Latest Newsletter, dated September 3, 2016

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New Designs For The Fall, Comfortable, Elegant and Beautifully Unique

After a long hot summer, the promise of a beautiful Fall is around the corner here in Chester County, Pennsylvania.  It's my favorite time of year for nature's colors and to celebrate this I have designed a variety of drop ear cuffs made from Sterling Silver and beautiful leaves made by an American Artisan complemented with a touch of glamor with sparkling beads from Swarovski, the Czech Republic and Japan.  Altogether, a splendid jewelry accessory for the change of season.

The designs are protected from tarnishing and any skin sensitivity with a protective coating, although the Sterling Silver is Nickel-Free.

These designs will be available at local events, or, contact me for details on pricing if you will not make it to one of my events in the near future.

For notification about future new designs, upcoming local events and special promotions available only to my newsletter subscribers, complete the Subscription Form.  You will at most receive one email per month and I never share your information.

    

    

    

    

The bottom right image shows the back of one of the leaves which shows a darker design, just like a real maple leaf may look.

To read my recent newsletter, click here, which includes a listing of my events covering the next three months and leading up to Christmas 2015.

I love working with colors and new ideas.  Feel free to contact me at Fiona@ElegantEarCuffs.com  with your design requests.

Elegant EarCuffs by Fiona and Etsy

I was recently interviewed by my packaging supplier, Nashville Wraps.  It was a Q&A on having an Etsy store and highlighted my ear cuffs and packaging.  My previous blog posting back in September 2014 talked about my packaging and the decision process in great detail.

You can read their edited interview in their blog here.  Below I am adding the interview in its entirety.

1. Tell us how you got started in the jewelry business and do you make everything yourself?

I have always been creative and love working with my hands. I do oil painting as well and hope to one day sell my paintings online.

I design and make all my ear jewelry myself. I started making ear cuffs in particular when I had my hair cut very short and for the first time in many years my ears were totally exposed. I felt they needed to be embellished, but I pierced my ears twice with allergic reactions and found clip-ons very uncomfortable. I knew of ear cuffs, but wanted a more traditional style of ear design, so I incorporated the function of an ear cuff with more traditional looking ear jewelry designs. After successful local events, I decided to create an online presence and built my own website, http://www.ElegantEarCuffs.com and a shop on Etsy (more below).

I continue to take jewelry classes to increase my skills and incorporate into my jewelry designs.

2. What sets your products apart from everyone else?

My designs are an alternative to traditional ear jewelry with no ear piercings necessary, and they are very comfortable to wear. I use a variety of quality beads, including Swarovski, semi-precious stones, Venetian glass, Sterling Silver, Gold-Filled and polished Brass and Copper, providing a range of colors, designs and prices, and I'm proud to say they are made by an Artisan in the USA, (Phoenixville, PA).

3. Do you only market your products through Etsy? Are you strictly online?

Currently I offer my items for sale in my Etsy shop, http://www.etsy.com/shop/ElegantEarCuffs. I also have a website, http://www.ElegantEarCuffs.com where you can view a slideshow of some of my designs and connect to my Etsy store. I plan to include a shop later this year in my website.  Locally, in SouthEast Pennsylvania and the Tri-State area, I participate in juried craft fairs.

4. Tell us about hosting a show.  Is it similar to Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Tupperware?

An Elegant EarCuffs by Fiona home show is a lot of fun. My presentation is only about 5 minutes long and then the guests try on the ear cuffs for themselves. There's an "aha moment" when they see for themselves how pretty and complimentary the ear jewelry looks on them. The host receives free and discounted jewelry based on her guest sales (see http://www.elegantearcuffs.com/host-benefits.html for details). She can also invite family and friends from anywhere in the USA to participate in her show by shopping in my Etsy store and sending me a note that she's part of the show. An online show is also an option for hosting. Custom designs for the host and guests can be discussed at the show, a great idea for anyone wanting a coordinating necklace and/or bracelet with their ear cuffs.

5. Tell someone new to Etsy who has a handmade product the Ins and Outs of using Etsy along with the pros and cons.

Etsy is an online shopping mall for crafters and suppliers to crafters. The creativity of the artists and the variety of items that are built, painted, sculpted, resold (vintage), knitted, sewn, etc. is so amazing. People from across the world build their own shop inventory and for those who commit time and effort, a full time profession may be possible. The structure of the shop is very easy to use and the listing costs are extremely reasonable @ 20 cents per item for 4 months at a time. You pay 3.5% commission when an item sells. Etsy has a very positive, and for the most part, very responsive staff. The Etsy forums are also very beneficial for support and information.

The key to Etsy success is having good key words that potential customers will search for, posting new items frequently, and my biggest challenge, having great photography, and an appealing and accurate description for each item.

The downside is that it is not your platform. If Etsy chooses to change the way the shop is to operate or the operating policies, you are held hostage to whatever they impose. For instance, Etsy has changed the way you can advertise your items 3 times in 2014. It's now called 'Promoted Listings,' which is a pay-per-click program, and can get very costly if you don't monitor your listings. It's easy to say, "Well, if you don't like it, leave!" But when you've spent years building up your listings which may well be in the hundreds, the effort to move to another platform may be prohibitive. I have read several articles advising not to keep all your eggs in one basket, as they say, and that is why one of my goals for 2015 is to also have a shopping cart on my existing website.

Etsy is so big now that it is becoming more difficult to be found unless you have something truly unique. Good keyword selection and good title definition is key here.

Since Etsy opened up to shops with multiple employees, the line between 'handmade' and mass produced is becoming fuzzy and preventing copycats and items that are not handmade is developing into an ever increasing challenge for Etsy to overcome.

6. How did you hear about Nashville Wraps and how do you use our products? How do you like the custom printed ribbon?

I wanted my packaging to be 'Made in America' and of recycled materials where possible. An online search identified Nashville Wraps as one of the candidates. After making inquiries it was apparent that Nashville Wraps led with excellent product selection, competitive pricing and customer support to help me design my packaging requirements so that the jewelry would arrive anywhere in the world safely and also displayed beautifully.  Susan Wright in the Printing Department very patiently helped me pick out labels, boxes and custom made ribbon.  The Nashville Wraps Graphics Department helped me with my logo design which had to be tweaked.

I love the chocolate brown boxes I selected which are made from 100% recycled card.  The ribbon espcially adds a touch of class to all my shipments and is also made in the USA.

I am a stickler for detail, which is an asset in the jewelry making business, but I could not have achieved the end result without the excellent customer service provided by Nashville Wraps. I am not a huge customer, but through the process I felt like I was their Number One Customer.

7. Do you use social media also to promote your business?

Yes, I am on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google+ and Pinterest. Simply search for 'ElegantEarCuffs.'

8. Any tips for new entrepreneurs like yourself in starting a business.

Be honest with yourself about what you know and what you don't know. I have a sales and marketing www.score.org or www.businessadvicenow.org. They are associated with the Small Business Administration. I have met several times with mentors who have had successful careers and want to give back. Talking over my successes and challenges adds newfound direction and enthusiasm to my business going forward. The service is free. They offer free webinars and local training sessions in such topics as social media, Microsoft, and other relevant topics. SCORE offers great networking opportunities as well.

background and this has come in helpful, but I knew that sometimes in a small and particularly a single person business, it's hard to be objective. I have used the services of a group called SCORE,

9. What do you love most about what you do?

I love being creative and giving ladies the opportunity to wear ear jewelry, some for the first time! It's especially heartwarming to make custom pieces for special occasions.

that Nashville Wraps led with excellent product selection, competitive pricing and customer support to help me design my packaging requirements so that the jewelry would arrive anywhere in the world safely and also displayed beautifully. The options were so extensive that after a while I found myself overwhelmed. Susan Wright in the Printing Department very patiently helped me pick out labels, boxes and custom made ribbon. The Nashville Wraps Graphics Department helped me with my logo design which had to be tweaked. I love the chocolate brown boxes which are made from 100% recycled card and the lining in the boxes. The ribbon especially adds a touch of class to all my shipments.

On a personal note, having the flexibility to set my own schedule and able to incorporate family commitments, especially my son's sporting activities, is worth it's weight in gold.

Visit my Etsy store to view my selection of Ear Cuffs for all occasions.

Elegant Packaging for Elegant EarCuffs by Fiona

First place your order in my Etsy Store
Then submit to me your Gift Wrapping Requirements

So far my packaging has been adequate but ran short on elegance, so for the Holiday Season it was time for an upgrade.

I receive orders for my EarCuff designs from all over the world and my first consideration on packaging is always how to ship them securely.  The artist in me was concerned about the esthetics of the packaging and also the emotional impact I wanted it to have. Whether you order the EarCuffs for yourself or you are the lucky recipient of a gift I wanted a WOW factor.  I wanted recycled materials used where at all possible, and made locally.  Lots to think about.

After a lot of research I decided to stick with boxes and not switch to velvet pouches which I think are lovely but perhaps not as secure as a box.  I included my logo on the packaging and I printed Gift Tags using my logo which come with a little envelope.

The boxes are a chocolate brown, are made of 100% recycled cardboard and are made in the USA.  I have ordered them in nicely stackable sizes so I can stack the boxes on top of each other if the purchase requires this. The beautiful golden ribbon which is printed with my company name in silver is also made in the USA. The labels complete the packaging.

To place an order, simply visit my ElegantEarCuffs Etsy Store and then go to my website, www.ElegantEarCuffs.com to give me your gift wrapping requirements.

I give a special Thank You to the team at NashvilleWraps.com for working so closely with me as I went through the process of figuring out colors, sizes and pricing. They had unending patience and I look forward to placing orders with them in the future.

Fiona Thompson

The Kashmiri EarCuffs Collection from Elegant EarCuffs by Fiona

Kashmiri Collection of EarCuffs

I was inspired to create a line of EarCuffs that highlight Kashmiri beads from India when I found some in a bead store.  They have a rustic elegance to their design and as each bead is handmade, there are elements of uniqueness about each bead.  I decided to pair them with a collection of natural stones and some sparkly Swarovski crystals which add an air of sophistication to the finished earcuffs.  The wire I used is Sterling Silver.

As with all my EarCuffs because they cuff around the middle section of the ear which has cartilage there is absolutely no discomfort or pinching.  I wear EarCuffs all day, day after day with absolute comfort. These earcuffs look quite substantial in size, but are very light to wear.

The first pair are black with dainty little orange flowers.  I highlighted the orange flowers with some amber beads and some black Hematite stones.  Sterling Silver beads complete the design.

Read about them at https://www.etsy.com/listing/193791557/ .

I wore this design all day with complete comfort recently at a wedding.  Yes, that's me below.

The next pair have little tear shaped stones that have opalescent qualities.  I highlighted the pink opalescence with little Swarovski crystals and Sterling Silver beads.

Read more at https://www.etsy.com/listing/194607262/ .

This pair is a delicate moss green and I used green Unakite beads to complelemt the Kashmiri beads along with Swarovski crystals.

Read more at https://www.etsy.com/listing/194491670/ .






As each EarCuff pair have Kashmiri beads with a unique shape, each pair look quite distinctive.

You can find this collection in my Etsy store at https://www.etsy.com/shop/ElegantEarCuffs?section_id=15639955.

Come back often to find additions to this collection or visit my entire Etsy Shop.

Bumble Bees and Ladybugs

We had a lovely time with our friends on Easter Sunday.  Great food and lots of fun was had by all.  Of course, I never go out without wearing a pair of ear cuffs, so I decided to embrace the Spring weather now it is finally here and celebrate with my' Love The Bugs' EarCuffs.  I also decided to enhance my left ear with one of my crystal ear cuff rings.  All in all I felt very festive and Springlike and enjoyed the compliments. This pair of earcuffs are my latest style listed in my Etsy shop, ElegantEarCuffs.  I hope you'll drop in and browse my designs and come back soon because I'll be sure to have additional designs real soon.

And Happy Earth Day!  Another reason to "love the bugs."

That's me with my Love The Bugs EarCuffs
 and EarCuff Ring

Read more at 

The Malvern Spring Family Festival, May 4, 2014

I'm excited to be a juried participant at the event in Malvern, PA next month.  I've been increasing my line of ear cuffs, both in design and variations, using silver, brass and copper wire, and crystals and semi-precious stones, and applying a protective coating on all my ear cuffs to prevent tarnishing and skin sensitivity.  I have about 40 items listed on Etsy, but I will have several hundred pairs at the craft fair.  I'll be posting an update in a couple of weeks when I am told exactly where I will be located.  In the meantime, you can read all about the event on their Facebook page.

View my Etsy shop at ElegantEarCuffs.

Hope to see you at the Malvern, PA Family Festival.

Formal Ear Cuffs for Brides, Prom Queens, or any special occasion

I've started creating some designs for more formal occasions, thinking about those who may not have pierced ears or don't want the nagging irritation or even pain that comes with wearing clip-ons.  This is why I got interested in earcuffs in the first place, since I have had my ears pierced twice unsuccessfully.

I get a lot of traffic at my Etsy site looking for pearls and silver and so I have started making designs that incorporate Swarovski crystals and pearls and sterling silver beads on silver-filled, silver, or gold-filled wire.  All the designs are customizable to modify the design, or incorporate different color pearls and crystals.

If you have a special event coming and you want to wear something on your ear(s) so comfortable that you cannot feel them at all, I'd love to work with you.

Here are some designs I have so far with more on the way.

Fun Day at Teleflex

I had the pleasure yesterday of presenting my ear cuffs to the folks at Teleflex in Reading, PA.  I received a very warm reception from everyone.  The ladies were a delight as they tried on my ear cuffs, many wearing ear cuffs for the first time.  I was very impressed with one gentleman, who purchased two pairs for his wife, for no special reason.  I hope she likes them.  One lady said she felt real "sassy" wearing her new ear cuffs.  Well, I'm glad to tell you that all my ear cuffs come with a lifetime guarantee of sassyness!  Some of the ladies decided to make a statement and purchase an ear cuff for one ear only.  Great idea!  Sometimes one looks great.  My smaller ear cuffs can be worn on the ear above the piercing(s) you already have.

So, it was a fabulous day, and I look forward to coming back on WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 10th, 2014.  I'll have some new designs and great ideas for stocking stuffers for The Holidays.  In the meantime, I'll look forward to you following me on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, and of course, Etsy.  Just do a search for "elegantearcuffs," on Google and I'll be at the top of the search results.

Here is a design that I sold yesterday that's available through my Etsy store.  Better go make another pair right away!

St. Patrick's Day promotion

Top of the weekend to you!

In celebration of my very distant Irish heritage, I'm offering a big discount that will go through the end of St. Patrick's Day 2014.

Visit my Etsy store at www.etsy.com/shop/elegantearcuffs and when checking out, enter the code,

LuckyEarCuffs20 for a 20% discount on your purchase.

If you plan on buying $100 or more, contact me through my Etsy website for the 25% discount with free shipping.

I'm adding new designs and colors every week, so come back often.

Finally, I wish you a great weekend, and as the Irish say, "May you dance as if no one's watching, sing as if no one's listening, and live everyday as if it were your last."

Fiona
Elegant EarCuffs
elegantearcuffs.com

Introduction to Elegant EarCuffs by Fiona

As my first blog entry, I am introducing myself and my business making pairs and some single earcuffs.  When I went from long hair to a pixie cut it was so nice and easy to keep, but I felt my ears were over exposed and I cannot wear pierced earrings or clip-ons.

I had purchased a pair of earcuffs and I liked the concept but with a more traditional design.  So after training and lots of practice, I have developed a variety of earcuffs which look good on anyone, from a little girl to a professional woman to a hip granny.

The designs are less complex than other earcuffs you may have seen on Etsy, but the challenge is in making pairs that are symmetrical which I have mastered.

Of course, I'm always wearing earcuffs when I am out and about, and I have been blown away by the positive response I have received that have led to some local sales, some right off my ears!

So, in 2014 I want to continue to broaden my range of designs, promote myself locally (see future blogs for events), and increase my presence on the web.

Visit my website, elegantearcuffs.com which links to my Etsy shop www.etsy.com/shop/elegantearcuffs.  You can also follow me on twitter @elegantearcuffs and on Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/elegantearcuffs.

Email me about custom work or wholesale purchases at Fionathompson@verizon.net.

Tiger's Eye and Silver

Silver and crystal pearls

Czech glass and brass wire