Ruby Lane & Ruby Plaza - Creative Hands - December 2010

In This Issue

• Ruby Plaza Promotion: Sell for Only $9/mo. Through 2011!
  
• Video: Happy Holidays from Ruby Lane & Ruby Plaza
  
• Jewelry Artisan Constance Corey: Christmas Then and Now
  
• Dolphin Designs Artwear - Holiday Lights
  
• Jewelry Artisans of Ruby Plaza
  
• Jewelry Artisans of Ruby Lane
  
• Send Us Your Video & Get Paid
  
• Let it snow! Let it shine! Let it snow!
  
• Join Ruby Lane and Ruby Plaza on Facebook and Twitter
  
• Share Creative Hands With A Friend
  

RUBY PLAZA PROMOTION: SELL FOR ONLY $9/MO. THROUGH 2011!

This promotion has been extended! Are you looking for a venue to sell your home decor items (both contemporary and vintage) ranging from furniture and accessories to lighting, bedding and window coverings? Or perhaps you, or someone you know sells new and vintage fashion and accessories, and/or jewelry. If so, spread the word - as now you can try out our sister site, Ruby Plaza, just launched in April - for only $9 a month through 2011 with no set-up fee!

Through December 31st 2011, Ruby Plaza is making it easy and affordable for sellers to join Ruby Plaza. Already over 700 shops have joined us with over 150,000 items added to the site.

There are no contracts, no cancellation fees, and the only expense out of your pocket is $9 a month.

Spread the word!

For more information visit www.rubyplaza.com, then under SELL, choose Open A Shop. We hope you'll join us!

VIDEO: HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM RUBY LANE & RUBY PLAZA

Click here to see a special holiday video from Ruby Lane, or go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_7SIC4bcRY

JEWELRY ARTISAN CONSTANCE COREY: CHRISTMAS THEN AND NOW

As I read over the theme(s) for this month's newsletter, I let my mind drift back to Christmases past, and there was only one that stood out over all the rest. It was a few days before Christmas, sometime in the early '40's, when my mother, father, younger sister and I went to visit my grandmother on her little farm in mid-state Illinois. The "big war" (that's World War II, children) was still being fought, so we would have had to use precious gas rationing coupons to get there.

Various aunts, uncles and cousins were there, too, and the idea was that we would return home before Christmas Day. Then the weather (snow, ice and sleet) socked us in, and we couldn't drive the two hundred miles home. As small children, my sister and I were devastated, of course. What about our presents?! And how would Santa ever find us?!?

Our dear parents, who were on a strict budget (and had already made or bought our presents) went into town and purchased new gifts for us. They were understandably inexpensive—coloring books and paper doll cut-outs—but I remember my delight at receiving them as though it were yesterday. I have no recollection whatsoever of the gifts that awaited us at home, nor of the accumulated gifts that other Christmases would bring.

And now we fast-forward to this year's holidays. For several years now, I have not exchanged physical gifts with anyone. Rather, I donate to my family's favorite charities and ask that they do the same for me. My close friends
and I are content simply to share our love and enjoy each others company. Last year we drove to the Grand Canyon to hold ceremony on the south rim.

I don't know what we're doing this year, except for one important thing: we're giving thanks to God and the Universe that we are all still here together. Not so long ago, I had major surgery and almost didn't live to tell it. Throughout the ordeal, my friends were my bulwark in ways too numerous to mention. To say that I returned with more love in my heart than ever before is an understatement. My life is so full of blessings that I hope they spill over onto you as I offer you my heartfelt wishes, not only for the holidays but for all the years of your life. I care about you more than you know.

Connie Corey of Auraeana II and Auraeana Originals

DOLPHIN DESIGNS ARTWEAR - HOLIDAY LIGHTS

This year Leonard Cohen lyrics prepared me for the deep thinking that attends the yuletide. Maybe you, too, have been uplifted by his soulful words.

The first: "There's a blaze of light in every word. It doesn't matter what you heard."

The second: "Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in."

Cohen refers to us in the second phrasing, and to the broken but reconcilable family and other close relationships in our lives. I think the lyrics also speak to the things we create, and to the fact that on some level we are all artists in the making: We will get there sooner when we come to understand that no artistic creation, like us, is perfect.

'Blazes of light' have attended the darkening of days throughout the winter holidays all of my life. Early childhood's evergreen trees adorning our home for the holidays, delighted me with their lights. (The ornaments were fine, but like people, their glory was revealed only when the lights were on.) Now, the holidays hold the hope of light pushing THROUGH the darkness to reconciliation bringing the Love that is inherent in it, and the creativity and the Love that is inherent in IT and LIFE. This belief set me on the road to becoming a jewelry artist three years ago, as 'the holiday whistle blew hither from around the bend'.

I yearned to provide my only sister, two years my senior, with a reconciling gift for her late November birthday. (We had been estranged in a
painful rift for years.) I knew in my heart that my offering had to be jewelry, and I wanted it to match the unique jewelry the man, from the land of flying carpets, gave us when we were four and six. After a week of combing the web, it was clear I was going to have to make something myself that rivaled those magical rings with the see-through magnifying domes that OPENED up, so we could put our own little tiny pictures inside.

I began buying parts and spent the next month staying up late, working with hundreds of pieces, putting them together and arranging them until by the third week, the sun broke through the dark to the dawn and I had my little gifts assembled as I had envisioned.

On her birthday, my sister received a package from me containing twelve pieces of jewelry art that I had created just for her. Every item featured a magnified picture that represented a different shared experience in our lives as sisters. The first one, in the series of twelve, was a ring with a picture of two little girls, around four and six, sitting side-by-side, with a big book across their laps. The 'big' sister had her arm wrapped around the little girl, and it appeared she was trying to teach her how to read. The 'little' sisters face was shining, as if in a, "blaze of light in every word," showing her love for her magical, big sister. To honor our teenage years, I magnified countenances of JFK, MLK, RFK, John Lennon, Amelia Earheart and people who had made us laugh. Finally, because
she was employed as a READING specialist, I included a brooch I made of Curious George; curiously reading on his tummy, that she could wear for her tiny elementary school students. Because I followed the 'longing light' for reconciliation all through late October and most of November, I realized, when December arrived, I had become a jewelry artist, and I could not and would not stop making jewelry. The light was blazing by Christmas those three years ago: blazing in my craft and in my heart. You see, my Sister accepted my gifts, with joy and love.

My birthday is tomorrow: Just two weeks before Christmas. Today's mail arrived with a package for me. The name on the return address belongs to the "big girl" in the picture in the magnifying ring. Sister hadn't been sending me birthday greetings for a painfully long time not until I sent her the first jewelry I ever made. But, ever since, my childhood hero has been championing my art jeweler development and my creations, much like she taught me to read.

Creative gifts flow from the healing of broken bonds between loved ones. The energy that kept a rift alive becomes available and is boundless when doing or making things, which delight the liberated heart, once the hatchet is buried. Or, even earlier when one starts making plans to heal a split, like I did when I started making those birthday presents three years ago.

My courage opened the hearts of two sisters to the free exchange of the 'Holiday Light'. Take courage
from my tale, dear souls. If there is a rift that you want to mend, remember that when spoken with the right intent, "there's a blaze of light in every word".

Yet in the dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in Thee tonight.

If you look in my store on Ruby Lane, Dolphin Designs Artwear, you will see quite a few of the pieces I made that month that I didn't send. They are the pendants with magnifying domes affixed atop vintage settings with foreign postage stamps permanently sealed between the two.

Pamela Brown of Dolphin Designs Artwear

JEWELRY ARTISANS OF RUBY PLAZA

Niki Tisdale of Unique By Design

Anything goes these days. Updating your wardrobe can be as simple as putting on a new necklace, bracelet or a dazzling pair of earrings. I started making and designing jewelry a few years ago for myself and family and friends. More and more people started requesting jewelry for their daily use and for special occasions. My inventory and work space started taking over most of the house. I started going to Market Days around the area and have some pieces in the gift shop at the South Texas Art Museum in Corpus Christi, Texas. I really have fun designing jewelry. My favorite designs are very eclectic and look a little off kilter. Designs that suit my personality. I also make name bracelets for mothers, grandmothers, new mothers , birthdays, graduation gifts, Quinceaneras and more. I've even made a bracelet with the name of a girlfriend her boyfriend and their dog's name. I make custom and very personal charm necklaces or bracelets with the pictures of the people or pets you love and want to carry with you .

Every piece of jewelry I design is unique and one of a kind. If there is something special you want included in your jewelry piece, I will design it for you. No matter what your taste in fashion is...from chic to shabby to sleek.

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Andrea Kelly of Jewelry by Andrea

Andrea Kelly is a self taught Jewelry Designer. Her love of travel and learning about indigenous cultures shows in her collection. With a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a
Degree in Interior Design, Andrea's creations are a fusion of modern materials mixed with items made by traditional methods. Finding exotic, handmade and unique pendants, beads and stones from a variety of countries provide the inspiration for each piece. Purchasing through Fair Trade is always a priority. Creating pieces with an exotic, grounded and unique feel are Andrea's goal. When possible items are accompanied by an explanation of the symbolic meaning. Andrea has been in business since 2008.

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Dinah Hoyt Taylor of Capricious Crowns Jewels

A background in design and a love for jewelry was the reason I started Capricious Crowns and Jewels in 2001.

All my necklaces, earrings, pins, and bracelets are designed and hand fabricated by me, using Fine, Sterling, and Argentium Silver, Copper and Brass, gems, Vintage and Blown Glass beads and elegant findings.

I specialize in unique artisan jewelry, in a mixed media format. From Byzantine chain work, forged Fine Silver cuffs, to Copper and vintage beaded barrettes, intricate beaded sets, and new to my designs, copper, brass, and sterling wind chimes. I enjoy the unusual as well as the classical themes, and have been inspired by the early Mexican Designers. I've been designing and fabricating jewelry for twelve years. My designs have received the top award for the last three Vintage Fashion Costume Jewelry Conventions in Providence, RI and my background is in Art and Design. I live on a small farm in Western NY State, with my horse
Harry, and my NC Ditch Dog, Tutti for half the year, and we spend the other half in Southern Pines, NC or VA in horse related work. I have two grown sons, Sean a recording producer and musician (Clambake 2000) in Miami, FL, and Shane, a designer and manufacturer of FUEL CLOTHING -the biggest little company in America - in Hilton Head, SC.

JEWELRY ARTISANS OF RUBY LANE

Suzanne Loftus of Bijou Jewelry Designs

Bijou: "an exquisitely wrought trinket" - and the name once given to a treasured bird who has passed on to the Rainbow Bridge - but his name and spirit are apt for my creations, meant to please the eye and bring a smile to your face.

I come from a long line of artisans going back several generations to glassblowers in Europe. One of my earliest and fondest memories is being given a large ball of yarn and knitting needles, joining my grandmother and great aunts, and learning to knit while listening quietly to adult conversation. They did tatting and lace making, fine embroidery and, of course, knitting.

Before being allowed to make anything wearable, I had to demonstrate perfect, consistent basic stitches. The same approach was brought to any new craft. One must master the basics and secure that foundation before moving on to the more complex. While initially I found this frustrating, over time I came to appreciate the importance of this approach and bring it to all I do. It is the hallmark of quality craftsmanship, and that attention to detail yields a work of enduring value and beauty.

Working with beads began with making holiday decorations and has grown steadily in complexity and intricacy ever since bringing me to semiprecious stones and jewelry design where I can indulge my fascination with color and texture.

I hope viewing and wearing my creations brings you as much pleasure as I have in creating them.

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Pat Marcum of
Tisa Jewelry Designs

I live near Charlotte, North Carolina. I have been designing artisan jewelry for over six years now. I love creating both crystal and gemstone designs, as well as wire-wrapping gemstones in gold and silver. But what I enjoy more than anything and what I do when I really need to de-stress and relax is to work with intricate bead-weaving designs.

Since I began designing jewelry, I have spent a lot of time learning about the individual types of gemstones and am continuing to learn more all the time. I am constantly studying and taking classes in many aspects of jewelry design and creation. My goal is that my designs will always be unique and of the highest quality. It is my desire that as I continue to learn, my designs will become more and more beautiful, as well.

If you live in North Carolina and would like to see some of my designs in person, right now they are on display and being sold at The Marketplace in Belmont, NC.

I enjoy working with clients who want custom-designed jewelry for special occasions. Many of my custom-designed pieces are now in the collections of clients in North Carolina and Virginia. I have a large family, many of whom have also benefited from my custom-designed wedding jewelry. I would be honored to work with you to make certain that the jewelry you wear for your special occasion is exactly what you hope for.

In my shop you will find necklaces, earrings, bracelets, ankle bracelets, and jewelry sets for women. I have many bracelets for
larger-sized wrists, as well as average-sized wrists. I also sell men's necklaces and children's jewelry. I even offer some unisex pieces, when they are appropriate for either men or women. Many of my jewelry pieces are also suitable for weddings and other formal occasions.

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Sandi Meyers of Graceful Earth Jewelry

Welcome to Graceful Earth Jewelry. Do you marvel at the abundance of Grace the Earth has to offer as I do? It is a constant source of amazement to me when I look at each beautiful bead or pendant that I use in making these one of a kind pieces of jewelry. The colors and patterns are simply wondrous. I like to use a variety of beads in varying sizes, shapes and textures to produce a unique work of art.

I enjoy designing each new item and I hope you will take a moment to browse my shop. I think you will find my jewelry affordable yet high quality. Some Classic, Some Funky, Some Fun! Stop by often as I am always adding new pieces.

SEND US YOUR VIDEO & GET PAID

Many of you already know that Ruby Lane & Ruby Plaza accepts blog articles from shops, and credits your shop $35 per accepted article which we post on Notes from The Lane, Twitter and Facebook. We have developed a sizable number of shops who contribute regularly! We are expanding this program to include video - so we invite shops to send us video links that showcase your shop for publication consideration.

Have you considered making a video about yourself and your shop? Do you want to showcase the items in your shop? Do you have tips and information you'd like to share with others about online sales success to help establish yourself as a valuable resource? Do you have a studio that you would like others to view?Do you have a handcraft technique you would like to share with others or a demonstration video showing how to create your handcrafts? Video is fast becoming the medium to communicate with others, and a it's great way to market your shop. And these days anyone can do it!

Here's how it works:

Once you make your video, upload it to www.youtube.com. Then, send us a link to it at marketing1@rubylane.com. Once accepted, we will publish it on our blog, Facebook and Twitter pages to spread the word about your shop. Once published, we will credit your shop $35. Please note that the focus of your video must be you and your Ruby Lane or Ruby Plaza shop.

Here are links to a couple of videos that other Ruby Lane shops have done. These are just examples - we invite you
to use your imagination in doing your own:

Sorren's-Blue Scarlettshard

Vintage Jewelry Showcase

If you're not sure how to get started making your own videos, be sure to check out this step-by-step Make Your Own Videos blog post by Viga Boland of Vintage Jewelry Showcase to see how she made hers.

Kind Regards,
The Team at Ruby Lane

LET IT SNOW! LET IT SHINE! LET IT SNOW!

Karen Sugarman Designs

Roses In The Snow Earrings - Rubies and Freshwater Pearls

Pearls are the great equalizer in the world of jewelry. Not only does everyone look beautiful with pearls framing the face but, they mix beautifully ...

Arnold Jewelers

Custom Opal, Tanzanite and Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Slide Pendant

ITEM: Arnold Jewelers Custom Creation- Tanzanite, Opal and Diamond Slide. COMPOSITION: 14k yellow gold. GEMS: Genuine tanzanite measuring 8 X 6 mm ...

Jools by Julie

Jool's Pastel Snow Babies Lampwork Bangle Bracelet

Absolutely wonderful lampwork from Kathleen Urato -- two little snow babies all dressed up for winter. You won't believe how cute these artist ...

MARIE WU DESIGNS~Wearable Art With Eclectic Gems~

16mm Green Amethyst Prasiolite-Sterling Silver Leather Adjustable Necklace

A pristine faceted pendant of outstanding green amethyst with whisper soft color sways beneath a sliding bail of polished sterling silver, from a ...

Bead Chic Jewelry

Three Strand White and Clear Flower Necklace ~ Bead Chic Jewelry

A white flower tipped with silvery petals is the focal of this three strand necklace. A strand of clear and pearly white accompany two strands of ...

Vintage Treasures

Luxury Line: Chameleon Flare Necklace by Jeanne M Bellone (JMB)

Original creation by jewelry artist Jeanne M. Bellone. This exceptional necklace is part of the Luxury Line of one-of-a-kind artisan ...

Earth stone Jewelry

Winter White Iolite and Sea Opal Necklace

This necklace is designed with beautiful faceted Sea Opal glass tear drops, faceted genuine Iolite, Sterling Silver rice beads, Silver Plated Bali ...

Modeste Parisienne

Maluku - Solid 14K Gold Diamond Champagne South Sea Pearl Necklace

~The Maluku Necklace ~ A large 12mm, genuine South Sea Pearl hangs from a solid 14K Gold clover shaped link which is accented with a teeny, tiny ...

Mary Blum for House of the Cheshire Moon

Regina Nivea - Natural Crystal Quartz and Freshwater Pearl Earrings

Snow Queen - These earrings from the Regina Nivea series, one which plays with crystal quartz and freshwater pearls as emblems of the purity of a ...

H H Jewelry Designs

Red and White Necklace With Lampwork Glass and Earrings

This gorgeous set features one hand made lampwork glass bead focal, done with a Cherry red base glass, decorated on both sides with beautiful white ...

JOIN RUBY LANE AND RUBY PLAZA ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER

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Follow Ruby Lane on Twitter: Twitter

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