We have a winner! (Monthly Challenge #9 - Bloom)

Congratulations to Jenn of Jenn Gee! (she made this for me) for winning Monthly Challenge #9! (For those of you keeping track, that happens to be me. After running the monthly challenge since last summer and submitting one item after the next I've finally been victorious. I couldn't be more thrilled!)

About Jenn Gee (from the shop profile):
"I'm Jenn George Burt (otherwise known as Jenn Gee on Etsy). In 1995 I touched a sewing machine for the first time and I have been hooked ever since. I have dabbled in lots of crafts, but everything seems to come back to me sitting in front of a machine with the pedal to the floor. The idea for the Coffee Corsets™ came to me quite by accident! I'd made a few coffee cuffs, but I was unhappy with the "lump" that was formed at the seam. One day the thought of lacing them up popped into my head and I created one for myself. So many people asked me about my Coffee Corset™ that I decided to go online and sell them at Etsy ... and the rest is history!"

Jenn will receive this beautiful necklace which was generously donated by PoleStar. She will also have the honor of choosing the theme for Monthly Challenge #10! Stay tuned for the upcoming announcement of the next challenge.

Vote for your favorite! (Monthly Team Challenge #9 - Bloom)

As always, we've gotten some great entries this month. For the second month in a row we've beaten our record for the highest number of entries. Our new set up for challenges really seems to be working! Now you get to pick the winner. The winner will be featured in the team blog, they get to pick the theme for next month's challenge, and this month they will win this gorgeous necklace, which is being generously donated by PoleStar. If you are a team member and haven't joined us for a monthly challenge yet I encourage you to participate next month! The theme this month was "Bloom". Participants were encouraged to interpret this challenge theme in any way they wished. Voting is now open, so please cast your vote for your favorite entry on the sidebar poll. Voting will remain open until 11:59 PM on May 3rd. The winner will be announced on May 4th or 5th. Click on the links below to get a closer look at each of the entries (listed in the order in which they were submitted): [[Please forgive the extra space below ... blogger won't let me fix it!]]

(1) Vintage Storybook Wreath by VintageScraps (2) Cross Stitch card, Enjoy Life by lynnscrafts (3) Pink Mums, Print by Tracey Gurley (4) Yellow Rose Blossom, Fine Art Photograph by orangecatart (5) Swinger Recycled Vintage Dress by allthatsgoodapparel (6) Fabric Cards, Amy Butler Laticework by ETCCards (7) With Spring On My Palm, fine art print by JoannasPhotography (8) Coffee Corset, Vivid Flowers by jenngee (9) Reaching, pink flower with scripture by dzdragonfly (10) Little Bunny Lavender Sachet by shamsandcoverups (11) Bright Blossoms Soap by karenssoaps

Near and Dear

PoleStar created this collection of lovelies from team shops...

If you've created a NCTriangle Treasury let me know so that I can add it to the blog too!

We have a winner! (Monthly Challenge #6 - Northern Light)

Congratulations to Jen of PoleStar for winning Monthly Challenge #6! We had more votes this month than ever before and the Aurora Borealis Necklace was a huge hit with the voters.

About PoleStar (from the shop profile):
"I create jewelry, because it is a fun, instant- gratification, creative outlet. I would wear each piece I make with pride, and I want you to feel that way as well. I order most of my supplies from other Etsians, and my foundation is craftsmanship spun with beauty and charm. I create luxury jewelry and fun vintage inspired pieces with a modern twist. Each piece is hand crafted by me. Pieces that say "hand hammered metal" in the descriptions are hand made by fellow Etsian artisans from whom I order supplies as well as my own creations. I love making little bits of beauty for people to enjoy day to day at a very inexpensive price. I really like to use different textures and a variety of colors. Lately I love contrasting metals, and varying textures."

Jen will receive a fork easel which was graciously donated by Erin of Dinner Time Chimes. She will also have the honor of choosing the theme for Monthly Challenge #7! Stay tuned for the upcoming announcement of the next challenge.

Local Valentine Gift Ideas

Happy Valentine's Day- photo card, by JoannasPhotography $3.29

Sarah Jane Necklace, by FrenziedArtists $35.00

Rose of My Heart, by orangecatart $2.75

Sangria Necklace -- Luxe Petite, by PoleStar $25.00

Vintage Style Hand-Embroidered Hankie, by MutantAngel $7.00

Attention team members: Suggest more NCTriangle Valentine gifts in the forums.

Featured Seller: PoleStar

Who are you?
Jennifer Cowgill of PoleStar Jewelry

Where are you located?
Raleigh, 27610

What do you create?
I make modern gemstone and vintage/modern fusion jewelry

What is your favorite place to visit in the "triangle"?
Hmm, there are so many great places to visit. I have two young sons, so I would say we couldn't live with out the Raleigh Parks System. We use the greenways, especially the greenway along the NC Art Museum. We use the parks and the swimming pools in the summer. Great inexpensive fun!

When did you start creating?
I have been creative for a long time, I experimented with making jewelry in high school and I have always enjoyed drawing, creating collages in Photoshop and photo editing.

Why did you choose your medium?
I just really enjoy making jewelry. Sometimes gemstones just make me want to bite them they are so pretty, and I love looking at beads and creating beautiful combinations.

What inspires you?
I am inspired my nature in most of my pieces. I am not spiritual or religious but I acknowledge the mystical side of this Earth we live on and I like to capture some of that in my jewelry. Plus it is instant gratification!

Why did you choose your shop name?
I actually wanted the name Polaris, but it was taken on Etsy, so I decided on PoleStar as in the bright and sparkly, North Star. Some of my raunchier friends have implied other innuendo from this name, but it was unintentional on my part :)

Do you have any advice to share on how you have made your business grow?
Well, I know a lot of women. Through message boards, friends, preschool mom friends, family friends, and I let everybody know about my new business, and that has really given me a lot of sales. More sales brings you more attention and so now I am selling equally to people I know and who I don't know. However I have friends pay through Etsy so they can leave feedback and represent my sales numbers. As far as the representation goes, I try to give precise measurements in inches and cm and mm for any international customers, of whom I have had quite a few. I also try to give as much visual information as possible. This is the internet after all, people can't pick the piece up and try it on, they need as much information as possible to visualize how the piece will look on them.

What types of things do you do to turn first time buyers into repeat clients?
I do almost anything custom within my own power. I also package my product as if each client is receiving a gift. Even if you buy something for yourself, it is a gift for yourself, and you should be made to feel special for that. I also give 20% off an entire purchase after every 3rd piece purchased by a client. I don't know how long that will last, but it has helped my startup quite a bit. I also try to keep an open rapport with clients, and keep them frequently updated on their custom work process and shipping status.

--Don't forget to also check out her blog!