Support Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness With AJDJSS

Sadly, most everyone has known someone who's been diagnosed with breast cancer or who's been a victim of domestic violence. Even if you don't, there's no denying that we all need to come together in a show of support.

Throughout October, the Artfire Jewelry Design Jewelry Supply Shop Guild will be participating in a promotion to benefit Breast Cancer/Domestic Violence Awareness. Many guild members are offering special discounts, free shipping and other specials to help raise money for these very worthy causes.

In my studio, I'm offering 30% off any item containing the colors pink (breast cancer) or purple (domestic violence)--that includes all shades of both colors, and there are many to choose from. Just two examples are shown here. In addition, 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the pink pearl and Swarovski two-strand will given to this cause, as well as 20% of all additional pink/purple sales.

Also, add some color and excitement to your day by checking out special offerings from other Guild members. Take a look at all the participating shops and specific items at: http://ajdjssguildevents.blogspot.com/. You can also make cash donations via Paypal directly from the AJDJSS blog. It's so easy...and so important. Visit my studio at: suzannestevens.artfire.com. If you purchase one of the special items, I will send you an updated invoice/cost, so please wait for that update before you pay! :)

My sister-in-law is and mother-in-law were both breast cancer survivors; unfortunately, I can personally testify to the dangers and horrors of domestic violence. It takes courage and strength to fight these battles, and all who fight them deserve our prayers and support.

Don't wait--get involved. You (and so many others) will be glad you did!

Sugabeads: Creative Jewlery, Quality Supplies, Really Cool Gal!

A bit ago, I promised a feature on Sugabeads, another Artfire seller, talented jewelry maker, jewelry supply seller and cool friend. Well...a few minor emergencies later and I'm here to fulfill that promise.

I've known Jaclyn for several years. We first 'met' on an eBay jewelry group. She later began a group of her own and, for awhile, I was a moderator for that group. Tranquil Beading Oasis is on hiatus at the moment, but Jaclyn has kept putting her creative talents, and her knack for choosing the highest quality, best jewelry findings and other supplies, to work on her Artfire studio. Named, of course, Sugabeads. So...without further adieu (and be sure to take advantage of her great offer to readers of my blog), heeeeere's Jaclyn!

********************************************************

Sugabeads (sugabeads.artfire.com), aka Jaclyn is just a small town gal who watches far too much TV, has a huge love for any critter, enjoys history, genealogy and yes, BEADS.

I didn't grow up creating but in my late 20's I wanted to look into beading. Because of the small town I lived in there were no beads available (that was back when the dinosaurs roamed and the internet was just for Al Gore). When the net arrived it opened up alot of great opportunities! BEADS everywhere!

I always dreamt of having something I could call my own. A bead business seemed perfect! Not only did it offer up lovely items to the other beaders of the world but I could borrow an item or two for my own creations as well. Although I do enjoy creating jewelry, selling beads is my main focus.

Selling supplies has its own challenges just like selling jewels. It is hard work, alot of spare time spent listing and preparing photos (I refuse to use stock photos!). There is ALOT of competition out there. High fees to pay for selling low cost items, promoting enough so buyers can find you in this vast sea of supplies and all the little details that go along with any small business.

One of the things I hope makes Sugabeads stand out is a friendly, old fashioned way of serving the public. I like to treat folks as I would like to be treated when I'm a customer.

I'm still working on growing and expanding. It's a challenge when life has other ideas. Like what's for supper, uh-oh time to go to work or OMG look at the DUST on the furniture!!! ;)

And although I won't be retiring to Balmoral Castle (ah yes, Summer there but Winter in Hawaii!) anytime soon I enjoy what I do and will keep on working to have more to offer my customers.

Speaking of offers!!! I'd like to offer Suzanne's present followers FREE shipping on their first order at ARTFIRE (Artfire only please) that is over $20 dollars. Just use the code SUZANNESBLOG at checkout and orders over 20 will have FREE shipping! This offer is good from til

Thank you so much for this feature in your blog Suzanne!! You are just the sweetest lady ever!

*********************************************************

Be sure to check out Jaclyn's studio on Artfire, THE online site for unique, handmade gifts, at: sugabeads.artfire.com--and take advantage of her great offer!

Talented Liberty Doll, AJDJSS' Studio of the Week

From clothing, to paper crafts, to beads and jewelry, Liberty Doll is one multi-talented artisan!

Also known as Marissa, Liberty Doll uses her fabric magic to create cloth covered composition books, doll clothing, kids clothing and many other creations you won't find elsewhere. She's also talented creating unique and beautiful beaded jewelry--and even makes beads herself (check out the photos). On top of all that, she finds the time to design ione-of-a-kind banners for other artisans.

Visit Marissa's studio at: http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=97395. A simply brilliant place to find the perfect gift for the hardest-to-shop-for person on your list or...for yourself!

Note: Through September 7, Liberty Doll is offering free worldwide shipping for orders totaling $10 or more from her studio. Now's the time to get a jump on those holiday purchases!

Be Sure to Cast Your Vote for "In the Garden"

Sometimes, voting just sounds like an activity designed to have us choose between the devil and the deep blue sea, as they say. Not so over at Artfire, where casting your vote can be fun!

The Artfire Chainmaille Guild, The Artfire Jewelry Artisan Guild, and The Artfire Jewelry Design and Jewelry Supply Shop Guild Presents the vote for the entry that you feel is the best representation of the theme "In the Garden"--

Help us out by voting: http://artfireguildchallenge.blogspot.com/

I've already voted and, let me tell you, it wasn't easy! Artfire artisans are, simply put, a wealth of talented people and choosing just one entry was as difficult as choosing between key lime pie or strawberry cheesecake for dessert. Sadly, you CAN eat both desserts, but can only vote for ONE entry.

So take a few minutes and enjoy a stroll in a very creative, very artistic garden.

And to all the artists involved: Well Done!

Visit Almondtree Studio for A Huge Selection of Artistic Gems

The Artfire Jewelry Designers and Jewelry Supplies Shops Guild Studio of the Week is Almondtree http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=521&op=new&body=1.

Here you'll find a tempting array of glass and wire pendants, beautiful handmade earrings and other jewels, beautiful watercolors, fun and eclectic jewelry supplies and other fun and fabulous items!

So...stop by and have a look. You're certain to find something you simply can't live without!

AJDJSS Guild Studio of the Week--Rouge River Beads

If you're looking for a great selection of beading supplies, including glass and gemstone beads, findings (clasps, headpins, beadcaps and many others), then head over to Rouge River Beads, this week's Artfire Jewelry Designers & Jewelry Supplies Sellers Guild's 'Studio of the Week'.

I know I'm having serious thoughts about both the examples above...I just have to tell myself that there's always room for 'a few more' supplies. Although...my husband would probably disagree. But, hey, what does HE know??? (Love you, honey! !)

To check out the dozens of offerings from Rouge River Beads just click here: http://rougeriverbeads.artfire.com/

And don't forget to enter the AJDJSS July 'Rock Green' giveaway. Just visit the Guild's blog and post a comment by clicking here: http://ajdjss.blogspot.com/. You could win some fabulous handmade jewelry prizes!

Have a great day!

AJDJSS "Rock Green" Giveaway!

Green with envy...Green, green grass of home... Green cheese....Wearin' O' the Green...Jack o' the Green..It's Not Easy Being Green...Greenbacks (and who doesn't want some?)...Little Green Bag (if you're old enough to remember that goofy song...)...Greenpeace...Alan Greenspan.

O.K., I'll stop. Let's face it, green has been, and probably always will be, part of everyone's life. Here's a chance to make it a fun part of your life!

The Artfire Jewelry Designers and Jewelry Supply Sellers Guild is having a "Rock Green" giveaway this month!

Nine members of the guild have each generously donated a beautiful prize for "Rock Green" winners. If you want a chance to win, you can enter just by posting a comment to the AJDJSS blog: http://Artfirejewelrydesignjewelrysupplyshop.blogspot.com

How easy is that?

Not only will you be entered in the contest, but you'll also learn more about this group of talented artisans and the people who make their creations possible!