you would contact me  directly immediately.
• (Contacting me through the Sharyl's Jewelry store on ArtFire will be the best way to reach me.  Use the "Contact Seller" link on the main page.)   
•  I have always tried to make sure components are dry and the sealant hardened before they go in the packages to be mailed.  I typically wait 24 hours after the last coat of sealant to wrap, but 12 hours minimum.   **

Thanks to you all for your help and advice!    Hope you've had a good holiday!

~Sharyl

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"Bead Chat" Magazine Feature & More New Summer Jewelry

I was honored to be featured in this month's just-released  Bead Chat online magazine! 

To see the article, click here

Then click the right arrow on the screen 

until you get to pages 7-10.

I was interviewed by Natalie McKenna and asked to submit photographs of my work on a beach-theme.  While I had quite a few pieces already in my store, I couldn't help but take this opportunity to design some new ones too!  

Most of those I submitted ended up in the magazine, but there were more than they could include.  So I thought I would show the others here!   I designed a few more pieces after the submission date, and I'm including those here too.

One thing I love about creating more beach jewelry is that it gives me a good reason to use more aqua!  Aqua is probably my all-time favorite color for jewelry design, so how much more fun could I have!

Sparkling Waters Lampwork and Chrystal Earrings

"Turquoise Swirl Sparkle" Lampwork by SueBeads

Wirework by Sharyl:  (Sterling Silver Filled with White Brass), Faceted Czech crystals,

and encased glass seed beads.

Metallic Fins Lampwork and Copper Earrings

"Psyche Luster" Lampwork Beads by Taneres.  (aka Serena's Beadery)

Handmade copper components by Sharyl.

Orange and Purple Summer Fun Earrings

When I first saw these yellow-orange and purple lampwork beads they reminded me of the colorful blow-up innertube toys kids often play with in the pool or beach!  

Those inspiring beads are by SharplineDesigns.  

Though it wasn't intentional, I think the finished product looks a bit like swimmers 

bobbing in the waves with their inflatable swim toys!

Japanese Art Waves Altered Brass Components Navy

Altered brass components.   

There is a pair of these featured in "Bead Chat" but with different colors.

This pair is light blue and navy.

Red, White, and Blue Lampwork and Ceramic Necklace

I designed this necklace especially for Independence Day, 

but it is certainly fitting year round!

Beads from Inspire Glass Studio, Eclectic Prairie,and Taneres.

Sterling silver chain.

I describe this one as "quality casual."

I hope you'll take a good cover-to-cover look at "Bead Chat," the monthly online magazine from Artisan Whimsy.   There are many talented people's work represented there.   Please share with us if you have something in this month's issue! 

Happy Summer to you all!   

~Sharyl

P.S.  I've just listed all jewelry and components from Bead Chat and this blog entry in my store if you want a closer look!   Sale info below!



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Photo Credits:

Cover of July 2013 Bead Chat magazine, used by permission of editor, Melinda Orr.

Sea Shell on Beach:  http://www.wpclipart.com/animals/aquatic/shell_and_shellfish/Whelk_on_beach.jpg

Jewelry photos by Sharyl, 2013.

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Independence Day sale!

Get 15% off all items 

at Sharyl's Jewelry on Artfire!

Good through 7/7/2013.

Must use coupon code at checkout:  

 INDEPENDENCE15

Only one coupon code may be used at a time, 

but this code is good for all jewelry and components purchased.

You may share this code with others.

You may use the code as many times as you like during the sale period.

Thank you, and have a happy 4th!

***Please sign up for my 

Sharyl's Jewelry Facebook page

to keep current on sales and promotions! ***

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