Archive for November, 2009

Crystals worth every penny

Friday, November 6th, 2009

Crystal fans — heads up!

We can all expect to see small increases in the price of CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements over the next few months.

Still pennies per crystal bead!

Still pennies per crystal bead!

Why?

  • The value of the Dollar against the Euro continues to worsen.
  • Materials costs continue to rise.
  • For nearly a year, Swarovski held the currency surcharge at the same level, despite the fall of the Dollar.  But in late October Swarovski announced they are increasing the surcharge, thus making Crystallized Elements by Swarovski cost more for all US distributors and retailers.

The effects of the surcharge increase, plus an expected across-the-board price increase from Swarovski in early 2010, will ripple through the jewelry and bead markets as new goods arrive or as vendors implement across-the-board price changes.

Rest assured, Rings & Things plans to keep bringing you genuine Swarovski crystals at the best prices possible!

Welcome Wendy Gibson, “guest” blog partner!

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

Introducing you to the lucky winner of our latest drawing…

Welcome Wendy Gibson, “guest” blog partner!

Another place you'll find our busy new blog partner

Another place you'll find our busy new blog partner

Wendy put her name in at our Blog Partners page, to be in our quarterly drawing.  She’s now our second (ever) winner in that ongoing contest!

5 things you didn’t know about Wendy, and why she’s going to rock your world for the next 3 months:

  1. She’s the great mind behind the Peterborough Fairy Door Project!
  2. Wendy’s our first Canadian blog partner…so she’s already celebrated Thanksgiving.
  3. She’s not only a gifted blogger & indie entrepreneur, she’s also a popular girl on Twitter & Facebook.
  4. The paper cutout version of Wendy has been spotted traveling with the ceramic Russ Troll bead :)
  5. Wendy is an early adopter of the great new Twitter lists feature!

Enjoy reading Wendy’s Craft Dinner blog, and say hi to her at her other links above!

Featured bead: crystal snowflakes

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

This week’s featured beads, just in time for the holiday season, are crystal snowflakes.

Bright stuff coming down!

Bright stuff coming down!

These crystal pendants are the classic Swarovski #6704 style, perennially popular for the way they gently glisten.

Make your list now, and check it twice!  You have enough time to stock up some great styles for Christmas and Hanukkah shoppers.

Like real snowflakes, these come in many forms.  Sizes are 20mm, 25mm, 30mm and 35mm — in other words, from nearly an inch to an inch-and-a-half.  Choose from “pure” crystal, crystal AB (aurora borealis coating), and crystal/moonlight (also coated).

Crystal snowflakes fit for a princess

Crystal snowflakes fit for a princess

PS: You can also get new snowflake beads in raku, as well as other styles.  Merry browsing!

A season for CERF

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

An outlet for your generosity!

Invest selflessly

Invest selflessly

The Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) specializes in helping those less fortunate–artists, specifically.  When a studio burns down or a hurricane sweeps away someone’s livelihood, CERF steps in to help rebuild.  CERF also educates artists in emergency preparedness.

Despite the economic ups & downs we’ve witnessed this year, some of us have come through all right — and as the holidays approach, we can consider donating to CERF.  Through December, join “A Season for CERF” to give a portion of your proceeds to this good cause.

Whether it’s a percentage of profits or a one-time donation, our donations add up, like beads strung onto a thread, to make a valuable contribution to our artisan community.

Can’t donate?  Please mention this article on Twitter or Facebook!