Introducing New Customer Loyalty Program!

Earlier this month we announced our new Customer Loyalty Program! 

Now, for every dollar you spend, you will receive points which will be applied to a future gift certificate. When you point balance reaches 100, you will receive a $10 gift certificate to apply toward a future purchase.

But don't worry! Your Loyalty Points will be tracked automatically, and you will be notified of your balance with every purchase. Points are redeemable on any product, are not restricted, and are available for use on clearance and sale items.

Yesterday, newsletter subscribers were notified of their point balance available. 

If you're purchased our products and did not receive an email, please email us today so we can update you on the number of points you have available! 

Sunday Spotlight - SEEDesigns

Today's Sunday Spotlight features Sonia of SEE Designs2 and her handmade, vintage inspired jewelry. Learn about the inspiration for her work, then use the coupon code at then end of the post for a special offer!

My name is Sonia and I am shop owner of Etsy shop SEEDesigns2.  I have been a shop on Etsy for 1 year now. I have however been creating and designing since childhood. I am an entrepreneur and enjoy having a flexible schedule for my art. My shop features Handmade vintage inspired Jewelry and Accessories for men & women.  I collect vintage jewelry anywhere from Victorian Era , Hollywood Regency to Flapper Jewelry of the 20's.  Nothing can compare to the Jewelry of times past, It's an art the way it was made, designed and worn. I aim to try to inspire this in my shop.  

Romantic Victorian Bracelet

I have always done craft shows, art shows, but a year ago I decided to give the online shop a go.  I am certainly glad I did, I have had much success I feel and I really enjoy being able to be creative on more than one side with my creations in my shop through the use of the tools available on Etsy. 

Vintage Blue Lucite Beaded Necklace

My shop is very unique because all my designs come from a vintage era, I use old techniques in making my jewelry, I also use vintage beads and findings that you just can't find anymore, whether restored, bought at auction or given to me. I love feeling I am recreating something you think you can only see in pictures of grand mother or old Hollywood magazines.  My shop stands out because of the time and effort that is put into these creations and my customers know they are receiving not just a treasure but a quality hand made product. 

Pink Rose Flower Earrings

I love all my designs but one I am really proud of is my vintage black glass multi strand necklace, I love this necklace because everything about it makes you think of vintage 50's. Every bead was salvaged from broken thrown away jewelry, each bead is still useful and it has made a stunning necklace. This necklace is for sale in my shop.

Vintage Black Glass Pearl Necklace

I do take request for custom orders on items already featured in my shop for example if one of my customers would like to change a flower color, order more than one, perhaps make a matching bracelet to go with that necklace. And if unsure of what you would like I do encourage my customers to shoot me a note with any questions. I do ask for 2 weeks to make the desired item, this does not include the shipping time. 

Modern Ribbon Necklace

For all who read this wonderful blog I would like to offer a 10% savings on all orders. You can get this by using coupon code BLOG10. This offer will expire August 31, 2013.

Tips to Help Your Candles Burn Longer: #2

Last week we discussed the importance of the first burn of your candle. Here's how to help them best burn each and every time following.

Remember the concept of the melt pool? It's the softer wax which melts more quickly than the rest of the candle. You'll notice this wax will melt much more quickly on the second burn than it did the first time.

A good rule of thumb is that a candle will burn one hour per inch of the diameter of the candle. So, using my 12 oz Interlude jars again as an example, the top and the bottom diameters are 3 1/8", so you'll need to allow just over three hours for every burn.

But wait! These candles are hourglass shaped! You'll need to take into consideration the shape of the candle as well. At the "waist" of the candle, the diameter is probably closer to 2 3/4" inches. So while not a significant difference, you'll need to burn the candle just shy of three hours as the wax reaches the center, then you can burn it longer as the wax gets closer to the bottom of the jar.

Additionally, burn the candle only until you get 1/2" of a wax pool. Any more, and you risk the wax becoming too hot. The fragrance oil used is your candle is a combustible element. 

Also, if the wax becomes too hot, the glass itself could break. Glass is a funny material; you may not be aware of tiny fissures existing in the container which could melt, causing a sudden breakage.

Wax Warmer by DawnDavareDesigns

So, what do you do if you didn't burn your candle correctly the first time, and each subsequent burn produces a lopsided candle? It's ok to scoop warm wax out of your container and create a level surface. Remember to use a spoon rather than a knife. Then treat the next burn as your would a first burn. 

What to do with the left over wax? Put it in a wax warmer and enjoy the fragrance while it lasts!