Gremlins....

So, I have been intending to write a daily blog post and include lovely photos of works in progress, studio shots and the things that inspire me. However, it seems that Gremlins have made off with the battery charger for my brand new digital camera. Literally, it has been used twice and then mysteriously disappeared. Refusing to believe that it is gone, I have searched the house about 27 times to no avail. On Friday I broke down and ordered a new one, an action that will likely cause the original to magically appear. So apologies for the lack of new posts. There are lots of new and exciting things going on behind the scenes and I can't wait to share with you.

Adventures in the Real World...

...As much as I love my little virtual universe on the internet, it is great to be a part of the Real World too. The Pebble Collection can be found at about a dozen stores across the country. I have been fortunate enough to have many great boutiques find me on Etsy. Now, another Etsy seller is realizing a dream that I hope to have come true for myself someday. Anna Cote, of Modern Printed Matter, is opening a retail storefront in Rhode Island. She has asked to include my work in her new shop. It didn't take me more than a second in her Etsy shop to decide I would love to have my work alongside hers. Not to mention the fact that Rhode Island is home to about half of my family who will probably visit her shop often enough to become annoying!
So, thank you, Anna for the opportunity and I can't wait to work with you!

It's good to be on the List!

Last month I offered a Secret Sale to all my mailing list members. It was a huge success! Nearly 4oo people joined the list and almost 100 orders were placed. The response was amazing, flattering and a little overwhelming. Since I can't run a sale all the time, I have decided to offer another promotion. I will be holding a weekly drawing for a $25 Gift Certificate from now until October 1st. All mailing list members are automatically entered. The drawing will be every Sunday and you will be notified via email. With their permission, I will also post the winner's first name here along with what items they have decided to get.
I'm super excited about the coming holiday season and have lots of ideas for specials, promotions and new jewelry. Since returning to Vermont, I have no distractions, except for an occasional moose! So, get ready to see some new and amazing things coming your way from The Pebble Collection.
Thanks again for all of your support!

Coming Full Circle.

After lots of travel and being uncertain about where I should call home, I think I've found that place. I can't name a town or even a state, but the region is certain: New England. I was born and raised here and after seeing more of the world, I am sure that this is where I belong. Most of the people that I love are here. All the places that I love most are here. And my heart is here. I don't know much more about where exactly I will settle but for now the view above is fine with me.

At Long Last . . . .

. . . It has been more than a minute since my last post. Life can be funny in the way it works out sometimes. At the time of my last post I was on my way to Australia to begin a new life with my fiance. Ten months later, I am back in the United States alone. I am proud of the chance I took for love. I'm also proud I had the strength to walk away when it didn't work out. Now slightly older, a little wiser and with a whole new perspective, I return my focus to myself and my business.
The Pebble Collection now resides on the beautiful coast of Northern California. After six years living in major cities, I am enjoying some peace and quiet nestled away in the Redwoods. After experiencing many trials as a young woman and a young business, both are now thriving. Though I sometimes miss the stimulation of the city, waking up each day to the sound of the ocean to the West, the mighty Redwoods towering nearby and snow-capped mountains to the East reminds me what is truly important.

The Pebble Collection Goes Under . . .

. . . Down under, that is! After seven long months of separation, I am on my way to Australia to join my fiance in Melbourne. I opted to leave most of my clothes behind to be shipped later and filled my suitcases instead with my tools and supplies.
Though the Summer is just arriving in New England, I will be entering Winter in Oz. Thankfully there is no snow and ice to contend with, just a chilly wind and some cloudy days. The good news is that instead of lying on the beach, I will be hard at work to make The Pebble Collection bigger and better. Here's hoping for new materials and inspiration in my new home.
I hope that I will have the continued support of my wonderful Etsy customers. Though I am putting 15,000 miles between myself and US customers, I hope to make the transition as smooth as possible. I will NOT be raising my shipping costs for US customers. The only difference is that instead of 2-5 business days for shipping, it will now be 7-10. If anyone needs an item sooner, I will gladly split the cost of upgraded shipping.
Thank you for your continued support!

It's A Pleasure To Meet You . . .

. . . Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Ella Salomea, the creative vision and dexterous hands behind The Pebble Collection. I have debated whether to start this page at the beginning of this business or at my own beginning. I think that in order to understand what I design, you should understand who I am and where I came from. That's part of the lure of handmade goods, knowing that there is a specific person and story behind the creations. I'll do my best to blend current news and ideas with personal vignettes.
Perhaps this all started on that very day at the beach when a very intense, often scowling, 15 month old gravitated towards a polished ocean stone or a colorful shell. As the only child of two artisan parents, creative opportunities abounded. I remember very few toys I had as a child but have many found memories of a metal lunchbox full of crayons and colored pencils. I distinctly remember sitting at my father's drawing table making tiny food out of clay with him. I was only three.
I grew up in the beautiful Northwest corner of Connecticut, nestled between New York and Massachusetts in the foothills of the Berkshires. I had my faithful dog and 60 acres to explore. I often picked and dried flowers or painted rocks I found in the stream. I remember collecting the most perfect fall leaves and pressing them in books and later laminating them for Christmas decorations. I later joined my mother at tag sales and flea markets where I collected vintage toys and miniature sculptures. By the time I was a teenager, I had carefully arranged these hundreds of childhood treasures on a floor to ceiling bookshelf. This very display was the inspiration for The Pebble Collection.