Interview by Storybeader of my Shop!

Interview by Storybeader

http://www.Storybeader.etsy.com

Friday, August 28, 2009

Thanks Deb for a great interview on my Shop and my jewelry!

Internet Artisan Interview - Magdalene Jewelry

Pam, from Magdalene Jewels, sells her jewelry on the Internet, in addition to filling custom orders and attending fairs. On Etsy, she's an active member of the Etsybloggers (where I first met her) and the Bbest (Boomers and Beyond) Team. She's also involved with Blockhead Radio and Plugger's United. Now don't get confused - Pam has TWO blogs: one ending with "pjk", the other ending with "blogs." I enjoy reading her blog posts because she's so passionate about what she writes about. Read more about Magdelene Jewels here:

• What's the name of your business/shop?
  

MagdaleneJewels

• Do you have a registered domain name and/or a blog?

My Blogs are:
http://www.MagdaleneJewelspjk.blogspot.com
http://www.MagdaleneJewelsblogs.blogspot.com

I also have some photos on Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/magdalenejewels/

And also have a shop on ArtFire: http://www.artfire.com/users/MagdaleneJewels

• What type of handmade products do you sell?

I primarily sell Jewelry in my shop, which consists of Necklaces, Bracelets, and Earrings – all of which I have designed and created myself. I primarily only use Swarovski Crystals for all my pieces. I recently added “personalized bracelets” to my shop, and so far I have done over 18 custom bracelets with the individuals’ names; and just received an order asking if I could make a “personalized” necklace to match one of the bracelets I had already made. During the winter months I also sell a few knitted and crocheted items in my shop, such as scarfs and neck warmers. In the Fall I plan on opening a new shop just for knitted and crochets items (stay tuned – there will lots of cute stuff!)

• Show us a piece you recently finished

I just listed these earrings this week –

• What are you working on right now? Any sketches?

Right now I am working on a bracelet which will be totally different from the items in my shop. It will be Antique copper with large gemstones which I covered with Antique filigree pieces to give them a Vintage look. This is a sample of some of the pieces which are almost ready to be assembled onto a Vintage chain.
[Here's the finished piece, a few weeks later, called Anais, named after the French writer]

• If you have a website or blog, what do you use for advertising? What do your avatars look like?

On Etsy it is hard to advertise except through Treasuries or listing your item in the Promotion or Team Forums. Since the blogs are linked through Google – any item listed on my blog is automatically listed on Google (search: MagdaleneJewels). I started selling on ArtFire about 2 months ago: what I like about ArtFire is that every item can be viewed through an internet search. They have a section called “STATS” which shows how many people have viewed your item and also how often it has been viewed from an outside source by showing the # of URL hits.

• If you have a website or blog, tell us about your favorite widget?

I just recently posted a widget call on my Blog: http://www.MagdaleneJewelspjk.blogspot.com “Baby Mia Giveaways” If you click on the widget – you will find a heartwarming story about Baby Mia, who at birth was given no chance of survival as she needed a heart transplant. Fortunately, on November 10th Mia received her “angel heart” from an organ donor, and has just recently celebrated her 1st birthday. They have a few fundraisers on their site. It truly is a miracle, and when I see her little face on my blog, I realize just how precious life is.

• Which online selling vendors do you use? What do you like best about each one?

One can find my jewelry on both Etsy and Artfire. Although I like both venues for selling purposes, I find they do differ in many ways. I very much like the format of Artfire and how my jewelry is set up. I think it is a cleaner look and easier for a shopper to browse through. I also like the "stats" which shows how many views you have, not only from those who go onto Artfire, but also those who browse my shop through Google or other online websites.

I have been selling on Etsy for exactly 2 years this Aug. I would love to see them be able to set up the shops in the same format as ArtFire. or give one a choice of how they would like to set up their shop. I notice just not from my shop but from others also, that people tend to just browse the first 2-3 pages (which you can tell by how many views there are), then assume the rest is all the same. In favor of Etsy compared with Artfire, one does not find the friendship that exists through the various teams that we have in the Forums. To me that is most important, although we promote our shops and a new listing, the caring that exists when one is going through something personal, or just wants to chat about the Yankee's, we are all very supportive of one another. I have made quite a few friends while here on Etsy, which to me is more important than any sales could compete with.

• Are you involved in social networking? What's your favorite and why? If you're not involved, you must have a good reason!

I can be found on Facebook – it is fun chatting with friends some new and some from my past. And love doing my many YouTube Videos.

• All of us can use a helpful business hint once a week. What's yours?

I tend to always put my jewelry projects last in my list of things to do. I recently was lucky enough to work on a project with Marion Barnett, and learned so much, one of which I will share will all of you. Commitment! I made a commitment to myself to complete at least one project a week of which I have kept to my promise.

• Do you have a "modus operandi" for computing the price of a handmade object? Tell us your formula?

When I first started I really didn’t know how to price my work. I asked a friend who owns a bead shop in Nyack NY – she said I was completely under pricing myself; that one should price according to materials, design and labor – each adding up to 1/3 of the total price. I do still tend to undercharge at times, I totally enjoy what I am doing and to me that is what is important – money comes second.

• We'd love to see your little corner of the world, where you create.

I create in my head, and my workspace is my bed, if I show some pictures that means I would have to clean my room first. Actually though I have organized shelves for all my different crafts; jewelry, quilting, knitting, crocheting etc.

• Where do you see your artwork in one year? Any plans in the works?

My goals are to learn new techniques in beading and designing. As I mentioned earlier, I am planning on opening another shop in the Fall in which I will be selling knitted and crocheted items.

• OK, the storybeader's turn to pick a favorite!

I especially love Pam's crystal necklaces. Even though I like the look of multi-strand necklaces, like her Marley necklace, I think my favorite is called Nightingale. I always assumed crystal jewelry meant bright colors, but this 17" necklace is just beautiful with the use of black, gray and white.

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7 comments:

MagdaleneJewels said...

Thank you Deb for doing such a nice interview about my work, shop and myself.
I know all the work you put into these interviews, besides trying to make all your beautiful pieces of jewelry; so it is very much appreciated and from the heart ;)
hugs Mags

August 28, 2009 8:27 AM

Rose Works Jewelry said...

She has such wonderful work :)

August 28, 2009 10:42 AM

Julie G. said...

Beautiful work, great interview. Pam is a wonderful person and helped me a lot when I was a newbie on etsy. Thanks for 'highlighting' her and her work. Julie

August 28, 2009 10:57 AM

Marion said...

I always get the nicest compliments on the bracelet that Pam made for me. Nice interview!

August 28, 2009 2:35 PM

BeadedTail said...

I enjoyed learning more about Pam in this wonderful feature! Her work is so beautiful!

August 28, 2009 5:28 PM

Nancy said...

Cute jewelry artist! It's cool that she makes so many videos. It was your little turtle in my screen shot- thanks!!

August 29, 2009 5:37 PM

memoriesforlifescrapbooks said...

Great feature...her work is beautiful!

August 31, 2009 9:51 AM

Splendid Little Stars said...

What a great feature on Pam!

September 1, 2009 3:47 PM

A Keeper's Jackpot said...

I can't wait to see what she makes w/ that antique copper in her bracelet!

September 1, 2009 10:36 PM

Judy Nolan said...

Great post on Pam, nicely balanced with lovely illustrations!

September 3, 2009 10:56 AM

Kelly's Quilt

I took the liberty of copying this blog from my friend Marion's blog, this is just one of her many beautiful quilts that I have seen her make over the years. I also attached a second blog Marion did regarding a custom order quilt she did for a woman who rescues Greyhounds. Her shop on Etsy is: http://www.mademarion@etsy.com Marion's other website is http://www.mademarion.com; and her blog is: http://www.mademarion.com/blog/

My good friend of many years just recently gave a baby shower for her daughter Kelly. Kelly’s first baby is due in October. I met Pam when Kelly was a year old and my daughter Sarah was a newborn and we lived in the same apartment building. It is hard to believe Pam’s baby is having a baby!

I wanted to make Pam’s first grandchild a special quilt. Knowing that the new baby will be a boy, I chose to make a string quilt in a combination of blues and greens.

I have made string quilts before from scraps and was very pleased with the results. This time however, I used a soft blue foundation block and used fat quarters of greens and blues. For the quilting I did “stitch in the ditch”. I plan to start another string quilt in my other favorite color combination of pinks and yellows.

Pam and I are avid crafters and have collaborated on many projects from knitting and crocheting to quilting and beading. Please take a look at her beautiful jewelry in her etsy shop.

ps: My daughter Kelly loved this Quilt that Marion not only made for her baby, but on the back embroidered the baby's name, Zachary

Greyhound Rescue and Rehab is a non-profit organization that rescues, fosters and prepares ex-racing greyhounds for adoption. Since May 2000 they have placed over 700 Greys with loving families. GRR’s site describes Greyhounds as “quiet, well-mannered, loving and sensitive.” My friend Lorraine, an owner of two Greys and an active member of this organization, asked if I would make a quilted wall-hanging that she could donate to their most recent fundraiser. She gave me several tee-shirts with various graphics of Greyhounds on them to work with. I then made two wall-hanging quilts that were added to their silent auction.

Greyhound Rescue and Rehab is a non-profit organization that rescues, fosters and prepares ex-racing greyhounds for adoption. Since May 2000 they have placed over 700 Greys with loving families. GRR’s site describes Greyhounds as “quiet, well-mannered, loving and sensitive.” My friend Lorraine, an owner of two Greys and an active member of this organization, asked if I would make a quilted wall-hanging that she could donate to their most recent fundraiser. She gave me several tee-shirts with various graphics of Greyhounds on them to work with. I then made two wall-hanging quilts that were added to their silent auction.

I made both quilt tops with mainly fat quarters and scraps that I already had. In the larger wall-hanging I used colors that Greyhounds come in. GRR’s site states that Greys “come in a wide array of colors with 18 recognized variations.”

Meet Dexter!

"All things must past....all things must pass away" ... George Harrison

DEXTER

Dexter with his little sisters (age 3 weeks) one of which is "Naila" brought by my friend's daughter

Well as much as we grieve, "all things do pass" and it is patience with a little help from our Guardian angels that help us along. As sadden as were the other day when Jada passed away so suddenly. The next morning I called the Vet and asked if they were willing to replace Ryan's kitten, since it was a "show cat" and quite expensive and just 6 months old. I told them that we just wanted to put everything in the past and put closure to this whole event and not take any legal action, etc. Without question they immediately said they would pay for everything - the surgery, cremation and the send him the full amount he paid for Jada. Since Ryan had been in contact with the breeder since this happened, and she was so upset since she never heard of any animal passing away while getting spayed, she was glad that the Vet paid for Ryan to get a new kitten. Coincidentally, he is the little brother of the kitten my friend's daughter bought after meeting Jada. Their mother's name is "Mary Christmas". So at 7am Ryan is already on his way to pick up his new little kitten, Dexter - it is about a 2 hour drive from here, so I am sure he can't wait to get his new little Dexter, although it will not replace the love he had for Jada; it will help heal the grieve and sadness we were all feeling.

Jada - an little angel

JADA Feb 2009 - July 29, 2009

By coincidence I did my Wednesday Blog today with Jada showing off her new "coach" collar. http://magdalenejewelsblogs.blogspot.com/2009/07/wordless-wednesday_29.html Today my son Ryan (Reso) bought Jada who was just 6 months and a wee little 5 lbs. to the Vet to be spayed. About two hours later he got a call at work that Jada has passed away. I immediately met my son at the Vet since he was so upset and as wee viewed Jada for the last time, the tears starting flowing. Unbelievably the Vet had no answer as to what happened. I immediately asked for all the reports - and it just indicates that she started turning blue, they gave her oxygen, and tried CPR but couldn't revive her. The Vet could give us no answers as to what happened. We explained that this is a show cat and well-bred and was in perfect condition when my son brought her in this morning. So sadly today's picture on my other blog was the last one of Jada. The breeder said she never heard of such a thing and this has never happened to any of her cats. She also offered to give Ryan one of her prize show cats, that is still a kitten, and that she was keeping to show; but since she looks so much like Jada, she wants him to have her. We are all very sadden by this sudden death of our little kitty, Jada. So now she has her little angels wings, and is looking at us from above.

Thursday's Child Has Far to Go

Baby "X" Wolfe - Full of Grace















Kelly Baker Wolfe (1 day) Tuesday's Child






Although Thursday's Child has Far to Go!

My daughter's baby which will be Oct 3, 2009 (has far to go!) but looked it up and She/He (hoping for a she) will be a Sunday's Child who is Full of Grace! Coincidentally, my daughter was born Nov 27, 1979, on a Tuesday - which according to the Children's rhyme: Tuesday Child is Full of Grace!

RESO

As my daughter mentioned to me last night – “The Steam Engine” closed a few weeks ago. Has it really been that long since I have written on my blog? Well, at least I have been up-to-date with my Carnival Blogs: http://www.MagdaleneJewelsblogs.blogspot.com.
Something I should have done a few weeks ago, introduced a new artist to our Etsy community: Reso914 (http://www.Reso914.etsy.com). Oh, did I also mention that he was one of my son’s?
For as long as I can remember Ryan (Reso) has always had an interest in drawing. I remember Parent’s night (oh how can we ever forget those experiences); Ryan was in Kindergarten, and outside the classroom each child had drawn a picture of their house. Everyone's work along the wall had a cute little square house, with a triangle roof, flowers (I think) in front, with a Mommy or Daddy standing outside. Then comes Ryan’s house – although perfectly symmetrical in the way of lines the house was perfectly drawn, but it was the inside that caught everyone’s attention. A continual circle of various colors – perfect for a color chart – but the circle circumferenced the whole house. A psychedelic tribute to his family. The teacher found it a bit different to say the least! Of course I was such a proud mother to see his artistic ability of how he views the world at such an early age. Yes, I still have that picture!
Not your conventional artist as you can imagine, as he views himself as a “graffiti artist” or “street artist”. His work and sense of colors is well known! He has also taken up drawing tattoo designs and doing some tattoo’s himself. And now I would like to introduce you to a small portion of Reso’s art.

The Steam Engine

For those of you who may have thought I have been missing in action; this is a little update on what I have been doing the past month (and one more weekend to go!!!) As most of you know, besides my shop on Etsy, MagdaleneJewels.etsy.com, I also have belonged to a local theater group for the past 8 years. Although I have acted in a few of their shows, I am primarily their Costume and Makeup Designer; which seems to follow a family tradition. My mother started out as their Costume Designer then went into acting during the 1950’s; my daughter joined about 9 years ago (acting, directing, stage manager), so I guess it was only natural that I follow their paths.
I must admit that this play was one of the most enjoyable, in the way of doing costumes, as I love anything Vintage and Antique. I went to Vintage Clothing Shows in Manhattan and was able to get a few things there, bought a few things online, and then sewed my little fingers off for the rest. The picture of the young girl with the dark glasses (who is blind) is actually wearing a blouse and skirt of mine from the 30’s and my driving glasses (obviously not from the 30’s!).
The play takes place in a Radio Station in 1934, during the time of the Chicago World’s Fair, whose theme was “Century of Progress”. A young inventor (the young man in the sweater) invents a steam engine which works on water, which he hopes to patent and show at the World’s Fair. Of course, Corporate Greed takes over as people attempt to steal his blue prints, or pressure him into selling his ideas. Above a just a few of the scene from our show.
The very top picture is one of our "Production Crew" (I am the one sitting on the desk!) - the other pictures show a Radio Station of 1934; and a few of the actors in their particular scenes.

Dedication to Juelez (our Kitty!)

Juelez 3 mo old

Juelez sitting inside the Christmas Tree

This morning was not one of our best here in the Baker household; we had to put out cat to sleep. Named "Juelez Santana" (a rapper), we called her "Kitty". Sadly she wasn't even 5 yrs old yet. Last year she was diagnosed with enlarged kidney's. The vet had said she would live a few years, but not the full life of a cat. Never did we expect it to be less than a year after being diagnosed. The past two weeks have been heartbreaking, as anyone who has a sick pet will know; just watching her fail day by day. The past 3 days she stopped eating and drinking, and just laid wrapped up in a blanket. I think at this point she was down to about 2 lbs. When I woke up this morning, knowing what we would evently have to do, we knew it was time. We held her with tears streaming down out faces as they gave her an injection to euthanize her. Thanks for the words of support in the threads this week. For anyone who has gone through this, you understand how these little creatures worm their way into your hearts and become one of the family. Juelez will definitely be missed, her little friend, our other kitty, who is almost 3, has been looking around for her, and is already missing her playmate. Thought I would share a few of our favorite pics of Kitty!