2014 recap & new projects for 2015

Hi there everyone! :)

I hope you all had an awesome start for 2015!! I love this lovely euphoric feeling that all is fresh and new, and full of possibilities at the beginning of the year ! :) I wanted to take a minute to lay out my goals for 2014 and 2015 as well as my new projects. Here were the objectives I had fixed for 2014:

Reach 100 blog followers * 42 FB followers * 1000 favorites on my Etsy shop * 142 Twitter followers * Make 142 Etsy sales * Attend 3 craft shows * List 100 items by mid-november * Pick up blogging seriously.

I think we can say that with 40 blog post last year, I commited myself to serious blogging and I hope you all enjoyed my articles :) ! As for my shop hearts, I didn't reach my goal but it's not because I haven't tried! I can't wait for 1000 hearts as I have planned a special giveaway once I reach it for all those who hearted my Etsy shop through the years. I'm also super proud to say I ended 2014 while having overreached my goal for sales! :) Thank you so much everyone for making this possible...! :) The success of the Berries on both my Etsy shop and at craft shows made it so that I ran out of time (and I have to admit energy and sleep) to reach 100 items on Etsy by the end of the year. 2015 started with 78 items in stock but not to worry though, I jumped on Boxing day sales to buy some more supplies to fill up 2015 with fresh new colors and designs! ;)

Best business moves for 2014:

Investing in a smart phone - it allows me to be so much more organized and time efficient it completely changed the way I think about planning. It also makes it so much easier for me to connect with all of you when I'm on the road and believe me, I do a lot of traveling. I personally own a Motorolla Moto G LTE android phone and I love how user-friendly it is.

Open a Facebook page - As much as I'm not a fan of FB for my personal page, I simply love my Kirameku Facebook page. I love to be able to send you quick posts about my newest projects, sneak peaks, promos and live feed while I'm at events like craft shows.

What's new for Kirameku for 2015 :

I have a lot of new projects this year for Kirameku so here's a quick list. I'll give you more details later but on feel free to leave a comment if there's something here that interests you! :)

Customer spotlight : Show us how you Style your Berry jewelry and awake your inner fashionista! Send me a picture of your best outfit featuring your Kirameku jewelry and a short text on your inspiration and I'll post it on the blog and my Facebook page. I would love to see your personal twist on fashion! :)

New Swarovski earrings : Yes, the precious crystals will make a big come back for 2015! :) Short and long dangles as well post earrings are on the menu paired with gorgeous colors! :)  I promise they will be glamorous, sparkling and full of colors! Stay posted!

New limited edition Berries jewelry : I took a break from listing Berries these past few days because I was on a hunt for new colors for the limited edition series! :) I found some gorgeous black with a mesmerizing firepolish, vivid two-toned green drops, soft blue and much more....! New rings and necklaces will be added soon! :)

Giveaways : It's a new year and I'm happy to say that the giveaway budget has been refilled! :) Make sure you hearted Kirameku Etsy shop to enter the giveaway for 1000 hearts! I'll be also collaborating with various blogs for more giveaway. Stay posted and don't hesitate to leave suggestions on blogs or which Berries you would like to win :)

Kirameku website : The graphic designer in me could no longer resist the temptation of building a website for Kirameku. For starters, I'll be using the free features of Wix, as I prefer for now to leave more budget for giveaways :)

Bridesmaids collection : I realized that Berries could be a wonderful gift for bridesmaids while staying in a decent budget. I'm working on some special packaging while trying to stay as eco-friendly as possible. For now, silk ribbons and glittery paper are involved ;)

Last but not least, a newsletter! You want to know all the news and stay posted on our latest additions? You can sign up to Kirameku's mailing list on the top this blog, just under the social network icons on the left side of the page or simply click here. You'll also get exclusive promotions and no spamming I promise. The newsletter should be sent about once a month.

I hope you are all as excited as I am about all those projects! :) Feel free to leave comments or feedback below I would love to hear your thoughts on all this :)
On this everyone, have an awesome weekend!
*M*

2015 Fashion Guide - start the New Year with a bang!

Happy New Year everyone….! :)

I hope you all had a wonderful celebration on the 31st- or yesterday! I never thought I would say this but my 2015 started with a slight rain of champagne, which was really unexpected but so fun! :)

In any cases, before I start my 2015 Fashion Guide, I just want to wish you all an awesome 2015! May it be filled with love, joy, health and sparkles…! :)

Let's start this belated Fashion Guide! :) (Getting new glasses between Christmas and NYE wasn't such a good idea, oh the headaches…!) For now I'll start 2015 with fashion finds that I believe everyone will be able to find in stores either online or similar style in your hometown, although in the future I'll integrate also handmade finds from lovely Etsy stores. Let me add that I do not own the copyrights of the images (except of Kirameku) but all the credits are mentioned with direct links. Are you ready? Let's go! :)

GLAMOROUS MARINE LOVE

From left to right : Asos, Le Château and Kirameku

I simply adore the elegant silhouette of this Ted Baker dress and the feminine details in the lace, it would be a perfect outfit for a glamorous night out to see a Ballet. I would pair that exquisite dress with simple suede shoes to leave all the space to the dress. I would match it with the Pink Champagne Ring to add a bit more of sparkle to the mix! :)


Dress : Asos Ted Baker Dress with Lace Sleeves and Deep V
Shoes : Le Château Suede Pointy Toe Pump
Ring : Kirameku Pink Champagne Ring

CLASSIC BLACK CHIC

From left to right : H&M, Aldo and Kirameku

I love this chic little black dress form H&M that can be mixed and matched for so many occasions! I would match it with these amazing shoes from Aldo to add a bit of glamour to the outfit and turn this low budget dress into a statement piece. Of course, I would top it with the Smoked Azzuro Berry Ring for the final sparkling touch! :)

Dress : H&M Textured Dress
Shoes : Aldo Tronchee High Heels
Ring : Kirameku Smoked Azzuro Berry Ring

This guide is maybe short, but not to worry, there will be more coming up! :) I hope you enjoyed it and that it gave you ideas on how to style your Berries! :)

Speaking of which, I'm launching a customer spotlight program for 2015! :) If you'd like to show me how you Style your Berry, feel free to leave a comment below this post! The feature will be both posted here and on Kirameku's FB page! I would love to hear more from you and give you a spot to shine! :)
On this, I wish you all the best for 2015! :)
* M *

It's the most wonderful time of the year

Hello to all from a white and snowy Montreal! :)

My goodness, time just flew by and next thing I knew, there's five days left before Christmas....! I have been busy with orders and busy planning 2015 plus finishing up preparations for my own Christmas celebration, I simply ran out of time. I'm sorry to say that the Fashion Guide wont be for these Holidays but for New Year's Eve but I promise it will be as glamorous! :)



I wanted to take a minute to thank you all for making Kirameku a part of your Holidays and wish you all a Merry Christmas, a happy Hanukkah or a joyfull celebration in this lovely time of the year!! I hope you'll all have a wondeful time with your families full of joy, health and laughter :) 

I'll see you all shortly between Christmas and New Year, meanwhile I leave you with pictures of Montreal latest snowfall :)
Happy Holidays everyone! :)
*M*

Holiday Fever

Hi everyone! :)

Long time no see! I hope you all had an awesome week and for all those of you celebrating Thanksgiving had a wonderful celebration.

Up here we had a few snow storms that layered down a thin white coat around Montreal and Kirameku has been quite busy last weekend at the Sherbrooke's craft show. We had a wonderful time and my only regret was to not being able to take pictures of the beautiful snowy Sherbrooke for my blog to show you. It was way too dark by the time we got to leave for the show.

We learned a lot (we as in my marvelous boyfriend who was giving me a hand during this show) and I got to meet some amazing and lovely jewelry artisans. We were there only for a day and greeted 150 around visitors. Thanks to everyone who stopped at our table and to the organizer's for making it possible. :)

Our little kiosque at La Grande Bijouterie in Sherbrooke last weekend

I also had the chance to stop by L'Espace D to drop off some new Berries last Friday. I made some special and very sparkling pieces that will be perfect for the Holidays and for New Year. I just love that time of year with decorations full of lights, crystals and shiny glass...! :) 

Kirameku's sparkling collection at l'Espace D in Montreal

That will be pretty much it for 2014 for Kirameku. La Grande Bijouterie was my last show for this year and I dropped my last new pieces in boutique. For now I'll be focusing on my Etsy shop for the rest of this year. My head is boiling with new ideas for 2015 and I can't wait to tell you all about it! :) 

I'll make a post on Holiday fashion and hopefully by then we'll have more beautiful snow in Montreal that I'll share with you all. And meanwhile I have to also think about getting my Holidays preparations started as I'm the cook at Christmas and my Holiday shopping is no way near done…!

On this everyone, I wish you all happy holiday shopping! :)
*M*

5 things to expect at Kirameku next craft show

Hi everyone! :)

I promised new goodies for my next craft show at la Grande Bijouterie and so let me tell you all about it! :) Also, I'm excited to say that the Holiday sale has started at my Etsy shop as of last Saturday :) You can fuel up on Berries and take advantage of the sale until December 25th!

It will be the first time that I will attend la Grande Bijouterie and I just can't wait! Ill be there only one day so i have to make sure i make the most of it so i have been stocking up! 

Curious of what is sleeping in my atelier for the big day? Many, many things! :)

Here's Kirameku latest addition in the necklace section! :) 

* Dangle earrings in quilled gift card : Those gorgeous cards are born from a collaboration with the shop Imazinerie. You get one pair of Dangle&Drop earrings as well a a beautiful quilled card all at once! :)

* More Swarovski Earrings and Ooak earrings : I know you guys are big fans of one of a kind earrings and that Swarovski crystals are perfect for this Holiday season. Sparkle in style with our newest earrings! :)

* Necklace and earrings gift set : I've just recently talked about the Holiday gift section and I'm happy to say that you'll be able to find those sets and more at our table in Sherbrooke! :) Meawhile, the Iced RaspBerry set is complete and available in my Etsy shop! :)

* More colors of Berries : I'm always on the lookout for new colors and I have found plenty of gorgeous color combos that you can see for the first time at that craft show! I'll also be listing some of those colors on my Etsy shop after the show. Stay posted! :)

* More lights! To give a holiday spirit as well as to make it easy to find our booth, I have invested in beautiful fairy lights! I love the sparkling effect that they give to my booth, I can't wait to share pictures with you of the final result! :)

Also, before I finish, I just want to mention that new pieces are now available at l'Espace D for those of you who are living in Montreal. Take a peek at those funky ooak earrings that I've dropped on last Monday :)

Those unique hexagon crystal earrings are now available at l'Espace D in Montreal just in time for the Holidays! :)

On this everyone I hope you had an awesome week and that I'll see you soon in Sherbrooke! :)
*M*

Project countdown - October

Hi everyone! :)

I haven't been as active on my blog as I usually am, and as you can imagine it was because I was working on some new stuff for Kirameku! Are you curious on what has kept me far away? :) Here, let me tell you all about it!

La Grande Bijouterie Craft Show : my objective for this year was to make at least three craft shows and I'm happy to say I'm going to end my year with a bang! :)  I had confirmation last weekend that I was selected for La Grande Bijouterie Craft show, I am so excited! I had been working on some exclusive pieces for this craft show so that if ever you attended my three craft shows this year and you will always see something new. I also have to work on little holiday twist for my booth as it is my first holiday craft show. It will be my first show in Sherbrooke, yay I love Sherbrooke! :) I'll post a specific article with some more craft show tips and what new to expect for Kirameku at La Grande Bijouterie.  Mark your calendars for Saturday November 22nd and stay posted! :)

Adding Berry gift sets for the Holidays : maybe you have noticed the news section at Kirameku Etsy shop. I have created a new category for this upcoming holiday season, a gift section. I will be uploading some new gift sets that will suit all your needs, may it be your sister, your friend, your wife, your daughter, or simply as a gift from you to you, you will find some exclusive and exciting new colors in the section! :) Here's a little sneak peak of the next item to be listed there. Can you guess what it will be?

This gorgeous Iced Raspberry will become a cute necklace and matching earrings set! :) Want it now? Convo me to pre-order it!

Working on an exciting Holiday promotion : maybe you think it's a bit early for me to talk about the Holidays since Halloween is not here yet (and I agree), but with the shipping delays for online orders, it is best too early then too late. As you all know the holidays are a very busy for posts around the world. Make sure you check out our updated holiday policies to make sure your gift gets to you on time. Holidays also means many expenses, so I'll be launching a special holiday promotion so you can treat everyone on your list without having to break your budget. What what's best than handmade gift? :) You can also have custom orders made especially for those on your list if ever you can find exactly what you are looking for.

* ~** HOLIDAY SHIPPING DEADLINES **~ *
Here are the shipping deadlines for 2014 as provided by Canada Post for REGULAR shipping.
CANADA : December 11
USA : December 8
INTERNATIONAL : December 1

More wedding necklaces : I've had many ideas for wedding necklaces over the past few weeks and I barely had enough time to get to my atelier to work on those ideas. I find the most difficult part - beside finding enough time in my day to do everything I want to do - is to find a delicate and elegant way to link the chain and berry together so that your wedding necklace stands out with elegance. I found on the Etsy blog that white and cobalt blue are popular colors for this years weddings. I found the color mix so amazing and beautiful,  I had to have the berries in those shades! I was able to find some amazing cobalt beads at on one of my suppliers and I can't wait for my order to get to me so I can start this amazing piece with Swarovski crystals and freshwater pearls!  I'll be posting some pictures of this necklace on my Facebook page once I'll be able to work on this amazing piece! :)

Here's a sneak peak of the new colours that will be soon available in the Dangle & Drop Earrings Collection! :) Want it now? Convo me to pre-order it!

Etsy Canada - belated review

Hi everyone!
It has been a while since my last post and I hope you all had a great time. I was super busy with Kirameku and as some of you have seen on my Facebook page, I'm currently working on another exciting project. I can't tell much more than that for now. But what I can tell you is my experience at the first Montreal Etsy Made in Canada craft show! :)

There was gorgeous weather on that Saturday and we happily head down to the shop Angus, me, my boyfriend and my Mom (who is also an Etsy artisan). Once at destination, we looked for the entrance with a bit of difficulty but then we were greeted by big orange and white pompoms and an Etsy banner inside the shop Angus. Ouf, we managed to find the place! We were surprised to see there was no list of artisans and the room was so huge we didn't know where to start. Here, let me show you the beautiful space the vendors had.

The wonderful shop Angus and Etsy Made in Canada!

The cute kiosque of Gredin!