A little word of blog...

A big thank you to Lori and Cori Cole, who mentioned Pam briefly in their blog post on Solving World Poverty. Back when Pam was young--which really wasn't too long ago--she was a fan of the Quest for Glory series of games, which inspired many of her earlier artwork. You can probably see how that has influenced her designs now, since much of her jewelry takes on a fantasy tone. She now works with Shiana as a driving force to create fair trade jewelery.

We were also recently mentioned in October Webfind of Beekeeper's webblog, "What's in the Attic?"

Through the magic of Google, we've also found some other very nice blurbs:

The Lipstick Page
By Colleen Shirazi, a wonderful girl who created some nice Shiana items.

The Daily Jewel
By Robyn Hawk, who promotes our message.

Word of mouth is always good, word of blog works wonderfully well too! Thank very much to everyone who has given us a boost. If you've recently blogged about Shiana, let us know! You can go to http://www.shiana.com and use the contact form.


-Angie

All That Glitters is Pink and Gold!

We've just added dozens of new Vermeil items, for a real shimmering, sparkling, glittering, look! Here are just a few of them:

[P301010024] Thai Sterling Silver 5 Small Glittering Beads (12 Beads)

[V301010024] Thai Sterling Silver 5 Small Glittering Beads (12 Beads)

[V101010078] Gold Vermeil Thai Karen Silver 6mm Plain Lentils Beads (6 Beads)

[P101010078] Pink Gold Vermeil Hill Tribe Silver 6mm Plain Lentils Beads (6 Beads)


[P301010025] Thai Sterling Silver 3 Small Stardust Round Beads (20 Beads)


[V301010025] Thai Sterling Silver 3 Small Stardust Round Beads (20 Beads)

[V301010026] Thai Sterling Silver 3.5 Small Stardust Donut Beads (25 Beads)

[P301010026] Thai Sterling Silver 3.5 Small Stardust Donut Beads (25 Beads)

July 2008 New Items!

Hey there!
Shiana has quite a few new items for you to play with!

Designers, if you're already gearing up for your autumn collections our new items are sure to make an elegant statement. Along with our usual nature inspired twist, the new collection stems from the idea of peace and prosperity, with some emphasis on traditional tribal patterns and world cultural symbols.

[103990057] Thai Karen Silver 30mm Connecting Leaf 2 Hoops Charms (4 Charms)
4 charms are $9.99

[104040169] Thai Karen Silver 28mm Desert Archer Toggle (1 Set)
1 Toggle set is $9.99
similiar item: Stone Archer Toggle


[102100171] Thai Karen Silver 40mm Hamsa Pendant (1 Piece)
and
[102100172] Thai Karen Silver 40mm Hamsa Pendant (1 Piece)
[103100116] Thai Karen Silver 10mm Lotus Calm Charms (10 Charms)
Beautiful, heavy charms for $18.99

[102990022] Thai Karen Silver 55 Connecting 2 Hoops Flower Pendant (1 Pendant)
for $14.99

For more items or information, check out http://www.shiana.com

World Fair Trade Day May 10th

Don't forget that May 10th is World Fair Trade Day! Well, in some countries it's May 3rd to the 18th. If you're in the United States, don't forget to check for events taking place in your own State.

Silver Savings!

Looking for savings? Go to http://www.shiana.com and simply search for the words 'SAVE' to see if the item you are looking for is available in larger quantities for a discount. These bulk discounts can be layered on top of your wholesale discounts so you get the bulk saving and the total wholesale discount from your order.

Summer Simplicity!

Summer is all about being simple and edgy!

Try these bold pieces with hidden details for your summer collections. Like small paintings to adorn your neck, these etched pieces will draw attention wherever they go.

[104040156] Thai Karen Silver 50mm Sunflower Toggle (1 Set)
This toggle features a beautiful etching of a sunflower against a leaf clasp. Definitely a unique way to finish off any piece.

[102100110] Thai Karen Hill Tribe Silver 60mm Sunflower Soul Pendant (1 Pendant)

A big, bold pendant with an abstract flower design looks great with any color of beads. Go natural with greens and browns or Urban tribal with bright reds and black.

[104040159] Thai Karen Silver 29mm Simplicity Toggle (1 Set)

Clean and simple can also be stunning! This geometric toggle is slightly curved so that it makes the perfect complement to wrists and neck lines.

[104040158] Thai Karen Silver 29mm Octagon Toggle (1 Set)

The Octagon Toggle has neater repetitive patterns, it's smaller than most of the etched pieces and can add an exotic look to any piece.

[102100164] Thai Karen Silver 70mm Tribal Diamond Pendant (1 Piece)

This large pendant is for someone who really wants to make a statement. Because of the angles, it can really become a masculine piece, used as a buckle, or even a toggle (if you're feeling brave!)

Interview with Shelley Dyer of Rasa Rocks

It’s been a while since our last feature. Today we want to introduce you to Shelly Dyer of Rasa Rocks who is currently designing and showcasing her work on Etsy. Her handmade work blends mystics with a hint of playfulness.

Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? What are your favorite things to do besides jewelry? And, how did you get started in jewelry design?
I was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba in Canada. I now reside in Vancouver, BC.Living on the prairies with the long cold winters, gives a person a sense of contemplation, and I developed a love for creative expression. At 15 I was a theatre student, and at 19, I led a troupe of young actors from one prairie town to another, playing the role of Rumplestiltskin. I also studied dance for years.

Can you provide some information about Rasa Rocks? Where did the idea for the catchy name come from?
I have been a student of Eastern religions for years. So this is how the name" Rasa Rocks" came to be. The word 'rasa' is Sanskrit meaning the sweetness, richness, nectar, of things seen and unseen. Shiana definitely has the 'rasa' of the heart.

You said you are a student of healing arts, how does this affect the choices you make when designing?
Throughout all of my endeavors, the mystery of healing and the realms of the mystical called out to me. I have studied many forms of energy work, including a madcap study of Shamanism.

What are your favorite sources for inspiration?
When I began working with the balancing and healing powers of gems and metals, i soon began creating my own designs. Last year, I discovered Shiana and I find it to be the perfect product. Fair trade pure silver and gold in stunning designs! It is a pleasure to work with.

What do you plan for Rasa Rocks in the future?
My shop Rasarocks is now taking form, and to expand its offerings, I have included a section called 'Rasrocks Kids'. I believe it will be special for children to wear Fair Trade, non-toxic silver and gold. I will include a tag that explains to the child, and the parents, that with every purchase, they are supporting Fair Trade and the life of another child.

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?
If I could travel anywhere, I would like to go to the Karen village and watch the artisans at work.

Find out more about Shelley at her etsy store, or send her an email. Please also check out the Etsy storyteller group she belongs to:

http://rasarocks.etsy.com

wearbliss@telus.net

http://etsylove.ning.com/group/rasicstorytellers