New packaging. Same low price.

My business challenge for the month was to simplify my order packing routine and cut costs to allow me to keep first class postage rates the same low price for my customers despite the postage cost increase that begins tomorrow. I also wanted to make every package a customer receives extra special.

To that end you will now find:

* smaller stick on thermal printed shipping labels which allow for
* smaller padded envelopes to keep shipping weight low and
* no more packing tape
* gets your order packaged faster
* more recycled content
* half sheet size sales receipts to save on paper, ink and shipping weight
* the same complimentary jewelry packaging as always
* the same signature turquoise tissue paper with the addition of
* seasonal silver seals to make it special
* folding business card size guides when appropriate to your order

Priority postage rates will be increasing due to a larger postage rate increase.

Pearl Re-stringing before and afters

Since it's the start of a new year and people are thinking about renewing, refreshing and updating, I thought I'd post just a few before and after photos of jewelry that I restored or re-strung this past year. I offer professional pearl re-stringing services and also repair some other types of beaded jewelry.

BEFORE                 AFTER

For more information about my jewelry repair or re-stringing service, take a look at my website.

Sue

Easy bracelet display tutorial

I've been meaning to figure out how to make one of these for a while so I've been saving cardboard tubes that are approximately wrist size to do it. But I hadn't figured out how to cap the ends to make them look finished and professional. Then it occurred to me that mailing tubes already are the right size and already have end caps.  This couldn't be easier. I used a scrap of fabric that resembles white Dupioni silk to match my other displays.

Supplies:

* Mailing tube that is wrist size (this one was 7 inches in circumference)
* Thin fabric of your choice (too thick and the end caps won't go on later)
* Matching thread

Instructions:

Cut a piece of fabric to cover the mailing tube.  Measure carefully so that the fabric is just 5/8 inch wider than the circumference of your mailing tube and at least two inches longer.  With right sides together sew the fabric into a long tube with a 1/4 inch seam. I used pinking sheers after sewing to trim the seam and keep the fabric from fraying.  Press seam open using just the tip of the iron.  Turn fabric tube right side out and slip over the mailing tube. It should fit very tightly if you measured correctly. Tuck the raw ends into the tube and slide the end caps on. 

Sue

UMC World Bazaar and Benefit

Thanks to all those who came out to the UMC World Bazaar and Benefit in Niceville on Saturday and to the organizers. I was swamped for a little while there. Turned out to be a great show.

NEW items!

 copper butterfly hairpin

crackled glass hairpin

copper leaf hairpins

Now accepting wholesale inquiries

Sue Runyon Designs is now accepting wholesale inquiries. For more information visit the wholesale page on my website.

Thanks,
Sue

New Service: clip-on ear wires

Per special requests, I have just received a shipment of clip on ear wires for those without pierced ears. I have the leverback style and also some cute little spring style hoops (that looked like pierced) in both silver and gold plated. I have some copper plated screw closure style on order.


I won't be listing any clip on earrings on my website or my Etsy store, but you can always request them and I'd be happy to change them out for you at no extra charge if the style of earring will work with them. Just ask.

Sue

One of my Favorites

multi-gemstone necklace with brass spacer beads

Black Friday / Cyber Monday SALE!

Yes, it's true. I am having a Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale with savings of 10-15% Starting Thanksgiving Day and running through Monday night. This INCLUDES items that are already on sale!


Receive 10% off of ANY purchase by using the Code: THANKS10 at checkout.

-- On my website type the code into the Promotional Code box at checkout and you'll automatically receive the discount. If you are using this opportunity to redeem a gift certificate, please contact me--my shopping cart will only take one code at a time, but I'll be happy to refund the difference. --

-- If you are shopping at my Etsy store, type the code in the "Message to Seller" box at checkout and I will refund the 10% to you via Paypal (Etsy does not accept discount codes). --

And how do you get 15% off?

Order $40 or more and use the code: THANKS15

-- follow the same directions as above --


And remember I always send a small FREE GIFT with any purchase over $50.

Any purchase over $100 always receives a free upgrade to Priority Shipping (choose the First Class Mail shipping and I will automatically upgrade you--this will not be reflected in the receipt at checkout).


You will find items in both my ON-LINE STORE and in my ETSY STORE. If you would like items from both stores, I can move items from one store to the other and reserve them for your convenience. Contact Me.

New Designs in Copper

The price of gold has hit an all time high this week and silver isn't far behind. Thankfully, copper is a great, affordable alternative. The manufacturers of jewelry components are realizing that designers need more options in copper and brass and are coming out with more gauges of wire, sizes of beads, charms and other findings for us to use.

I'm designing a new line of copper jewelry. Most pieces haven't been photographed yet, but I took a couple of quick snapshots of a few pieces to show you the coming attractions. There are many more.


Because copper wire is fairly inexpensive, I am able to play with and "waste" pieces trying new designs. I think you'll find my new copper designs to be more playful and casual. I've been using copper wire to hand-craft my own jump rings and to try new creative designs in ear wires and teardrop shaped hoops.

Copper is a beautiful metal that looks good on everyone. It has cool rosy undertones and a warm glow that will really spice up your autumn wardrobe and take you right into the winter holidays with its brightness.

And, yes, if you wear a piece for a long time it will oxidize and turn your skin where it touches harmlessly green, but that will wash right off. Copper develops a beautiful patina over time. Copper has been worn for many centuries because of its reputed healing properties especially in the case of arthritis and joint pain. Current studies do show that it has some small effect as an antioxidant, but wear it for it's beauty.

What is the fashionable dress form wearing this autumn?

Well, not much as it turns out . . .

As I mentioned in a previous post, I have a new dress form, which I named Esme, to use for modeling necklaces in order to show scale more accurately. I had a poll on my blog for people to vote on how she should be dressed and what type of backdrop to use.

Most people voted for a plainish, dark backdrop and for Esme to remain unclothed for the most part. Yes, shocking, I know, but people felt clothing or draping her was too distracting. Thanks so much to all who voted. I really appreciate it!

Here are my first post-poll photos. I need more lights and a better camera I think. I'm still getting used to photographing Esme, but she's very patient.

Poppies cloisonne triple strand necklace set

This shows my set-up. I had this tonal, brown, colorwash, leaf-print fabric that seems to work well with other backdrops I use. I covered a sheet of foam core with it and hung it as a backdrop.

Multi gemstone and brass necklace

Dragon and phoenix necklace set

I needed some contrast behind the pendant on this necklace so I pinned on this brocade, but the color is too close to the color of the backdrop. I'll use something else next time.

Autumn black agate triple strand necklace set

This one seems too plain. I think I'll have to re-take it with some clothing. Unfortunately, I'm a size 6/8 and Esme is a size 8/10. Most of my clothes don't fit her very well. But, since the average dress size for women in the U.S. is 14 I thought I shouldn't get a dress form that was too skinny.

I'd love to hear your input. Leave me a comment!

Thanks, Sue

Which is better? Please vote --->

Today I took a few quick snap shots of my new dress form, Esme with different backgrounds and drapes to begin to get an idea of how I want to photograph her and my necklaces.

In the process I decided this new necklace design really needs one more strand of beads, but that's not the point of this post ☺

I'd like your help in deciding if I should use a plain or fancy backdrop, clothing, drapes, etc. My goal is to provide my customers with as much information as possible about the necklace, how it drapes, it's scale and how it might look with clothing. Please vote in the poll in the column to the right and help me out.

In addition, you can leave comments at the bottom of this post.

I appreciate your input!

Thanks, Sue

My new dress form

Today I drove down to an Industrial Complex near the Las Vegas Strip to a mannequin warehouse. I wanted to pick out something on which to photograph necklaces.

I have been using a necklace bust to show how necklaces drape. Necklace busts work OK for this, but they fail to give an accurate sense of scale in a photo as they come in many sizes (see photo below). I try very hard to let my customers know everything about a piece when they buy online and cannot try something on in person. A good photo is almost always the best way to convey information.

I was pretty sure that I wanted a dress form rather than a mannequin. I think it makes it easier for a woman to imagine herself wearing a piece if it is displayed on a form that doesn't look like any specific person. I will be able to dress the form to show how a certain necklace looks with a neckline or collar.

I was pleased to find that they had this one store sample that didn't match the rest of their inventory that they would sell at a discount. It meets my needs better than the ones they stock because it has more of a shoulder to help in showing scale accurately and because it's a normal size 8/10 instead of smaller like the others. It also has a removeable cover so that I can make a different cover if I like. Most others have a cover that is glued on. I am quite pleased with her.

Now I get to play with lighting and backdrops, clothing and drapes. I think I may call her Esme. Look for her in future photographs from Sue Runyon Designs.

$20 Gift Certificate GIVE-A-WAY!

In September I am having another Give-a-way and this time I'll be drawing a name to receive a $20 Gift Certificate for Sue Runyon Designs!

To enter, just sign-up for my bi-monthly e-mail newsletter.

My newsletter subscribers, as always, are my PREFERRED CUSTOMERS and are automatically entered in ALL give-a-ways. As a subscriber you will receive a newsletter via e-mail once every two months with information on sales, new items, jewelry buying tips and trends. I will not spam you with frequent e-mails and I will not provide your e-mail address to anyone else. You may unsubscribe at any time.

NOTE: Sue Runyon Designs will be in VACATION MODE until Aug 28.

I'm Published!

I wrote an article for this awesome on-line newsletter called Home Jewelry Business Success Tips that I have been subscribing to for awhile. It's been an incredible resource for me as a jewelry designer. And now, my article "Banner Design Tips for your Online Jewelry Business" has been published in it. In my article I talk about the process I went through in designing a website banner and other graphics for my website and ultimately how I worked with a very knowledgeable designer for a very custom look.

Jewelry Photos: Before & After

When I started making jewelry, friends and family wanted to see it. So I took some photos with my cheap little point and shoot camera. It didn't take me long to realize that there is a real art to photographing small shiny objects close up. One of these days I may know enough about it to write a tutorial, but for now I thought I'd show how I've improved over the last two years and share a few things I've learned. NOTE: I'm still using the exact same camera. Thanks to Gary for the photography tips!

BEFORE

This is actually a lovely set with a carved carnelian dragon pendant and green lace agate and carnelian beads. It's very hard to tell from this photo! I heard that natural light was best so I took this on my balcony when we lived in South Korea and yet it's still dark and fuzzy, the angle doesn't let you appreciate the piece and the composition is static.

AFTER

This is a new set that uses the same type of carnelian dragon bead in the pendant. I've learned to adjust the camera for better light and crispness, to photograph from a low angle, get really close-up and then crop the shot afterwards, to use an intriguing background and props to style the shots, and that I don't need to show the entire set in the first product shot on my website.

BEFORE

Believe it or not, this was a beautiful set using a black lip shell pendant that had Japanese wildflowers decoupaged on it's surface and garnet beads with black pearls. This was my attempt at a detail photo.

AFTER

My new attempt at a detail photo of a different set with a beautiful red jasper pendant--much better results!

BEFORE

This was a beautiful set. It even looks pretty good in this dreary photo. I wish I had gotten a better shot of it.

AFTER

This shot has none of the darkness and cast shadows of the previous shot, you can see every detail so that it looks like you can reach right out an touch it--a necessity when selling on-line where people cannot touch or try things on. Styling the shot outdoors in a natural setting with a touch of greenery makes it more appealing.

I'm searching for a new camera and hope my shots continue to improve.

TODAY'S SPECIAL: Summer Clearance Sale

My first ever Clearance Sale. Items in both my on-line store and my Etsy.com shop are on clearance. These are just three of the many items you will find marked down:

Red teardrop pendant necklace set

Was $30 Now $26

Picture jasper cascade earrings

Were $20. Now $15.

Memory wire jade and pearl bracelet

Was $28. Now $24.