Ruby Plaza is probably a new site for you and there are lots of tools at your fingertips for enhancing your browsing and shopping experience. Whether you're just out for a stroll on Ruby Plaza to browse the 1000's of items for sale in the shops or out on a mission, searching for a specific item, you might find the Wish List to be a handy tool.

Have you ever listed an item for sale that you just didn't know much about?  Many times I have found an item that is so old or unique that I can't find anything about it anywhere.  I take many photos and give as much detailed information as I can about the item and list it anyway.  But I still feel that I am lacking in being able to provide that bit of information that would help Buyers really know what they are looking at.  Over the years, I have become better and better at researching and in turn have seen a higher percentage in sales.
 

I've been wondering lately if milk glass is making a comeback. Now, I'm not saying it is.It has been pointed out to me that I am not Martha Stewart or any other trend-setting icon. But, as a shop owner, I do see trends in what is selling.

Tom and I shop many estate sales....I had never looked at the kitchen silverware drawers.  I was more interested in those lovely sets of sterling and silverplated flatware.  I love them and I love finding matches for my customers and I have received countless notes and letters telling me how thrilled a family was to be able to once again use mom's or grandma's silverware at the holiday dinner.  Then, a sharp liquidator pointed me into the kitchen.  She said "you know, this sta

What can I do with all the clutter in the basement and garage? A light-bulb moment--why not look into opening an online shop. It would be so easy. Organize all those items that I bought while managing an antique mall, gifts that I never used and no longer have room for, jewelry that’s not my color. Why I could make a fortune! Hah!

We've all heard the expression about throwing a pebble in the water and the ripples it creates we may never know. Well, I’m involved in the completion of the “ripple”. Here’s how it began.

I have had my store open on Ruby Plaza For quite some time now, and it has been an amazing experience. I stated in my first blog I have severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and am 100% disabled. It has been hard to come to terms with letting go of my dreams to work in the medical field. So, instead, I turned to my second love; fashion, jewelry and all thing vintage! Thanks to my mom, who has been teaching me everything, I have found a way to fill that void.

With an online shop, taking eye-catching photographs is Job One. As the months have gone by in my newbie world, I have found improving the quality and impact of my photographs is immensely satisfying. Love my new Canon G12 digital camera, however all you really need is a camera with a macro setting and the ability to adjust the white balance exposure.

Monday, April 25, 2011 - Shop of the Week

Please visit our Ruby Shops at:

Ruby Lane Shop: Charmed Life Collectibles
http://www.rubylane.com/shop/charmedlife

Ruby Plaza Shop: Charmed Life at Ruby Plaza

http://www.rubyplaza.com/shop/charmedliving

We are pleased to announce that we have a winner in the second Ruby Plaza Interior Design Contest. Out of many lovely contest submissions, our winner is Sharon Carpenter of Jelly Bean Jump & Collectibles. Sharon wins $250 which she will receive in the mail.

The contest theme was The Most Beautiful Bath or Powder Room. Here is Sharon's overview: