Tippy Stockton Jewelry

It's my 1st ETSYversary . . .

A year ago, my life was a mess. I was, as one might say, at a crossroads. I didn't have a "real" job, my only son was away at college, and my beloved Mom had just passed away. I had stepped away from my job at a small shop in town after my Dad had passed away just months before. I felt very alone - probably one of the darkest times in my life. This is not me - I'm generally a very happy go lucky person; big smile and hearty laugh. I came home and sort of wandered around for weeks not sure what I should be doing.

So what was this girl to do? I had been creating jewelry for many years, selling at a couple of local shops and to sweet girlfriends who wanted to support my little venture. I did have an ETSY account. I had bought a few things from other artists, actually had listed a couple of pairs of earrings that were featured with really bad photographs. Really, what was I thinking. So I woke up one day and decided that life was going to pass me by if I didn't get it figured out. So I literally spent hours upon hours scouring ETSY about how to take good photographs and set up shop in Kellan's room. I purchased some new beads and just went to town. In a few short days I had a little collection that I thought I would list. I took the photographs, they were just okay. Nothing great, but each time I took a photo, they got better. I figured out that lighting was crucial. So I had to wait many a day for a sunny spot here in Seattle. I listed my first grouping and waited . . . and waited . . . and waited. I had a few sales here and there, but nothing to write home about and certainly not enough to pay the bills if this was to be my "new job". John and I took off on a trip to Florida in August and while I was gone, I spent the days scouring magazines for inspiration. When we returned, I jumped back in and got going on new designs - I found a fellow ETSYian (thank you Phaedra) who had amazing filigree findings, and that's how Tippy Stockton took off. My Caliente earrings went bonkers. Okay, so this was fun. People were liking my jewelry - YES!!! Oh, and how could I forget, John and my neighbor Jerry built me a new Studio in our backyard. What a place - great light, everything in its place, and such a wonderful spot to go to each day for WORK!!! I had made a a lofty goal for myself; 100 SALES by Christmas!!! Boy was I being overzealous!!! As the days ticked by and the sales kept coming, I thought for a minute that 100 sales could happen. And happen it did!!! By Christmas, I had surpassed 100 sales. Way past 100 sales and looking at 150. YAY! So I could do this.

So, now I'm committed. I have a handful of Wholesale Accounts (yes I love my Wholesale Accounts), I'm about to be represented in the Midwest by a lovely young lady, and I'm dedicated to finding even more wonderful shops and boutiques across the country to have a spot for Tippy Stockton.

I'm also excited to share some news with you! In April, I will be flying off to St. Louis with my sweet friend Cindy to attend the Mary Engelbreit Workshop. I'll be meeting with many wonderful designers who started their careers like me. Kaari from French General is of particular interest to me as she has a lovely jewelry line. There are others too who I have my sights set on for tips of the trade. Can't wait.

Stay tuned . . . Tippy Stockton isn't going anywhere!!! I'll have more "breaking" news to share with you soon. I'm in Studio every day designing and loving life. I've just listed many new items to the shop, so I hope that you'll head over and check them out. http://www.tippystockton.etsy.com/. As always, if you have any questions, suggestions, or just want to chat, FIRE AWAY!!!

Oh, and one more thing . . . to celebrate my anniversary, here's my gift to you.

20% off anything RED in February

20% off anything GREEN in March

Make sure you type "anniversary" in notes to seller. I will issue you a purchase credit through PayPal upon completion of the transaction.

I couldn't have done this without all of you!!!

Thank you fans of

Tippy Stockton and ME!

You're all awesome and I can't wait for 2010.