My upcoming Web-a-versary

So, most everyone who reads this blog or know me know that Manda Panda Creations is a one woman show.  More accurately mandapandacreations.com is a one Mom show, since I didn't decide to go on the web until just prior to our son's second birthday.

Next month will mark the anniversary of MPC's presence on the web and with every anniversary there comes a time of reflection: What has worked?  What hasn't?  What is yet to be tried?  And I've concluded, which will come as no shock to the web or business savvy, is that networking is still king.  And the farming adage about time & patience still very aptly applies as much to a web-based business as it does to a brick & mortar.

A year ago I really did think LAUNCHING the website was the big hurdle.  Boy, was I naive.  

Truth be told, I've actually been lucky in gaining success with my sloppy attempts at self promotion and laissez faire efforts with networking.  Perhaps not surprisingly so - I love meeting people and I'm passionate about what I do.  But the knowing the best ways to translate what comes natural to me with the tools available for web promotion has proven more of a challenge than originally anticipated.  The investigation, setup and administration of these tools takes a huge chunk out of my creative time.   

I've begun reviewing options to streamline my promotional efforts.  In doing so I now have a greater why my competition is so much more expensive than me for similar goods.  This leaves me, at the start of the new decade at a cross roads.  Do I go big or do I remain a modest but still successful shop which hopefully grows over time?  

Or is there a happy medium?  Well, I hope there is.  My plan is to try to continue doing what works (actually better and more of it) and to reach out to you, my friends and allies to ask for a little advice and help with the following:

1. Gaining a wider audience.  I'm on social media: facebook, twitter, but I'm pretty much just social on it.  Well, I do actually have a facebook page, but it doesn't get publically listed until you have 1000 fans! I'm just not real comfortable flagrantly promoting myself.  Any suggestions? 
2. My blogs: Manda Panda Creations and this one, Behind the Beaded Curtain. I'd like to freshen and streamline them.  Get a custom skin made so I can embed it on my site along with some other widgets.  Know anyone?  Are you that someone?
3. Website maintenance: My website is home-baked by Mom and my darling hubby.  I need an easier tool to update my database without needing to bug them or wait for them to do it.  (I've got lots of new stuff to list).  I heard 'content managers' are that solution, but what's a good one?  Does anyone know? 
4. Finally, would you give me a website gradecard?  Visit my site look around and tell me what appeals to you and what doesn't.  

Thanks for reading, looking, considering.  I look forward to getting your feedback, no matter how much or what you have to offer.

Happy New Year! 

Manda

Current Safety Issues with Jewelry: Part II Radium in SteamPunk

Steam Punk:  It's new, it's cool and it's good for the environment.  Steam Punk jewelry is the latest thing on the market.  For those who have never heard of it, Steam Punk jewery is recycled mechanical parts, like those found in computers and old watches, which have been created into necklace pendants, rings, bracelets, and earrings.  

But what is old should not always be made new again.  Many old watches contain radium.  The following blog post, dated January 9, 2009, explores the dangers associated with old watch parts and illustrates videos of the radium testing results:

http://www.vogelein.com/JanerBlog/2009/01/#001060

This danger is new and not yet on the government's radar for consumer protection.  Buyer be warned.

Current Safety Issues with Jewelry: Part I Lead

As many of you may be aware, the CPSIA has passed new legislation requiring mandatory testing for all products sold to children aged six or younger.  Most of  the concern is regarding lead in products, most widely found in toys.  But what may come as a surprise to many is the presence of lead in many crystal beads used to create the trendy crystal baby bracelets which sometimes include the baby's name in metal beads.  These beads are also commonly used in the mom's bracelets that have become so trendy today.

   

Swarovski crystals, commonly regarded as the finest crystals for their precision faceting.  As beautiful as they are, a lead content of up to 21% is present in these crystals.  Celestial crystals, another popular crystal on the market contains 12 to 14% lead in many of their crystals, but has recently released a new lead free crystal.  Czech glass is similar to crystal and contains no lead.

Lead in crystals is used to provide additional weight and add a luxurious feel to beaded jewelry. This level of lead is perfectly safe for adults and children provided you to do not attempt to consume or place them in your mouth.  However, leaded crystals or metals are not considered safe for children under age 6.  Also be on guard for lead in metal beads, especially base metal beads.  There are lead free alternatives and it's your right to be able to get them.  (Although, as a jewelry designer and a mother of a toddler, I do not recommend jewelry for any children under age six due to the risk of choking, no matter what the materials.)

Beginning February 10, 2009 anyone selling these jewelry items for children are obligated to have their products individually tested by a third party agency approved by the CPSIA.  And it is your right to review copies of these results.  If you are told that a product containing Swarovski crystal is lead free, that's simply not possible.  Know your rights and keep your kids safe.

Must Have Jewelry Pieces

Just as with fashion, there are jewelry pieces every woman should have. 

In no particular order, here the top five:

1. Flirty, dangle earrings.

No matter the material used, a dangle earring brings movement and life to your style. Select shapes and colors to compliment and balance your body, face and eyes. (Check out our other blog entries for more info on these topics.)

What they do for you: Draws attention to your eyes.
Tips: Select earrings that have a colors which compliment or match your eye color.

2. The little black necklace.

With the right balance of delicate beading and interesting shapes, a little black necklace is the perfect accent for your little black dress or a great way to dress up jeans and a simple shirt.
What it does for you: Draws attention to a woman's declate, in a subtle yet sexy way.
Tips: Black is still the universal neutral. Use your little black necklace to pull out the black accents in prints or create classic high contrast with a white shirt.

3. A Bracelet that makes a statement.

Whether it's a personalized mom-bracelet, your greek letters or showing your support for a cause like breast cancer awareness, these bracelets are a fun, fashionable way to express yourself.  Lots of options are available with message beads, specialty charms, alpha & greek letter beads, and a vast array of symbols like hearts and religious symbols for all denominations.

What it does for you:  Adds your unique signature to wear everyday or keep as an heirloom momenta.

Tips:  Have a lot to say?  Maybe a multi-strand bracelet is the right choice for you. 

 

4. The multi-strand necklace.

A multi-strand necklace is a perfect piece to wear over a solid colored top such as a turtleneck, when your cleavage is exposed, or just anytime.  Strands with contrasting color, materials and texture are best when your outfit is monochromatic. Strands with continuity of pattern and color are better with patterned or detailed garments.  Or mix and match styles with some simple strands and some complex.  Any of these looks are stunning and distinctive.

What it does for you: A sophisticated way to draw the eye to the upper body.

Tips: Select monochromatic schemes that mix up shapes to add interest.

5. Abalone Shell jewelry of any kind.

When you are looking for a gift or an item you can grab that will go literally with anything, think of abalone shell.  It's spectral color make it the perfect choice for evening wear to jeans and everywhere in between.

What is does for you: Compliments every color scheme you can imagine and coordinates very well with other pieces made from virtually any other material.

Tips:  Travel with your abalone jewelry pieces to reduce what you need to pack.

But don't limit yourself to the top five jewelry pieces.  

Every woman deserves to be celebrated and decorated.