tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71285873861695287392024-03-13T10:55:35.361-04:00Lapisworks Vintage Artisan GardenThis blog is powered by my addiction to coffee. I create handmade jewelry using a mixture of vintage and new beads and components. I try to purchase my materials from American owned companies and American artists. From time to time, I find a great deal on a retro or vintage piece of clothing and I will add that to my store as well. In addition to jewelry and clothing, you will also find Joey New York cosmetics and Avon products on my website.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376052220329463996noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128587386169528739.post-31446181612600621542010-02-11T04:14:00.003-05:002010-02-11T05:06:32.907-05:00Avon eParty to celebrate the blizzards of 2010If you live in the mid to northeast you're more than likely snowed in with 2 to 5 feet of snow around you. We've had two storms in the past week and approximately 4 feet of snow to show for it! The last time we had snow like this was 1996! So, to "celebrate" being snowed in and suffering from cabin fever, you can shop on my <a href="http://www.youravon.com/lcollins1205">Avon site</a> and take advantage of all the great deals! Simply go to the <a href="http://lcollins1205.avonrepresentative.com/eparty">eParties page (click here)</a> and use the coupon code BLIZZARD2010 when you check out. There are a lot of great deals right now, including the Skin So Soft Signature Silk Big Deal - 2 shower gels, 1 body lotion, 1 hand cream and 1 body cream - all for $12.99 (regularly 28.00). To gain easy access to all the great deals, click on the <a href="http://shop.avon.com/shop/promotions.aspx?dept=promotions">Special Offers link (click here).</a><br /><br />You can also use that same coupon code (BLIZZARD2010) at the <a href="http://lapisworks-vintage-artisan-garden.com">Lapisworks site (click here)</a> to receive a 20% discount! Both sales will run through next Wednesday (February 17). Due to the weather, we did not have mail yesterday, and may not have it today, so shipping items may be delayed, but I will contact you with details as soon as I have them. It appears we may have another snow storm Monday into Tuesday, so stay tuned, I may run another sale! So whether you're snowed in or not, stay safe and warm, and have fun shopping!<br />LisaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376052220329463996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128587386169528739.post-2168756311308444102010-02-09T08:52:00.005-05:002010-02-09T09:15:50.112-05:00Custom TshirtsSo, I'm considering opening a store with <a href="http://www.CafePress.com"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">CafePress</span>.com</a>. This site offers anyone the ability to sell their own graphic designs on apparel and other items for an agreed upon percentage. I've considered the idea for quite some time now, and I've had an account with them for over a year. I simply never took the next step to start offering merchandise and advertising the store. I didn't sleep at all last night (if you follow this blog or get to know me, you'll notice I have manic swings where I might go a few days without sleep), instead, I sat up and wrote about 5 pages worth of ideas for funny or witty t-shirts and coffee mugs. I have to say, I'm impressed! Never in a million years would I think I could come up with that much material!<br /><br />So now my action plan is as follows: I intend to type up all these ideas into a spreadsheet so that I can sort them by theme and product. Then I'll whittle the list to what I think is most likely to sell. Next I'll need to familiarize myself with the product templates and transfer my ideas onto the templates so that there is a "product". Once I have product, I'll make announcements on <a href="http://twitter.com/Lapisworks">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Lapisworks"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Facebook</span></a>, <a href="http://lapisworks-vintage-artisan-garden.com"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lapisworks</span> Store</a> and here on the blog. I can tell I'm in a manic state because I normally would not allow myself this type of exposure. I would like to follow through with this because, obviously, this is another creative outlet (one I didn't know was there). The two biggest questions remain - Who is my target market? & Will I sell anything?<br /><br />I have some ideas on who my target market is, the ideas I came up with do not single out any one so-called "group" of people. That is partly why I want to sort these items into themes, I'll be able to isolate my targets better that way. As for the second, and perhaps larger question, that remains to be seen. I figure as long as I'm not spending 24 hours a day on it and still having fun, it's a win-win. I'll go with it until it no longer "works". Any feedback would be much appreciated!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376052220329463996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128587386169528739.post-64374347421120329372010-02-09T00:05:00.003-05:002010-02-09T00:11:12.026-05:00New Inventory Added to Lapisworks Vintage Artisan GardenI have finally uploaded about 20 pairs of my <a href="http://lapisworks-vintage-artisan-garden.com/Handmade-Jewelry-New-Additions-C1601.aspx">handmade, recycled earrings</a> to the Lapisworks site. Most of these earrings are created using recycled vintage beads (from broken or unwanted vintage costume jewelry) and new components. They're a bargain with prices between $10 and $15. I'm currently offering a free Avon lip balm and samples with any order as well. Most of these earrings have a matching necklace or bracelet, but I've managed to break my memory card reader and can not load the pictures! So, if you do happen to take a peek and see something you like, let me know. I'll set them aside until you are ready to purchase after viewing the complimenting piece.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376052220329463996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128587386169528739.post-6982321757833831232010-02-08T23:59:00.004-05:002010-02-09T00:03:04.571-05:00Links PageI've added a <a href="http://lapisworks.blogspot.com/p/other-places-to-find-lapisworks-on-web.html">Links Page</a> to the blog. There are a bunch of great sites listed from craft supply vendors to search engine optimization blogs. Take a look, and let me know if any links are broken, or if you have any suggestions! Thanks! LisaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376052220329463996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128587386169528739.post-42383070572812526372010-02-08T11:33:00.003-05:002010-02-09T00:23:32.270-05:00Free Shipping on orders $5.00 or More!Avon is offering free Direct Delivery shipping on any order over $5.00, just use coupon code KISSES at checkout! Shop my site and take advantage of all the great deals!<br /><a href="http://www.youravon.com/lcollins1205"><br />http://www.youravon.com/lcollins1205</a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376052220329463996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128587386169528739.post-18304293617196057252010-02-08T05:58:00.002-05:002010-02-08T06:02:02.065-05:00Avon Inventory Page UpdatedI've finally updated my <a href="http://lapisworks-vintage-artisan-garden.com/Lapisworks-Avon-Inventory-on-hand-W6270.aspx">Avon Inventory Page</a>. You can now order Avon Naturals products and Moisture Therapy hand creams at 50% the regular brochure price! <a href="http://lapisworks-vintage-artisan-garden.com/Lapisworks-Avon-Inventory-on-hand-W6270.aspx">Click here</a> or any other link in this post to <a href="http://lapisworks-vintage-artisan-garden.com/Lapisworks-Avon-Inventory-on-hand-W6270.aspx">go directly to the inventory section</a> of my store.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376052220329463996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128587386169528739.post-80075311800251171662010-02-06T04:23:00.007-05:002010-02-09T00:33:55.143-05:00Campaign 4 Special Offers Now Available!I've updated the Avon Special Offers page for Campaign 4! There are lots of good deals to be had during this campaign! <a href="http://merchant.auctivacommerce.com/s153/LapisWorks-link-to-Avons-Latest-Deals-W6256.aspx">Check out the great deals here!</a> Today or tomorrow I will have my <a href="http://merchant.auctivacommerce.com/s153/Other-Cosmetics-An-C171031.aspx">inventory page</a> updated to include items from Avon's Naturals line, hand lotions and the best eye makeup remover I've ever used. All of the <a href="http://merchant.auctivacommerce.com/s153/Other-Cosmetics-An-C171031.aspx">inventory</a> items are available at deeply discounted prices! <a href="http://merchant.auctivacommerce.com/s153/Other-Cosmetics-An-C171031.aspx">Check it out! </a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376052220329463996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128587386169528739.post-113141277798335662010-01-18T15:20:00.000-05:002010-01-18T15:20:35.131-05:00Improve Your Marketing Potential with Social Networking | Marjorie Dawson | Marketing | HandmadeNews.org<a href="http://www.handmadenews.org/article/index.php?id=3740">Improve Your Marketing Potential with Social Networking | Marjorie Dawson | Marketing | HandmadeNews.org</a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376052220329463996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128587386169528739.post-67478633762004464142010-01-13T21:12:00.006-05:002010-01-13T21:24:17.610-05:00Avon 2010 Campaign 2 Orders due Monday 01/18/2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudNkELm5WcF-2H-KtnfFskJPxHdfM04uBM-xobDd9Ld5YQQU2Hvh83RCC8s7U7wH1Ulc-vxzz3Jaw4nZuO0urUtlGZKwwETI0rtwjNgqBgfZfKXWGL7BNTOM7ic8Bh4k4x9RSsyPDdH0/s1600-h/C2+2010+Catalog+Cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudNkELm5WcF-2H-KtnfFskJPxHdfM04uBM-xobDd9Ld5YQQU2Hvh83RCC8s7U7wH1Ulc-vxzz3Jaw4nZuO0urUtlGZKwwETI0rtwjNgqBgfZfKXWGL7BNTOM7ic8Bh4k4x9RSsyPDdH0/s320/C2+2010+Catalog+Cover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426414085494286146" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The following offers are valid through Monday January 18, 2010.<br /><br />Either place your order directly with me and save on shipping (no charge regardless of order size) OR shop on my site<br />( <a href="http://www.youravon.com/lcollins1205">www.youravon.com/lcollins1205</a> ) and receive <span style="font-weight: bold;">free shipping on any order over $30.00</span> (Enter Code <span style="font-weight: bold;">FS30REP</span> at checkout) <br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Makeup Savings</span><br />2-Piece Gold Beauty Gift Set (a $23.00 value): Yours for only $4.99 with 2 select purchases!<br />Eye-Mazing Makeup Sale: 3 for $8.99 on select items. Save up to $9.00!<br />Mascara & GLIMMERSTICKS Makeup Sale: 2 for $7.99 on select items. Save up to $11.00!<br />MOISTURE THERAPY Intensive Lip Moisturizer SPF 15: 2 for $3.00! Save 25%!<br />Nail & Lip Make Sale: 2 for $5.99 on select items. Save up to $7.00!<br />Nailwear Pro Nail Enamel (select shades) & Smooth Velvet Lip Color Sale: 2 for $5.99! Save up to $4.00!<br />PERFECT WEAR Makeup Sale: Buy 1, Get 1 for only $2.99 on select items. Save up to $6.00!<br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Site-Wide Savings</span><br />Heart Necklace Made with CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements (a $19.99 value): Yours for only $5.99 with any $10.00 purchase!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Skincare Special Offers</span><br />ANEW REJUVENATE Skin Care Sale: Buy 1, Get 1 for $5.00 on select items. Mix or Match!<br />ANEW Try-It Sizes: 2 for $19.99! Mix or match from select items. Save $4.00!<br />ANEW ULTIMATE Skin Care Sale: Buy 1, Get 1 for $10.00 on select items. Mix or Match!<br />Clearskin® Professional Skin Care Sale: 2 for $19.99! Mix or Match select products. Save up to 37%!<br />Solutions Ageless Results Eye Cream (a $14.50 value): Yours free with select Ageless Results Skin Care purchase!<br />Solutions Maximum Moisture Eye Cream (a $12.50 value): Yours free with select Maximum Moisture Skin Care purchase!<br />Solutions Total Radiance Eye Gel (a $12.50 value): Yours free with select Total Radiance Skin Care purchase!<br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Bath & Body Special Offers</span><br />Double Pouf Shower Brush (an $8.00 value): Yours for $3.99 with select Bubble Bath purchase!<br />MOISTURE THERAPY Body Lotion Sale: 2 for $10.00 on select items. Save 37%!<br />MOISTURE THERAPY Hand Cream Sale: 2 for $5.00 on select items. Save 50%!<br />NATURALS Bath & Body Sale: 3 for $9.99 on select items. Save up to $17.00!<br />SKIN SO SOFT Bath & Body Sale: Buy 1, Get 1 FREE on select items. Save up to $16.00!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Fragrance Special Offers</span><br />be...kissable 3-Piece Fragrance Set (a $31.00 value): Yours for only $15.00! Save $16.00!<br />Far Away 4-Piece Fragrance Set (a $43.25 value): Yours for $22.50! Save 47%!<br />Her Fragrance Faves Sale: 2 for $14.99 on select items. Save up to $18.00!<br />Imari Seduction Purse Spray: 2 for $7.99. Save 60%!<br />In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon 3-Piece Fragrance Body Set (a $45.00 value): Yours for 22.50! Save 50%!<br />Purse Spray, Shower Gel & Body Lotion Sale: Buy 1, Get 1 for only $1.99 on select items. Save up to $8.00!<br />Rare Pearls 3-Piece Fragrance Set (a $38.00 value): Yours for only $14.99! Save 60%!<br />Timeless 3-Piece Fragrance Set (a $23.50 value): Yours for only $9.99! Save 57%!<br />Tomorrow for Him and Her Fragrance Sale: Buy 1, Get 1 for $10.00! Save up to 33%!<br />Womens Fragrance Sale: 2 for $22.00 on select items. Save $23.00!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Wellness Special Offers</span><br />Curves® Scoop Neck Tee (a $15.00 value): Yours FREE with select $20.00 Curves® purchase!<br />liiv botanicals Vitalizing Eye Cream (a $12.00 value): Yours FREE with select liiv botanicals purchase!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Gifts Special Offers</span><br />Food Savers: Any 2 for $7.99! Save now!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Men's Special Offers</span><br />Black Suede 3-Piece Fragrance Body Set (an $11.49 value): Yours for only $6.00! Save 47%!<br />Men's Fragrance Sale: 2 for $22.00 on select items. Save up to $23.00!<br />Mesmerize for Men 3-Piece Fragrance Body Set (an $11.49 value): Yours for only $6.00! Save 47%!<br />Mesmerize for Men 3-Piece Fragrance Set (a $30.00 value): Yours for only $14.99! Save 50%!<br />Patrick Dempsey 2 Three-Piece Fragrance Body Set (a $30.50 value): Yours for $22.75! Save $7.75!<br />Tomorrow for Him and Her Fragrance Sale: Buy 1, Get 1 for $10.00! Save up to 33%!<br />WILD COUNTRY 3-Piece Fragrance Body Set (an $11.49 value): Yours for only $6.00! Save 47%!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Fundraising Special Offers</span><br />Breast Health Resource Guide FREE with any Pink Ribbon product!<br />FREE Domestic Violence Resource Guide!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">mark Special Offers</span><br />FREE mark hook up connector with purchase of ANY 2 mark hook up products!<br />mark Jewel: Buy the Eau de Toilette Spray, get the Body Cream FREE!<br />mark Rebel Rose: Buy the Fragrance Mist, get the Shower Wash FREE!<br />mark Sassy Mark: Buy the Fragrance Mist, get the Dry Oil Mist FREE!<br />mark Sophistique: Buy the Eau de Toilette Spray, get the Sheer Shimmer Body Creme FREE!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Fashion Special Offers</span><br />Fashion Jewelry Sale: 2 for $20.00! Mix or match select items. Save up to 50%!<br />Genuine Birthstone Sterling Ring Sale: 2 for $30 on select items. Save $69!<br />Heart Necklace Made with CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements (a $19.99 value): Yours for only $5.99 with any $10.00 purchase!<br />Three's a Charm! Jewelry Sale: 3 Charms for $10.00. Mix or match. Save $4.97!<br />Watch Sale: 2 for $40.00! Mix or match select watches. Save up to 50%!<br /><br />Don't forget to checkout the Outlet section for Holiday items at closeout prices and other great deals on makeup, skincare items, jewelry and clothing!<br /><br />I appreciate your time and look forward to providing you with unbeatable products and customer service. Let's compare the products you currently use with Avon's products and see how much you can save! My website also offers you the ability to upload a photo of yourself and try on different products before you even buy them with Avon's Virtual Makeover service. If you do not feel like uploading your photo, you can still preview the products on various models already in the system. Avon's campaigns last 2 weeks, and I will be updating this blog with the new deals as soon as they are available, so be sure to subscribe to this blog so you'll be up to date and able to grab the great deals we're always offering!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376052220329463996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128587386169528739.post-26232230028077775212009-11-15T22:07:00.002-05:002009-11-15T22:09:54.898-05:00I've added Avon to my list of products. Whether you are familiar with the brand, or not, you'll find high quality products at unbeatable prices. One stop shopping in the convenience of your own home. <a href="http://www.youravon.com/lcollins1205">Check out my Avon site to start saving and cross off some people from your gift list!</a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376052220329463996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128587386169528739.post-20653411095298068542009-11-10T23:34:00.005-05:002009-11-11T00:27:35.890-05:00All I can say is WOW!I stumbled upon <a href="http://www.artbeads.com/jewelry-design-dsi.html?cmp=smb">this article</a> earlier this evening and had to share! <a href="http://www.ubi.com/US/default.aspx">Ubisoft</a> released the title <a href="http://www.ubi.com/US/Games/Info.aspx?pId=7976">Style Lab Jewelry Design</a> yesterday, November 10, 2009. With this "software" you are able to design your own jewelry using beads and components that can be found at <a href="http://www.artbeads.com">Artbeads.com</a>. After designing your jewelry, you can upload it to the StyleLab website and make it public. By doing this, you or your friends and family can purchase the finished piece that <a href="http://www.Artbeads.com">Artbeads.com</a> will assemble for you. Or purchase the beads and components needed for the piece independently from <a href="http://www.Artbeads.com">Artbeads.com</a> and put it together yourself. <br /><br />How cool is that? I mean, what a great way to spend time waiting in line at the grocery store or at the Dr's office, rather than reading those droll magazines, you can sit there and design your next masterpiece with over 400 components and 60 templates, the number of combinations is nearly infinite! I realize that this is not going to have every bead that you will find on the Artbeads.com website, but could prove to be a great way to preview designs with color combinations and materials that you may not currently have in your repertoire. You can also set up and run your own jewelry boutique, which requires setting up your store display window as well as other facets of running and building a business. If your friends have the game, you are able to trade beads and jewelry wirelessly. <br /><br />Whether you consider this "game" for yourself, or someone on your gift list, $29.99 brand new is not a bad investment. That is, if you can wrestle the DS away from your kid's hands. Otherwise, you may have to buy yourself a DS, which will run about <a href="http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=61142">$89.99 for a refurbished one from GameStop.com</a>, <a href="http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=72137">or $129.99 for a brand new DS</a>, <a href="http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=020307">the newest rendition of the DS, the DSi runs for $169.99.</a> I am voting for a Nintendo DS for our household, how about you?? Too much fun! If you happen to pick this up, post a comment with your thoughts. I am very curious about it! Thanks, and enjoy, Lisa<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2dzRkZk-Jc8&rel=0&color1=0xecdff7&color2=0x9900cc&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2dzRkZk-Jc8&rel=0&color1=0xecdff7&color2=0x9900cc&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376052220329463996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128587386169528739.post-30693769005087339052009-11-10T22:38:00.006-05:002009-11-11T01:14:11.580-05:00Recovery from a Holiday BazaarThis weekend was a first for me in several ways. I attended my first two day Holiday Bazaar and began selling Avon! Although my jewelry sales were not what I would have liked, I learned a lot and met some incredible artisans. I also had my first Avon sale. After licking my wounds, I came to realize that my jewelry is not, an everyday, every person type of jewelry. The jewelry I create is not off-the-wall, but different, and I now know I need to create a line that is more "user friendly". Although it was frustrating, I watched as vendors around me sold pieces left and right that I considered nice, but bland. I have to say, I rarely wear jewelry. I believe in the "less is more" mentality and tend to go without much adornment. Now I need to create jewelry for myself. Pieces that I would be comfortable wearing, in order to cater to more customers. Interesting...<br /><br />I realize this more than likely sounds odd, and feel I need to explain myself. If not to appease you the reader, to perhaps make sense out of it for myself. I see beads that I love or vintage components and create a piece around that. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind. Although there were a lot of admirers, my pieces did not find their owners. One of my necklaces haunted me for three weeks until I created it. The general concept was in my head, but I could not create any other pieces until that piece was just right and finished in the studio. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMEPTA8WAWR-q-ONgnrwZRnBBNcAhWkZBmp7pbaXLLq4a1OlreRVkPJB9JvuojgSVmk2iNAiwEBH2DWHtGzLrAzHDcD7NyGjKAwdiYcXI-o2NTtwWgWHd6a6G9Ox1twzlinrFru5HOwo/s1600-h/Green_3strand_VintagenNew.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMEPTA8WAWR-q-ONgnrwZRnBBNcAhWkZBmp7pbaXLLq4a1OlreRVkPJB9JvuojgSVmk2iNAiwEBH2DWHtGzLrAzHDcD7NyGjKAwdiYcXI-o2NTtwWgWHd6a6G9Ox1twzlinrFru5HOwo/s200/Green_3strand_VintagenNew.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402698243996137906" /></a><br />Afterwards, the creative juices flowed like a fountain in spring and many pieces were made. That same piece had so many admirers I was sure it would sell, but it came home with me. I'll need to make some adjustments to my inventory, both new and vintage, and I've already began to plan the new layout for bazaars and shows.<br /><br />Right now I'm focused on uploading everything to the store and getting that up to date. I've made enough excuses and need to just jump in with both feet. One of my best friends is moving next month half way across the country and intends to form a business selling clothing and other goodies. I am hoping that she and I can partner on a few things and benefit from the collaboration. We created jewelry together in high school and hit the shows, The Grateful Dead and Phish, selling our wares, as well as the occasional brownies and grilled cheese sandwiches. We had fun doing it and were good at it. Now with an additional 15 (or so) years under our belts, the sky is the limit.<br /><br />Now to you. Suggestions on styles of jewelry you are likely to purchase, color schemes, materials would be awesome. I know what I like, but that does not dictate what I create. I want to hear what others want to see and wear (mostly purchase ;D). Leave your comments, PLEASE. <a href="http://www.lapisworks-vintage-artisan-garden.com">Take a look around my store</a> and comment on what is nice what is weird, I think you understand what I'm asking for. If you see something you can not live without, I'll sweeten the pot. Enter Coupon Code BSCC10 to receive 10% off your order (coupon will expire 12/31/09)! I appreciate any input that you can provide. Thanks! LisaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376052220329463996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128587386169528739.post-34459679600165602272009-10-29T02:10:00.003-04:002010-02-08T05:58:27.669-05:00<a href="http://www.the350project.net/" target="_blank"> <img src="http://www.the350project.net/supporter_graphics/350_project_web_panel.jpg" border="0" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376052220329463996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128587386169528739.post-35526846167265860162009-10-29T00:25:00.004-04:002009-11-11T00:34:34.524-05:00Think Globally, Act or Support LocallyI was flipping through the latest Better Homes and Gardens magazine earlier this evening, when a little snippet of text caught my eye. The title, <span style="font-weight:bold;">PROJECT 3/50</span>, lured me in, and I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised by the content. <a href="http://www.the350project.net">Project 3/50</a> started out and continues to support the locally owned shops that are a life-blood to the neighborhood that surrounds them. The idea - choose three independent businesses you would miss if they closed. Make it a point to stop in these locations over the upcoming week or two and perhaps buy something. Try to make a commitment to yourself and your local economy to do this each month, allotting a set dollar amount to spend in these businesses. We could all benefit from unplugging from the insanity of our lives and stroll through market downtown one day. I used to work in the building that stands in front of our local farmer's market. Market days I had the world at my fingertips when it came to lunch, and I took full advantage of it. Since I left that job over 6 years ago, I've been to market a hand full of times. The worst part of it is that we live only 10 minutes from market. I was there only a month or so ago and the amount of change shocked me. Half the stands I remember (the old-timers) are no longer there. There are new stands offering new and wonderful items that I would not have seen at market 5 years ago.<br /><br />The point of this rambling is that, had I made it more of a point to frequent the numerous local businesses downtown, and elsewhere, there would not have been any shock. There are some really exciting things happening downtown that I am only now hearing about because I haven't spent any time there. The art scene in Lancaster is flourishing and it energizes me just thinking about it! When I was a teenager, I was always haunting the coffee shops, book stores, Goodwill, and the local bands playing at the <a href="http://www.chameleonclub.net/">Chameleon club</a> or some other location. When I was involved, I learned so much from those that had lived the life for years, and received invitations to events that. I wouldn't have even known about otherwise. It was a very exciting time in my life It seems that Lancaster is now seeing the resurgence it needs to sustain a thriving art community. This would not be true if it were not for those who make it a point to support our local shops, galleries and stands. Each of these businesses are owned by and run by people who genuinely care about the outcome of their interaction with you. They/we want to leave a lasting impression and hope that your business will come back for more in the future!<br /><br />Check out their website, and read what they have to say. Our economy needs every bit of help it can get right now, and it needs to start locally before branching out any wider. I have already lost several of the small family run businesses that I grew up with here in Lancaster. Each time one closed, I almost mourned after hearing the news. These are not just businesses or stores, these are people and families that are pouring their heart and soul into what they do. The least we can do is show our support and tell them what a great job they're doing!<br />-Lisa<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.the350project.net" target="_blank"> <img src="http://www.the350project.net/supporter_graphics/member_icons/350_project_200x177.jpg" border="0"> </a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376052220329463996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128587386169528739.post-33721881471602625342009-10-25T19:45:00.003-04:002009-10-25T19:53:21.663-04:00Chaos in the studio...So I started the daunting task of reorganizing and cleaning the "Studio", which is in fact an enclosed porch off of our living room. I've made a lot of progress, but I've also managed to reach a point where I am stuck. I've decided to completely flip my work surface area which will increase the amount of countertop space I have, but will involve moving items I had planned to leave alone. Even so, in the long run it will be worthwhile. I'll be more accessible to the family during waking hours while I am in the studio, and late at night I'll be able to hear any little footsteps much earlier than previously.<br /><br />I expect that the space will evolve with time. This set-up will more than likely last for a few weeks and then change again depending upon my needs. While cleaning and reorganizing I've found many beautiful vintage pieces that I forgot I had and many restoration projects to work on when my own creativity levels are low. I've also located beads and components that I thought were lost forever. It truly is amazing what you find when you clean up! More later, and perhaps pictures of the finished space...Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376052220329463996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128587386169528739.post-17189718392212288292009-10-24T10:21:00.002-04:002009-10-24T10:25:27.758-04:00Rainy Day Blessings..Last night I found myself scrounging through all sorts of boxes trying to find all the tid-bits for a piece of jewelry that was stuck in my head. After an hour of frustration, and perhaps out of jealousy of my husband's new "man cave" in the basement, I will be dedicating today to organization day. My studio has become a dumping ground again for all things artistic<br />(that my husband hasn't "borrowed") and I can not find a thing! Since it's raining it out, I think I'll use this time wisely and set things up so that I can crank out all these promised items! Hopefully I do not get lost in there!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376052220329463996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128587386169528739.post-88527388176649869112009-10-18T01:55:00.004-04:002009-10-18T01:58:42.802-04:00An introduction and more..I will begin this blog with my "About Me" information. Future posts will be shorter and more concise. Thanks again for visiting and I hope you like what you've found!<br /><br />Lapisworks Vintage Artisan Garden is both a web based garden of delights as well as a nomadic dreamer selling her wares. Most times there is a companion with me, whether it is my husband, mother or a friend, they share the same ideals regarding life and our planet and the focus of what Lapisworks is. I strive to beautify my customers while leaving a smaller footprint upon our wonderful Mother Earth. Although I do use some new materials in my jewelry pieces, many of the beads and some components are living a second life in my jewelry pieces. Some are pieces that only needed restrung with stronger materials now available, while others have been taken apart and spread amongst many pieces dependant upon where the vision goes. The whole philosophy is breathing life back into these marvelous works of art that have been left behind.<br /><br />It all began one afternoon when I looked in my desk drawer at home and noticed a piece of costume jewelry my mom had given to me to tinker with. I’ve been dabbling with making jewelry for over 15 years. Of course, I had not yet touched it, but at that moment, seeing the amazing oranges and greens used and the sunlight dancing off these rhinestones, I could not fathom the thought that this piece was no longer valuable as far as art was concerned. Money-wise, sure I can understand it was missing a few stones and the clasp was loose, therefore mostly worthless, but there must be some use for it! So my mind began to wander. What could I do with all this broken and unwanted jewelry that was floating around at yard sales, flea markets, eBay, even Etsy? How could I mix these pieces with another interest of mine that would be different than everyone else? How could I help to keep these items out of the landfills and increase beauty for others?<br /><br />I can’t call myself a gardener, but I love to play in the dirt and plant things. It was mid-spring while I was thinking this over, so you can imagine the amount of dirt caked underneath my fingernails and the sunshine that had been sparkling over me. Could I possibly meld the love of gardening with the love of lost and broken jewelry? Could I make something that I could actually sell and people would buy it? I won’t go into complete detail about the future of what will be available, but this winter will be an exciting time for Lapisworks. As I stated before, I’ve been making jewelry for over 15 years. I also currently have catnip toys made from recycled fabrics (old neckties, and other oddball funky fabrics found at thrift shops and yard sales) with the best organic catnip! I have never seen cats react to catnip like my three have with this stuff, they go bonkers over it. Soon I will have tooth fairy pillows made from organic fabrics and fill, and nifty little change purses also made from recycled fabrics. Every once in a while I run into something brand new or vintage that I can not pass up at a yard sale or a thrift store and I will pick that up and offer it on the web site. There’s also the vintage jewelry that I’ve acquired over the years that is in wearable condition or that I’ve repaired at very reasonable prices.<br /><br />“Lapisworks Vintage Artisan Garden” best describes my vision for the future. Lapisworks has been my eBay user name for over 5 years, Vintage because there is a vintage flare to the jewelry and clothing articles, Artisan because these are original one of a kind pieces handmade by me, and Garden because there will be items soon available for your garden as well as the hodgepodge of items that are available, think of the web store as a garden you can stroll through and enjoy at your leisure. I hope you stop by and take a look around. The store is still in its infancy, but promises to grow.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376052220329463996noreply@blogger.com0