Share. Help. Reward.

'Liking' and 'Sharing' or 'Following' and 'Retweeting' are the tools with which we help small businesses on social networks. It takes no effort on our part: a click of the mouse, nothing more. But with our simple 'click' we can do so much, because that click means so many things. We are showing our appreciation; endorsing; complimenting; encouraging; showcasing; hosting; advertising; spreading the virtual word: all the things that a small business needs to grow.
   We don't ask anything in return for this service we give - I, personally, enjoy it. I like, share and retweet all the while, expressing myself as I go. 'Hey, look at this - I like it. I like it so much that I'm going to share it - because I think its worth sharing, and I think you might like it too.'
   And if I share it with you and you do like it, then why not share it with someone else, and so on. We are spreading the word and helping someone out with every click.
 
But when you are the owner of a small business, just starting to build your social network, HOW do you get people to begin liking and sharing, following and retweeting in the first place?
   Well - bribe 'em, I say!
   What, of course, I meant to say was, reward them.
   We happily offer our customers rewards for repeat custom; we tempt buyers into our shops with coupons, sales, free postage days. So why not reward followers in the same way?
 
So, without further ado I'd like to announce our GEMINI OFFER on Facebook. Until 21st June there is a 10% discount for every shopper who buys and shares from our Etsy shop on Facebook
    Just pop along to Bamalam Creations - Inspired by Nature (Like our page please) and browse.
 
    You promote us, we reward you!
    Shopping and sharing. Fun and simple.

   Happy shopping!

A Charmed Life!

Charms are so versatile. From the traditional bracelet,  to belt dangles, zip pulls, phone charms, and hand bag charms. You can put a charm on virtually anything and it will look good. Make them simple, make them chunky. Wood, gemstone, silver, bronze, enamel. You name it and you can make a charm from it!
   And there are so many to choose from. This morning I decided to make a treasury of some of the charms I had browsed on Etsy. I called it Works Like a Charm! There are some interesting little finds there, from the traditional to to the not-so.

I particularly like this combination of chunky chain with Lapis Lazuli and a dog charm from HeartofaCowgirl

HeartofaCowgirl - rustic cowgirl jewelry on Etsy

So, after browsing, I got out a whole bunch of supplies and decided to do some designing. Wood, carnelian, agate, jade and a few metres of chain! I feel some little phone charms and chunky hand bag dangles coming on. Just waiting on my bronze owls and leaves to arrive in the post! Then we will see what I can create...

Gemstone of the month - Tiger Eye - Planetary Birthstone of Gemini

Gemstones are worn, not only for their aesthetic value, but for their spiritual and healing properties.

   Tiger Eye, a quartz and planetary birthstone of Gemini, has been known to man for millennia. It is reputed to ward off illness and evil. As well as a psychic protector Tiger Eye helps the wearer achieve clarity. It is said to aid problem solving and to give confidence. If embarking on a trying time in life – wear Tiger Eye.

   On a medicinal note the stone keeps stomach ailments away, and is, apparently, very good for treating eye problems. It can also aid night vision!

Birthstones are widely known. Gemini (22^nd May – 21^st June) has several: agate, citrine, moonstone and pearl, to name a few. Planetary birthstones are perhaps not so widely recognised.

   In ancient times planets were associated with specific gemstones. It was thought that if you wore the stone that was associated with the ruling planets at the time you were born, positive effects would reflect in your life.

Whatever you believe, it is hard to deny that this semi-precious gemstone is beautiful. It’s great depth of colour is due to its fibrous structure. As light passes onto, and through, the Tiger Eye stone you will see beautiful bands of golden yellow, red brown and honey hues. To the touch, Tiger Eye is silky smooth.

It is, without doubt, one of my favourite gemstones.

Tiger Eye oval bead showing beautiful silky lustre

Fibrous structure creates warm hues of gold and brown

                         

Tiger Eye and Jade Butterfly Necklace

Tiger Eye Graduating Jewellery Set

Carved Tiger Eye Bear Pendant

Daisies - in the absence of sunshine

Summer days are few and far between.
Luckily nature gave us daisies: happy little blooms of sunshine to brighten our days!