STUNNING NEW MARKET ON 1000MARKETS - ARTBEAD DIVINE JEWELRY

Check out the newest market on 1000Markets - Artbead Divine Jewelry (ADJ). If you love artisan lampwork glass bead jewelry, then this is the place to check out the work of a very talented group of jewelry designers. Just last week, I had the honor of being asked to join this group and I am honored to be among such a phenomenal group of artists. We are all dedicated to creating unique, quality handcrafted jewelry featuring artisan designed lampwork glass beads.
Here are just a few examples of the work showcased:

ANNIVERSARY SALE - 15% OFF

Just three days left to save 15% off regularly priced items in my Rubylane Shop. It's hard to believe it has been three years since I opened my shop on Rubylane. Make sure to check out the great deals. Show Now!!

The State of the Economy and Sales Cont.

Well, I am back to discuss the state of the economy and how it has effected my sales. For the past three years, I have primarly sold my jewelry exclusively on Rubylane and up until about 6 months ago, I have seen a steady increase in sales. However, with the downturn of the economy, sales have definitely slowed down quite a bit and for the past two months, sales have reached on all time low. In fact, sales for last month were half what they were at this time last year - which is normally a slow month anyhow. In fact, my predominant source of sales for the past two months has been from repeat customers and custom orders. Thank goodness for my faithful followers.

However, with the high cost of maintaining my shop on Rubylane, coupled with the slowdown in sales, I have had to search for more cost effective ways to sell my jewelry which has led me to an internet-wide search for the appropriate venue to showcase my designs. Since I have relatively good exposure on Rubylane, I have no intention of closing my shop there. However, I will be downsizing my selection. This way, my fees will decrease by about 40% per month.

I have also opened a shop on 1000markets.com. This site features high quality handmade items and has a very attractive layout. Vendors are juried before they can open a shop on the site and unlike most web venues, 1000markets has established an agreement with Amazon Payments for customer purchases. A huge plus for me as a vendor is that there are no upfront fees to maintain a shop on the site. 1000markets gets paid when an item sells so the financial burden is lifted when times are tough.

As a designer, it is very hard not to get disappointed and feel like a failure when ones designs aren't flying out the door. It's difficult to find the motivation to create when times are tough. But I realize that things will eventually get better so I am using the time to promote my new shop and to develop creatively as an artist. Until next time, have a great week...and Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Here is my latest creation which can be found in my Rubylane shop.

My Work

The State of the Economy and Sales

Well, here we are, with an unemployment rate the highest it has been in over thirty years and people getting laid off from their jobs in record numbers. Many of us both personally and professionally have begun to feel the pinch.

On a personal level, my husband, the only real bread winner in the house has recently had to take a 10% pay cut, his employer terminated their 401K match and the company as a whole has downsized to a smaller building. Nothing too catastrophic given the masses who no longer are employed, but each day we wait for the shoe to drop. Fortunately, the company CEO happens to be a close friend and has told my DH that he should start sending out his resume. But given the state of the economy, what are the chances of him finding another job? We have several friends and neighbors who have been unemployed and searching for work for almost a year, so the prospects don't look too good.

Every day when my husband leaves for work in the morning, I fear that it will be his last day of employment. But we muddle along cutting back where we can and counting our blessings that he is still working and that we have a roof over our heads.

Laster in the week, I will write more about how the economy has affected me on a professional level. Until then, take care.

NOW OPEN MamaDivine Designs at 1000 Markets

I am so excited to announce my new shop at 1000Markets.com. 1000Markets is a new online selling venue featuring the work of small independant artists who make and sell unique high quality products. The site is broken down into various markets which bring merchants together based on theme, location and common interests.

The selection at 1000 markets is broad, unique and of the highest quality. You will find jewelry, fine art, pottery, bath and body products, woodcrafts and much more. Each shop is independantly owned and operated by the artist. If you are a discriminating consumer looking for the highest quality in handmade products, make sure to check out 1000 Markets. I would highly recommend it.

Visit MamaDivine Designs at 1000 Markets now.