Quick (Long) Note

Just a quick note before I go to bed, to say that the Etsy shop will re-open later today.  I've worked hard all week to make sure that everything looks good and is as it should be.  There's only a few items in there at the moment, things that I think will look good during the holiday season.  I do have a few more things to add, which I'll do as they come.

Updates include:

•  I now have options on packaging.  I have both my usual organza bags in my "brand" colours (black, purple and gold) and I've just bought some beautiful gift boxes available in either black or purple.  So depending on its fragility, your item will come in whichever packaging is stated on the item page.  Believe me though, both are a lovely option for gifting!
• I've updated the pages about me and about the shop and what I do to reflect my current interests.
• All photos are as consistent as I can make them.  Necklaces will be modelled on my mannequin, while rings and bracelets will be modelled by either me or my mom, depending who's handy at the time - usually me because I'm impatient - LOL!  Close ups will be taken on granite.
• Perhaps most important of all - I've decided to give back to the organisation that helped me find this hobby.  So from now on 10% of every sale I make, will be donated to the mental health charity MIND.

This week when I'm not beading I'll be updating the blog pages to reflect the shop, as most items are no longer available and I'm not sure when they will be.  Please note that I'm only removing the links to the shop, so if there is an item that you're interested in that isn't available on Etsy - don't hesitate to contact me either by email (kymberligee@gmail.com) or through the shop as I'd be happy to discuss selling them.

Now I've got a setup that I'm happy with, I'm going to try keeping the blog updated with insights into my design processes and also show you work-in-progress that you won't be able to see anywhere else.  Probably including my many mistakes! ;)
I also have some plans for the future which I'd like to share with you.  I would like the do the occasional giveaway, like I did back when I launched the Sweet Tooth Collection.  Would this be something you guys would be interested in?  Everyone likes freebies, right?  I'm also considering giving a discount on their next purchase to buyers who send me a photo of themselves wearing what they've bought - as I think it would be great to show how my jewellery looks in a real life setting.

I can honestly say that this is the first time that I've been thoroughly focused on getting the shop up and running, my first go at the holiday season (so be kind!) and probably the first time I've actually been happy with the shop as a whole - in terms of what I'm selling, the way they look and how the shop itself looks.  I just hope I'm not spreading myself too thin again by trying to do too much.

Anyhow, I'll see you later today for the Grand Re-opening as it were.
x Kym x

=:x

New Camera!

I don't have any new jewellery to show you at the moment as I've been getting used to my new camera and playing with all the settings.  It's my first DSLR - a Nikon D3200.  My Grandfather loved photography and I think it's been passed on down to me.  He died before I was born, so I never got to meet him, but I hope he would have been proud of our shared interest in photography and gadgetry.
As I'm getting the hang of the new way I have to take photos - including a new setup that allows me to use more natural light - I'll slowly be updating my previous photos.  I might not bother with the photos of my personal jewellery right now, as I want to focus on the Spring/Summer stuff I've been creating and the I Heart...Collection.  As a test, I've updated the photos for the Starfish Earrings, and I think you'll agree how much improved they are.  The colours are much more true-to-life and I don't have to edit so much post photo.  All future photos will hopefully look like this, as I get ready to add them to my Etsy shop - as promised after Easter.  It will be slow going as I'm retaking photos as well now.

=:x

New Collection Preview!

Sorry I've been away so long, but I'm currently in the middle of creating things for a brand new collection I'm launching, and as all the items feature hearts, it seemed appropriate to give you a preview of it today!

Each piece is named after something that I cherish.  It's mainly necklaces at the moment but I am working on some bracelets.  I'm not sure if there will be any rings, but I'll see what happens.  This collection isn't as full of sets as my previous ones, so you can just pick and choose the pieces that you like best.   It's been fun to try out new techniques and not having to worry about building an entire set around one idea.  I'll be showcasing them in full next week and I'll be adding to the collection piece by piece.  I'm currently in the middle of three projects just for this collection and I have two other separate projects on hold!  Still, it's fun to be creating again. :)
I hope you enjoy this new collection and I wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day!

=:x

Worldwide Shipping!

After having a chat with the post office about the best way to post my jewellery, I've decided to offer worldwide shipping again.  Which also means I've had to reorganise the shipping costs again. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
The Etsy pages have already been updated as have the F.A.Q page with details of the new prices which I'll repeat here:

UK: £5.00 (+ £0.50 per additional item)
EU: £9.00 (+ £1.00 per additional item)
Everywhere Else: £10.00 (+ £1.50 per additional item)

These new prices ensure that the item will get to you as soon as possible, I can track it to make sure it does get to you and that the item is insured in case of damages or it going missing through transit.

I hope that is clear enough, if you do have any other questions; don't hesitate to email me at:

kymberligee@gmail.com

X99 on Etsy

I've been working the past couple of weeks to open a shop on Etsy, and now it's finally open:

X99 on Etsy

It should be easier to order from there and I'll work on linking the items in my Etsy shop to the relevant posts here on the blog.  I'll hopefully be working on some new jewellery soon.

I'm updating the rest of the pages, too so it's in-keeping with my Etsy shop and hopefully not so confusing.

Belated Happy New Year!

Hi everyone!
I'm sorry I've been away for such a long time, but I've been having a lot of family problems and I've been quite ill.  I'm slowly getting back into things and I'm currently designing my first ever collection for the Spring!  It's going to be based around sweets and sweet things, so expect lots of bright colours and fun designs.  I do have some quick designs that I made while I was getting better and I'll try and post them at the weekend so you'll have something new to drool over while I'm finishing this collection.  I went a bit mad in the January sales too, so I have new beads, some of which I'll be unveiling with the Spring collection.  I can't wait to show you!

Love Kym xxx

Updates at X99 Jewellery

Long time no see, yet again!  I'm sorry I've been away for so long but one of my cats has been injured and I've had to keep a watchful eye on him, because he keeps taking off his wound collar and making his injuries even worse!  He's a lot better than he was, but he's still receiving treatment.

I haven't had a lot of time to update the site because of this, even though I have new things to show you.  They're mainly things I've been designing for myself, but I do have a couple of new items for sale as well as a few ideas in the pipeline.

I've completed my third commission for my family.  My Gran wanted me to make a set for her next-door neighbour's birthday in November.  I've taken pictures, so you can see what they look like.  I've also made another necklace for my Mom, or rather, I was making a new necklace for X99 Jewellery and she commandeered it!  Don't worry, I have charged her for it! ;)

In other news, I've been updating information around the blog.  I now have a better idea of what postage will be since I signed up to the Royal Mail site.  I still don't know exactly, as the weight of each item will be different (of course) and it also depends on where I'm sending it to.

I'm hoping to invest in some busts and/or displays, so I can properly show you how my jewellery looks, as you'll see in the next updates, I'm making do with my hot wheat pack for the necklaces and a glass tumbler at the moment!  It all comes down to money, doesn't it? *sigh*

I promise there will be new items up soon!

x Kym x