Our Necklace is Heading to HOLLYWOOD!

O.K. – HUGE News from Roz Petalz Studio!

Costume Designer, Julie Rhine, from the DISNEY CHANNEL show, WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE purchased a necklace from my Etsy Shop recently!



Watch for an upcoming episode where, Harper (actress, Jennifer Stone) wears my “Patriotic Stars & Stripes” Necklace!

This is a very exciting turn of events & the whole family is very excited!

We will keep you posted with any updates & possible air times of the episode, etc.


Kathy
Roz Petalz Studio

PCC International Teaching Index!!!

I have officially been added to the Polymer Clay Central International Teaching Index!

Check it out...

http://www.polymerclaycentral.com/teacherindex.html


If you live in the Connecticut area and are interested in lessons, please contact me!
kmbms@sbcglobal.net

:)


Kathy

100 Sales!

Well, it finally happened!Roz Petalz Studio has reached 100 sales!!!

When I first started on Etsy 5 years ago & under a different user name, I had little luck. I was a "newbie" & didn't have a clue!!!
Since then, I have changed my name to reflect my product. This advice was given to me by many, includung the folks here at Etsy.

I renew renew renew my listings to stay at the top of the heap.

I visited the Virtual Labs & have gotten tons of tips from everything from Photography to this little gem...Etsy Search Merchandising.

http://www.etsy.com/storque/search/title/merchandising/
I check this every month for upcoming color trends and most of all TAGS!I have noticed a huge jump in sales since doing so.

As much as I hated the change, I think the new Treasury has helped sales as well. Views and sales go up after a feature in someone's treasury & I have been trying to make some more regularly myself.

I frequently search Alchemy for requests I can bid on

http://www.etsy.com/alchemy/?ref=fp_nav_alchemy

Not only does this help sales, but I have gotten alot of repeat business from Alchemy. Some people never even new that polymer clay would work until they see what I have to offer through a bid!

I have also joined Handmade Spark

http://www.handmadespark.com/

I have noticed a huge jump in numbers of sales and views since joining up for their low monthly fee.

And of course, I participate in the ususal "social networking" - shocking, i know!I am really excited to have reached this milestone.
I know it's not the numbers of some other shops out there, but to my little studio it's a big deal!
Peace!
KathyRoz Petalz Studio

Faux Techniques with Polymer!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/26657420/elegance-faux-himalayan-salt-necklace

There are so many fun techniques with polymer clay that result in a "faux" finish. One of my favorites is this "Elegance" Faux Himalayan Salt Necklace.

I used a combination of translucent clay & mixed in beige and pink tones to get this effect.

Finally it was sanded and glazed with a varathane sealer for shine.

This particular piece was inspired by a trip to a famous steak house with my husband where the walls have real Himalayan salt slabs illuminated from behind. The colors and patterns intrigued me.

I think this this memory behind it is the main reason it's my favorite. I also love the fact that it is strung with freshwater pearls I purchased at my favorite, local bead store & has a handmade gold plated clasp, created by a friend of mine.

You can find many more faux techniques & tutorials here...

http://www.polymerclaycentral.com/cyclopedia/fauxtechniques.html

Check out my new Handmade Spark Mini Site...

http://www.handmadespark.com/myspark/RozPetalzStudio

BLOG Feature!

Just got emailed this morning with this link on an awesome Blog Feature!

"Get Your Biz Savvy" picked up a series of interviews about Etsy Shop Entrepeneurs!

Roz Petalz Studio was the luck shop featured today!

http://getyourbizsavvy.com/2010/08/interview-with-kathy-swenning-of-roz-petalz-studio/
Great advertisement for Etsians!!!!

Enjoy & please share!!!!!

Handmade Spark!

Attention fellow Etsy Shop owners!!!

I just signed up for Handmade Spark mini site - $6.00 a month.Check it out!

They do the "networking" we don't have time for. Fingers crossed it boosts sales!

http://www.handmadespark.com/myspark/RozPetalzStudio

CUSTOM Cake Toppers!

Roz Petalz Studio is getting into the wedding season mood with new Custom Cake toppers!

Choose from ready made designs to be custom created to fit your wedding...

Or CUSTOMIZE - just ask!!!!



Seasonal Toppers also available!


If you have an idea for one - just ask. I love a challenge!

Summer Giveaway!

Enter to WIN a set of 2 Summer Pendants!

Handcrafted from polymer clay by yours truly!

See my Fan Page for details on how to enter!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=173962&id=10634744012#!/RozPetalzStudio

Happy SUMMER!

I Miss the Old TREASURY on ETSY!!!

I have got to get this off of my chest.

I used to love going to Treasury & waiting for the clock to tick down to 333.
My heart would race, I'd think "don't miss the box, don't miss the box". Then, magically it would appear. I'd click and happily create my vision!
Wow - so cool.
So I went to treasury tonight to see how much longer and....
138!!!
Can you believe it? 138????!
Good Lord!!!!

The Thrill is gone!

The whole idea of Treasury East is cool - a steady never ending list of really cool stuff. At first it was awesome. I made several lists, myself. However, I find it very hard to appreciate now. It's too big - too overwhelming. I mean, where do you begin?

So, I took the opportunity to post my opinion in what else? A TREASURY! The original. Hope someone sees it.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=134786

I'd love to hear from you.
What do you think?

NEW Creations! My latest Brainstorm!

O.K. so I have been struggling with coming up with that "unique" item that will set me apart from the rest on Etsy & make a name for myself.

I've tried many ideas, God knows, but here is my latest brain storm...

Kid's Birthdays are a popular and necessary market. A goldmine for some! I am simply addicted to clay and have to make that fit into the equation too. So the wood in my mind started to burn and I realized (being a mom, myself and on a tight budget) I need to come up with a money saving, fun and unique idea.

Drum roll please...

3 in 1 Cupcake Toppers, Craft Project and Party Favors!

This set includes…
6 handmade polymer clay ballet slippers – pierced horizontally for stringing. Approx 1.5cm size

6 toothpicks

6 clear elastic cords - more than long enough to make a child’s bracelet

Enough coordinating plastic beads to make 6 bracelets (plus several extra). *Colors and shapes of the plastic beads may vary depending upon availability.

6 organza jewelry bags for storing, labeling and organizing your craft activity (colors will vary)

Instructions for stringing the bracelets

Here’s what to do with them…

1-Simply slip each topper onto the toothpick (there is a small hole at the bottom) & insert them into your cupcakes.

2-After dessert, gather the guests to string their bracelet using the clay topper and additional beads & cord.

3-Send your happy party guests home with a fun keepsake and a bit of bling!

This is a great way to get 3 big headaches when planning a kid's party out of the way in one shot! And God knows if you were to purchase all seperately, it would cost a small fortune!

Here's hoping I'm onto something!!!

I am currently working on new designs daily! If you have any requests or ideas - I'd love to hear them!