CaughtREDhanded--An Experience Not Just a Brand

Nightmare in New York: 177 Ludlow Street Review

2010-09-21T12:56:00.000-07:00

A Review of 177 Ludlow Street NY, NY: A Vacation from the Twilight Zone.

I preface this blog article by saying "please learn from my mistake, and don't let this happen to you"!

So as many of you know, we had been planning a vacation to NYC this year with the hubby, little monster, and the Grandma until our plans were abruptly, let's say, altered. All of you who know us, or follow us on Facebook, know this has been a very long year for our little family and we were so desperately looking forward to this getaway before Christmas jewelry season started. We spent a year saving up and weeks trying to find the right 2 bedroom apartment to rent on vrbo.com. (We love VRBO, use them all the time and this was the only time we have ever had an issue.)

A couple weeks before we were supposed to leave, Grandma had heard on the news that NYC was having an outbreak of bed bugs. If you know Grandma, you know she is always up on her news:) She had asked me to check with the apartment rental to make sure they were not having any issues. So I, a little reluctantly, contacted Chris Fogwell, the real estate agent for the property, about the bed bug issue along with a few other questions I had.

Several days went by with no response and then I received this email:

No. There are garages, but they are very expensive in New York.

Hmmmm. No response about the bed bugs or anything else for that matter so I wrote again and asked if he could answer the other questions I sent as well. His reply was:

I have not heard of any problems.

That, to me, was not a direct answer nor was it going to satisfy the Grandma so I sent one more email asking:

"So to confirm--you have not had bed bugs in the apartment? Nor do you currently have bed bugs?"

No response. Several days went by and still no response. To tell you the truth I had forgotten I had even asked. I was busy arranging airport pickups, packing, purchasing baby items that meet flight regulations, buying show tickets and the list goes on. Then, yesterday, I get an email that was clearly intended for the owner. It read:

Did you respond to this person? What should I tell her?

Now I was getting sick in my stomach. This was really starting to sound fishy. I replied to his email:

Yes Chris--what should you tell me?

I was not prepared for the answer. A few minutes later I received this reply:

I should tell you that the reservation is cancelled. You sound like a very demanding person. I think you would be better served at a hotel that provides 24/7 housekeeping.

Thank you,

Chris

I almost fell over. I was in shock--who cancels a families vacation 3 days before you are supposed to arrive while insulting the customer in the same paragraph? I guess I was demanding. Demanding that we slept in a bed bug free apartment. Demanding that we get a straight answer. Demanding that our sublet would be clean. Yes, I guess I can give him that.

But now what?! We bought plane tickets, booked transportation, and the list goes on. My mind was reeling. And, how was I going to tell Grandma and the hubby we would not be going on vacation, the vacation we had all worked so hard for, planned so long for, and anticipated so greatly for. . . .

So here we are, one day later with no NYC vacation . Hours and hours lost cancelling reservations and trying to get refunds on purchases. More hours lost trying to plan somewhere for our little family to go and relax for a week. We lost the money for our plane tickets (close to $400) and most of all we lost out on experiencing New York.

At the end of the day all my husband and I could do was laugh. It was 12:30 am and we were still packing up jewelry since the day was spend canceling and making vacation plans. At 12:30 in the morning there is nothing to do but laugh. . .it was like an episode from the twilight zone.

I write all this to say--learn from my mistakes. There are people out there that care little about others. And most of all, be demanding. . . and listen to your Grandmother!

Here is the link to their sublets to avoid with all gusto. . .

http://www.177ludlow.com/

xoxo

Amy

Stardust Earrings. . .They're here!

2010-07-08T16:52:00.003-07:00

For a long time you all have been requesting earrings from us and we have finally delivered. We launched them a few weeks ago though I have yet to write about them here. Sorry to all my blog readers! We do, however, have daily updates on our Facebook fan page so "like" us to stay in the loop. I have added a link below for easy access.

We have added a matching pendant to all of our earrings and we are soon to be introducing a bracelet line. To see all of our earrings check them out here!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/caughtredhanded?section_id=7111176

Here is our Facebook Fan page for giveaways, new designs, secret sales, and much much more!

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1439381028#!/pages/CaughtREDhanded/105454106152792?ref=ts

xoxo

Amy

Let's Wrap Up Mother's Day with a Giveaway!

2010-05-11T10:26:00.001-07:00

Well Mother's day has come and gone but I wanted to wrap up the festivities with a giveaway!

Entering is simple:

Become a fan (or like us) on Facebook
Post how you spent your Mother's Day on our wall

You do not need to be a mom to participate--you just need to share a quick story:) Contest will end on Sunday, May 16th.

To find our fan site just look on the left side bar. Happy Tuesday everyone!

Mother's Day SALE! The SALE of FREE!

2010-04-17T06:18:00.000-07:00

This will be my first Mother's Day as a mom and I wanted to do something BIG to celebrate! Here are the details of our Mother's Day Sale!

FREE Belt with any buckle purchase!

FREE Chain with any Pendant purchase!

FREE Shipping on $50 or more!

FREE Gift wrap on all purchases!

Our promotion will last until Mother's Day. Just include the following note during checkout* (and don't forget to include your belt size!).

I Love My Mom--Mother's Day Sale 2010

**Note must be included during the etsy checkout process not via paypal, convo's or emails. Thanks!

Buy Local: Spring Plant Sale

2010-04-15T13:44:00.000-07:00

I took Sebastian out for a run yesterday morning, around my neighborhood, and it seemed like everyone was out tending to their flowerbeds, plants and lawns. Since my flowerbeds were empty of anything except for overgrown weeds, I thought I should get out there and do the same. I spent the afternoon getting rid of all the weeds and trimming up the shrubbery so that you can now actually see my house!

When I was finished, I realized we needed some flowers to fill in the naked spots I had left with my obsessive weeding. Luckily, I heard about an wonderful opportunity to buy local, support our community, and get an amazing deal on some serious greenery. The agricultural students at the Golden Strip Career Center were selling their garden flowers, shrubs, spices and vegetables to raise money for their class and school program at a hugely discounted price. They were selling almost all of their plants for a dollar--which is almost unheard of!

I went and stocked up on some beautiful flowers and shrubs to line the walkway to the house and purchased some vegetable for the garden I have always wanted to start. I, in no way, have a green thumb but for a dollar I figured I could give it a try.

All over the United States, schools are running programs just like this. It is so important to support your communities so get out there and buy local!

If you live in Greenville, here is the link to the Spring Plant Sale. It is going on this weekend only.

http://www.foxcarolina.com/moneyblog/index.html

The Skinny on Gluten Free

2010-04-14T08:58:00.001-07:00

It seems like the Gluten-Free phenom has taken over the food market fast and furiously. I often have strong reactions to certain foods so my husband and I decided to start a little experiment to see how gluten affected us. We cut out all traces of gluten from our diets for about a week and then, after a week, we returned to eating it. Jim was not really affected except for his energy level however, I got sick and felt miserable afterward. We concluded, with the help of my very sick stomach, that I seem to be sensitive to it.

I started to do a little more research on the gluten-free super movement and found an incredible website with amazing gluten-free recipes that Karina makes herself. I wanted to share the website with you all because I just thought it was so fantastic and creative! Most of her recipes do require some cooking, and I mean serious cooking so if you are not a fan of your kitchen you might not be as thrilled with Karina. I personally love to cook so I am a fan all around. Here is the link--check it out and let me know what you think!

Oh. . . .and it also has a ton of Vegan recipes too. . . love it all!

http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/

Banning Big Business

2010-04-13T13:51:00.000-07:00

As a general rule I do not use large distributors to purchase supplies for my jewelry and accessory lines. I do not like big business--never have. I would even be willing to pay a bit more to buy local and have great customer service enhanced by a business relationship. To me, it is worth it to pay a bit more sometimes. I try to practice the same philosophy in my everyday life as well (with Babies 'R Us topping my Big Business Ban list).

Most of the time I am thrilled with my suppliers. I do so much research before I choose a distributor with the intention of being around for the long haul. I hate switching distributors; it is just such a hassle for a new company to learn your business practices. Despite my utter disdain for leaving a business relationship, I had to cut ties with one of my longest running distributors.

We hand design and construct all of our belt buckles but we purchase the belts (I am not out skinning a cow or anything--let's be real). I have been having some issues with my belt distributer for almost a year now but he, Bill, had assured me the issues were ironed out and we would be sailing smooth this year. Needless to say, it is April, and I still do not have a complete order from December.

I think it is tragic when a local business loses it's concern for customer relations. I understand Babies R' Us--what do they need my buck for? But as a small business owner, I will do my best to keep you happy. I love and depend on my customers and deeply appreciate them. . . where have our American values really gone? What are you we willing to sacrifice for a buck. . .

Battle of the Monday Explosions

2010-04-12T13:11:00.000-07:00

I don't know if I am alone in the Battle of the Monday Explosions but it is one of my busiest days of the week. It seems like over the weekend my house explodes, orders get backed up, errands are put on hold, and daily life comes to an utter halt. Sebastian and I are too eager to hang out with dad rather than be responsible! Somehow, within 2 days, everything I had done the week before gets unraveled.

This week was no exception. In fact, it was a bigger task than normal since Grandma and Grandpa will be coming down for a visit next week which means extra cleaning and I was behind on a ton of jewelry prep. And, did I forget to mention, there is Sebastian?!

I knew there was not going to be a lot of time to spend with the bebe today so I set him up a little playpen in a laundry basket with a few toys. The little guy has been entertaining himself for hours and I am on the verge of completing the last of my Monday mayhem while squeezing in a little blog writing:) I must say, I am thankful for the simple pleasure God gives.

Facebook Fan Frenzy!

2010-04-07T18:45:00.000-07:00

Well we have officially started a fan page for caughtREDhanded on Facebook! We will be doing a weekly giveaway along with secret sales found no where else. To join just search for CaughtREDhanded and become a fan!

This week we are giving away this Mellow Gardens pendant in honor of Spring in Greenville, South Carolina. Our entire city is covered in pollen right now so I dedicate this giveaway to you Greenville!

xoxo,

Amy

Happy Easter CRH Family!

2010-04-03T13:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter CRH Family! We love you all and hope your Easter is as Happy as Sebastian's:)

To celebrate we are having a Secret Sale through Tuesday April 6th. Buy any TWO pendants, two buckles, or two rings and get a third FREE*!

Promotion Code: EASTER SALE through April 6th

xoxo,

Amy, Jim, and Sebastian

* Free item must be of equal or lesser value of the purchased item. Promo code must be entered during the etsy checkout process not through PayPal, convo's, or emails.

Secret Sale through 29th!

2010-03-23T17:37:00.000-07:00

Correction--The sale is through the 29th!

Secret Sale!

2010-03-23T09:18:00.000-07:00

Spring is here! We are having a secret sale on our Looking Cocktail rings and our Reflections pendants through March 29th. Buy any Cocktail ring or Reflections pendant and receive another item of your choice FREE!

During checkout place the following code AND your free item choice in the note to seller during* the etsy checkout. Here are the links to the Reflections and Cocktail rings section of my shop for easy browsing:

Sterling Silver Reflections Pendant and Chain

http://www.etsy.com/shop/caughtredhanded?section_id=5511191

Looking Cocktail Ring

http://www.etsy.com/shop/caughtredhanded?section_id=5511194

Code: Spring Secret Sale Through March 29th

Happy Spring Rings Everyone!

Amy

*code must be placed during checkout on the etsy page. Discount will not be given if code is entered on PayPal or through convo or email.

Baby. Eats. World.

2010-03-12T12:10:00.000-08:00

I am an excessive planner--I guess it is just part of who I am. When you walk into my kitchen you will see my meal schedule and menu typed and hanging on the fridge, you will see Sebastian's eat-play-sleep schedule, my cleaning schedule, and my to-do list all neatly organized.

Some of my close friends and family call me OCD for my excessive need to plan things out. At times, I might agree with them but I am quickly learning that Sebastian does not always fit into "my" plans.

This has been a huge struggle for me since I am not a fan of surprises and I hate when I do not accomplish everything scheduled for the day. So in this daily battle I am fighting the first thing that has gone is my "create" time. Creating has truly become a luxury. I have a few drawings finished for my Spring collection, and a few penciled out ideas for a new line but that is it. Sigh.

When you live off of your art you MUST create art. Simple idea right? I guess I did not plan for this little boy to run away with my time and my heart. I am quickly learning how to adapt to this new life I have adopted. Somewhere, somehow I am going to have to fit my art back into my schedule--right now I seem to be stuck on the "how" because my baby has eaten my world. . .

Sunshine Secret Sale!

2010-03-09T11:30:00.000-08:00

The weather has been amazing the last few days! Though I am not finished designing my Spring Collection yet I wanted to post a little pre-sale. From March 9th through March 15th you will receive a FREE chain when you purchase 2 or more pendants. You will also receive a FREE belt when you purchase 2 or more buckles. Just include the following promo code during* checkout:

Sunshine Secret Sale through March 15th

*This code must be noted on the etsy checkout page and not through paypal, convos or emails. Happy March!

Inspiration: Discovering Your Muse

2010-03-04T06:52:00.001-08:00

Creativity has always been a strength that I have been blessed with. Recently, as life changes, so have my inspirations. They seem to be evolving right along side of me.

I used to teach High School English and I loved to use it in the classroom. I would dress up as characters, preform murder mysteries, create plays and the list goes on. I was always coming up with the next crazy plan to bring a lesson to life or to keep me from boredom. I could never use the curriculum provided--always had to create my own. Creativity became my drug of choice.

Of course, when I quit teaching, I had to foster that creativity through another channel. That part was easy since art depends on the creative mind but my art seemed to demand a little more from me. . .I needed a little inspiration to spark the creative process. Nature and color took the job and were always battling it out for the place of muse in whatever I was designing or painting at the time.

I soon assumed another role in life, mommy. This role was foreign to me but it was not long before the creative gene began to take it over as well. I was not excited about having a boy. I had planned the nursery for a girl, so when I found out Sebastian would be a boy I was pretty upset. I decided I would just throw a few toys in the nursery and call it a day. Obviously that plan soon passed.

I found my muse for the nursery in a very unexpected source, my husband. Jim suggested I do a Dr. Seuss theme. I LOVED the idea and ran with it. A friend and I sketched out the room according to our take on The Cat in the Hat and got to work on creating our little Seuss Land. We had so much fun creating Sebastian's room and it made me even more excited for his arrival. I was a little more receptive to the idea of having a boy:)

Inspiration has become such an important part of my creative process. Whether I was teaching, creating art, or just being mom, I had to find what inspired me and foster that into something great. I have learned that life is full of the unexpected but if you use the world around you, the situations you find yourself in, and the people in your life to challenge you, your inspiration is really just a moment away. Life is meant to be colorful and I am learning to use every crayon in my box.

Wishing Life Away

2010-03-01T09:52:00.001-08:00

I have often found myself wishing certain parts of my life to move along just a little faster. We have all had those moments of wishing. When I was a kid I just simply wished for Christmas or summer vacation or even more importantly to be ungrounded for once. I was such a bad kid--I can only imagine what my mom was wishing!

That eventually turned into wishing for my driver's licence and maybe, by a miracle, a first car. Before I knew it I wished myself all the way to married, 28, one kid, and my own business. Sounds pretty good right? Well at the risk of sounding like a grandma--I think I wished my life away.

I remember back to when I was dating Jim; I just could not wait until I was engaged and when I was engaged I could not wait to be married. I remember just wishing months and weeks away so I could get to the next step. Always pushing for the next step and looking back now, I did not stop to enjoy the journey. Dating and falling in love was a fairytale. The engagement was amazing as we planned for our futures together, and marriage has been incredible as we watch our plans unfold. All of these things I lived but in the process of wishing I think I may have actually missed them.

At the wise and ripe ol' age of 28 I find myself playing the same old games. I am sure it is no surprise to any of you that I was wishing myself out of pregnancy as fast and hard as I could possibly wish and into a stage where sleep was an option again. Here I am at 28 years old, and after doing the math, I have only truly lived 18 months of my life.

These thoughts have been festering for awhile but today the wishing well is dried up. That is it. No more wishing for the weekend or wishing for Sebastian to take a nap or wishing for this ridiculous workout to be over with. Today, I am done wishing and instead I am going to start living. . .

Mommy Lifesavers--Product Reviews

2010-01-28T12:34:00.001-08:00

I must admit when Jim and I found out we were pregnant I had never even changed a diaper. I did not know anything about babies. . .at all. Needless to say I was a little nervous about being a mom and that nervous feeling really hit home when I had to go register for my baby shower. I could not believe how many items were in that store! I just figured you needed a crib some sheets, a few bottles, then I could smack a diaper on him and I was done. I was told, by just about everyone, how wrong I was and a friend lent me her little product review book. . . and thus it began. Baby mayhem.

I spent hours reading over those reviews and vacillating over every little decision. I swear that book was both a lifesaver and the death of me all rolled up in its 800 pages. I was so thankful for the help but it seems the best mommy products were not truly revealed to me until AFTER I had Sebastian.

Within the first month Sebastian developed reflux or, in other words, baby projectile pukes. We went to the doctor hoping she had a magical answer to help him. . .not so much. It was not until the end of the second month and endless amount of puked on clothing that we found the greatest invention in my mommy world. . .Dr Brown's Bottles. In all my spare mommy time I had read an article about how they were supposed to prevent reflux and minimize baby puke. I was skeptical but desperate so that day I went out and bought one. In one feeding Dr. Brown was my new hero and is now the only bottle we use. Dr. Brown has saved my washer, my clothes and my new mommy smell from scaring all my friends away.

So I know all you mom's out there have favorite products up your sleeves and I would LOVE to hear about them! Please share and save me from future catastrophes of mommy ignorance!

Advertising: Utilizing a Sites Direct Traffic

2010-01-26T11:54:00.000-08:00

Several times a month I will receive an email from another artist wondering how I became successful on etsy or other venues in which I sell my jewelry. I am a huge advocate in a unique authentic product, well taken photographs combined with effective item tagging and branding. Yet what good is any of that if no one ever sees your product? To that I simply say: ADVERTISE.

Owning a small business often means a small budget for advertising so it is even more

important to make those dollars count. When I first started selling my jewelry online I read so many articles about advertising and almost all of them pushed for outside or off-site advertisements. Suggestions like wear your URL or brand on your T-shirt, drive around with your web address attached to the hood of your car, and of course, the infamous, hand out more business cards. Seriously? Is that what will seriously bring in more traffic? It did not take long before I could answer my own question.

I have experimented with all different types of advertising; some of them were free and others were rather expensive. I have purchased advertisement spots in magazines, on blogs, handed out business cards, gone to shows, twittered. . . and the list goes on and on. But, nothing has been more effective than utilizing a sites direct traffic. Let's face it, even if you walked around with your website tattooed to your forehead no one is going to remember that web address or take the effort to look it up once they get home.

After months of researching different advertising venues I realized my money is best spent attracting the traffic that is already on that particular site. Duh. It was not rocket surgery, as my husband would say, it was just common sense. So that was where I put my advertising dollars. For example, on etsy, I posted. It costs 20 cents a listing to post and I posted several times an hour during prime hours or when I received a lot of views on an item. I also took advantage of the showcases they had on site. I used the same techniques for other marketplaces I was using as well and it has been very successful all around.

Though driving around with your URL plastered to

the front of your car or purchasing expensive magazine ads seems like a good idea I urge you to consider luring in the traffic your venue has already advertised for you. They are there looking to buy. They have done the hard part for you--now make yourself visible!

If you have questions or have advertising tips that have been successful for you please do not hesitate to ask or share!

xoxo

Amy

Memories are Forever. . .

2010-01-14T08:36:00.000-08:00

When I was in college I took a class called American Family and I would have to say it was one of my most loved classes in my college career. The teacher at the time, Mrs. Stratton, was hilarious and I love to laugh--who doesn't?! She offered a myriad of practical advice surrounded in personal illustrations amidst the boring "stuff", the history into the family relationship. It was like taking my medicine with a spoonful of sugar--much easier to swallow (I never have been a history fan unless it was recapped with Brad Pitt as the star).

One class period was devoted to marriage and what college girl is not in someway dreaming about marrying the man of her dreams? I took copious notes as if this woman could give me the perfect plan to help find me the perfect husband and plan the perfect wedding (silly college girl). Though I listened ever so carefully, there was no great secret plan unveiled to my disappointment. However, one thought did resonate with me. She said "whatever you decide to spend your wedding budget on, do NOT skimp on your photographer. Skimp everywhere else if you have to, but this memory you want to cherish forever."

I tucked that thought away in the back of my mind, though I was still disappointed about not being given the "find a good man" secret. I tucked it away until I was asked if "I do." It seemed I had stumbled across the perfect man all on my own. As we planned our wedding I remember telling my mom how important the pictures were, we

could save on other venues. Unfortunately for me, Mom did not take Mrs. Stratton's American Family class. A big fancy photographer was just not in the budget.

This was a great tragedy to a newly married bride. Especially when you realize marriage is not the romance novel you quite dreamed up in your mind. Don't get me wrong, I married an amazing man who I fall in love with more everyday but cleaning skid marks in underpants was NOT in the original fantasy!

Alas the years have gone by but that hard lesson has not been forgotten. When it came time for our first child to be born I decided to save up and get the fancy pictures I had always dreamed about. Mrs. Stratton would be pleased to know that I did, finally, apply her class advice to my life. We hired an amazing photographer, Olivia Griffin, and she was worth every penny. No more photo regrets for this family because memories do last forever. . . as long as you catch them in good light.

www.oliviagriffin.com

Revamping My Blog. . . and My Life

2010-01-13T12:34:00.001-08:00

It has been a while since I have taken the time to write a blog post and even longer since I have written about something in my life other than jewelry or being an independent artist. With that thought, I begin this article and a brand new journey in my life.

I have been so blessed to be 27 and have most of my dreams come true. I have married a man I love and am more in love with every day and started a successful business that I adore. I have spent the last 5 years pouring everything I have into making CaughtREDhanded a career that I love, a business that would help financially support my husband and I, and a job that would allow me to stay home with our future children. I have always known that I wanted to stay home with my children, if I would be so blessed to have any, but I also knew that was not going to be "enough" for me. Though I aspired to be a mom and a wife, I also had a desire for a career. I guess my desire was to have it all, the best of both worlds. But does anyone ever really get it all?

On October 5th of 2009 my son Sebastian was born and I guess you could say my quest to have it all began. I was a new mom who owned a business. Heaven, I thought, right? It turns out reality was quickly bearing down on my big dreams and big plans. I was smack dab in the middle of Christmas jewelry season, breastfeeding a newborn, 600 miles from family, and getting zero sleep. Was this the dream I had been so long preparing for? Had I been dreaming about holding baby in one hand while I super glued my finger to a pendant on the other? Why is this not working out like I had planned? Oh, I had it all alright. Now when can I start giving some of it back?!

It has been 3 months now and things are starting to calm down and fall back into place. Christmas season is behind us and I can now look a little farther into the future. I am even beginning to dream about more than just sleep again. My dreams may be changing, and my plans might be changing with them but everyday I wake up thankful and blessed that God has allowed me to "have it all".

So, as the days and months go on there will be a lot more articles about jewelry and secret sales but there will also be a little of it all mixed in.

xoxo

Amy

Eden Collection--Brand New!

2009-08-20T13:16:00.000-07:00

Our Eden Collection is a brand new line of pendant necklaces designed with our artwork. They are encased under a coat of liquid glass which magnifies and absorbs the light. Sunshine dances through these pendants making them seem to glow. Each pendant hangs from a sterling plated bail and comes tucked away in a coordinating gift tin.

We will be adding new designs over the next two weeks. We are starting out with 5 designs that are available to purchase in our shop.

We would love to hear what you think! Leave us a comment. . .

xoxo,

Amy

Surprise Revealed: Complete with Secret Promotion!

2009-08-06T11:40:00.000-07:00

Well I was planning on waiting until September to reveal some of our new designs but I just couldn't wait any longer. They are up and live in my etsy shop!

We have some gorgeous designs that still are not on our site, so keep checking back... The best part of all this is that we have been able to find some new suppliers that allow us to offer these products at a significantly lower price.

$7.50 (plus shipping) for any of our original wood waterproof pendants. We have been creating these pendants longer than any other seller on etsy and have perfected the process.

Unlike a lot of other users on Etsy, we do NOT use Diamond Glaze on any of our designs. We use a sealant that is waterproof and durable (unlike Diamond Glaze). Our pendants and accessories are intended to last a lifetime. So with these new products you can expect the same durability that our silver spoon and reflection lines carry.

And, of course, all of our pendants and accessories come gift wrapped. We believe in making each and every one of our customers feel special everytime you order. Whether this is a gift for a friend or for yourself--we want to make sure you get the perfect gift.

And, remember, this is just a SMALL part of the new and exciting things happening here at CRH. Stay tuned. :)

XOXO,

Amy

Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/caughtREDhandedEmail me: 2caughtredhanded@gmail.com

Sneak Peak

2009-08-06T08:59:00.001-07:00

Like an early showing of that favorite movie that you've been dying to see--a sneak peak of our new pendant designs!

I want to write a quick post to share a picture of one of my new items- not an enitre picture. . . just a sneak peak. It's one of many new designs that we are working on over here, and I hope you love it. Feel free to leave us feedback on the pendant. Granted you can't see the whole thing, but give me a feel for what you think! Who knows- maybe I'll give this one away :)

Share with me your thoughts!

Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/caughtREDhanded
Email me: 2caughtredhanded@gmail.com

xoxo,

Amy

I have a secret to tell

2009-08-05T06:58:00.000-07:00

There's some big news on the home front here at CRH. Some REAL big news. I can't share everything that is going to happen within the next year, because I need to save some surprises for you! But I can share one little bit of information with you...

I am working on some new designs. I realize that I've not had a lot of time to focus on my one true love- creating. Creating new, fresh, exciting pieces that you will love is a big part of my passion. I absolutely LOVE getting those emails from all of you saying how much you love your piece when you receive it in the mail. The feeling that I get out of the joy I can give is unmistakeable and remarkable. I love getting those types of emails and messages!!!

So, here's to the next few days of perfecting these designs for you- my customers- the BEST in the world! Check back often, as there will be a contest to give out a new design for FREE.

You can find the rings pictured above at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17661958

Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/caughtREDhanded

Email me: 2caughtredhanded@gmail.com

xoxo,

CRH

What is the Twitter Phenomena?

2009-07-31T07:18:00.000-07:00

I am on Twitter. My account is caughtREDhanded. I have almost 1000 followers. I still do not understand what this is all about! I post a few times a day, and I follow a lot of other interesting people that find the "handmade" movement just as exciting as I do... I've read the definition of "twitter" on wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twitter), and I still don't understand.

Perhaps it's another way for the people that love your creations to see more of "the artist." You know- get a glimpse into the mind of the artist. Perhaps it's another way for us to be even more "connected." I do know that there is a lot of junk out there as well. A lot of people that are using it to try and push fradulant type scams... I don't know about you, but I do NOT like having to deal with that stuff all the time. I can almost hear them now (kind of like those used car commercials for Kia)... "get rich in .06 seconds with this plan. Lose 800 lbs in 2 weeks eating all the food you LOVE.

So my question for you today is two-fold. Do you use Twitter? If you do how do you use it?

I do know one thing though. That bird they have is so cute. He looks a lot like my silver spoon birdie. Do you see the resemblence? Mine is a bit heftier- maybe he needs to pay attention to those weight loss ads!

You can see more pics of my birdie here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22046179

xoxo,

CRH

It's been TOOOO long

2009-07-24T07:06:00.001-07:00

Check back as I will begin posting again :) Too sad that I've let this slide a bit, but I've been sooooooooooooooo busy.

xoxoxo,

crh

Halloweeeeeeen Giveaway, Secret Sale, and Updates!

2008-10-17T08:55:00.000-07:00

Well all of our new designs are up and ready for purchase! Yesterday, as I was taking pictures, I decided to move places to get some better light. I was carrying my tray of pendants down the stairs and BAM! Fell flat on my face! I couldn't put my hands out to stop the fall since I was carrying everything so I just fell--SMACK! Of course it would not be a CRH story if I didn't look up and see my neighbors standing there staring at me--so embarrassing. . .

But, I did get all my new designs photographed and wanted to share them all with you. I am so excited about the way they turned out. So, lets have our fantastic Secret Sale and Giveaway to celebrate the launch.

New Pendant Release: Giveaway Winner!

2008-10-14T10:17:00.000-07:00

New Pendant Release: Giveaway Winner!

MelliB is our giveaway winner! Congrats MelliB! Send your address to 2caughtredhanded@gmail.com

We are getting ready to post all of our new designs on our website and will be running another giveaway this week. Remember--you must be a blog follower to have a chance at winning.

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

CRH Featured Artist: tsurubride

2008-10-09T20:04:00.001-07:00

CRH Featured Artist: tsurubride

It is my honest pleasure to introduce Meghan from tsurubride to all of you. I fell in love with her designs and had to show her off but I really wasn’t expecting such a wonderful and interesting tale woven in her interview. I hope it will warm your heart as it did mine.

http://www.tsurubride.etsy.com/

1. Tell me about yourself (anything from age and education to what you eat).

Hi! I'm Meghan, and I've been sewing for ages! I started by sewing clothes for my Barbie doll (very poorly!), and then my mom taught me to sew with a machine and I never looked back. I went to school for fashion, and I work full time in the industry, but since I was working with clothes every day, I got out of sewing for a while. But then, my step-daughter wanted me to make some clothes for her dolls, and that helped to reignite my interest in sewing. Since I still didn't want to play with grown-up clothes I ended up making some purses for myself, and then my friends wanted some, and I thought, hey maybe some other people might some of these as well!

2. Tell me about your art and anything that is new and in the "works"!

I just started making card holders and fun ipod holders. I kept thinking of other adorable animals to make, but they didn't all work as clutches so I tried different accessories. I have some other bag ideas floating around in my head, again, different animals, but with handles. I'm also always on the lookout for good looking vinyl. I'd like to be able to offer some items for people love animals, who don't love leather.

3. What is the best and worst think about owning your own business/working for yourself?

I love that I get to set the pace for everything: from how fast I'd like to grow my business, to how much time I spend developing products. The hardest part is that when things get busy it'd be nice to have another pair of hands to help out, prepping stuff or sewing. Sometimes I get my husband to help me cut leather, but he's not the best with the sewing machine! It would also be nice to be part of team, where I can have other people source materials or manage the finances.

4. What is the story behind your brand?

My name comes from the Japanese word for crane. In the old Japanese tale The Crane Wife, a poor sail-maker finds an injured crane on his doorstep with an arrow through its wing. The man takes the crane in and nurses it back to health. After he releases the crane, a woman appears at his doorstep with whom he falls in love and marries. Because they need money, his wife offers to weave a wondrous sail that they can sell at the market, but only if he agrees never to watch her make it and never have her create another one. The sail sells for a tidy profit and they live comfortably. But the man gets greedy and gets his wife to weave another sail, which she does – again making him promise that this will be the last and that he will not watch her weave it. This sail is even more beautiful than the last, and sells for even more. But again, the man gets greedy and haves her make one more. As the previous times she makes him promise that this will be the last and that he will not watch her weave it. The man is too curious though and he eventually peeks in to see what she is doing and is shocked to discover that at the loom is a crane weaving the wind from her wings into the sails. The crane, seeing him, flies away and never returns. This story, and it's telling on the Decembrist’s Crane Wife album, has come to have a special meaning to me and my husband. However, instead of sails, I make unique crafts with the wind, and this time with my sail-maker at my side.

5. How are you gearing up for the holiday season?

Sewing, sewing and more sewing! I'm also doing a couple of shows, which I'm super excited about. I'm trying to make sure I have lots of options in stock, and I'll probably need to limit the number of custom orders - at least as it gets closer to Christmas. I just got in some new leather, so supply-wise I should be good to go! Just need to shut myself up in the house, crank up some music and get working! I'd also like to use some of my scraps to make cut leather ornaments, maybe as free gifts with purchase, and also available in the store (I sort of have a Christmas ornament obsession...)

6. Tell about one time you have been "caught RED handed"

Conveniently enough, this one ties to the holiday season. I've also been a snoop when it comes to birthday or Christmas presents. My husband always searches for gift ideas on his work computer, and gets gifts shipped to work since he knows I'm so nosy. One year, my brother, step-sister and I went snooping for gifts in our parents room when they went out for brunch. We didn't find anything, but we thought we were so clever. However, our parents knew that we were likely to go on the hunt, and had closed the door a specific amount, so that they'd know if we'd gone in their room. When they came home we were totally busted!

CRH New Designs: Rain Delay. . .

2008-10-09T10:59:00.000-07:00

CRH Autumn/Winter 2008 Line: Delayed. . .

Well we have been in a severe drought here in South Carolina for months but we just got RAIN! While I am so glad we are getting some much needed rain it puts the launch of our new designs on hold. I was able to salvage a few pictures to browse through but we are rescheduling their debut for Tuesday October 14th.

***Giveaway***

While we are waiting for the rain to dry up and the sun to come out I thought it would be fun to have an early giveaway and celebrate Fall! Tell me your favorite Autumn memories in the comments below and I will choose a winner!!!

A Big Surprise and a Little Bit of Autumn:

2008-10-07T21:02:00.000-07:00

A Big Surprise and a Little Bit of Autumn:

Surprise! On Wednesday we will be launching our final set of pendant designs until after Christmas. We have 10 new Silver Spoon pendants and 5 new Reflections in an elegant array of autumn and winter color schemes.

We will, of course, debut them here first and then put them up for sale in our shop. The Autumn/Winter 2008 collection will be accompanied by one of our famous giveaways and a secret sale for the new designs.

Happy Autumn everyone!

**Update: The weather seemed to have complicated my plans today:( My photos did not come out like I wanted so I will re-shoot tomorrow. . .

Christmas Preperation: Shipping and Order Prep

2008-09-30T20:12:00.000-07:00

Christmas Preparation: Shipping and Customer Service

Christmas is looming very near as we swing into October. So far we have completed our business plan, perfected our process and packaging, and lined up our vendors (see previous posts for more details). Christmas can get stressful for everyone and to relieve a little stress in both your life and your customers, it is important to stay on top of your shipping and your customer service.

Step 1: Have an ample supply of shipping materials

For a long time I was going to a local store to get my packaging. I was over paying and sometimes they were even out of stock. Here is my little shipping secret for quality inexpensive mailers with FREE shipping--STOCK UP!

http://www.royalmailers.com/Bubble-Mailers.html

Step 2: Update your shop announcements

During Christmas season it is important for your customers to be aware of your shipping deadlines. Include an estimated time it takes to ship out your items. I always over estimate just in case I make a mistake or have to redo an order.

Most shipping companies post shipping date deadlines in order to receive a package by Christmas. This is IMPERATIVE to post in your shop. This protects your reputation and gives your customers an accurate time frame in which they can expect their package to arrive. Be proactive!

Lastly, make sure to offer a faster shipping option in your shop. Many handmade venues do not allow those type of listing by themselves but you can make a note in your shop announcements that you offer faster shipping and to contact you for details.

Step 3: Customer Service

When you are buried in orders it is easy to let your customer service slide with unanswered emails and misplaced requests. There are some very simple things you can do to stay on top. First, decide on one method of communication with your customers. I recommend email because email allows you to organize and send multiple notices at once without muting your account. If someone contacts you through other means I often ask them to email me or I email myself with the information so that I do not forget the request.

Second, send out emails when an order is shipped. You can easily do this by copying each email address as you fill out packages. Copy all the addresses for that days orders and paste them (make sure to blind copy!) into an email. This allows the customer to easily notify you if there is a problem with their purchase or shipping by simply hitting reply. The faster they notify you the faster you can alleviate the issue.

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Featured Artist: Eddyizm

2008-09-25T18:18:00.000-07:00

Featured Artist: Eddyizm

I was relaxing one evening in the chat rooms when I first fell in love with the photography of our featured artist eddyizm. I was perusing through different shops when his incredible talent stopped me for over a half hour! So, I do have to warn you--don't click on his shop unless you have time to loose yourself in his digital world!

http://www.eddyizm.com/

http://eddyizm.etsy.com/

1. Tell me about yourself

Hi, my name is Eduardo Cervantes, but I also go by eddyizm in this digital world of ours. I am currently falling in love with a girl and have been falling in love with life as of my more recent years. I am 32 and a Capricorn.

2. Tell me about your art and anything that is new and in the "works"!

I just bought my first SLR less than 2 years ago and have been learning and shooting and printing and editing and learning and making lots of mistakes and taking crappy frames and finding wonderful magic since then. Photography has truly become my passion for life, adventure, travel, outdoors as well as the technical aspect and the enjoyment of others reactions. I do what I do because I enjoy it, because it makes my life complete and because I love the chance to share a part of what is inside of me, with someone else.

I just finished wrapping up 2007 and even though September is about to end, I just began posting my 2008 galleries. I have been shooting so much that I have a serious backlog but intend to catch up shortly. Coming up this year are trips to Joshua tree national park, Mt Rainer national park, Olympic national park, Grand Canyon national park, San Diego zoo, sea world, and many many more.

3. What is the best and worst think about owning your own business/working for yourself?

I don't really own my own business, but I sell prints, shoot portraits, weddings and also cover events. The best part is that I love what I do even if I wasn't paid, I would still walk out with my camera and shoot. It’s definitely for the love, not the money.

4. What is the story behind your brand?

My brand? Well, I guess my name has been around since 1999 roughly, back when there was no myspace ;-) my website portfolio houses over 1,400 images in over 100+ galleries. As they say, I let my photos do the talking...

5. How are you gearing up for the holiday season?

I have a lot of prints ready to go, lots of custom sizes and great selection of images, from flowers to animals to scenic deserts to lush rain forests and gritty urban decay along with eerie ghost towns. I would be surprised if you could not find something you liked in my shop.

6. Tell about one time you have been "caught RED handed"

I plead the 5th. Let’s just say it involved the police I WAS YOUNG ! ;-)

7. Secret Sale!

"Eddyizm is offering a Secret Sale to all of our blog readers! Include the following message in the note to the seller box during checkout and you will receive 25% off your total purchase(excluding shipping).

CRH Blog reader! Please discount my purchase 25%!

Wierd Dancing Man!

2008-09-24T20:44:00.000-07:00

Christmas Preparation: Stocking Up!

2008-09-22T16:12:00.000-07:00

Christmas Preparations: Stocking Up!

Christmas shopping can be so hectic--crowded malls, no parking spots, long lines, and traffic--all downfalls to the Christmas season. Most of your customers shop online to avoid some of those extra Holiday stresses and since you have already put a plan in place to gift wrap each package (see our last article on packaging) you are on your way to one happy customer!

The essential, nonnegotiable service you can provide to your customers is to have plenty of items in stock and ship them out in enough time to arrive before Christmas. This one phrase is every online Christmas shoppers nightmare--"the gifts are still in the mail!" No one wants to walk into their mother-in-laws Christmas party empty handed with the line "your gifts are in the mail". In order to meet all these demands and keep your own sanity during this holiday season there are some steps that can be taken in preparation.

First, it is essential to keep an adequate supply during the holidays. Remember--you are not the only one filling orders. Your suppliers are fulfilling orders too! This was a hard lesson I had to learn last year. Many of my suppliers had items on back order because they were just as swamped as I was. This sent me into a mad frenzy to find the supplies I needed to complete my orders on time. Well--you can imagine this is a situation that I want to avoid this year!

In order to keep an adequate supply for Christmas, begin ordering a larger amount of supplies now. For example, instead of placing my normal order for 500 tins this month I order 1000. I do this each time I order giving me ample supply for the holiday season.

I also have "backup" vendors. These are the vendors that might be a little more expensive but can provide the supplies I need in an emergency. I have found at least one backup vendor for each of my supply items. This was a lifesaver last year and I would encourage everyone to have a backup list for the holidays.

So, we have well perfected items, gift wrapped, in stock and ready to go for all of your customers--nothing more to worry about right? Okay well at least we have a good start! Until next week--Happy Shopping!

CRH Featured Artist: The Little Stitch

2008-09-18T19:12:00.001-07:00

CRH Featured Artist: The Little Stitch

This week's featured artist is one of the first shops I hearted on etsy. In fact, I placed one of her pillows in my very first treasury and it made the front page! Susan's work is fantastic and admired for so long and am excited to spotlight her amazing designs and craft! So take a minute, stop by her shop, and make sure to tell her we sent you:)

http://www.thelittlestitch.etsy.com/

1. Tell me about yourself (anything from age and education to what you eat).

Well, my name is Susan and I’m the owner, designer & sewer of my very small company. I'm a born & bred western New Yorker who longs to move back east but is sadly stuck living on the west coast at the moment. I have a great love of music & sewing. They are the 2 things that make me the happiest (with Japanese magazines a close third). I also drink too much Pepsi—it is my favorite food!

2. Tell me about your art and anything that is new and in the "works"!

I love making pillows from some unknown reason it's what I gravitate to making when I'm in my studio. Eventually I'd love to do more art work type pieces, mini quilts, wall art, etc. I've been playing around with that & working with more prints.

3. What is the best and worst think about owning your own business?

The best part is doing what you love everyday & not answering to others. The worst is being disciplined; you have to really have a good work ethic to get things done. I have a tendency to spend a little too much time reading blogs & checking out my favorite groups on Flickr. Flickr is my downfall.

4. What is the story behind your brand?

The real story is too many years in retail doing visuals & not feeling fulfilled working for others. It's more gratifying being on your own. So I decided when I found etsy to try it out and haven't looked back. I owe so much to etsy.

5. How are you gearing up for the holiday season?

For the holiday season I'm trying to make more to fill the shop & have more pillows that mix & match together. A more cohesive thread that brings them together.

6. Tell about one time you have been "caught RED handed"

I'm a professional; I’ve never been caught:) And if I did get caught I'd never admit to it.

Christmas Preperation: Wrapping it Up--Bringing in Holiday Traffic

2008-09-17T07:34:00.000-07:00

Wrap it up please!

Have you ever heard that packaging is not important? I have heard packaging discussed repeatedly and have been disappointed to hear the conclusion from some that packaging is just not that important. I am here to tell you that is utterly FALSE! It truly is one of the best ways to keep customers coming back and have those customers refer you to friends. This is one of my best "tricks" for bringing in Holiday traffic (and repeat customers)--become know for a well wrapped package!

Why is Packaging Important?

The way you package your work speaks about your brand, professionalism, and the passion you have for your work. A great packaging is like "going the extra mile" and it speaks volumes to your customer. Everyone likes receiving gifts--and if you receive a lovely gift you are more likely to send the same gift to a friend or a loved one.

How Will Packaging Increase my Holiday Traffic?

I decided to use my packaging as a marketing tool this past summer and the results have been fabulous. I have had an increase in repeat customers--especially those customers who are buying gifts for others. Your customer base is vital for the upcoming Holiday season. Maintaining a reputation for quality and beauty will compel repeat customers to return and most likely bring their friends. Referrals are a powerful tool and should be utilized to their fullest potential.

The busiest time of year for purchases is undoubtedly Christmas and what are people shopping for? Gifts! So give the people what they want--give them GIFTS!

CRH Featured Artist: Cori Dantini

2008-09-11T20:15:00.000-07:00

Featured Artist: Cori Dantini

I am so excited to bring this week's featured artist to you! Cori Dantini is my "partner in crime" and the wonderful designer behind the artwork on all of my pendants. There is so much more to Cori than the CRH pendant designs. Her art is spectacular so enjoy!

http://www.corid.etsy.com/

1. Tell me about yourself (anything from age, education, to what you eat).

mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend, 501's, black t-shirt, strong coffee, seltzer water, japanese pen nibs, walnut ink, small flat pebble collector, free flowin', reader, observer, fragment lover... dependable, scatter brained, forgetful, open hearted and LOYAL. did i mention i love cake.

2.Tell me about your art and anything that is new and in the "works"!

My art (and I am not referring to my day job as an illustrator here) is truly an organic experience. I NEVER have a plan... because when I do things end up looking contrived and overly thought out. There are never any surprises when I plan and I think the creative process (for me) is truly all about the experiment. Just the simple notion of moving forward can take you to many, many surprising places.

As for what is new... I was just recently approached to do paintings for the art poster market... and I am actually COMPLETELY excited about this. It seems like such a fantastic venue to explore my painting, which is something that I never thought I would have the time to do.

3. What is the best and the worst part about working for yourself?

For me, the best thing about working for myself is the freedom. Though, what I am finding is that the more I work, the busier I get (which in theory is good)... but the busier I am, the less free I feel. So the best part and the worst part are really the same thing.

What I’d like to find is a great "life" balance, of work (freelance illustration), family, and time for myself
and my creative endeveaors (etsy/gallery work). So the struggle goes on, and so does the search for how to make it all work.

4. What is the story behind your brand?

The story behind my brand... is laziness. I thought to myself Cori Dantini is my name, so I suppose I will call myself coriD (like in kindergarten). But then I thought to myself, jeeze i'm gonna have to press the shift button to get that capital D and I don't want to have to do that all the time. So I quickly typed in corid, and then I was stuck with it! Promptly I started getting teased by my friends--Horrid Corid. UGH!!! I wish I had thought more about it. Sigh.

5. How are you gearing up for the holiday season?

At the moment I am pondering snowflakes, glitter, and building silly people/dolls out of paper mache. I suppose I'd like to do another series of handmade ornaments this year, and I am hoping to have time to do another group of original paintings and prints.
Oh, and maybe a calendar (which might be entirely too ambitious) but i am thinking about this hard...1" buttons maybe, and some pocket mirrors and magnets. It all depend on how much free time I get in the next month to do all the ordering and planning.

6. Tell about one time you have been “caught RED handed”

I had to think hard about this... I really thought that I had never been caught red handed, but then I remembered! When I was 7 my baby sister was born. She and I used to bathe together, and once my mom stepped out of the room (I know I know....... not safe but it was the 70's). Anyway, while she was out I shaved the top of my sisters head and of course good old Nancy walked in and caught me (shaver in hand). Oops.

Secret Sale!

Cori dantini is offering a Secret Sale to all of our blog readers! Include the following message in the note to the seller box during checkout at http://www.corid.etsy.com/ and you will receive a 25 % discount on your entire order:

CRH Blog Reader! Please discount my purchase 25%--thanks CORID!

Christmas Preperation: Having a Plan

2008-09-10T19:26:00.000-07:00

Preparing for Christmas: Having a Plan

You might be thinking--"It's not even Halloween yet--I should be thinking Christmas" as I am screaming through the computer--YES!!!!

Last Christmas was my first on etsy and I was taken off guard. I was not expecting the volume of customers that came through my shop and I was not prepared. This year I have promised myself it will be different.

I will be doing a series of articles on preparing for Christmas. My Christmas preparation plan hinges on this idea:

There is a time to grow your business and there is a time to maintain it.

Growing your Business:

From January to September most of my energy goes into growing my business. I spend time developing new designs, introducing new products, and researching less expensive vendors. These months are fantastic because I get to focus my time on designing! Researching and testing new advertising tactics, product presentation, and marketing consumes my life for 9 month out of the year and it has been rewarding. I have had some real success in my endeavors and really enjoyed having time to focus on designing. The actual creating is rewarding and just fun! But, there are 3 other months in the year. . .

Maintaining your Business:

We are fast approaching the "other" 3 months in the year--the months where maintaining your business is a survival tactic! From October through December my focus is solely on maintenance. These 3 months are spent ordering supplies, stocking up on my prep work, completing orders, and customer service. This is not a time to design, research, or introduce new products--this is a time to sell the perfected items you spent the last 9 months developing. These three months, if planned well, can financially support your creating endeavors throughout the rest of the year.

Both parts are equally important to a successful business. You can not survive without growth and you cannot grow without maintenance. Each part of your yearly business plan has a specific focus that can truly accomplish your goals.

So, now that we have a plan--we can start to put it into action in the upcoming months. Each week I will be adding to our Christams Preperation series in an attempt to complete my business plan for the yearso that when December 25th rolls around--I am sipping hot cocoa with Santa and all 8 of his little reindeer!

A Little Negligence. . .

2008-09-09T20:10:00.001-07:00

A Little Negligence. . .

With the purchase of our first home and the BIG move into that home (I don't think you ever realize how much stuff you really crammed into your tiny apartment until you have to move it!) I have been a little negligent to my blog. Good news--we are settled in and ready to get down to business.

Autumn is in full swing which means we are starting to gear up for Christmas! This week I will be posting my first article on Christmas preparations as well as bringing you a new artist to highlight and, of course, a long overdue Secret Sale.

Thanks to all of you who sent warm wishes and congratulations on our home--they were appreciated and cherished. I love being able to share my life experiences with so many of you. Hugs and Kisses to you all!!!

CRH Update

2008-08-28T21:04:00.000-07:00

CRH Updates!

Well it has been an insane week trying to get everything packed up and ready to move into our new home. We are so excited and a little exhausted! Because my studio is in boxes right now we will not be shipping anything out until Tuesday (Monday is a Holiday--no mail). But to celebrate our New Home we are giving away a FREE chain with every item you purchase this weekend (sale ends Tuesday Sept. 2nd). Make sure to include the following note: "BLOG READER--please include a FREE chain with each pendant I purchased."

We also wanted to celebrate CRH in the press! We were recently interviewed by the Greenville News about Caughtredhanded and the article was posted in yesterday's paper!!! Whoo hoooo!!!

The Nightmare Before Christmas. . .

2008-08-23T07:45:00.000-07:00

The Nightmare Before Christmas. . .

Last night I has a nightmare about Christmas and it was terrifying! It was around 3am which is normally when I do my best thinking:) I was going through a list in my head of things I needed to order and how I was going to gradually start increasing my supplies in light of Christmas. . .

That one little word--Christmas--sent me spinning. I immediately daydreamed myself into last year and the insanity that happened my first Christmas on etsy. I thought I would share a little peek into my head. . .

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

It twas the season of Christmas and all through the house

all the people were stirring the resin and glue.

90 pendants a day sealing, gluing, painting, sending

the good little elves kept on plugging away.

Working full time as a teacher by day,

chemical burns up her arms fighting the itch away.

Tins were a flowing red, white and green

while daydreams of New Years danced in our heads.

Stuck in bubble wrap our fingers all gluey

Racing to the postman just by 5:30

It was so busy, so crazy, so nuts

so unprepared was this little Christmas elf . . .

Not this year--she awoke with a scream!

No, not this year, our fingers will be clean

This year we'll be ready with tins all aglow

This year no beating down the postman's door.

This year--I'll be screaming, Happy Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!

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

Phew--catastrophe averted. I was in no way prepared last year for what happened during Christmas season but I am EXCITED for this year. This is my full time job now and I LOVE it. I can't wait for Christmas--this year I'll be ready:)

Artist Series: Ziggy+Bean

2008-08-21T22:18:00.001-07:00

Artist Series: Ziggy+Bean!

Ziggy+Bean is one of the original sellers on etsy.com and our first Featured Artist! I had the opportunity to get to know her a little better through her interview and am excited to share such a talented artist with you all! You can visit her shop at:

http://www.ajazwinski.etsy.com/

1. Tell me about yourself!

My name is Amy Jazwinski, and I am a 28 year old happily married mother of one beautiful little girl. I work full time in corporate america, but am building my business so that some day soon I can stay home with my baby girl (and future children). I graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in marketing. Marketing, and specifically branding, are two things I take very seriously with my business, and I think you'll see that reflected in my product line. I have an innate desire to create. I never knew I had this desire until I graduated college and went in search of a hobby that would fill the time that was now freed of studying and homework. I first started dabbling a bit in ceramics, and realized that wasn't my calling. Then my Mother-in-law got me a bead kit one year for my birthday, and boy did I take off! I started designing my own jewelry and went crazy buying supplies and trying new things. I also tried my hand at paper crafting, and I still love to make pretty things with pretty papers. I feel like my real calling though has come since my daughter was born. In search of cute hair clips to accessorize every outfit with, I started making my own hair clips. Well, I couldn't get enough (and still can't!) and I created my current line of products- Ziggy+Bean.

2. Tell me about your craft and anything that is new and in the "works"!

Ziggy+Bean is a line of "seriously cute handmade accessories." Mostly it's hair clips, but I have so many ideas in my head for new products that I feel that I'll never have enough time to get to them all. Coming soon in my shop over the weekend will be my new felt flower hair clips. I also have a fantastic idea for a hair clip holder that I can't wait to get started on. I love making accessories for children because it's just so much fun! When I was little I absolutely adored playing dress up, and dressing up my dolls and Barbies. Now I have a real live baby doll, and I'm having just as much fun dressing her up!

3. What is your favorite part of owning your own business?

Owning my own business has always been a dream of mine. I've been searching for so many years for the right business for me, and am SO glad that I've finally found what feels right. I love that one day, because of my business, I will be able to be a part of my children's lives on a daily basis, and not ship them off to day care on a daily basis. Each day I leave my daughter at the babysitter, I'm more motivated to turn this dream into a reality. I also want my children to be able to look to me as an inspiration that proves that you can acheive your dreams. I don't have huge lofty goals of millions of dollars, or building a company that's traded on the stock market- just something that will allow me to be the person I've always wanted to be, and to be the mother that I know I can be.

4. What is your least favorite part of being a business owner?

My least favorite part is approaching retailers to carry my goods! I love my creations, I have faith in my product, and am generally a good sales person. However, whenever I approach a new boutique I get really nervous because a rejection of my craft feels like a rejection of me. It shouldn't be that way, but anyone who puts their heart and passion into their craft will understand this.

5. What is the story behind your brand?

When my daughter was first born, her favorite position to be in was curled up on our chest in the fetal position- just like a little bean pod! My husband and I started calling her "Bean" and the name stuck. Her favorite stuffed animal is a zebra that my hubby named "Ziggy". When I was branding my new product line I knew I wanted the name to relate to my daughter, but still be catchy and cute. Hence, Ziggy+Bean was born, and it still brings a smile to my face when I think of it.

6. What is one thing you want your customers to know about you/your business?

I take a lot of pride in what I do. I use only the finest materials (real wool felt, genuine swarovski crystals, etc) and I put a lot of care into each and every item I make. Customer service is incredibly important to me as well- I want every customer to be excited about their purchase even though it's just a hair clip! And of course I want everyone to remember the name Ziggy+Bean because some day we'll be a national company, and you can say - "I remember when..." :-)

7. Tell me one time you have been "caught RED handed" in your lifetime:)

When I was about 8 years old I went shopping with my Mom and BEGGED to have a package Lip Smackers lip glosses that I saw in Kmart. She said told me I couldn't have it (as I had about a million of these things already). So I was all pouty and bummed out about it until I went into the jewelry section and say that someone had opened a pack of three- stole two of them, and left the grape Lip Smackers behind (apparently they were too good for the grape one). I was so excited and convinced myself with my 8 year old wisdom and logic, that taking the Lip Smackers wasn't really stealing since someone had already opened the package and they couldn't sell it like that anyway. So I stuck my new little treasure in my pocket and waited until I got in the car to take a peak at my new treasure. Well apparently, I wasn't as wise and slick as I thought, and my Mom caught me. She recognized the dang lip balm and turned a funny shade of mad!!! She marched me right back into the store and made me give the lip gloss to the check out lady and apologize for what I had done. I was eternally mortified and quickly learned my lesson that just because something was alreadu open didn't make it fair game for stealing. To this day, I get a chuckle every time I see a Grape Lip Smackers.

Secret Sale!

Ziggy+Bean is offering a Secret Sale to all of our blog readers--15% off your entire purchase.!During checkout just include the following coupon code in the "message to seller" box: CRH Blog reader! Please discount my purchase 15%!

**Make sure NOT to make your payment. Amy will send you an updated invoice with the discount included.

As Always--Happy Shopping!

Artist Series: Unbelievable Talent!

2008-08-21T20:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we announced the weekly discussion of selling techniques and today we have another surprise! Starting tomorrow we will be bringing you talent from all over the world--some from etsy and some not.

We want to spotlight some amazing artists of all different mediums and venues and let them share a little piece of their world with you. We will be interviewing each featured artist so that you can get to know them, their history, and even a little bit of CRH humor tacked in the mix.

Some sellers will even be offering secret sales for you--CRH blog readers! We hope to launch our first featured artist this week.

If you have a suggestion for an artist that you would like to have interviewed or that deserves the spotlight--please don't hesitate to include their name and link in the comments.

As Always--Happy Shopping!

(Photo Credit: Laffy4k at Flickr)

A Little Sharing. . .

2008-08-20T21:58:00.000-07:00

Sharing. . .do you remember the first time you had to share your icecream or maybe even a little attention with a new brother or sister? Pure agony in the beginning huh?!

As an artist, sharing has taken on a whole new world for me. I love being able to share my experiences as well as learn from others. It is one of the greatest joys I have had in starting caughtREDhanded.

I am going to start a series to share some of my experiences (good and not so much) here every week and I would love for you all to add to the conversation with experiences that you have had as well. I will be starting this series next week on wholesaling--if you have anything specific you would like me to address or share please do not hesitate to ask:)

I would like to share one thing with you all this evening. Since I have started making jewelry I have bought most of my supplies from one fantastic store here in Greenville SC. They have been FANTASTIC and are just a pleasure to work with. If I needed something that they did not have--they got it for me. All together I could not have asked for a better supporter. They have recently started their own website which I am thrilled to share with you all. It is still in the works and does not nearly show the amount of unique products they have available but definitely a site to bookmark.

http://www.beadsgaloredisplaysandmore.com/

Like Always--Happy Shopping!

Phew. . .What a Week!

2008-08-19T22:25:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of those weeks where NOTHING seems to go right? Well that is the kind of week I seem to be having. No matter what it is--if I touch it this week it is going to break!

I could go down a list of horrible and ridiculous things that have happened to me so far this week but I figure--what's the use of dwelling on the negative right? Instead--I wanted to take a minute and dwell on the positive;)

Every morning I get to wake up and spend my day doing what I love and loving what I do. I have a fantastic husband who loves me and is so good to me. God has given me a wonderful family, my health, friends and a brand new home to live in--see this week is looking better already!

Sometimes I forget to take a little time out of the busyness and remember the little things that make life so precious. Today--I think I am going to take a minute to just take in the world around me.

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

Autumn is HERE!

2008-08-17T11:53:00.000-07:00

Autumn Preview: Waist Candy

Well, we have been working hard on choosing the perfect patterns and pieces for our Autumn collection and thought you might enjoy a little preview.

Purple is this season's "in" color so we thought we would kick off our Autumn collection with some varying shades. The MOD style buckle to the left is one of my favorite designs in our new collection. I love the mini rainbow colored trees on the contrasting white background--just fantastic!

We have designed this collection to last until the beginning of winter and then we will discontinue the patterns and present the winter line.

Autumn Preview: Silver Spoons

Cori created her designs in a variety of colors that compliment each season. We will be adding 9 new pendant color schemes that are perfect for Autumn. To the right we have featured the 3 pendants from our Bhindi collection. We will also be introducing 3 pendants from our Animal collection as well as 3 for our Floral collection.

All in all, everything should be available for purchase in our shop by Monday and of course we wanted to give our blog readers a chance to view them first!

To celebrate Autumn, we will be giving away a free sterling plated chain with each autumn pendant purchase. During checkout please include the following not in the message to seller box:

" BLOG READER--please include a free sterling plated chain with my new Autumn Silver Spoon pendant."

As always--Happy Shopping!

Welcome to Lollishops!

2008-08-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Lollishops!

I am so excited to tell you all that I have been accepted to a new and up-and-coming online shopping venue that allows me to be the girly-girl that I am!

When I first started on etsy, I had a very romantic vintage style that has morphed by the desires and clientele here on etsy into modern-chic. I really have developed a taste for modern and have enjoyed creating our new summer line that is completely modern! But I noticed that I seemed to have 2 styles in my shop and have been looking for a place to sell and cater to a more girl crowd and I think I have found exactly what I am looking for!

Sadie Lou is developing a fantastic site that is juried (meaning you have to apply and be accepted to participate) and it centers around 3 essential styles:

Elegant Whimsy--Definition: Of high grade or quality- the sumptuous elegance of whimsical imaginations. Playful, light hearted, amusing or childlike in it's beauty. Artists who claim speciality in this category will appeal to those who like a bright and cheerful color palate; a love for candy-coated sweetness.
Romantic Inspirations--Definition: Marked by expressions of love or affection; timeless. A particular influence of ephemera; of days gone by--a wistful approach to design that inspires a sense of "beauty with age". Artists who claim speciality in this category will appeal to your emotions through their use of antiques, vintage elements and a Victorian color palate.
Fanciful Creations--Definition: A tendency to indulge the senses in fancy; frivolity. The very example of froufrou and fuss! Delicate, velvety, rich or indulgent in it's design. Artists who claim speciality in this category will appeal to those who enjoy the luster of imagination and the feeling of being lost in another time or place; an emphasis on a soft, feminine color palate.

I applied for the Elegant Whimsy category because of my LOVE for color and am so excited to tell you I have been accepted! Stay tuned and I will keep you updated on developments and launch dates. In case you would like to follow the development yourself--here are the links!

http://lollishops.wordpress.com/

http://lollishops.com

http://www.flickr.com/groups/lollishops/

http://lollishopsguild.ning.com/

Customer Appreciation . .

2008-08-12T20:26:00.000-07:00

Say hi to Azure! I recently got an email from one of my beloved Canadian customers about her birdie going missing. She was so sad when she emailed me and ordered Mr. Blue Bird as a memorial to her favorite bird that was now just a warm memory. I was so moved by her story I sent her a little gift with her purchase hoping to cheer her up.

About a week later I got another email thanking me and letting me know that Azure was found scared but safe by a kind stranger in the next CITY! Yeah for Azure!

The whole experience got me thinking of the foundational goals here at CRH. I love creating jewelry, designing, and bringing people joy by creating, original, affordable, and unique items. But one of the greatest pleasures of being an artist is the relationships that I have been privileged to cultivate and watch mature into friendships. I have met some truly amazing people and have really enjoyed getting to know you all. I truly am blessed by my customers that have turned into acquaintances, compadres and friends. I love hearing stories and sharing experiences with you all--it motivates my work and keeps it all in perspective. This idea is the motivation behind my "Gold" club. So--thank you to all my CRH customers, pets, and loved ones--I hope you know that you are appreciated!

Update. . .

I have some new Autumn color scheme pendants debuting this week and you know I will have to be including a giveaway as well as a secret sale! Stay tuned. . .

The "WOW" Factor!

2008-08-08T09:08:00.000-07:00

Tips and a Few Updates:

The other day I received a note from one of our customers about our new packaging. She LOVED the pendants but the packaging is what put her over the edge and made her write to me.

I spent a long time deciding how and sifting through prices of packaging materials before I settled on what I thought would be the perfect way to present our products and our brand. The driving force in that search centered around the idea of a gift. I wanted each and every customer that comes through our shop to feel special (whether their purchase is for themselves or someone else)--to feel like they were getting the perfect "gift". As my husband would say "You want the WOW factor" and that was exactly what I wanted!

After weeks of searching and trying out different packaging I think we finally found what we were looking for--the perfect gift for you or someone you love!

CRH Update:

I have not written in a week or so after the whole disappointing "house" deal but I have some fabulous news--we got our house!!! I am so excited and we close at the end of the month! God was so good to us and we found a lender who would work with our situation.

We are still working on our line of rings so stay tuned!

Secret Sale:

This weekend I would like to highlight our XL collection. With the purchase of any XL pendant you may choose a classic square pendant FREE. Just include the following note:

"Blog Reader--please include the ________________ classic square pendant for free!"

As always--Happy shopping!

Self-Employed BUMMER: The Disadvantages

2008-07-30T11:07:00.001-07:00

A Little Disappointment. . .

After quiting my teaching job and going full time as an artist/jewelry designer I could not have been happier. These last two months have been so liberating and I have really enjoyed my time developing a completed accessory line. I never thought I would find such a fulfilling career that I could sink my whole heart into.

My husband often tells me I am a little nostalgic. Well that outlook really took me to a discouraging place this week. My husband just got this fantastic new job and my accessory line has been doing well so we decided to take the plunge and get our first house. Hey--even the Swiss Family Robinson's get a tree house (that's where the picture comes in)--surely we can find one right?

In the world of self-employed artists and husbands who make more in commission than salary, houses are not granted. Uncle Sam does not think this is the right time to purchase a house you see--my earning do not count until I have a two year track record. To say the least I was disappointed but I am not giving up yet. Right now our little apartment will just have to be home:)

Going GREEN!

2008-07-26T08:24:00.001-07:00

CRH going GREEN!

We have been brainstorming different ways to GO GREEN here at CRH for some time and are now in the stages of implementing these ideas. Purchasing reclaimed game pieces is just not enough; overall we felt we were not doing enough to protect our planet and to really become a GREEN company.

As we grow and expand on the jewelry and accessory scene, it is important to us to remain true to our ultimate vision and protecting the environment is a huge part of that process. We have a 4 part plan in making CRH a truly GREEN company. If you can think of anything that will help our efforts or that we have neglected to mention--PLEASE post in the comments below!

1). Use reclaimed, recycled, or environmentally safe materials.

2). Reduce energy costs in our studio and overall production

3). Produce less overall waste

4). Promote GREEN living

So far we have found a sealant that is comparable to what we use, that is environmentally safe, while still being sturdy as well as waterproof. We have found a company that uses recycled materials in their packaging products so that we are not being wasteful in our little extras we have become known for here at CRH. We have reworked our schedules to use all natural light in our studio to cut down on energy use and here on our BLOG we are promoting and doing a series on GOING GREEN in your daily life.

This is just a start--just the beginning but we feel it is a good start. We are excited about a few other ideas we are developing but for now we feel we are on our way to becoming a truly GREEN company!

Monday Blues

2008-07-21T20:14:00.000-07:00

Monday seems to be my busiest day of the week. Running around, trying to get all my orders together and shipped from the weekend while getting back in the daily "work" routine--it's 11:15 pm and I am just sitting down for the night! Between my brothers birthday today and my husbands this weekend--I am glad to just have a moment to breath.

Well I have a few surprises up my sleeve for this coming week. I am working hard on getting them up for a sneak preview before the end of the week but no promises;) Until then--I have a little secret sale to tide you over:)

Secret Sale

Order ANY pendant from my Silver Spoon collection, Silver Spoon XL collection, or our Reflections collection and receive a free silver plated chain for FREE. Each customer will receive one chain per order. Here is a link to the sections in our shop.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5085508&section_id=5511193

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5085508&section_id=5511194

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5085508&section_id=5511191

During checkout put the following note in the message to seller box: BLOG reader! Please include one free sterling plated necklace please.

The Reflections Collection: Update and Secret Sale!

2008-07-17T13:06:00.000-07:00

Update:

We have just finished adding 10 new pendants to our Reflections Collection. The Reflections pendants are our high-end collection completed in sterling silver and packaged beautifully. This is my favorite collection that we have done. It is elegant and stunning! Here is a link to the entire collection:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5085508&section_id=5511191

Secret Sale

Of course we can not introduce new pendants without giving our BLOG readers a secret sale option. From Thursday July 17 through Sunday July 20, we will include one free sterling silver plated chain FREE of charge. Just include the following message in the message to the seller box during checkout: BLOG READER--please include one free sterling plated chain please! Happy Shopping!

**One chain per customer.

Monday Madness: This Weeks Secret Sales and Updates!

2008-07-13T21:14:00.000-07:00

Updates:

This week we will be introducing a few new options to our shop. We have added sterling silver and silver plated link chains to our shop to compliment our new silver line of pendants. The link style of the necklace is stunning and is clasped with a LARGE lobster claw clasp and hook(I am not a fan of fidgeting forever with the clasp on a necklace!). We thought this would be the perfect finishing touch to our new line. Just like our ribbon necklaces and belt buckles, we will be listing these at just above cost to our customers.

We will also be adding to our Sterling Silver pendants--the Reflection Collection. We started with just 3 pendants and hope to add another 10 or so this week. We will make sure to post a Sneak Preview complete with a secret sale for all of our faithful blog readers just before they go up in our shop so check back often.

Secret Sale:

Purchase any of our Bhindi pendants in the Silver Spoon Collection and receive a free Classic Square pendant. This sale will not be up for long! To claim your free pendant, leave a note to the seller during check out that states: "BLOG READER~ I would like the _____________ classic square pendant please" Happy Monday!

Secret Seconds Sale Continues!

2008-07-09T17:30:00.000-07:00

Secret Seconds Sale Continues!

Don't forget about our promotion going on for our Secret Seconds Aprons! We just posted a new flirty apron titled "Mood Swing." Any apron purchase entitles you to a free classic square, oval or teardrop pendant.

Happy Shopping!

Amy, Willow, and Mary-Beth

Secret Sale Tuesday!

2008-07-08T08:22:00.001-07:00

Secret Sale Tuesday!

Last evening I decided it would be fun to do a midweek, one day sale for my blog readers! Anyone who purchases the Luna pendant (on the left), or the Mr. Squirrel Pendant (on the right) will receive a FREE Autumn Sun pendant.

These two pendants are favorites from my new line and I really wanted to promote them. Autumn Sun is a favorite in my Classic Square collection and make the perfect addition to this sweet mid-week sale!

Don't forget about our Secret Seconds' Apron promotion running this week as well--we are just full of surprises! As always--Happy Shopping

Introducing--Secrect Seconds! Complete with Secret Sale!

2008-07-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

NEW: Introducing Secret Seconds Aprons!

Well we finally got them up in our shop--2 so far with more on the way. We were held up on a name for the apron line but settled on Secret Seconds. I guess it would not be a CRH line if the name did not carry a story right?

Well--my husband and I were celebrating his BIG job promotion and we invited Willow and her husband over for celebration cake. James (my hubby) finally disclosed to me--after years of swearing he did not like sweets and making me eat them all by myself--that he LOVES cookie cake. Well what else is a wife to do but get him some cookie cake--right?!

So, we purchased two 8" cookie cakes and I decided to hide the second one for James to eat for celebration breakfast the next morning. Surely 1 cookie cake is enough for 4 people. . .

It wasn't long before Willow's husband was knee deep along side my husband in cookie. Both were making incredibly loud growling noises as they devoured the cake. The 4 pair of eyes just stared up at me with the look of "no more"? Well, with a sweet little smile and the pull of my apron strings I said "Don't worry boys--I have secret seconds." The eyes on those two men were as large as golf balls as they inilate the second cookie cake.

So ladies the moral of the story is two-fold. One--men love cookie cake! Have a secret second just in case. Two--have a flirtatious Secret Seconds Apron on to protect you from the spraying chocolate and cookie crumbs!

Secret SALE!

We like to give our blog readers special promotions whenever we can. This WEEK we are offering a FREE classic square, oval, or tear drop pendant with ANY APRON PURCHASE! Please. just leave a note to the seller during checkout that says:
"Blog reader--I would like the __________ classic __(square, oval or teardrop)___ pendant please"

New Summer Line: The Silver Spoon Collection

2008-07-02T06:17:00.000-07:00

New Summer Line: Ta Da!

It's finally finished! Six months of planning, designing, searching, bidding, dreaming, editing and now here they are! Each pendant is a ONE-OF-A-KIND design only seen here at CRH. Cori Dantini ( www.corid.etsy.com ) has perfected each illustration. As promised you are seeing them here on our blog first. They will launch on our site later this afternoon--keep reading for one of our famous sales and giveaways!Now, let me introduce you to the gang.

Vintage Fruit (and some veggies):

In this collection we have our psychedelic mushrooms, vintage apple, and retro pear to go right along with our apple buckle that has already launched last week.

The Floral Collection:

The next collection is our Floral with vivid and contrasting color splashes in each pendant. Each flower pendant is unique and delicate. This collection also includes the Luna belt buckle as well as one of our Silver Spoon XL pendants.

The Bhindi Collection:

I really have fallen in love with these pendants. The intricate designs and vibrant colors are incredible. Each Bhindi pendant is unique in color and design. The Bhindi collection also includes a belt buckle that launched last Friday.

The Animal Collection:

This is hands down my favorite. How can you pass up that adorable squirrel? Cori outdid herself on this collection--how cute! Ms. Puss, Mr. Squirrel, Ms. Blue Bird, and Mr. and Mrs. Butterfly are in need of a home--how could you pass these little guys up?

The Silver Spoon XL Collection:

For all you chunky jewelry fans--these are the pendants for you! Some of these designs are only available in the XL size but ALL of are designs are available in our XL size. We will make this option available for you in our shop. These pendant measure just under 2 inches--the perfect eye catching piece of jewelry to add to your wardrobe.

Each one of our pendants is sealed with an industrial sealant--we do NOT use Diamond Glaze on any of our pendants like other sellers here on etsy. Diamond Glaze is not durable nor waterproof. We use an industrial strength sealant that is durable and water proof. The entire pendant is covered in this sealant and the process takes around 5 days to complete. Our pendants are intended to last a lifetime.

BLOG Readers SALE and GIVEAWAY!

**SALE** Purchase any of our new pendants through FRIDAY JULY 4th and receive a Classic square pendant for FREE. During check out leave the following note:

"Blog reader--I would like the __________ classic square pendant please"

**Giveaway** Now for the fun part! Post a comment here on this thread identifying which pendant you like the best from our NEW line. We will randomly choose a winner and send you your favorite! Make sure to include your contact information in your comment or you will be disqualified. As always--Happy Shopping!

CRH Sneak Preview and Secret SALE: New Medium

2008-06-30T07:09:00.000-07:00

Sneak Preview: New Medium!

So last fall we debuted a line of purses called Charm Purses and they were very popular! Willow took some time off from selling and making them here on etsy to perfect her craft and experiment with different ideas (not to mention going to school and working).

While dabbling with charm purses we got a little rambunctious and began working with aprons! They are adorable as well as sturdy. We will be posting these in our store this week.

This particular apron had such beautiful fabric I HAD to show it off! The white dandelion pattern is just gorgeous on the spring green backdrop with white trim--just adorable! This is the perfect summer apron and at our introductory price of $18 it's perfect!

Now, it would not be a CRH product if it did not come gift wrapped with a little something extra. In each pocket you will find a secret recipe of our fabulous CRH cookies! Each apron will be packaged beautifully for gift giving to a friend or just yourself:)

SECRET SALE

Whenever we introduce a new product we like to give our Blog readers a little bonus with our SECRET SALES! With the purchase of any apron you will receive a FREE pendant from our shop. You may choose from our square, tear drop, or oval collections. Just leave a note to the seller during checkout saying you are a BLOG READER and leave the selection of your pendant.

CONTEST

Now we would also like to give away a SECRET item from our new line to one of our blog readers out there. Just post a comment about our new medium and a way to contact you. We will select the winner and send you one amazing gift. As always--Happy shopping!

CRH Update and SALE!

2008-06-27T21:17:00.000-07:00

Summer Line Update and Sale!

What a FABULOUS response to the debut of our Waist Candy Summer Line featuring Cori Dantini's artwork! We are extending our offer for the free belt with a new Waist Candy purchase until the end of the weekend. Hugs xoxox!

Our Pendant line will debut for purchase next Friday July 4th. Of course my faithful blog readers will get a sneak preview and special sales and giveaways beforehand so check back often. As always--happy shopping!

Waist Candy Sneak Preview: Summer Line

2008-06-26T15:40:00.001-07:00

Waist Candy Sneak Preview: Surprise!

Tomorrow launches our new Sumner Line and as always my blog readers get a sneak preview before we put them up for sale:) We will only be posting our new belt buckles as of tomorrow. We are still waiting on the final supplies for the rest of the pendant line.

Each new addition to our Waist Candy line is an original CRH design and will not be found anywhere else! Cori Dantini has created each individual design to match each of our 5 pendant collections. The first buckle pictured comes from our Floral Collection.

The next Waist Candy is a whimsical dandelion on a baby blue background.

Below is one of my favorite designs from our Vintage Fruit collection. This rich red apple is designed against a baby blue background giving a wonderful color contrast. We have already listed the matching pendant to this buckle in our shop.

This little birdie is part of our Modern collection. She stands in pastel green grass holding a dainty flower in her beak. The pale blue sky sets the background and is just perfect! We have also already listed the Modern Water Lily pendant from this collection.

The next addition to our Waist Candy line comes from our Bhindi collection. This collection is vibrant in color and has a Southwestern flare. The Bhindi buckle in ornate and intricate with colorful accents contrasting each detailed segment. Her colors and design are almost intoxicating to look at!

Our final buckle is my absolute favorite and comes from my favorite new collection: The Animal Collection. Cori has created some brilliant animals for our new line beginning their debut with our Waist Candy. These pair of love birds almost have a gypsy feel to me. The birds are designed in a deep red against a pale blue skyline. The clouds in the background are actually made into flowers. The detail on this design is incredible!

Now for the best part! For all my blog readers--tomorrow we will launch these new buckles. Purchase a new buckle tomorrow and we will include a leather belt FOR FREE! Just leave a note to the seller saying BLOG READER and tell me the size of the belt you would like.

As always--Happy Shopping!

GIVEAWAY--Blog Readers ONLY

2008-06-23T07:43:00.000-07:00

Ever Been Caught RED Handed?

I have had the greatest time reading some of your caught RED handed stories in response to our poem and decided to create a contest out of it. I am going to give away one of our Silver Spoon LARGE pendants to the blog reader who has the BEST story being caught RED handed. The best part is the pendnat is brand new and a limited edition. Only a handful will ever be made!

In the comment section, write your story. Make sure to include a way for me to contact you if you are the winner. The contest will end Saturday night at 12 am est.

Just in case you have not read the poem that explains my life and our brand--here it is again. Good luck everyone!

Caught with my hand in a cookie jar
Caught with my skirt up a little too far
Caught in the rain, in the dark, all alone
Caught past midnight up on the phone

Caught in a kiss with my lover alone
Caught by my mother sneaking out before dawn
Caught at a light when all I needed was green
Caught by the wind my dress showing everything

Caught with notes on my hand during a test
Caught eating chocolate when I was depressed
Caught bluffing in poker my chips all taken
Caught at in the lunch room line breaking

We have all done it, all turned red and embarrassed
We have all hidden our faces in shame
Everyone of us has experienced it; everyone understands
Being caught RED handed-an experience not just a brand

CRH Update: Back from Vacation

2008-06-22T16:00:00.000-07:00

The Return from Paradise:

We packed up our suit cases and said our "goodbyes" to each other and to our little piece of paradise that was ours for an entire week. On the way to the car I heard the grumbles of "back to work tomorrow" and all I could do is smile. I will miss my family but the inward smile came from the thought of getting "back to work." What a God given blessing to be able to be an artist for a living. No more Monday Blues, demanding bosses, or community bathrooms:) Just me and my imagination--what more could I ask for. I am truly blessed by the success of my business and the gracious support of my husband--my biggest critic and my number one fan. So, though we left our tropical paradise, I have returned to my personal paradise where the sunsets might not be as colorful but the pleasure is just as incredible.

Shop Update

We have completed all the orders that were placed last week and will be shipping them off tomorrow. We have a few surprises up our sleeves this week so stay tuned. There will be some fantastic sales, giveaways, a few tips, and great etsy finds.

VACATION--Relaxing?

2008-06-13T19:12:00.000-07:00

Ahhh vacation. . .it looks so peaceful, so tranquil, so relaxing. Well, now add the mom, grandma, brother, sister-in-law and the infamous husband--still sound peaceful? Not so sure. We all have family that we LOVE spending time with but the question is how much time is too much? How much time will get you questioning your very sanity? Enough to live in the same beach house for the entire week? I guess we will find out:)

Though we are at the beach--my computer has tagged along with me. We have shipped out everything that was ordered by Friday June 13th and are still taking orders through the week. They will just be delayed in shipment. Well--wish me luck:P

2008-06-13T06:30:00.000-07:00

Accomplishments:

It feels so good to finally have some of our new line completed and posted. Last night I finished adding pictures and changing the order of some others. I have added a picture of each of my new pendants being worn so that you can see how they might look on you.

This is the first time I had actually seen them on another person and I fell in love with them all over again. I also think it helps that my sister-in-law has an awesome tan (that's what happens when you live here in SC:). Anyway--I am very happy with how they turned out!

Giveaway:

Yesterday we announced a giveaway of one of our new pendants. The winner of our Giveaway goes to Wendy (foodchic) who left us comments and encouragement that we could not resist acknowledging. Wendy we will be sending you one of our NEW pendants. Please let us know what you think when it arrives!

MAJOR SALE: Today, for blog readers only, I am giving away a FREE pendant with the purchase of any pendant from my new line. You may choose any of our wood pendants for FREE! When purchasing place BLOG READER in the note to seller box at check out and include your free pendant choice. You may choose ANY pendant from our square, oval, or tear drop line. We appreciate you and your feedback:) As always--Happy Shopping!

Sneak Preview: Summer Line

2008-06-12T06:24:00.000-07:00

Keeping it Fresh: Modern Collection

Our summer line has been in the works since Christmas of last year. We have been searching vendors for the perfect materials, bargaining for the perfect price, designing the perfect artwork, and perfecting the design process. It has been a wonderfully LONG endeavor of the creative process but an enjoyable one. This is probably my favorite part of being a jewelry designer--the designing:)

The pendant displayed to the left is set on a silver-tone backing. It is JUST under an inch (.95 without bail) in height and .80 inches in width.

The best part is the artwork. Each one of our pieces are original to CRH and will be found NO WHERE else! Cori Dantini http://www.corid.etsy.com/ has designed each image for us alone. The design to the left is from our Modern collection. Each collection has four new pendants and a coordination belt buckle.

A Little Oldies: Vintage Fruit Collection

The next pendant is part of our Vintage Fruit Collection. There are four separate fruits in this collection and each comes in a variety of colors.

Again, this pendant is designed on a silver-tone backing with the same height and dimensions as listed above. Each of these pendants are light weight yet incredibly sturdy.

Within this collection is an apple belt buckle, a strawberry, a pear, and some cherries. Each design is unique to us and only found here at CRH. The image is protected by an industrial sealant that makes them almost indestructible and waterproof. They will also be available in a much larger size for those of you who love statement jewelry:)

Dabbling: Reflection Collection

This collection will be added to our Elite line of pendants. Each pendant will be designed with elegant and fine papers and a limited edition pendant. The reflections line is at the top of our price scale.

The Reflections Collection was probably my favorite to design. I love the material and the 3-D image portrayed when the pendant is finished. The base of the pendant is sterling silver and sealed again in an industrial strength sealant to protect against the elements.

The picture hardly does this pendant justice. A glass-like bubble is formed over the image to give it an incredibly elegant finish. The image is magnified by the sealant and almost glows in the sunlight. If I could design the perfect material for a pendant--this would be it. The finalize design is just breathtaking.

Activating the Launch Sequence:

We plan on having the completed Summer Line ready for purchase Friday, June 27th. The pendants above will be available to purchase in our shop TODAY as a preview.

***Giveaway***

We will be giving away one of our new pendants TODAY. To qualify leave a comment in this post about our new line and leave a way for us to contact you. As always--Happy shopping!

Summer Line: Update

2008-06-11T09:31:00.000-07:00

We have been working hard on perfecting our new Summer Line. Our original launch date was this past Monday but we have pushed the date back. We will be coming out with a few samples tomorrow THURSDAY JUNE 12. Next week we will be on vacation so the entire final line will not launch until Friday June 28th. Keep checking our blog for updates and some *giveaways*!

Beyond a Brand

2008-06-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

Caught with my hand in a cookie jar
Caught with my skirt up a little too far
Caught in the rain, in the dark, all alone
Caught past midnight up on the phone

Caught in a kiss with my lover alone
Caught by my mother sneaking out before dawn
Caught at a light when all I needed was green
Caught by the wind, my dress showing everything

Caught with notes on my hand during a test
Caught eating chocolate when I was depressed
Caught bluffing in poker my chips all taken
Caught in the lunch room line breaking

We have all done it, all turned red and embarrassed
We have all hidden our faces in shame
Everyone of us has experienced it; everyone understands
Being caught RED handed--an experience not just a brand.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We took a weekend trip to Atlanta, my husband, brother, and sister-in-law, and ended up standing in front of Tiffany's. "Let's just go in and LOOK," I pleaded. Well, as we were browsing, a helpful little salesman walked by and began to try out his magic on my husband. Witin a couple minutes my husband had turned the tables around and was asking him "Why Tiffany's? What makes this bracelet better than any other bracelet?" The salesman politely looked and my husband with assurance in his eys "It's not just the jewlery, it's the experience."

It is very important to sell a quality product, a product that you can stand behind and really enjoy and cherish. BUT I learned somethging that day. The experience--or the brand--is as important as the product itself. We live in America where jewelry, soaps, candles, and even art is easy to come by. In order to be succesful your product, whatever it may be, needs to stand out. It needs to pack an experience a long with it. Every designer needs to develop a BRAND.

We have been working on this specifically for the last couple months and it has been a lot of fun but also a lot of work! The name of our shop stems from my constant awful, terrible, no good, very bad luck. When opening CRH I decided to just put it out there. There was no use fighting it anymore. With that decision of acceptance my business grew as did my customer base. I started to receive emails like this one I received just the other day:

"Your red-handed poem is a delight! I could really identify with several of those scenarios. I once confidently walked into the men's washroom at a pub. The guy at the urinal turned his head to see who was coming in and caught me, big-eyed and back pedaling. No prob hiding my embarrassment in a big, darkish pub, right? Ha! He came out of the john and returned to his seat, right behind my chair, big grin on his face! Aaargh!" --Earotica www.earotica.etsy.com

I have truly enjoyed laughing with my customers and other artists. But within the laughter came something unexpected, something truly original and something wholly mine. Within the laughter came an EXPERIENCE that took us right past a brand.

Wholesale--Blessing or Beast?!

2008-06-10T05:54:00.001-07:00

Wholesale requests are SO exciting to receive and even more exciting to finalize! Well, that is until. . . COMPLETING the wholesale order. Sometimes I wonder about how much functionality really is going on up there in that brain of mine!!!!

Right now we are running SPECIAL PRICING for WHOLESALE orders through the end of this week and WOW--people are taking advantage of it. I thought this was a genius idea--a way to get a little extra spending money for vacation this coming week (beach here we come!) but I failed to realize that I need to MAKE all these orders before I CAN go on vacation. Ugghh.

So my question: Wholesale--blessing or beast? I just can't pass up the thought of my work being displayed all over the world in little shops and boutiques. Sigh. I rest on blessing. . .

Welcome!

2008-06-09T06:35:00.001-07:00

Phewww! This blog entry has been a looooooonnngggg time coming! This year has been a long and crazy beginning to a hopefully successful career. I took a leap of faith and QUIT my "real" job so that I could focus on my art. WOW does that feel good to say! With all this "spare" time on my plate CRH has some changes on the horizon. We have just completed our logo and banner designs compliments of an amazing up-and-coming designer Trisha Mukai. We are also working on a revolutionary SUMMER LINE! Cori Dantini http://www.corid.etsy.com/ has designed an unbelievable line we are hoping to debut in the next few weeks. Along with our new logo, banner, and designs a new line of pendants are on the way. We are working with a new medium that promises to be stunning! So--stay tuned and come visit often. I hope to reveal secrets, tips, discounts, and just a little bit of humor spread in between. Until then--happy shopping!

CaughtREDhanded--An Experience Not Just a Brand

Nightmare in New York: 177 Ludlow Street Review

Stardust Earrings. . .They're here!

Let's Wrap Up Mother's Day with a Giveaway!

Mother's Day SALE! The SALE of FREE!

Buy Local: Spring Plant Sale

The Skinny on Gluten Free

Banning Big Business

Battle of the Monday Explosions

Facebook Fan Frenzy!

Happy Easter CRH Family!

Secret Sale through 29th!

Secret Sale!

Baby. Eats. World.

Sunshine Secret Sale!

Inspiration: Discovering Your Muse

Wishing Life Away

Mommy Lifesavers--Product Reviews

Advertising: Utilizing a Sites Direct Traffic

Memories are Forever. . .

Revamping My Blog. . . and My Life

Eden Collection--Brand New!

Surprise Revealed: Complete with Secret Promotion!

Sneak Peak

I have a secret to tell

What is the Twitter Phenomena?

It's been TOOOO long

Halloweeeeeeen Giveaway, Secret Sale, and Updates!

New Pendant Release: Giveaway Winner!

CRH Featured Artist: tsurubride

CRH New Designs: Rain Delay. . .

A Big Surprise and a Little Bit of Autumn:

Christmas Preperation: Shipping and Order Prep

Featured Artist: Eddyizm

Wierd Dancing Man!

Christmas Preparation: Stocking Up!

CRH Featured Artist: The Little Stitch

Christmas Preperation: Wrapping it Up--Bringing in Holiday Traffic

CRH Featured Artist: Cori Dantini

Christmas Preperation: Having a Plan

A Little Negligence. . .

CRH Update

The Nightmare Before Christmas. . .

Artist Series: Ziggy+Bean

Artist Series: Unbelievable Talent!

A Little Sharing. . .

Phew. . .What a Week!

Autumn is HERE!

Welcome to Lollishops!

Customer Appreciation . .

The "WOW" Factor!

Self-Employed BUMMER: The Disadvantages

Going GREEN!

Monday Blues

The Reflections Collection: Update and Secret Sale!

Monday Madness: This Weeks Secret Sales and Updates!

Secret Seconds Sale Continues!

Secret Sale Tuesday!

Introducing--Secrect Seconds! Complete with Secret Sale!

New Summer Line: The Silver Spoon Collection

CRH Sneak Preview and Secret SALE: New Medium

CRH Update and SALE!

Waist Candy Sneak Preview: Summer Line

***GIVEAWAY--Blog Readers ONLY***

CRH Update: Back from Vacation

VACATION--Relaxing?

Sneak Preview: Summer Line

Summer Line: Update

Beyond a Brand

Wholesale--Blessing or Beast?!

Welcome!

GIVEAWAY--Blog Readers ONLY