Willow House July Sale! (+ Retired Products Alert)

Wow, I thought the June sales were great, but wait until you see what I have for you this month!

First of all, say hello to even more deals on Style for Home (note: this sale ends Monday, July 23, 2012 -- click the photo to see larger flyer).

Second, we'll be introducing a new catalog on July 24 (sneak peek at cover over in my sidebar)! In order to make room for some new products -- including more made-in-America decor -- we have to say good-bye to a few good friends (*sniff*). Here are a few of retiring items -- contact me for a complete list.

Third, our jewelry sale has been extended through July!

And lastly -- because all of these deals are making me just a bit giddy -- I'm offering FREE SHIPPING on any order with products totaling $50 or more through the end of July. Here's how it works:

• Shop at my online store
• Select Suzanne Jackson as your host (I'll be your consultant, as well)
• Place your order
• I'll send you a rebate check for your shipping amount once the order is processed

P.S. If you're loving the products you see here, you might want to consider your own Willow House business. You can learn a little more here, then contact me for more info.

Willow House Jewelry by Sara Blaine -- a sale!

Have you heard about our jewelry sale this month? It's the first ever, and it's a great way to build your Sara Blaine collection!

 
What a deal: receive 25% off on any item under $100 with a $75 purchase in June!

Want some great tips on building your jewelry collection for layering? Check out this how-to video with Megan and Leslie -- it'll make it easy to pick your pieces!

To purchase these pieces and more, visit my Willow House website! Sale prices good through the end of June 2012.



© Suzanne Jackson 2012.
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Willow House Summer Sale!

Whether you love Willow House Style for Home or Jewelry by Sara Blaine, your going to love the deals I have for you in June!

You'll want to check out the annual super summer sale over at my Willow House store this month -- and sooner rather than later! You can save up to 50% on more than thirty current items (what you see below and more), but at these prices we're bound to have sell-outs.

 For current availability, check my website daily!

Another big announcement: for the first time only, my jewelry customers can get 25% any item under $100 with a $75 purchase (June 2012 purchases only)

 Shop online or contact me to place your order -- the sooner you order, the sooner you save! And be sure to browse around my website for style ideas and more!


© Suzanne Jackson 2011.
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Biji Aqua Bead Stacking Rings Featured!

Here's a shout out to Amy over at Fashion and Beauty Finds for featuring the Biji Aqua Bead Stacking Rings in her Mostly Sunny / Partly Cloudy wardrobe post today. Pop over and see how to wear one jumpsuit two ways by changing out accessories.

© Suzanne Jackson 2011.
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Ready for Spring (new Spring jewelry, that is!)

Such a lovely surprise for me today, as Plate & Pattern provided a clever reveal of our upcoming catalog for Willow House Jewelry by Sara Blaine.

Fresh and fun, isn't it! Sadly, we have to wait a bit longer to see what's inside...




© Suzanne Jackson 2011.
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Introducing... Emily @ Jones Design Company

One of the neat things about the internet is that it seems to have shrunk the world. I've enjoyed getting to know women from around the country through their blogs, and I'll like to introduce a few of them to you over the next few weeks. I've only met one of these ladies in person, but these are all women who have inspired me in one way or another. I hope you'll enjoy getting to know them. Be sure to stop by their blogs, too!

Emily Jones is a wife and mother of four who somehow finds time to create really pretty things. On her blog, Jones Design Company, Emily shares her love of beautiful things with us (literally – I’m talking nice monthly giveaways) along with home projects, recipes, and snippets of her life. Check out Emily’s shop here (aren’t the Scripture art prints wonderful?).

Please share your job description in 25 words or less.   

WIFE . MOMMY . GRAPHIC DESIGNER . ARTIST . BLOGGER . WRITER . DREAMER.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

BALANCING WORK TIME WITH MOMMY TIME. I LOVE MY FOUR LITTLE ONES, BUT GET SO MUCH PERSONAL FULFILLMENT OUT OF CREATING THAT SOMETIMES IT IS HARD TO KNOW WHEN TO LET GO AND JUST PLAY WITH MY KIDS.  AND KEEPING UP WITH EMAIL CAN BE CHALLENGING.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?  

I FIND IT HUMBLING AND SO FLATTERING THAT I AM ABLE TO JUST DO WHAT I LOVE {WHETHER CREATING ART PRINTS, EXPRESSING MY THOUGHTS OR SHARING A PROJECT HOW-TO} AND BE ABLE TO INSPIRE OTHER WOMEN THROUGH IT. THE COMMENTS FROM LADIES WHO HAVE DISCOVERED A CREATIVITY INSIDE OF THEM THEY NEVER KNEW THEY HAD AND CREDIT ME WITH INSPIRING IT ARE ALWAYS SUCH AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO ME.

What is your favorite room in your home? (and please tell us why) 

I AM GLAD TO SAY THAT I HAVE A FEW FAVORITE ROOMS IN OUR HOME. WE HAVE WORKED HARD TO TRANSFORM OUR ORDINARY NEW-CONSTRUCTION HOME INTO A PLACE WITH CHARACTER AND THE RESULTS HAVE REALLY MADE IT FEEL LIKE ‘US’. OUR KITCHEN IS THE MOST USED WITH LOTS OF FAMILY TIME, SO I LIKE IT. THE LIVING ROOM IS COZY AND FULL OF GREAT MEMORIES WITH FRIENDS, SO IT IS MY FAVORITE. OUR DAUGHTER’S NURSERY IS A BEAUTIFUL PIECE OF FEMININITY IN A HOUSEHOLD OF BOYS AND I LOVE THE SPACE THAT WAS CREATED IN THERE. AND MY OFFICE JUST FEELS LIKE ME. IT IS A GREAT PLACE TO CREATE AND BE INSPIRED.

Please share a favorite recipe you’ve cooked or DIY project you’ve done.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE PROJECTS I’VE DONE IS THE PAINTED WALLPAPER IN MY OFFICE. IT IS SUBTLE, BUT INTERESTING AND WAS SO REWARDING TO COMPLETE.

When you are unmotivated, what keeps you going?

DEADLINES! AND SOMETIMES I JUST NEED TO TAKE A BREAK FROM CREATING AND ENJOY THE THINGS THAT OTHERS HAVE CREATED.

What sage advice would you give a young woman today who would like to marry?

MARRIAGE IS WONDERFUL AND FULFILLING, BUT ONE OF THE GREATEST FORMS OF SELF-SACRIFICE. MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH ABOUT SERVING, DESIRING TO BE UNSELFISH IN OUR ACTIONS AND WORDS AND HAVE HAD TO MATURE A LOT IN ORDER TO MAKE OUR HOUSEHOLD  FUNCTION SMOOTHLY. FOR A YOUNG WOMAN WHO WOULD LIKE TO MARRY, I WOULD SAY TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, FIND WAYS TO SERVE OTHERS, DISCOVER YOUR PASSIONS AND MAKE SURE THE MAN YOU CHOOSE IS KIND AND RESPECTFUL.

What were you doing thirty minutes before you answered these interview questions?

CHECKING EMAIL, SHOPPING FOR BIRTHDAY GIFTS ON AMAZON FOR MY ALMOST FOUR-YEAR OLD, DRINKING COFFEE WITH EGGNOG.

What’s your favorite Starbucks drink?

REGULARLY: TALL, DECAF, EXTRA HOT, NONFAT VANILLA LATTE

DURING THE HOLIDAYS: TALL, DECAF, EXTRA HOT, NONFAT EGGNOG LATTE

© Suzanne Jackson 2011.
{I'd love for you to share this post with friends, but please share the full link. Common courtesy dictates that you do not copy the post into your own blog without proper attribution. Thanks!}

Introducing... Melissa @ A Familiar Path

One of the neat things about the internet is that it seems to have shrunk the world. I've enjoyed getting to know women from around the country through their blogs, and I'll like to introduce a few of them to you over the next few weeks. I've only met one of these ladies in person, but these are all women who have inspired me in one way or another. I hope you'll enjoy getting to know them. Be sure to stop by their blogs, too!

Melissa Stover lives in a small town in rural Arkansas, where she encourages one husband, homeschools four “sheltered, anti-social children”, and shoots some amazing photos of life. Melissa’s blog, A Familiar Path, provides little snapshots of her day in a mix of words and photos. Find out more about her photo business here.

Please share your job description in 25 words or less.   

I'm a child and family photographer in South Arkansas. I'm also a blogger, juggling two blogs, and an occasional writer for companies.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Finding a good balance between how much I want to work and how much I can work. Both of my jobs as photographer and blogger take a lot of my mental energy as well as sitting down at the computer for chunks of time. I love doing it, but my main focus right now is educating my children and being a mother. I don't want to neglect that job, so I limit what I take on with the other jobs.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?  

Getting to use my creative talents and learning new things.

What is your favorite room in your home? (and please tell us why) 

My bedroom. It's calm, usually quiet and I love to sleep. (Plus it's where all my shows are DVR'd waiting for me to watch them.)

Please share a favorite recipe you’ve cooked or DIY project you’ve done.

My kids and I made several of these ipod cases for Christmas gifts last year. We really enjoyed doing it.

When you are unmotivated, what keeps you going?

Usually I take a walk outside with my camera. Getting outside almost always clears my head and helps me to focus.

What sage advice would you give a young woman today who would like to marry?

Choose a man who is kind to you, who you are compatible with in beliefs, and someone your mom and daddy approves of.

What were you doing thirty minutes before you answered these interview questions?

Thinking about what to cook for supper. It's one of my most challenging times each day. (I decided on chicken, in case you were wondering.)

What’s your favorite Starbucks drink?

I don't drink coffee so I've never had a Starbucks drink. I'm a Coke fan.

© Suzanne Jackson 2011.
{I'd love for you to share this post with friends, but please share the full link. Common courtesy dictates that you do not copy the post into your own blog without proper attribution. Thanks!}

Announcing the Willow House Jewelry by Sara Blaine Catalog -- online!

If you're as excited as I am about the introduction of Willow House Jewelry by Sara Blaine, you've probably been dying to see the new catalog! I've been seeing (and giving) sneak peaks along the way, but that never seems to be enough. Now, you can see the whole glorious line, and it's as easy as visiting my Willow House website! 
You can browse the catalog with "page view"...

or change to "shop this page" to see the products in more detail...

or even create a wishlist to email to that special someone (or yourself)! 

If you'd like to make a purchase, simply email your wishlist to me and I can process your order for you. 

Better yet, host a party to get your own jewelry shopping spree! (See page 2 of the catalog for details on our very generous host rewards.)

Also, the Style for Home catalog is now interactive as well! You can browse, create a wishlist, and even convert that wishlist to a shopping cart to complete your purchase (the jewelry catalog will offer this feature at a later date, don't worry!).

Enjoy your browsing -- and I'd love to hear what your favorite new Jewelry by Sara Blaine pieces are, so please leave a comment or send me your wishlist! 

(Oh, I can't stop without mentioning our first ever Multi-Division Kit offer this month, October 2011, for only $289! Come join my team during our hottest selling season -- contact me for details!)
 

© Suzanne Jackson 2011.
{I'd love for you to share this post with friends, but please share the full link. Common courtesy dictates that you do not copy the post into your own blog without proper attribution. Thanks!}

What's the big deal about designer jewelry?

Oh, I'm so glad you asked! That was certainly one of the questions rolling around in my mind as I began to hear about Willow House Jewelry by Sara Blaine. Thankfully, Bill Shaw was proactive by answering the question before it even left my lips... or fingertips. And once I saw the jewelry, the distinction became abundantly clear! Here's is Bill's explanation... I hope it is as helpful to you as it was to me:

Designer jewelry is a term used to define jewelry that is more exclusive, unique and original than jewelry that is mass-manufactured and commonly available. With Willow House jewelry there is greater care and expertise taken in the technical execution of the jewelry creation process, resulting in a higher quality piece of jewelry. Jewelers consider designer jewelry as more individualistic, as it is produced on a limited scale, often by hand. Because no two genuine pearls, hand-cut stones or carvings are exactly the same, each piece of Sara Blaine jewelry is unique.

Designer jewelry also represents a line attributed to one particular person, like Sara Blaine, who is the exclusive creator of our designs. To be considered designer jewelry, the collection must embody a signature style. Designer jewelry is by nature recognizable by both its method of creation and its verifiable design pedigree.

Designer jewelry is found in upscale boutiques, traditional retail jewelry stores, and now for the first time in direct sales — from Willow House. By definition, Willow House offers the only designer jewelry in the direct selling industry.

Art jewelry represents a broad spectrum of jewelry design. Art jewelry may be produced from cloth, paper, beads, clay, precious and non-precious metals, wire of varying types or any material that may be suitable for wearable bodily adornment. The jewelry artist uses the materials to make the art jewelry in a unique manner. Art jewelry is often signed by some method, whether it is initials, or a stamp. Art jewelry is produced by the artist who created the design and often only one piece is ever made.

Art jewelry is typically sold directly to the consumer by the artist and is impractical for traditional retail or direct selling.

Costume jewelry is easily identifiable and defined by the use of both inexpensive materials and mass-production techniques. Costume jewelry uses synthetic stones, glass, plastic, silver and gold tones. Most are manufactured with automated stamping and casting techniques rather than expensive skilled artisan hand-carving and cutting. While all jewelry has to be designed by someone, it is either the inferior quality of the materials, the mass-manufacturing techniques — or both — that cause it to be considered “costume” jewelry and not “designer,” despite sophisticated packaging and sometimes artificially high price points. Most silver jewelry that is mass-produced is considered costume even though it is made of higher quality material than other costume jewelry. Each piece of our silver jewelry is carved and crafted by the hands of the finest skilled silversmiths.

Costume jewelry is typically sold in department stores, mass-market discount retailers and through direct selling companies.

I'm anxiously awaiting my sample kit -- until then, you can preview our beautiful, exclusive collection through my Willow House website!

(Note: if you'd like to join my team of design consultants to own your own business selling Willow House Style for Home or Jewelry by Sara Blaine or both, contact me for details!)



© Suzanne Jackson 2011.
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Refined Organic Tablesetting

Okay, so I'm going to be telling my age here, but when I first started feathering my nest, the hot decorating colors were mauve and wedgewood blue (makes me a bit nauseous to think about now). Country was all the rage, and I do mean country: I'm talking light oak, tons of dotted cotton ruffles, and geese.

Thankfully, we have so many more options when it comes to decorating these days. Lines are blurred between styles, so much so that they have morphed into rustic modern, refined organic, and more unexpected labels. It's quite freeing, actually. We can incorporate so many favorites into one room by tying in a single element using color, texture, or style.

Here's a great example of this fusion of styles.

The Ikat tablecloth is organic and fun, and the colors are trendy, yet understated. The flatware is classic; its clean lines blend with any style, and the damask stamp adds a special flair. The dinnerware echoes the tranquil look of smooth riverstones. The styling reminds me of what I call "grandma dishes," but with an organic edge. Can you see the delicate braided relief around the dinner plate edge? And what about the medallion stamp on the salad plate? Each of these little details add boutique style to everyday durability. I love the little bowl -- the tulip shape makes it so special. And the glass goblet brightens up the table.

For those of you who are interested, these are the brand new Willow House products (available beginning August 2011) featured in this post:

• Adelaide Flatware
• Riverstone Collection Dinnerware
• Salud Glass Goblets

Each of these products can be purchased through my design workshops, as well as through my online store. (Contact me for details on getting these products FREE when you host a design workshop or virtual party -- August 2011 hosts can get up to 50% of their total party sales in free products!).

{I love that some of the new Willow House Jewelry by Sara Blaine gives a nod to the details of our latest tableware... it's all Simply Good Design!}



© Suzanne Jackson 2011.
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FAQs for Willow House Jewelry by Sara Blaine

You have questions? We have answers!  I hope this list will be helpful to you as you explore Willow House Jewelry by Sara Blaine. Please contact me to ask any other questions you might have, or to request your invitation to become a consultant! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can sell the jewelry?
Our jewelry line will be available exclusively through Willow House Consultants.

When will the jewelry division launch?
We are conducting an exclusive limited launch in October 2011, followed by a full launch in January 2012.

Will we be able to display both home décor and jewelry at the same show?
No. We encourage you to hold separate jewelry and décor parties in order to maximize your party sales and booking opportunities.

Can jewelry items and décor items be combined on the same party order?
Jewelry and décor cannot be processed on the same party order.

If I just want to sell jewelry, do I have to sign up with the home décor division?
No, but we will not be taking reservations for Jewelry by Sara Blaine exclusively until after October 1. We are accepting Jewelry Kit Reservations now for Willow House Consultants who are enrolled in our home décor division. If you’d like to join our décor division for $49 today, you will then be able to place your reservation for the jewelry division on your Workstation.

Can I earn free jewelry when I sell Willow House décor products this summer?
Yes, if you are a Consultant who has purchased a Jewelry Kit Reservation. You must purchase a Jewelry Kit Reservation prior to the close of the month to be eligible to qualify for free jewelry in that month. If you wait until July to purchase a Jewelry Kit Reservation, you will not earn any free jewelry in June, regardless of your sales. You must be a Consultant in good standing at the time the jewelry is awarded. To learn more about Bling Bucks, click here.

Why do I have to pay for a reservation now when I may not be able to sell until October or later?
Purchasing a Jewelry Reservation Kit places you on a reservation list, giving you an activation priority based on the date of the earliest reservations. The kit is considered backordered and you may cancel your reservation at any time prior to shipment and receive a full refund. We require a paid reservation to measure the true demand for the opportunity and to build sufficient inventory levels to service that demand.

Do I receive free product when I purchase a jewelry reservation?
If you place a Jewelry Kit Reservation in June or July, you will receive $200 in free jewelry when you become activated to sell jewelry. This is in addition to any Bling Bucks you may have earned.

Will we always offer $200 of free jewelry when we purchase a reservation?
This is an incentive that is scheduled to expire at the end of July. After that, a normal Jewelry Kit Reservation will not include a free jewelry offer.

When will my account be activated and my kit ship?
Jewelry Reservation Kits will start shipping in the fall. Accounts also will be activated in the fall for Consultants to begin holding jewelry parties. Consultants who purchased a Jewelry Reservation Kit but did not attend Convention may be put on a waiting list. If there is no waiting list, a kit will ship within 72 hours and the Consultant will be activated within hours of enrollment.

How do I purchase jewelry samples?
Consultants can order one of each of anything in the line at 50% off retail. Consultants with paid Jewelry Kit Reservations can begin ordering samples starting in mid July, and can order samples until 30 days following their jewelry account activation and kit shipment.

When will the jewelry I order with my $200 + Bling Bucks be shipped?
Jewelry will be shipped in the fall.

Can a consultant be a Host?
Yes.

Are the commissions (profits) the same for jewelry as home décor?
Yes, all qualified Consultants have an opportunity to earn between 30% and 42.5% commission plus free catalogs and business supplies, bringing the total commission with BSC to between 35% and 47.5%. The new, bigger earning opportunity will begin in August and will be explained at Convention and posted on your Workstation.

Are the Host programs the same as with décor?
Yes. Like the commission program, we will be announcing an increase in the percentage of free product a Host can earn at Convention. These new Host benefits begin in August.

What about warranties, returns, etc.?
We will be announcing our program in detail at Convention and these policies will be posted on your Workstation following Convention.

What are the price points?
Most of our jewelry will sell below $100, which is in line with most of our direct selling competition. Unlike our competition, we will be offering Sara Blaine designer jewelry, not costume jewelry.

Where is the jewelry manufactured?
It is manufactured in Bali by the top designer jewelry manufacturer there. As with our home décor division, we’ve selected the best of the best.  They have been hand-producing Sara’s retail line for more than a decade. These are the most highly skilled and highly compensated silversmiths in Bali. Now they are Willow House artisans, crafting each piece as individual works of art for you and your very best customers.

When will the catalog be published?
In late September.

When will see the entire line?
If you attend Convention, you will see the entire line. It will not be showcased again until the catalog is released. Following Convention, those Consultants who wish to purchase kit-add-on orders will have Workstation access to thumbnail-sized images of the jewelry line. These images will be un-styled and are for ordering purposes only, not for public distribution.

How can I ensure a spot on the early October launch team?
Purchase your Jewelry Reservation Kit and attend Convention!

© Suzanne Jackson 2011.
{I'd love for you to share this post with friends, but please share the full link. Common courtesy dictates that you do not copy the post into your own blog without proper attribution. Thanks!}

Introducing.... Willow House Jewelry by Sara Blaine

Have to run out the door, so not much time to post, but did want you to see this...

And this...



 For more info, drop by my website and click on the pretty new button to the right!

Super Savings at Willow House

I'm always excited about finding deals, even when they are on my own Willow House products. Actually, I have to say especially when they are on my own Willow House products, because I essentially get an additional 25% off the sale price, no matter how low! So I was very excited last week when I scored...

TWO Cathedral Luminaries (reg. $59.96 each) for only $11.96 each as a Mystery Deal. One of these has already found a home on top of my refrigerator, of all places...

A Chesapeake Appetizer Set (reg. $24.95) for only $5.96 at the e-outlet, which I'll try to save to use as a gift...

One Avery Birdhouse Trio (reg. $26.96) for only $12.96 at the Spring into Savings sale, and a second for just $6.48 by combining the Spring into Savings sale with my 50% off customer special. I'll probably split up both sets and use some for noteholders at home (so cute on my desk with reminders!) and some for little gifts with encouraging notes or momento photos...

After my deducting my 25% commission, I essentially purchased $200 worth of beautiful products for a mere $38! Score!


I'm so excited about it, I just had to share it at the Frugalicious Friday linky party over on Finding Fabulous!