Metal Designz http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/ en Copyright 2010 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:39:21 -0600 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification 2010 is here -- and we are Busy!! I will be working on the website over the next couple of weeks. I have some new items that need to be added to the site, and I need to get some of the missing photographs online as well. I have many new jewelry and kit ideas on the back burner and look forward to getting to spend some time on that! We also need to do some evaluating and price adjusting to take in account some rise in operating costs, as well as material costs.
Website change - We've decided for ease of purchasing that we are changing ALL 20 - 22 - 24 GAUGE rings into half ounce increments. The only ring type that this will not affect is the Sterling and Goldfill. This change will allow our customers to purchase smaller quantities as needed. 18g and larger rings will continue to be full ounce increments.
Our Stainless Steel prices are the first to be adjusted. We produce the highest quality stainless steel jump rings available. We have some special processes that we use to get this top quality ring, and they are time and space consuming, so we have to raise our prices to reflect the time and effort that goes into them.
Shipping - It's that time of year again when Canada Post and Fed Ex raise their prices. Please remember that the amount the website quotes is an ESTIMATE. I know that some of the postal quotes go to $53 or $100 - this either an international shipping quote, which needs to be done by Shelley, or if you are in the USA and get the $100 quote, it means FedEx will be cheaper than postal... This happens on heavy boxes. Thank you for your patience while I make appropriate changes to the shipping modules as I get more familiar with the rate changes.
We will be attending the Fraser Valley Bead Show - Spring Show - March 12-14th 2010. I will be teaching a Half Persian class and one of our Customers - Uli Ross - Will be teaching a Stairway to Heaven Class!

Lots going on around here!! I'll keep adding details as I have more news!

]]> http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2010/01/2010-is-here-and-we-are-busy.html http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2010/01/2010-is-here-and-we-are-busy.html Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:39:21 -0600 Enjoy the end of 2009!! Happy Holidays Everyone!
I hope you enjoyed your Christmas with Family, friends, and loved ones!! We had a rough one-- Spent Christmas Eve and Day at the ER with our baby -- He had Croup so bad he couldn't eat... It wasn't very fun, but he is slowly on the mend... We all have nasty colds due to lack of sleep with a sick babe, but it to will get better!!

We are working on a big weaving project that is soon due, so that has slowed ring stock rebuilding, but we are doing our best to get caught up :) It's an never ending cycle I guess.

DYLON WHYTE KITS ARE ON SALE NOW!!! 10% off!! This means a great deal on a tutorial and rings to go with it!

We have also decided to discontinue the twisted rings... They are too much hassle to make and are not ordered enough to justify keeping them! They have all been mixed into a huge rainbow mix Lot and are 10% off until sold out!! Get them while you can!!
Thanks!
Shelley

]]> http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2009/12/enjoy-the-end-of-2009.html http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2009/12/enjoy-the-end-of-2009.html Mon, 28 Dec 2009 13:58:12 -0600 Christmas is getting closer! Hi Everyone!

Just a quick reminder to get any last minute orders in soon!! We are almost to the point where we won't be able to get things to you without overnight services which are quite costly.

A few plans in the Works!! Shelley will be attending the Spring Fraser Valley Bead Show March 12-14th in Coquitlam, BC. I will be teaching 2 classes... A byzantine type beginner, and a Persian type Advanced class!! If you are within driving distance I sure hope you come see me!!!

CLOSEOUT SPECIALS -- We have listed the floor sweepings (don't last long) and some damaged rings at a discount. Get 'em while they last!!

Shelley

]]> http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2009/12/christmas-is-getting-closer.html http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2009/12/christmas-is-getting-closer.html Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:11:18 -0600 Winter Wonderland here in Canada Hello Everyone!

We are surviving our first real cold snap of the year - ranging -20F to -30F -- we have an inch of snow accumulated, which is nice -- No big shoveling yet!

We are basically CAUGHT UP on orders!! We only have 10 processing orders in the system as of now -- I think we shipped around 80 orders in the last 2 days! We are still working on some big bead store orders, and a weaving project for a BIG movie production (can't give details yet!!) So by no means are we having a break!! I'm just excited that we are in good shape for being caught up!!

We will be taking a few days off at the end of December to have some holiday time with our kids!! No concrete plans as of yet, but I imagine we'll take a little road trip so we are forced to not work for a day or two!!

SALE ON NOW
--- Finished Swarovski Christmas Trees -- 5 assorted colours - 25% See under Catalogue - Chainmail Gallery - Earrings

Just wanted to update on our progress!!
Shelley

]]> http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2009/12/winter-wonderland-here-in-cana.html http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2009/12/winter-wonderland-here-in-cana.html Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:21:39 -0600 Survived Our Christmas SHOWS!! We are happy to say we have officially survived our Christmas Shows!! Whew!
We can now focus on getting all orders out as soon as possible!
Thank you so much to the patient customers who have waited longer than normal for their order over the last 6 weeks or so. We are working to get caught up and then spend some nice holiday time with our family!

We have many new items -- New variety of lamp work beads -- SO PRETTY! I will add them to the site tonight or tomorrow! We also will be putting some things on sale!!
So keep watching!!

Thanks!
Shelley

]]> http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2009/12/survived-our-christmas-shows.html http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2009/12/survived-our-christmas-shows.html Sun, 06 Dec 2009 18:30:43 -0600 Home Sweet Home! We are home and back at after an incredibly successful Art Market! It was awesome! Thanks to all our new customers for coming out and buying jewelry! Thanks to our vendor neighbours that we had so much fun with!! And for flirting with the baby helper in our booth!

The website glitch yesterday seems to be repaired... I'll keep a close eye on it!!

We will be getting all orders out ASAP!
Thanks Again!
Shelley & Joseph

]]> http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2009/11/home-sweet-home.html http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2009/11/home-sweet-home.html Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:24:14 -0600 CLOSED UNTIL NOV 24th!!! WE ARE NOW CLOSED UNTIL NOVEMBER 24th. We are away at a Craft Show and will not returning emails, or shipping orders. We will get all orders shipped ASAP when we return.

PLEASE KEEP PLACING YOUR ORDERS WHILE WE ARE AWAY -- Get your order in line so it is dealt with sooner rather than later when we get back!

THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING!!!

]]> http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2009/11/closed-until-nov-24th.html http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2009/11/closed-until-nov-24th.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:13:14 -0600 Closing for our out of town Christmas Show! We are busily preparing our finished jewelry, packing, organizing, and preparing to hit the road for Calgary!! We will be participating at The Art Market, Thursday - Sunday in the Telus Convention Center in downtown Calgary --- Come say HI if you are in the area!

We will do our best to get as many orders as we can shipping over the weekend and on Monday -- We are closing for Tuesday, and reopening the following Tuesday when we return! We know that this is a long time to close, and in the middle of the Christmas rush, but it couldn't be helped!!

NEW STUFF---
LAMP WORK TEARDROP BEADS!! These are beautiful and make a stunning bracelet mixed with Sterling jump rings... We've added a kit that is simply amazing..

I've also added some really NEAT new clasps -- They are called Safety Clasps, and they are really cool... They snap together, but are very flat and low profile... Great for keeping on special items!! They come in 3 colours -- Gold, Silver, Gunmetal (Black)

Thanks for your patience while we are away -- KEEP PLACING YOUR ORDERS, so your order is in line to be processed when we return!! We have help hired for the week we get home, so the orders should fly out the door!!

]]> http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2009/11/closing-for-our-out-of-town-ch.html http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2009/11/closing-for-our-out-of-town-ch.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:54:10 -0600 Christmas Season Steadily Approaching... I can't believe that November is just around the corner!! I know this means craft sales for most of us!! We are asking people to post photos of their work on our Facebook fan page. There is a link on the left side of this message if you haven't check it out yet! If you want to share your best sellers, and or favourites - please do!!

We are getting ready for our 2 big Christmas Shows... Calgary Art Market Nov 19-22 and then Sundog here in Saskatoon Dec 4-6th. We will be closed November 17-24th as we have to travel 7 hours to get to this show... We will not be closed for the hometown Show in December.

I have some new kits in mind... Just looking for the TIME to get to them at this point!!!
I will also be adding new beads to the website ASAP!
Thanks for your support as always!
Shelley

]]> http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2009/10/christmas-season-steadily-appr.html http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2009/10/christmas-season-steadily-appr.html Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:09:41 -0600 Pluggin' Away and Making PROGRESS! Thank you all for your support over the last couple days! I received lots of emails from regular customers with positive support emails! We are doing our best and getting progress made!

We have shipped a MOUNTAIN of orders in the last couple days! We have more going tomorrow!

Delays are only on rings that are not cut... we picked up and cut 10 POUNDS of 18g Sterling silver TODAY and all 6 tumblers are working away tonight! Twisted rings are still a delay and the odd size that isn't ordered often might cause a hold up, but for the most part we are getting a little closer to caught up by the day!

Thanks so much for your patience!! Next will be stock building so our Show in November doesn't cause such a backup!

]]> http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2009/10/pluggin.html http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2009/10/pluggin.html Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:20:40 -0600 Back at it --- and Backed UP! Thank you everyone for your patience while we were in Vancouver at the Fraser Valley Bead Show. It was another successful event! I taught a class and got to meet many old friends and new students too! I crashed a class taught by Tanis at Studio Indah, and made a gorgeous Sterling Shaggy loop bracelet with teardrop Lamp work beads! Watch for a kit and photos within the next week -- The beads are SO beautiful!

Traveling to shows is a challenge for us right now. We committed to go to these shows 6-8 months ago, and with the "recession" looming we had no idea we would be this busy at this point. We have hired our first staff member and are doing our best to get caught up and to a point in stock that order are back to 1-2 day processing times. We are currently sitting at 1-2 weeks, and some even longer if they are waiting on rings. Our stock has taken a HUGE hit, so we are building as we go and doing as much as we can each day to get caught back up. Our regular customers know that this isn't the norm for us, so I am hoping the new customers can bear with us while we get things back in control!

Sadly I also need to say that while we truly do our best to make each and every order perfect, mistakes happen. I am always happy to fix errors and work with you anyway I can. We take our business very seriously because it reflects personally on Joe and I, and really want to help each customer as best I can. I do need to remind some customers that we reserve the right NOT to work with you if you chose to be abusive towards us. I understand that you can be frusterated if an order has a problem, but sending nasty email really doesn't make it any better, nor does verbally abusing me on the phone. That old saying -- You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar-- It really does work :) So please remember that the person readying your scathing email is a person too, and really did want to help...until you made her cry!

We are working very long days getting caught up as fast as we can!! Thanks for your patience!! Watch for some new kits coming in a few weeks!!

]]> http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2009/10/back-at-it-and-backed-up.html http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2009/10/back-at-it-and-backed-up.html Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:51:59 -0600 Basically Closed from Now until Tuesday Oct 13th HAPPY THANKSGIVING THIS WEEKEND TO ALL OUR FELLOW CANADIANS!! Travel safe and enjoy time with friends and family.

We are basically closed now until we return on Tuesday. We are swamped with orders coming in and we can't get anymore ready and pack for the show!! We'll get caught up as fast as we can when we return. If you are in a hurry for your order, please choose the overnight shipping with fedex and we'll put your order to the top of the pile.. other than that, we try and get them done in the order in which they come in... If they need cutting, they go into a different pile, and we get them done as fast as we can!
Thanks!!

]]> http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2009/10/basically-closed-from-now-unti.html http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2009/10/basically-closed-from-now-unti.html Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:02:47 -0600 Heading to British Columbia for a Show!! A quick reminder that we are leaving Thursday for the Fraser Valley Bead Show in Langley BC. We will ship all we can by Wednesday, and then start shipping again on Tuesday when we get home. We also have a WILD week when we get home -- My Brother is getting married the following Saturday!!
We have made the wedding jewelry, and Joe is putting his pastry chef hat back on and is making the wedding cakes... SO there will likely be a few delays on the week we return, but after the 18th, we'll be pounding out the orders!!

We have also hired some extra help, so orders should get back up to speed in no time!
Thanks everyone for your support!!


PS -- We will be adding new items to the site after the wedding weekend too!!

]]> http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2009/10/heading-to-british-columbia-fo.html http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2009/10/heading-to-british-columbia-fo.html Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:13:00 -0600 Olivia Fancy Clasp Update We were able to meet with our clasp supplier this weekend. We picked up some new pretties that we'll add to the site when we can, and we confirmed that we will be able to get more of the Olivia Fancy box clasps! They are on a rush order and will be here in 8-10 weeks.
If you would like your name to go on a waiting list, please email us or make a comment in your order... They will be $60 cnd and I'll post as soon as they are back in stock!
They are so pretty... we are glad to know they are coming back!!

]]> http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2009/09/olivia-fancy-clasp-update.html http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2009/09/olivia-fancy-clasp-update.html Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:01:27 -0600 Closed for the weekend This happens very rarely, but we are closed until Monday -- We are making a trip to do some buying -- clasps, shinier stainless wire (we hope), cutting equipment and so on...
We will ship as many orders as possible on Monday -- I will not be responding to email this weekend (until Sunday night likely)

Thanks for your patience!!

]]> http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2009/09/closed-for-the-weekend.html http://www.metaldesignzstore.com/2009/09/closed-for-the-weekend.html Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:13:11 -0600