Adornments by BJ

WHAT WOMEN REALLY WANT!

2011-04-12T20:46:00.000-07:00

Jewelry! On a recent talk show, I heard the hostess ask a celebrity what she thought women would most prefer for a gift. Her answer: Jewelry.

Think about it. Jewelry, especially one-of-a-kind, handcrafted Artisan Jewelry, gives her something that brings admiration and attention her way. A beautiful, unique necklace and earrings set can exemplify her personality and style. Wearing something that no one else has can also create a sense of beauty which tends to make a woman exhibit self-esteem.

OK. The best part of giving jewelry as a gift are the hugs, kisses and the fact that you will be remembered fondly as the gift giver.

Mothers Day is coming up soon and of course, her birthday, an anniversary or just to say 'I Love You' is reason enough to start shopping now for what she really wants: JEWELRY!

Shop at one of my online shops: www.rubylane.com/shops/bjadornments and http://www.adornmentsbybj.artfire.com/ . I'm certain you will find that perfect necklace and earrings set for your special woman or women at one of my shops.

Happy Shopping!

BJ of Adornments by BJ

Gift Ideas for a Very Special Woman ~ Your Mom!

2011-03-28T17:11:00.000-07:00

MOTHER'S DAY

May 8, 2011

This is a very special day. One in which you are given the opportunity to tell Mom how much you love her. It's a perfect day to give her something special ~ something one-of-a-kind, very personal and just for her. Your expression of your love. What am I talking about? Quality handcrafted, one-of-a-kind, necklace and earrings sets. I have a wonderful variety of styles, colors, and materials to choose from. Does she like gemstones ~ I have those. Does she prefer pearls ~ I have those. Maybe she has a preference for Swarovski crystals ~ I have those! Oodles of styles to choose from. Some classic, some trendy, some funky, some traditional and some just plain fun! Check out my shops for that perfect, personalized gift. One that keeps on giving and one that will remind her of you every time she wears it!

My shops are: rubylane.com/shops/bjadornments, AdornmentsbyBJ.artfire.com.

~~ BJ Rounds ~ ~

Proprietor of Adornments by BJ

Special Occasions on the Horizon

2010-03-12T07:23:00.000-08:00

As we embark on a yearly quest for gift ideas, consider the following holidays and special occasions and how a beautiful, handcrafted, one-of-a-kind necklace and earrings set would be the perfect present ~ it's a 'no brainer! (at least for the women in your life). Women love to express their individuality and exquisite taste and style:

Easter
Mother's Day
Prom
Graduation
Weddings
Birthdays
Anniversaries

Adornments by BJ, my shop name on both Ruby Lane (rubylane.com/shops/bjadornments)and Artfire (AdornmentsbyBJ.artfire.com) have what you are looking for. Displaying a diverse collection of styles, colors, sizes and uniqueness, you will be sure to find that perfect gift without having to leave the house! You won't find these necklace sets in any 'big box' stores and I assure quality materials, including a large variety of gemstones, crystals (mostly Swarovski), pearls (both freshwater and cultured), glass (both beads and specialty pendants), wood, shells, satin and braided cord for Chinese Knotting and sterling silver and gold-filled beads, pendants and findings to enhance my creations. All designed and quality handcrafted by me, BJ. I can even custom design a necklace set using your suggestions.

So no matter what the occasion, come visit one or both of my shops and select something special for that special someone. Something that always will remind them of you.

Oh! Don't forget to treat yourself to an original piece of wearable art. You work hard and deserve to add unique necklace sets to your jewelry collection

VALENTINES DAY ~ THE PERFECT TIME TO EXPRESS YOUR LOVE WITH ONE-OF-A-KIND JEWELRY

2010-01-14T22:30:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is that special day when you express your love for the woman or women in your life. Nothing says it better than jewelry! Women love jewelry!

I have a diverse selection of necklace sets ~ all one of a kind. Your wife, girlfriend, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, daughter, will love you for it! Having a unique, one-of-a-kind, artisan handcrafted necklace and earrings set that no one else has is telling them they are extra special in your eyes.

Take a look at my 150+ listings in my shop at rubylane.com/shops/bjadornments. I am offering Free Shipping for US customers as well as a 'Make an Offer' option. I design and create necklace and earrings sets using quality materials made from Gemstones, Swarovski crystals, Pearls, Wood, Sterling Silver, etc. in a multitude of styles, lengths, shapes, and colors. My shipping is quick, my prices competitive and I give each piece TLC.

So don't procrastinate! Check out my shop now and put a smile on your women's faces with jewelry as a gift!

BJ

GIVE THE GIFT THAT WILL MAKE HER THE HAPPIEST!

2009-11-02T08:25:00.000-08:00

What better gift for the women in your life than a beautiful, handcrafted, one-of-a-kind jewelry set (necklace and earrings).

My shops: http://rubylane.com/shops/bjadornments, http://AdornmentsbyBJ.Artfire.com contain a very diversified selection of necklace and earrings sets in a variety of materials: Gemstones, Swarovski Crystal, Wood, Pearls, Sterling Silver Beads, Pendants and Findings, Gold-Filled Beads and Findings, Satin Cord, lead/nickel free Copper and Bronze, Glass, Shells, and even some Fossils and Vintage. There are princess lengths, chokers, long lengths, with pendants or without, a full spectrum of colors and styles. I also have a number of Bridal Sets that add a lot of brilliance and, of course the traditional pearls.

Get your holiday shopping done online! Right now I am running a Holiday Sale. All my necklace/earrings sets over $50 originally are on sale at 25% off ~ plus free USA shipping! (Sale prices are already listed with each item.)

Make that special woman in your life ~ wife, mother, sister, girlfriend, aunt, grandmother, or someone you'd like to be closer to, happy and surprised at such a personal and appreciated gift. Every time they wear the jewelry you gave them they will think of you. One of those gifts that keep on giving!

My Very Best Wishes for a Happy Holiday Season

Adornments by BJ

Halloween Necklace and Earrings Sets

2009-10-17T13:02:00.001-07:00

Want to Glitter and Gleam at Halloween?

Then you need to check out these two necklace and earrings sets in predominately orange and black to bring out the fun of dressing up for Halloween parties!

Check them out on my Ruby Lane shop http://rubylane.com/shops/bjadornments and while you are there, cruise through my many other necklace and earrings sets ~ you might just find something for those special women in your life!

Have a Happy Halloween!

BJ

JINGLE! JINGLE! JINGLE! THE BELLS ARE REMINDING US TO START OUR SHOPPING!

2009-10-06T20:09:00.000-07:00

Oh yes ~ the department stores are all alit with Christmas decorations, gifts to give, and hoping that maybe this year they will have profits to share. Well, if you are lucky, you can find something perfect for your friends and loved ones in those big box stores.

But if you want something extra special and one-of-a-kind for your Mom, Wife, Sister or Girlfriend, you need to go to my shop where I feature a wide variety of Artisan Jewelry in all kinds of styles, colors and materials. All of my designs are handcrafted and created with wonderful gemstones, pearls, Swarovski crystals, wood, shells, glass , sterling silver and gold-filled embellishments, and even Chinese knotted satin and braided cord. My specialty is necklace and earrings sets.

The women in your life will be astonished that you picked out a jewelry set that no one else will have. That in itself speaks volumes about how special they are to you.

Get your shopping done early for the ladies and do it online from the comfort of your home where maybe you can actually enjoy the Christmas season without standing in lines. Just google my name: Adornments by BJ, and check out my shops on Ruby Lane and Artfire.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season,

Adornments by BJ

The Amazing 'BeadsforLife' Program

2009-07-05T05:22:00.000-07:00

'BeadforLife'
'Eradicating Poverty One Bead at a Time'

I inquired about a necklace my youngest daughter was wearing ~ it was so unique yet vibrant in color and style. She rarely wears anything in jewelry except a small chain with a cross charm. She told me she bought it from a co-worker who has many jewelry pieces, as well as beads, that she bought in quantity from an organization called 'BeadforLife'. Her description prompted me to look it up on the internet. I was so excited about this discovery, that I purchased some beads from them ~ a potpourri of shapes, colors and sizes. Why is this any different than other purchases I had made? Let me go into more detail:

'BeadforLife' ~ Eradicating Poverty One Bead at a Time' is a program developed to help Ugandan women earn enough money to help support their families. "BeadforLife provides impoverished Ugandan women an opportunity to lift their families out of poverty by making beaded jewelry out of recycled paper. Many of the beaders are HIV+ mothers or refugees, all of whom are living in extreme poverty. Inspite of their hardship, the beaders are resilient, hardworking and resourceful.

Around the world, people partner with the beaders to sell beads and educate others on ways to end extreme poverty. This circle of connection enriches everyone involved." All net proceeds are invested in programs to fight poverty in the areas of health, housing, sustainable livelihood and education.

This information came in the form of a folded small card enclosed with my first order of beads. My immediate thought was that this is the way it should be ~ people helping others to help themselves. Not just pouring money into the governments whose citizenry struggle to provide even food for their families ~ these people rarely see any assistance from their government. Training people to create their own form of income, whether it be growing crops or creating beads, does much more ~ it gives them pride and that sense of accomplishment that becomes contagious with others around them. I felt blessed to be able to help these Ugandan women through purchasing their wonderful paper beads. I don't sell supplies, but I do make jewelry and will continue to create necklace and earrings sets utilizing these wonderful beads as much as possible. What I earn will be spent on further purchases from BeadforLife. Incidentally ~ you can help too. These Ugandan women have created beautiful jewelry which you can purchase directly from them. Their website is www.BeadforLife.org.

This photo is of a necklace and earrings set that I recently created using the paper beads from this wonderful organization.

Mother's Day ~ May 10! In a Quandry as to What to Give?

2009-04-24T07:52:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day

This is a very special day. One in which you are given the opportunity to tell Mom how much you love her.

It's a perfect day to give her something special ~ something one-of-a-kind, very personal and just for her. Your expression of your love. What am I talking about? Quality handcrafted, one-of-a-kind, necklace and earrings sets. I have a wonderful variety of styles, colors, and materials to choose from. Does she like gemstones ~ I have those. Does she prefer pearls ~ I have those. Maybe she has a preference for Swarovski crystals ~ I have those! Oodles of styles to choose from. Some classic, some trendy, some funky, some traditional and some just plain fun!

Check out my shops for that perfect, personalized gift. One that keeps on giving and one that will remind her of you every time she wears it!

My shops are: rubylane.com/shops/bjadornments, AdornmentsbyBJ.artfire.com, and 1000markets.com/users/3608

LOVE YOUR MOM DAY ~ MAY 10th

Yes, the Economy is Bad! Just Be More Selective in Your Gifts

2009-03-20T07:33:00.000-07:00

I and other Artisan Jewelers are well aware of the fact that in this time of a 'down in the dumps' economy that there isn't enough money to spend on what are considered luxury items. But we also realize that you don't want to forget that loved one on a special occasion. For the woman (or women) in your life ~ your Mother (Mother's Day), your wife (an anniversary), or birthdays, a special one-of-a-kind gift that expresses how much you love them would go a long way in lifting their spirits and feeling your love. Jewelry is a gift that is meant just for her ~ not a toaster or other household appliance! So be more selective and you can't miss. You can purchase just one special jewelry piece instead of buying a number of meaningless gifts that may even add up to be more than one necklace and earrings set. In reaction to the economy slump, I have lowered prices on most of my jewelry sets. You can also contact me to make an offer that is lower than what is listed.

Check out my shops for a variety of necklace and earrings sets:
rubylane.com/shops/bjadornments
AdornmentsbyBJ.Artfire.com
1000markets.com.users/3608

JEWELRY ~ The Perfect Gift for Valentines Day

2009-01-17T07:27:00.000-08:00

VALENTINES DAY IS FAST APPROACHING ~ JEWELRY IS THE PERFECT GIFT FOR THE WOMEN IN YOUR LIFE!

Valentine's Day is that special day when you express your love for the woman or women in your life. Nothing says it better than jewelry! I specialize in necklace and earrings sets.

I have a diverse selection of necklace sets ~ all one of a kind. Your wife, girlfriend, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, daughter, will love you for it! Having a unique, one-of-a-kind, artisan handcrafted necklace and earrings set that no one else has is telling them they are extra special in your eyes.

Take a look at my 200+ listings in my shop at rubylane.com/shops.bjadornments. Most of my jewelry is 20% off right now. You can select from necklace sets that have Gemstones, Swarovski crystals, Pearls, Wood, Sterling Silver, etc. in a multitude of styles, lengths, shapes, and colors. My shipping is quick, my prices competitive and I give each piece TLC.

So don't procrastinate! Check out my shop now and put a smile on your woman's face with jewelry as a gift!

BJ

Australia sets an example the U.S. should follow!

2007-06-05T22:00:00.000-07:00

HOORAY FOR AUSTRALIA ! OUR "REPRESENTATIVES" IN WASHINGTON SHOULD TAKE A HARD LOOK AND LEARN A LESSON BEFORE WE DON'T HAVE A COUNTRY ANYMORE!

Excerpts from an on-going debate in Australia .Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia, as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks. A day after a group of mainstream Muslim leaders pledged loyalty to Australia and her Queen at a special meeting with Prime Minister John Howard, he and his Ministers made it clear that extremists would face a crackdown. Treasurer Peter Costello, seen as heir apparent to Howard, hinted that some radical clerics could be asked to leave the country if they did not accept that Australia was a secular state, and its laws were made by parliament. "If those are not your values, if you want a country which has Sharia law or a theocratic state, then Australia is not for you," he said on National Television. "I'd be saying to clerics who are teaching that there are two laws governing people in Australia : one, the Australian law, and another, Islamic law, that is false. If you can't agree with parliamentary law, independent courts, democracy, and would prefer Sharia law and have the opportunity to go to another country, which practices it, perhaps, then, that's a better option," Costello said. Asked whether he meant radical clerics would be forced to leave, he said those with dual citizenship could possibly be asked to move to the other country. Education Minister Brendan Nelson later told reporters that Muslims who did not want to accept local values should "clear off ." "Basically, people who don't want to be Australians, and who don't want to live by Australian values and understand them, well then, they can basically clear off," he said. Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques. Quote: "IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians." "However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the 'politically correct' crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others. I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to Australia . However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, >>and apparently some born here, need to understand. This idea of Australia being a multi-cultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. And as Australians, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle." "This culture >>has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom" "We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society ... Learn the language!" "Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture." "We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us." "If the Southern Cross offends you, or you don't like "A Fair Go", then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. By all means, keep your culture, but do not force it on others. "This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'." "If you aren't happy here, then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted."

Maybe if we circulate this amongst ourselves, American citizens will find the backbone to start speaking and voicing the same truths ! SPEAK UP FOR YOUR COUNTRY Before it's too late!

New Etsy Team!

2007-05-14T07:14:00.000-07:00

There is anew Etsy Team called JET - for Jewelry on Etsy Team. We are a gung-ho group and hope to be very active there and on MySpace, Flickr, etc. Here is the Banner:

My Vision and My Dilemma

2007-04-02T19:32:00.001-07:00

Dilemma - "A predicament that apparently defies a satisfactory solution" ~ that's from Webster's Dictionary. It applies to the plight that we Jewelry Artisans have in promoting and selling our jewelry. There are literally thousands (maybe millions) of jewelry crafters who want the same thing. I don't have an answer but to try and get out there ~ get noticed ~ and maybe ~ just maybe share my creations with someone willing to pay for exquisite, handcrafted one-of-a-kind, unique jewelry! I only hope to please someone ~ make them happy with their choices and at the same time support my obsession for creating jewelry. Like most of us, I don't have an advertising budget; so I post on numerous sites and their groups, I hand out my business cards anywhere and everywhere I can and hope for the best.
Will sales pick up? Soon, I hope. That is both my wish and my dilemma. How can I continue to support this passion of mine without the income necessary to continue producing quality jewelry? Many a wise person has said that you have to make things happen in order to succeed. Well, I ask myself, what can I do next to ‘make things happen’.
Why am I writing this blog? I don't know ~ just call it venting that feeling of helplessness. Maybe one of you wants to vent as well. Go for it ! I'll listen and respond if necessary.
Maybe you can visit my shop and I'll visit yours. Let me know what you think. Be Honest! I will.

Slow down? Stop creating? Can't do it!

2007-03-19T19:11:00.000-07:00

My husband recently told me to stop creating new jewelry pieces. Why? Because I have too much inventory and not selling them means I'm losing money. Savvy? But how can one who is obsessed with the creative part of jewelry making just 'stop'? I can't! It would really help if all this promoting I have been doing would create some sales. That's his other complaint ~ I'm on the computer too much! Indeed I am ~ on every website, blog site, photo site I know of. I'm finding it difficult to keep up. Then at Etsy we are advised to post a new listing at least 2x a week, which means create more or recycle older listings. Back to the core dilemna ~ my passion in jewelry creation!

Help me reduce my inventory. Hopefully, those who might read this blog will check out my jewelry shop at www.adornmentsbybj.etsy.com and discover that unique piece of jewelry that you would love to have!

If you convo me on the Etsy site, mention #2564437 and I will give you 15% off your purchase of any item in my shop.

Thank you, BJ

Creativity at Work

2007-03-18T20:16:00.000-07:00

I have four recent jewelry creations that I would like to share with you. They are for sale, as well as the other 110 jewelry sets on my Etsy shop: www.adornmentsbybj.etsy.com. My shop contains all unique, handcrafted, one-of-a-kind jewelry sets (necklace and earrings-sometimes a bracelet). The variety is extensive to fit your style, your special occasion or just to lift your spirits!