For the Love of Handmade

Here I am again with another photo update to my shop work in progress, or what I like to call the human interest improvements to SK Wire Jewelry by Simply Katie’s shop on Etsy.com. I hope you’re enjoying the revived look and feel of my handcrafted artisan beaded gemstone, wire and vintage jewelry shop as much as I am!

So go get your cup of coffee (or tea) sit back, relax, and enjoy, because I've got more before and after photos (and new items) for you to see as you read this latest installment!

Part Two: Handmade with Love

I just have to say that when you love your craft and are as passionate about your handmade product as I am, your customers are more aware of the fact that they’re not buying a commercialized piece of jewelry they can pick up at their local mall or fine jewelry retailer and that they’re really investing in a handmade gem that will last a lifetime. Take a pair of SK Wire Jewelry by Simply Katie’s gemstone and wire earrings for example, these are entirely designed and handcrafted from a passion for the art of hand forging and finishing each intricate detail of the complete piece of jewelry. Customers should clearly understand that every piece of SK Wire Jewelry is one of a kind, passionately handcrafted in my Pinellas Park studio with real gemstones using quality silver, copper or gold filled wire. And all meticulously created with a discernible heirloom quality to pass down from generation to generation in the SK Brand's casual elegant designs and distinctive minimalist style.

Cosmostwists - Hand formed and finished Sterling Silver 1 pc wire earrings

You can probably tell from the items in my shop, if you've visited, that my favorite handcrafted jewelry items to make are beaded gemstone and wire earrings and gemstone beaded bracelets. I don’t know why but I’ve always been partial to earrings and bracelets, maybe it’s because I remember that both my grandma’s and my mom always wore them. Although all three of them were the most instrumental in my crafty upbringing, in the early years they always purchased their jewelry from their favorite department stores. It seems as though it was just a few years ago that mom took up beading and started making her own jewelry but I know it's been longer than that because she’s been gone now for about a year and a half. Needless to say she got me started and now I’m hooked, it’s like a drug for me I just can’t get enough, I’m constantly craving more. More materials, more books and ideas, more opportunities to grow my skills and reach, just more, more, more - I think I’ll be happy if it never ends.

Carnelian Links - Handmade beaded gemstone and wire earrings

Speaking of growing my skills, I recently learned how to use my micro torch to solder a piece of metal together. And I was so happy the other day (last week actually) when I saw two brand new books on jewelry making on the “book sale” shelf at the Pinellas Park Public Library, I was in heaven (metaphorically speaking of course) and bought them both. What an investment, I’ve learned a new trick for soldering a ring shank and am looking forward to trying a better way to solder my cabochon bezels. I’ve been unlucky at bezels so far but my rings are coming out better each and every time.

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Serpent Thumb Ring - 10guage solid copper wire forged, sanded and polished by hand.

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JH Freeform Ring - Soldered 14guage solid copper wire jewelry sanded and polished by hand

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Pinky Wave Ring - Soldered 14guage solid copper wire jewelry hammered, sanded and polished by hand

 From start to finish I’ll spend hours finishing a ring I’ve just soldered together, hammering and sanding it till I’m happy with the smoothness of the rings outward surface starting with 60 grit to remove any nicks left by my pliers, moving up to 100, 150, and then 220 and (for now) 500 wet/dry Emory paper. Then when it's all smooth I'll wipe any residual dust and grit off with an old terry cloth towel and polish the ring using a micro fiber cloth giving it a high sheen. I will admit though that I just purchased a rotary tool so I can remove any extra solder that remains from the ring shank easier, this is the one step that took the longest by hand and honestly one I could use more practice with. But when it's all said and done I can’t say enough for hand finishing and polishing, I love the heirloom look that a hand finishing gives to any gemstone and wire jewelry. It truly is a labor of love process and it is (in my opinion) what gives the handmade product it's priceless value.





















But again I've talked your ear off, but I hope your enjoying the changes I've diligently been making to SK Wire Jewelry by Simply Katie's. I really am having the greatest time in being able to learn from a great mentor and friend who is also an Etsy seller and in turn giving you what you deserve, quality, clear and touch-ably beautiful product shots. Stay tuned for the next installment of improvements, you'll be able to find me quickly in you search for handcrafted beaded gemstone and wire jewelry!

Happy Differences

Okay, so if you're following my progress I hope you're taking notes of the improvements I'm making just for you. My homework is coming along nicely I think but I'll let you be the judge!

Here is my first update: Product photos and bit of branding.

Taking product photos is not an easy task, there's so much to look at and as much time is spent in positioning your product and setting your lighting just right, less time is spent in the editing process if you use a good program. I had been using Picasa, a freeware application downloaded from the web, to edit my photos but I have been turned on to a preloaded program from Microsoft called Picture Manager. What a difference it made in the quality of my product photos, take a look

https://www.etsy.com/listing/112325969/beaded-gemstone-and-pearl-bracelet

The top photo was edited in Picasa, the bottom in MS Picture Manager - See what I mean - happy differences. The bottom photo is cleaner and shows product detail clearly and the sponge adds interest to the photo without detracting from the natural beauty of my gemstone and pearl bracelet. There are no distorting shadows or ugly touch-ups trying to hide the glare from misaligned lighting.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/112327862/beaded-gemstone-and-pearl-bracelet

The advice of using an object to add interest is pleasing to the eye as it lifts the product off the coldness of the sterile white background that reminds me of a doctors office. I chose a natural sea sponge because it reflects my brand style of using natural elements like gemstones, pearls, coral and metals found in our natural earthy surroundings.

When I was thinking about what props I would use in photos, it was important for me to think about the message I want to send customers about my company and products. Your product photos become part of your image and when trying to build a cohesive brand, it's best practice to think about your brand style and target demographic first and foremost. Think about what appeals to them? Put another way - think like your customer. For instance the SK brand style is casual elegant designs in distinctive, minimalist and natural styles. Therefore it wouldn't benefit my product to place it with or advertise in sporting or motorcycle magazines because it doesn't appeal to the "manly men" does it?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/116292423/pearl-post-earrings-handmade-earrings

Rather and because my casual elegant, distinctive, minimalist and natural styled jewelry product appeals to women between the ages of 35 and 55, I chose a "spa like" effect for my customers benefit. Here I think the sponge is a bit overpowering for these dainty pearl fine and sterling silver post earrings so be looking for photos with sea glass and tumbled river pebbles, a bit more proportionate for earrings I think and still in line with my brand.

But I've really rambled on too long and I must get back to making these product photo improvements - and more jewelry. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read, I enjoyed your visit! Come back next week I'll have another update, new photos and share more of what the SK Brand is all about.

Homework from the Critique

Earlier this month you may remember I had a critique done on my Etsy.com shop by Marilyn 1545 my GoldenRoseCrafters Etsy team captain. One of the things I wanted (needed) was advice on taking better photos you know photos that say a thousand words, ones that shout Ooh's, Ah's, and I just gotta have it to my Simply Katie's shop visitors and turn them into purchasing customers. I've been doing some homework reading and looking at some other shop owners product photos and taking notes on what I think makes theirs better than mine, and I've got a list of things that I'll be implementing like using a light box and re-positioning my lighting so that I have eliminated the shadows I don't seem to be able to rid my shots of.

And using things (props) that add interest and but don't distract my potential customers eyes. And using different props to add a diversity of positions and views highlighting the details of each piece of hand crafted jewelry.  There's many things I need to look at and think about when I'm shooting my jewelry photos and clarity is one of the top items.

I clearly need some focus and clarity improvements so you can see exactly what it is I'm selling. Take this shot for example, it's out of focus, there's too much glare from overhead lighting on the glass, you can't see clearly what these Knotted Copper and Agate earrings really look like. This photo doesn't do the earrings, the bracelet above or I as a shop owner justice and in fact makes me look as if I don't care about you or what I present to you.

I would like you to know and believe that I do care and that you as Simply Katie's potential customers are the reason I am putting forth the effort to make these photo taking improvements. I want you to be able to clearly see what you are viewing, to feel as though you can reach out and touch, to examine each piece of jewelry I work hard to create for you. And I want you to be delighted with your Simply Katie's/SK Wire Jewelry purchase. So I'm off to do the homework given me by Marilyn 1545 and make major improvements in my jewelry presentations to you, be on the lookout for new clearer, brighter, detailed, hand crafted jewelry shots in Simply Katie's shop over the next few weeks. And please let me know what you think of the changes I make, I do them for you and I'd like to hear your feedback, so don't be afraid to let me know how I'm doing.

Gifts Beyond Measure

As I read my assistant Sonya's first SK Wire Jewelry post (http://skwirejewelry.com/2012/star-of-david-on-the-rise/) tears welled in my eyes for the memories of my own Papa who was Jewish too. I remember the excitement I felt every summer as a child getting to spend a week or two with him and Nana, away from my older brother who was always poking at me and teasing me, he just flat out bothered me. My Nana and Papa, having long since passed, were the gems in my life who gave me comfort through their never ending unconditional love.
Their being raised in different faiths was a blessing for all who knew them because it gave them unbelievable patience and understanding  not only for each other but others as well. I never saw them argue or even heard them raise a voice to my brother or I, their voices always calm, warm and soft like the feeling of the down filled duvet Nana laid over my bed to keep me warm at our holiday visits.
It was my summer visits with them as a child that molded me, showed me how to be kind and loving, and how to give beyond a measurable object.

I loved having Sonya join me in my studio, listening to the story about her grandmother and the love she has shared with her. It took me back to my childhood summers and the wonderful gift of love given me of my own Nana and Papa. But it gave me greater joy to create a small token as a memento, a sterling Star of David and sharing my gift with her.

Blessed Opportunities

I've just teamed up with Sonya D Gonzalez, a talented young lady with the gift of writing to help me with the http://skwirejewelry.com blog. She's 19, beautiful and originally from San Jose, Puerto Rico and has a very well defined direction in life, so give a big welcome to Sonya D. Gonzalez everyone!

As I said she's a talented writer but she's a lot more, a published poet, "pop-up" card maker, pianist, choir singer (with a beautiful voice), an Emmaes Baptist College student, and my friend. I've known Sonya for a little over six months and I'm excited about teaming up with her. Not only am I getting a talented writer but she'll be bringing in a few of her girl friends to model my Simply Katie's/SK Wire Jewelry for my shop. Wow, real models to wear my jewelry, now you can see how it looks on, rather than seeing it as an item by itself.

She's really multi talented and busy, busy, busy - she writes a few blogs of her own, just got her work permit and is looking to work for Family Christian Store in Parkside Mall. I wish her luck with her employment and know she'll be fine balancing all that life has to throw her, just 19 and already so much going on. Just wait Sonya till you get to be my age, then you'll understand how grateful I am for you!!!

Gifting Handmade Love

I've recently been taking this opportunity within my church family and have given SK Wire Jewelry by Simply Katie's to a few of the ladies who've made big impressions on me. The gifts that I give do not include expectations of a return gift or sale, but just the hope of a smile.

It gives me pleasure to create and give a gift from my heart, it's a gift of love really. Every little detail of the gift is a reflection of what makes the receiver special to me.

Dangled Spiral Optimism

I've been having a nice run of creative energy lately and listing new (and old) designs in my Etsy shop SK Wire Jewelry by Simply Katie's. One of my favorites is my SK Signature Spiral earring design:

The SK Signature Spiral is an elegantly distinctive minimalist style that boldly plays in fashion versatility. The SK Signature Spiral is a playful wire earring design for casual weekends, elegant evenings and work days for everyday life.

Handmade Jewelry, A Niche Market

On Friday I took a trip down to St Pete Beach to The Blue Sky Boutique where I had placed a few of my handcrafted wire and gemstone jewelry designs for sale last year. I was glad to have the opportunity to put my handmade wire and gemstone necklaces and earring designs on display at a local boutique that proudly welcomes our local artists. A niche boutique venue where visitors and locals alike could see and admire my work and  where I could hopefully gain a following for my distinctively minimalist style of handcrafted wire and gemstone jewelry designs. 

Copper Pendant Necklace - Fossilized Ammonite

I not discouraged by not being able to complete any sales of SK Wire Jewelry by Simply Katie's handcrafted wire and gemstone jewelry at The Blue Sky Boutique and realize that at this time, it's just not a good fit for my style of distinctively minimalist styled wire and gemstone jewelry. I choose to remain positive about The Blue Sky Boutique venue and will keep my relationship door open. I'll also visit the owner from time to time because someday this venue may turn out to be a good fit for my distinctively minimalist style of handcrafted wire and gemstone jewelry.

New gemstone bracelet (nyl)- Carnelian & Carved Jade

New wire & gemstone bracelet (nyl) - Copper tube, Goldstone & Tigereye

New gemstone bracelet (nyl) - Unakite, fwc Pearls & Hematite

Some have suggested that I set up shop at a flea market but I've been that route and it's just not profitable for me. It's not because there's too many competitors selling jewelry at flea markets, but because handmade jewelry is a niche market that can demand a higher price. And from my experience most flea market consumers are looking for a deal which they can find at any one of the commercially mass produced jewelry vendors two booths down. The discerning consumer however knows that this form of wearable art can't be found anywhere else and can appreciate the hand crafted aspect of the time and skill that goes into creating each piece of SK Wire Jewelry by Simply Katie's distinctively minimalist style of artisan wire and gemstone jewelry. 

Copper Earrings - Dragonfly & Turquoise

Copper Earrings - Unakite & Goldstone

Silver & Copper Earrings - Turquoise

Corey Avenue is home to several boutique style shops and restaurants and is a weekend venue for a farmers market and monthly arts & crafts fair. I set my sights on one day being an arts & crafts fair vendor, enjoying visits and conversations with customers and vendors and selling SK Wire Jewelry by Simply Katie's handmade wire and gemstone jewelry I alone create while basking in the Florida sunshine. Ah what a wonderful life!

A Ring is a Ring

WOW I thought as I was thumbing through my October issue of Harpers Bazaar Magazine. I got excited and had to take a second look when I came across this months items of desire on The List (Pg 119). It just so happens that the serpentine ring (item #1 $8,400) by Designer David Webb looks an awful lot like my swirled thumb ring which I posted on skwirejewelry.com just last month right down to the shape of the swirl. The only difference is that his is ridged, twice wrapped with a swirl at each end of the wire and mine is an open wrap with only one swirl.

Not bad for a novice metalsmith, I guess great designer minds think alike. ;D

Design Inspirations From A Dream

I’m very excited because a few days ago I ordered some copper wire from Kate Richbourg Jewelry (http://www.etsy.com/shop/KateRichbourgJewelry) a supplier on Etsy and I can’t wait to get them. I’ve been making copper and silver wire jewelry for a few years I love this medium but I aspire to increase my techniques I use in the construction of my designs. I’ve gotten comfortable with wrapping in a cold connection technique but I’ve longed to try soldering to create a fluid and continual join between each piece of wire for an unrestricted artisan quality and style of jewelry I admire and desire to create.

Because I like simplicity and incorporate this principle in the distinctive minimalist style of SK Wire Jewelry designs, I aspire to explore and create clean fluid lines a design element that wrapping doesn’t provide.  Though integral to the texture of the overall design in some cases (not all) a wrapped wire element in the cold connected piece can have a tendency to fracture the path of your eye in a chaotic manner.  I am not minimizing the quality or aesthetic appeal of cold connected joins and there are a number of very talented jewelry artists mastering this technique like Bobbi Maw of My Wired Imagination (http://www.etsy.com/shop/MyWiredImagination), Szarka Carter of Magpie Gemstones (http://www.etsy.com/shop/MagpieGemstone) and Edi Schaefer of Edi’s Little Treasures (http://www.etsy.com/shop/EdisLittleTreasures) fellow etsians who all create gorgeous wrapped designs. In fact I’m in awe of their talent and wish I had the patience it takes to wrap the way they do, patience is the operative word here as I fall short sometimes which could be due to the dwindling hormones and hot flashes I frequently experience these days.

Anyway getting back to my building excitement as I await my shipment of copper wire supplies for which I had great things in mind. Out of the blue I’ve been inspired to create a line of jewelry based on the X and O, universal symbols for kisses and hugs it sounds crazy I know but inspiration came to me in a dream this morning. In it I had a chance meeting with a clothing designer at her boutique, somehow she knew who I was and looking for a metal bracelet with a specific design feature she inquired as to my availability, feeling flattered by the recognition I offered to sit down with her we talked and collaborated on her bracelet for a while and when the meeting came to an end I set off to create the piece we had designed. 

I can’t express the energy I felt this morning when I awoke except to say it was phenomenal and I immediately put my hand to paper sketching the first of many ideas floating in my head. The fun part for me is deconstructing my design visions and translating them onto paper so the details of each piece can be tweaked to perfection. I see deliciously colored gemstones, bezel cabochons in various “O” shapes and sizes and dangling puffed teardrops that will compliment each copper design. I see negative space and variations of the X and O I see bangle bracelets, a simple ring, several necklaces and earrings. Oh man I’m so excited I can hardly wait for all the pieces to get here I’m itching to start the construction phase of this not yet named project.  

All I can think is it’s a good thing I joined the Aspiring Metal smiths Etsy team because even though I’ve been reading up on the art of soldering different materials, it’s definitely going to help having a friendly group of like minded jewelry and metal artists of all skill levels  that can give me expert advice when I need it. As I said I have a tendency to be impatient and act on impulse but this time is different, I’ll take my time and as they say I’ll measure twice and cut once to get the maximum use of my copper  materials. And tomorrow I start practicing my soldering techniques with left over pieces of wire I’ve collected so that I get acquainted and comfortable with the new technique and skill before I start the actual construction of my new X and O designs. I really have a good feeling about my new line and know my designs will be very well received. They’ll shine with the love that encapsulates my passion because every piece of jewelry I create is designed from the heart to be wearable works of art.

Simply defining the SK Brand

Since 2005 I've created handmade jewelry. Inspired by my mom I started stringing beads to help relieve the stress I was feeling at work. Little did I know my stress relief "hobby" would turn into something much bigger than I'd expected. As soon as I began wearing my designs I was getting compliments and requests from friends and family asking me to make a necklace, bracelet or a pair of earrings for them too. I'll admit it was very flattering to hear such a gracious appreciation for my creativity, it boosted my confidence so I complied and soon they were all telling me that I should think about selling the jewelry I made. In 2007 I was convinced and set up shop first a roadside stand at a local beach (back when it was legal in Pinellas County) then a flea market booth, but I didn't have a clue how to create a brand for the designs I made, they all seemed to be in scattered style directions with no recognizable continuity in any of them except they were all what I considered to be one-of-a-kind designs. As my skills and techniques began to evolve and become stronger I started to recognize one major trending aspect of my designs, they were moving toward a minimalist style.

 The SK Brand of Handmade Artisan Jewelry

Recognized for Simplicity in Distinctively Minimal Design

The goal of the SK Brand with its “Simplicity in Distinctive Minimalist Style” is to be the semi-professional and professional business woman’s “Go-To Place” for all their artisan jewelry needs. The SK Brand believes we can achieve this by offering our customers affordable pricing on Simply Katie’s and SK Wire Jewelry design lines of quality handcrafted artisan jewelry From the fun and energetic brightly bold style of Simply Katie’s beaded designs to the casual and simple elegance of SK Wire Jewelry the SK brand of handmade artisan jewelry is sure to have a design to fit the individual styles of a certain type of woman between 25 and 65 and most likely beyond. These women are employed in occupations such as retail, sales, management,  upper level executives and business owners.

All SK Brand hand crafted artisan jewelry with its “Simplicity in Distinctive Minimalist Style” is constructed for durability using artisan quality materials and each design element is handpicked and unique, a feature found only in true artisan craftsmanship. We believe that the “Simplicity in Distinctively Minimalist Style” recognized throughout the SK brand of hand crafted artisan jewelry gives the SK woman regardless of her age or profession, an undeniable versatility in fashion styles with which her SK brand of hand crafted artisan jewelry can be worn. The common signature thread throughout the Simply Katie’s and SK Wire Jewelry’s design line is their “Simplicity in Distinctive Minimalist Style”.

Simply Katie’s

The Simply Katie’s line designed for the younger semi-professional/professional woman has a fun and energetic style created by combining bright and boldly colored bead and wire elements in the signature SK brand distinctive minimal style. The Simply Katie’s line offers an affordable variety of jewelry options including single and multi-strand necklaces and earrings in short drop and long dangle styles. Simply Katie’s earring frames include basket weave four leaf clovers and a double circle drop design hand crafted in colored jewelry wire and embellished with a variety of glass and crystal beads. Simply Katie’s handmade necklaces are designed in a variety of styles from 16 inch chokers to 18 inch single and dimensional multi- strand necklaces for a different fashion look. The price range for Simply Katie’s line of fun and energetic beaded jewelry is $12 - $40.

SK Wire Jewelry

The SK Wire Jewelry line for the mature business woman is designed in the SK brands signature distinctively minimal style. Hand crafted with precious and semi-precious metals, pearls and gemstones in simple casual to elegant styles the SK Wire Jewelry line is fashionable and offers environment versatility. Designed to be worn easily in the office and business meetings as when you’re vacationing at your favorite resort, the SK Wire Jewelry line travels with you wherever you may roam.  Copper designs in simple casual styles with a semi Southwestern flair crafted in solid copper hammered for texture and formed into swirls and lightning bolts, Egyptian Scarabs wrapped in copper serpents for an ethnic look, or simple copper hoops reminiscent of horseshoes are a few of SK Wire Jewelry’s distinctively minimal signature style. Hand crafted artisan jewelry designed in Sterling, Nickel-free silver and Gold filled chain and wire are offered in SK Wire Jewelry’s distinctively minimal casual and elegant styles with a price range of $40 - $100 or more in the case of custom designs.

I've been a member of the Handmade Etsy Community since January of 2009 and over the years I learned a lot about running a successful shop. Just as much as location is key to being visible for a brick and mortar, clear focused and consistent presentation is key to creating a successful online shop. Creating and maintaining a cohesive marketing strategy for my product takes a persistent effort and has to take priority. And when relying on a social networking platform to build consumer awareness conveying relevant content and consistency in my blog(s) postings, interacting with my Facebook and Twitter fans is important to building trust and relationships with my potential customers. These are tasks that I sometimes feel overwhelmed with especially when trying to come up with "interesting" content for blog posts without sounding ignorant or too personal trying to find a comfortable voice that will engage my readers.

My Etsy shop Simply Katie's has been open since December 2011 and I'm proud to say that last month I got my first paying customer who purchased this vintage brooch that was part of my mom's collection. I called it a momentous occasion because the sale just happened to come on my son Matthew's birthday. I enjoy being part of the Etsy community, it gives me the opportunity to build relationships with other Handmade and vintage sellers by joining teams and playing games to bring more awareness to my jewelry and other shops. But what I love most is I get the chance to realize my dream of being a successful business owner at a fraction of the cost as having a brick and mortar location. It is hard work and takes a consistent effort everyday to stay on top of consumer shopping and jewelry trends but at the end of the day, which can easily be 3am when I'm focused on what I love doing the personal reward is the sweetest I've ever known.

Do you create and sell handmade or vintage items on Etsy?
Do you consider it to be your dream job like I do?
If you love your handmade life and have a success story, a marketing tip or comment to share...
Please leave me a comment I'd like to hear from you
Remember the more we share the bigger we grow

App Up and Running Again

Okay so maybe I flew off the handle a little about My Etsy Shop tab for SK Wire Jewelry Facebook fan page, and if I had looked a little deeper or asked the right questions I might have found it sooner. But I'm human and I admit I got frustrated, but who doesn't when things get lost or don't work like they used to? Anyway the point is I found the answers I was looking for and have successfully added My Etsy Shop tab to the SK Wire Jewelry Facebook fan page, YAY!

If anyone else is having the same issue and may not know how to go about adding the My Etsy Shop app tab to your fan page here is what you need to do:

1. Go to your Facebook fan page and in the "search" bar type Etsy App and hit enter.

2. Scroll down the page and click on the "My Etsy Shop" app

Another window will pop up asking if you want to "Allow Permissions"

3. Select "Allow Permissions"

This process works for other apps as well like Blogger and Pinterest so load up and engage your audience.

Frustrated Etsy.com shop owner on Facebook

I’m a shop owner on Etsy.com and last year Facebook took away the shop links from our profiles but didn’t tell us how to transfer the Etsy app to our fan pages or maybe I just didn’t get that “MEMO”. I’ve been looking ever since with no luck. So as I’m browsing and giving a supportive “Like” to other Etsian’s on Facebook today I’m noticing they have Etsy.com shop links on their fan pages so I go looking on Etsy.com for a way to get mine back up and running again on my SK Wire Jewelry page. The only link I find is de-funked, no longer available, Error 404 “Uh-oh server not found” de-funked! What the hell,  our Etsy.com shop links get cut from our profiles but really people, is it necessary to bury the instructions so deep that someone like me can’t find or figure out how to move it from my profile to my shops fan page?

Are there special requirements to gaining access to this link again like your requirement of 30 “Likes” to gain stat access?  Okay so I may not have 30 “Likes” yet but I’ve no qualms in shouting that I’m a frustrated business owner and Etsy.com shop owner and I want my link back – and I want it back now! Tens of thousands of Etsy.com shop owner’s worldwide use Facebook to promote our handmade and vintage products. It is a major arena where we connect with our network of like artists, our friends and consumers. Having a shop link on our page makes it easy for consumers around the globe to access and purchase our artisan handcrafted jewelry, textile and paper crafts, metal works, and a diverse range of unique and vintage products that we work so hard to create. Your Facebook “social network” allows us to globally market our small business enterprise, it helps the small business grow but without the link for some of us, it makes it difficult for our consumers to reach us.

Alright, I’m done bitching about my Facebook http://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplyKaties shop link – but really, just tell me how I can transfer my app from my profile to my http://www.facebook.com/SKWireJewelry  fan page – I’d really love to have it back!

I want to spread some love for some wonderful artists who produce beautiful metalwork jewelry. First up is Rachel and her shop 2 Trick Pony http://www.etsy.com/shop/2TrickPony and her “Darkened Sterling Silver endless Heart Hoop earrings”. I love these for their oxidation, tapered, textured and hand forged metal beauty nicely paired with hand cut emeralds giving them a casual rustic charm. Then there’s http://www.etsy.com/PPenney she also makes some beautiful jewelry in silver and karat gold but I especially like the gemstone stack rings in gold and you can check out her website at www.allwiredupjewelrydesigns.com  for more beautiful jewelry designs. These ladies are members of the Aspiring Metalsmiths team on Etsy.com, http://www.etsy.com/teams/5627/aspiring-metalsmiths I’ve applied to this team because I also design and create hand forged metal jewelry and want to take my skills to the next level. I see opportunity and great things happening for me with the use of a torch and this group can help.  

What is your craft and is there a new technique or skill that you want to learn so you can take your skills to the next level?  Where could your interests take you? Leave a comment below