Hi.  Melissa here.  This is my first time on the forum and I hope to find some interesting information, and hope to make some friends as well. I just started my business, "Earthbound Creations" in April '08 and I'm still learning how to make this business really work for me. I have done a couple local shows this year (hoping to get all my applications in on time this year so I can do more), and I've also started doing some home shows. The hardest thing I'm finding so far is convincing people that my home shows are not like the rest out there - no high pessure sales and no big presentation. I just set my stuff up and let my jewelry speak for itself.  It's like having a little shop in your house. Plus my prices are ver reasonable!

I use alot of Semi-Precious Stones, Shells, Glass, and anything else I can get my hands on. I have also started a new Line I like to call my Vintage Chic Line - I like to take old or broken pieces of jewelry (or things that weren't jewelry to begin with) and make them new again - I guess I could also call it my Recycled Line (LOL).  This is really fun for me - it's like treasure hunting!  I've also started working with Polymer Clay, making my own beads and findings, but I've mainly been making figures with the clay - incense burners and candle holders.  My most recent creations are "Welcome Signs".  I made some for my parents an in-laws for christmas. I also made a bunch of christmas ornaments as well. 

Another thing I love to do is custom design for people.  I recently made jewelry for my cousin and a few of her friends for their winter dance.  They sent me pictures of them with their dresses, and I made the jewelry to go with their outfit.  I love this the most because I know the customer will absolutely love what they end up with because it's a collaboration, and the customer participates in the designing process.

So, that's a little about me. Check out my website - www.earthboundcrations.web.officelive.com

It's mainly a gallery of my stuff (there is no shopping cart as of yet), although it hasn't been updated since the summer when I first started it.  But please check it out, I love feedback, especially from other artist's.

Hope to hear from some of you soon!