My poor blog has been shamefully neglected. A lot has happened since my last post.

I had both of my medical school interviews. I feel like I did well at both of them. Now I just have to wait and see what happens. I'm trying to optimistic about the whole thing.

I got another job. In the exciting field of fast food. It has actually been kind of fun. It also keeps me busy and it's nice to have some extra money.

I was recently accepted into the ShowMeEtsy street team. I'm really excited about it. I went to my first meeting a couple of weeks ago and it seems like it's going to be a lot of fun.

My etsy shop hasn't been seeing a lot of action. Most of my attention has been focused on custom orders for people I know, and gifts for family members. My sister asked me to make a pink crystal heart necklace for her. I couldn't believe how inexpensive the supplies were. If anyone's interested in necklaces or earrings, I'll be happy to take custom orders for $10 + shipping.

Beautiful Jewelry by Natalia Araya

I like to enter giveaways when I stumble upon them. They make me feel like I'm supporting and interacting with fellow etsy shop owners. And, of course, I like free stuff.

I was pleasantly surprised when won this pendant a few weeks ago:



It came in the mail yesterday and I LOVE IT. It's even prettier in person. I want to wear it all the time. The artist has lots of other beautiful stuff in her shop too. Go check it out. I'm thinking about buying matching earrings. Looks like her little promotion worked on me. :)

I'm thinking about hosting my own giveaway sometime in the future. We shall see.

Man, I haven't posted in awhile. Time to blog!

I have been very busy lately, and I haven't had a whole lot of time to list new things in my shop. Hollister had me working every day at 7:00 am last week. By the time I got home I didn't have enough energy to do much more than sit in front of the TV. The cleanliness of the apartment suffered as a result. I was scheduled for a whopping 0 hours this week. Apparently signing up for "extra" hours results in hours being taken away later. I was a little mad at first, but it turned out to be a blessing. The apartment is well on its way to being completely clean and I've gotten a lot of things done.

The medical school application process is moving right along. Applying to two schools is a whole lot easier than applying to eleven just in case anyone was wondering.

I had an interview for a volunteer position at the hospital today. It sounds like I'm going to have a spot waiting for me as soon as I attend an orientation and get a TB test. My interviewer said I could start work as early as the 22nd. Hurray! Getting a volunteer job was a lot harder and took a lot longer than getting a paid job. Weird.

Umm... here are some new/relisted things in my shop I never posted:

Job, Shop, My 1st Jewelry Purchase

Things are good.

I'm sooo happy to have a job. The store is preparing for labor day weekend, and I'm working every day this week. It feels awesome to get out of the house and earn some money.

The jewelry shop has been doing decently well. Every time I think it's been too long since my last sale, I get another one. They've really been spaced quite nicely. I think I'm almost to the point where I'm selling stuff about as fast as I can make, photograph, and list it. I keep trying to get to a second page of items, but every time I get close I get a sale or two. Not that I'm complaining... lol.

I made my first jewelry purchase on etsy yesterday. Yes, I know that's kinda sad. I'm just a very frugal shopper, I guess. Here's what I got (and check out the seller's other stuff too):

Livejournal Kicks Blogger's Butt.

So... after a few months of blogging here, I've come to the conclusion that livejournal is just better. Why you ask?

Nested comment threads. Communities. Full posts on friends page. Interest searches. Interchangeable avatars. Better post protection options. More posts on main pages by default. Fewer annoying gadgets. Cuts.

I truly do not understand why etsians prefer blogger. Is there something I'm missing? The only redeeming factor I can come up with is that everyone on etsy is here. Can we start a migration to lj plz?

My livejournal is currently a personal blog, so I don't really want to give out a link to it. I'm thinking of replacing this blog with a new jewelry-based blog on livejournal. Will certainly post about it if I make that decision.

In the meantime, does anyone want to try to convince me that blogger is actually better (aside from the fact that the masses seem to prefer it)? I'm interested in hearing some opinions.

Etsy favorites

Don't have much going on lately. Here are some nice things I've found on etsy that I wanted to share.

I think etsy helped me get a job...

I freaking love etsy.

I've spent the last couple of weeks looking for a job around the city. As we all know, finding a job is tough right now. I've also never had a real job... just stuff at school... so I really have no experience with anything besides research and helping students. I applied to at least 15 different places. I was hesitant to list my etsy shop as "work experience" on applications, but I wrote it down anyway to see how things went. I had 3 interviews last week, and almost everyone told me not to count on getting a job because there was so much competition.

I got a call from Hollister last night with a job offer. I was extremely surprised to have successfully found a job after only two weeks of trying. I'm really really happy and can't wait to start.

I think that my jewelry shop gave my interviewers something to remember. It also shows that I know something about fashion, that I'm computer savvy, and that I can deal with customers.

Just wanted to share my story and let people know that talking about my etsy shop might have helped me get a job. Granted, it's a minimum wage, part-time, mall job... but certainly better than no job! And don't judge me, but I love Hollister clothes. So soft! A little known fact, but Hollister has the best pajama pants in the WORLD.

I will stop rambling now. Here are some new things in my shop to look at:

New Item - Crooked Elegance Necklace

I finished this necklace yesterday. Just got around to listing it today. Life has been pretty busy since I got married.



Made with Swarovski crystals in tanzanite, crystal AB, and jet. Utilizes white Swarovski crystal pearls and black bugle beads.

Free Alternative to Etsy

Yesterday I was messing around on myspace, and I saw an add for a free alternative to etsy. I clicked on it, thinking there must be some catch. So far, I have listed 7 items and no fees. No limit to the number of listings. I'm very happy.

Here's the site: www.shophandmade.com
And here's my shop: EmilysEscape.shophandmade.com

There are a few things I don't like about it. No forums or chat rooms to promote yourself, and no way of adding google analytics (that I've discovered). However, I think that can be an advantage if I look at it the right way. It'll keep me from obsessively checking my stats and just leave me more time to promote. It DOES track the number of views on each item, though.

I really love that it's completely free and lets you list an unlimited number of items. I think I'll be much more likely to create little things (like earrings) to list in my shop. It leaves a lot more room for creativity and experimentation. There's nothing to lose, so there's no reason to avoid listing something! I also like that it's smaller than etsy. My items appear on the front page for a really long time. I think it's great, and I'm going to be listing more stuff there soon.

Back!

Got back from the honeymoon on Saturday night. Since then I have been doing my best to get settled into our apartment. We spent Saturday night at my mom's so that I could get my stuff together. I moved in yesterday.

My wedding was BEAUTIFUL and happy and great. Best day I've ever had. It stormed a little in the early morning, but after that it was just about perfect. I felt so pretty in my dress. Our bridesmaids and groomsmen looked smashing and I'm SO happy I followed my heart and went with our color scheme (light green and pink). The reception was fun too. Nothing really went wrong at all. I thought everything was perfect. And now I'm married! The professional photos should be up in a few days. I can't wait.

We left for Toronto the next day. The honeymoon was a lot of fun too! We spent a lot of time walking around the city and seeing the sights. There were a whole bunch of underground shopping centers that seemed to show up wherever we went. We went up in the CN tower, saw a couple of plays, and went to an Incubus concert. We also rented a car for a day and went to Niagara Falls. That was probably my favorite part. And we got lots of cute pictures (there are more on facebook).



Yesterday was Austin's first day at work, so I was home by myself all day. It actually wasn't bad. I got a lot of stuff accomplished. Made and received payment for a custom order, listed a new necklace, started my med school application for next year, made a dermatologist appointment, washed new sheets we got for a wedding present, AND cleaned Austin's disgusting bathroom. Not bad.

Today I shipped a necklace and then headed off to the mall in search of a dumb job to keep me busy. I applied to 10 places. It took forever and I'm now I'm really tired. One place had me writing short essays about fashion. Like... wtf... just give me my minimum wage. I'm optimistic about a few places since a lot of workers are going back to school and or otherwise occupying themselves with something actually worthwhile.

Wedding in 2 days, Free Shipping

Oh my goodness. Things are getting down to the wire.

I decided that I can't worry about shipping potential orders anymore. I'm offering free shipping in my shop until I get back from my honeymoon. I'll be able to ship again on August 3.

The rehearsal is tomorrow!! I'm so excited to see my friends and family!

Mom and I picked up our dresses and brought them to the church today. They're so pretty!

Sneak Peak - New Flower Necklace

I think I mentioned that I've been swamped with custom orders. Although I'm ecstatic about this, I'm a little bummed that I haven't been able to create new jewelry of my own invention. I also have to spend a lot of time sitting on my butt waiting for new supplies to get to me.

My collection of flowers was just beckoning to me today and I couldn't resist anymore. Moments ago, I finished a new flower necklace in purple. And it's not the same old asymmetric design this time.



I don't have time to photograph/list it, but even if I did, I can't decide if I'm done. Part of me wants to go crazy adding draped chain until it looks like something a warrior princess would wear. But I kind of like the relative simplicity of it now. I also can't think of a decent name for it... other than "Purple Y-Shaped Flower Necklace." I'd absolutely love to hear some opinions or suggestions!

Creepy yet awesome etsy finds

I happened across this shop just a moment ago. Oh my gosh. A few of her items totally creep me out. I'm terrified of bugs. But I have this odd desire to buy these. The fly ring is especially spine-tingling. :)

Wedding craziness

I haven't posted in a few days. Wedding stuff is really getting intense. Only 6 more days! I foresee that I'll become less and less active as it approaches, and then I'll disappear until after the honeymoon. :)

Not a lot has been happening other than that. A lot of my family members have been ordering custom necklaces/earrings to wear to my wedding. I finished my mom's today, and I've got one lined up for my grandma. It's nice to know that they like my jewelry enough to order something from me. I'll be happy when I'm able to do my own thing and list new things in the etsy shop, though.

New Listing, Got My Hair Fixed, Almost Died

Quite an eventful couple of days!

I made a new Flower in Chains necklace yesterday. My white and blue one has been pretty popular in my shop, so I got new flowers in different colors. I listed my red one last night. I really love how it turned out, and I sort of wish that red looked good on me.



This morning I went back to the salon to get my bad haircut fixed. It's still not exactly what I wanted, but it's pretty. I'm very happy to be rid of that huge hunk of hair hanging out at the back of my neck. :)



I almost crashed on the highway today when a minivan tried to merge into my lane. I didn't have time to do anything but move into the lane on the other side of me. I was/am shaken, and now I'm angry at myself for not laying on the horn. The guy was an elderly man and he was on his cell phone. He probably doesn't even realize he almost killed me.

Sale Ending Soon!

Grand opening sale ends this Friday (7-17-09)! I'm already listing new items at regular price. Buy any of my opening items before the prices go up! You'll have a hard time finding such unique crystal jewelry at these low prices again.

These beautiful necklaces are only $20, but not for long.





Check out my shop for even more: EmilysEscape.etsy.com

Not So Nice Day

I went to get my wedding haircut today. Displeased.

I was ok with it at the salon. She always poofs it up and styles it so much that it seems fine. Then I come home, and 15 minutes later it deflates and I don't like it anymore.

It's fine from the front:


But I do not like the back:


Just about all I said to her was "I want it shorter in the back than in the front." Is it just me, or is this the exact OPPOSITE of what I asked for? I even made her cut it shorter in the back once while I was there. I guess that wasn't enough of a clue.

I'm sure it will be fine, but I'm sick of paying for haircuts I don't like and didn't ask for. This is why I wait 6 months before shelling out more cash.

Also, any opinions on the make-up? If I had to do my own make-up for the wedding today that would be it (with a different lipstick... it's too goopy... but I kind of like the color).

Nice Day

I had a really good day.

Austin (my fiance) came over last night to meet with the pastor who will be performing our wedding ceremony. His mom arrived today for the tasting at our reception venue. Both things went very well, and now we have seating arrangements pretty much figured out. All in all, a lot was accomplished today.

When we got back I showed my soon-to-be mother-in-law the jewelry I made for her. She's wearing a lavender dress to the wedding and she was having a hard time finding jewelry to match. I made a necklace and earrings for her. She seemed to really like them. I was quite pleased. She also found out about my new etsy shop and said she's going to be checking it out.

And... I hate posts like this... but I made TWO SALES today! Don't get too jealous yet. One was from a relative and one was an item I had reserved at half price for a dear livejournal friend. I'm still happy that someone actually wants to wear my jewelry, though. :)

Flower Girl Necklaces

I sort of wish I could make jewelry for my wedding forever. I'm having way too much fun. Today I finished necklaces for my two flower girls. I really hope they like them... but what little girl wouldn't love a sparkly white necklace to wear to a wedding?

More Favorites

Etsy has really been taking over my life. When I'm not making something, listing something, or promoting something, I'm looking at all of the stuff that's already on there. Here are some more things I've found and liked.

Feature, Sale, Stupid Michaels, New Listing

I've been featured in a blog for the first time! I'm quite flattered. Here's a link

I made my first sale yesterday!! I feel like a real businesswoman now. Haha... I spent a lot of time trying to make the packaging all pretty. It's kind of hard when you have to make sure it's secure too. I really hope my customer is happy.

My sister ordered some custom earrings from me. She had some really simple pink crystal earrings that she got on vacation somewhere. She lost one of them, and came to me asking if I could make a new pair. I agreed, but after I made them she came back to me complaining that the ends of the hooks were hurting her. I guess that'll teach me for buying simple findings at Michael's. I'm learning to hate that place. I'm glad my sister discovered it instead of an etsy customer. I wish it didn't take a week for my online orders to get to me. That way I wouldn't ever be tempted to shop at stupid Michael's.

Also listed a new necklace yesterday.

Things I Like

Just a few things I've found on Etsy that I enjoy, and might think about buying if I ever make any sales. :)

Little Intro

It's high time I posted something besides pictures of my own stuff. An introduction is definitely in order.

I'm Emily. I'm 22 years old and I just graduated from college with a degree in chemistry. I'm applying to medical school, and right now I'm on two waiting lists in St. Louis. I'm a little pessimistic about my odds of getting into a class this Fall, but I'll reapply and hope for the best if things don't work out.

This summer I'm living with my parents in St. Charles, MO until I get married on July 25. Then I'll move into my new husband's apartment in St. Louis, just north of Forest Park. My situation with waiting to hear back from med schools, planning a wedding, and an upcoming move has left it very difficult for me to explore job options. I'm getting sort of antsy, so that's part of the reason I finally decided to open an online jewelry shop. It has definitely been keeping me busy (and entertained/happy).

I've been interested in making jewelry since I was old enough to string a bead onto a piece of string. My style has definitely changed and evolved over the years. In fifth grade I started a little business selling jewelry made out of seed beads and wire to my classmates and family. I was also really into hemp jewelry when I was younger. I was quite unhappy in high school, and I went through kind of a dark stage. It wasn't all bad... I got into chainmaille jewelry and loved it. I learned a lot of great techniques that I still use all the time. I've retained some gothic/victorian/medieval/dark influence in my jewelry, and I try to keep it alive because I think it's so unique and interesting. But I'm also a lot happier now, so my work has become much more feminine and light. I'm really happy with my design style right now, and I think it's something people don't run into too often.

Here is a little picture of me and my awesome fiance.

First Paper Flower

I stayed up too late last night and watched a youtube video of Martha Stewart making paper flowers. I've been really into floral stuff since I joined etsy, so I was interested in trying it; perhaps get some resin or other coating and make tiny ones for necklaces. She was using all kinds of fancy supplies like crepe paper and floral tape and wrapped wire. I figured I could make a pretty decent one with the crappy supplies I already had.

I decided to practice with notebook paper:





Not as nice as Martha's, but I find it kind of charming. The notebook paper makes it look like something a junior high kid made for a crush... which I like for some reason. It's too big for jewelry, and I'm pretty sure anything significantly smaller would be a lot more difficult. Oh well. Kept me entertained for awhile.