What's next?

Ok, so now that we are all breathing a sigh of relief since the holidays are (pretty much) over, what's next? My little brain has been pondering that since early December, in fact! For Dana Saylor Designs, what's next is my collection for Valentine's Day called "Transcendent Love" - thanks to my best friend Leia for the name idea. It will be a brand new jewelry line with the traditional red and pink, hearts, etc...BUT it will also include rainbow jewelry that celebrates love in the GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgendered) communities. I wanted to do something that was inclusive and supports social equality. If you are interested in seeing the line, I am planning several shows at the beginning of February just in time for the day of romance! Check it out once it's launched on www.danasaylordesigns.com - should be done by mid- January. These photos show some of the beads I will be using in my designs. Thanks, all for your support and interest.

It's All Happening So Fast!

When I started preparing back in August for the Rome Art & Community Center's annual Holiday House, I thought, "I have plenty of time! I have three months till November to get jewelry ready, create a whole new tagging system, and come up with an innovative display strategy!" RIGHT! Now with a week and two days left before we leave for Italy, I am on full panic mode. Never fear, though- it all will get done. And with the help of my good friend Michele from My Pet Sitter (mypetsitter@hotmail.com !!), the show will be set up on my behalf while I'm gone. I admit, I'm a little OCD and it will be different to have someone else setting up my jewelry, but we're going to have a dry run next week and I'm sure she'll do great!

On another note, the plans for my Holiday Artisan Showcase at the Stanley Theater are going very well! I am finalizing the menu with my Gourmet Food Tasting vendor, planning ads and marketing, and receiving vendor applications every day! Very exciting. I have gotten such a positive response on my event; it's as if people were just waiting for it to be invented. Yay!

So have a great weekend, and remember, I'll be on vacation from October 29th-November 7th, so if I don't respond to your emails, I'm not ignoring you! I'm just ignoring work for a little while.

A Good Problem to Have...

I just returned from 5 straight days of jewelry trunk shows, home parties, and fundraisers. Upon my return (and return to my computer, thank goodness!), I realized that many of the items for sale on my website had been sold at these shows. I always work on new projects while I'm at a show, to keep my hands busy and customers interested, yet nothing prepared me for how many new items I'll have to create to replace those sold! With the holiday season looming around the corner, I am going to be busy!

So hold on to your hats; I'm preparing EVEN MORE new jewelry which should be posted to the site by next week Wednesday (that's September 5th for those of you with back-to-school on the brain!) They say that selling lots of your stock is a good problem to have; and it's definitely one I'm happy to be contending with!

These photos are some examples of the pieces that were sold. Just a reminder to get 'em while they're hot, because they're one-of-a-kind.

Thanks to all my clients for your support of my ever-evolving small business.

Indie Style blogs!

The set of jewelry pictured here will be given away on www.IndieFixx.com in a June contest. I found the site a few weeks ago when I was looking for jewelry ideas and inspiration. What a treasure trove! IndieFixx.com is an indie style website (indie = independent) which showcases and reviews the creations of designers all across the country, and seeks out unique and interesting products that are not always mainstream. I thought it was a perfect fit, so when I found out they were doing a contest, I was there!
I also discovered www.Modish.com through my monthly newsletter from www.home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com by Rena Klingenberg. There are many others out there; seek and you shall find! Happy hunting.

My Best Friend's Wedding

This past weekend was my best friend's wedding. I contributed the bridal and bridesmaids' jewelry. It was fun and interesting to make jewelry for someone that I'm close to...it gave me a new perspective for all the other brides that I work with. My friend's unique personality and renaissance theme challenged me to interpret those factors in the style of the jewelry that I created. Voila!

Soon to come: photos of all of us wearing the jewelry...stay tuned.

Jewelry for Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation!

Yesterday, I completed this set of jewelry...it's part of a raffle for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. They're giving away a cruise, several gift baskets, and this set of jewelry from me. I think since this set is made with black glass beads, it is neutral and appealing to many people. If you like it, please feel free to contact me; I will get you in touch with someone who can get you tickets for the raffle. I like being able to contribute to an important cause by using my creativity.
I will be posting the set on my website ASAP, too.

Hope Collection complete!

I am very proud to unveil my completed HOPE Collection, for which ALL the profits will benefit Team Presto Print at the Whitesboro, NY Relay for Life. The event is run by the American Cancer Society. We've all been touched by someone with cancer, or maybe you've struggled with it yourself? The HOPE Collection is a great way to wear your cause on your sleeve- or your ear, or your cell phone, etc.! I am also getting ready to launch my spring collection- have to deal with a few website SNAFUs, which is normal. It should be done by this afternoon (Monday, March 26th). Here are a few teaser photos! Thanks, all, for hanging in there with me.

Latest bridal designs

I've been working with several brides over the last few months on custom jewelry for their weddings. I'll be placing these sets on my Bridal Portfolio on the site, but wanted to have a quick place to show them off! I'm trying to use Swarovski crystal beads and crystal pearls more often now, because they have higher quality control than just glass pearls, whose colors can vary by dye lot. With Swarovski, the color and consistency is pretty much guaranteed. Also, Swarovski crystal pearls do not scratch as easily as their glass counterparts. And with crystal, how can you go wrong with the most precise cuts in the industry, with a history of striving for perfection? No other bead can match the fire and brilliance of Swarovski, and I swear they didn't pay me to say that! Once you have seen Swarovski jewelry, you'll know the difference.

Benefit jewelry coming soon...

Today, I received some of the charms and beads that I will use in my pink and purple ribbon jewelry to benefit Team Presto Print at the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. I'm excited to get to work on this collection, for which I will give all the profits back. Take a look at the samples- there's more to come, and I'll post it all on my website at www.danasaylordesigns.com when it's complete.

If you'd like to be on my email list so you can be notified when I put new collections on my website, just go to the Contact Me page on the site, and send me a message. Thanks!

New Collections in the works!

For those of you who stop by my site on a regular basis, you'll notice I've been adding new items more frequently than I used to. I'm trying to add something new for every item that I sell from the site, so there's always a reason to visit!

I'm planning my Spring Collection which will, of course, have a snazzy name and photo, as well as a religious collection for upcoming First Communion, Easter, and other events. Prepare to be dazzled!

Also, I will be adding a few designs for charitable events to my site. I am designing a set of jewelry which will be part of a Cruise giveaway for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. The tickets will offer a chance to win the cruise, a gift basket, or perhaps a great set of Dana Saylor Designs jewelry!

I am participating in the Whitesboro, NY Relay for Life in May on Team Presto Print. Myself and a few other team members are collaborating on some pink and purple ribbon designs whose proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society. Those will be unveiled on the site in the next few weeks, and you'll be able to shop online to bring HOPE to thousands of cancer victims and survivors!

Thanks for stopping by, and as always, feel free to drop me a line, refer a friend, or just browse and enjoy!