'tis the season

Merry Christmas everyone.  It's hard to believe it's already here!
All my shopping is done, everything is wrapped, and I'm ready to eat!

I had a few jewelry parties before the holidays, but recently I've been working with friends to create custom peices.  To be honest, doing custom work is tricky and intimidates the hell out of me.  It all comes down to how I interpret what the person is saying and vice versa.  Sometimes we're on the same page immediatly, and others take some going back and forth.  But in the end it's totally worth it because they have something they love - and helped design!

Last week I worked with a coworker to design her bridal jewelry.  She wasn't sure what she wanted so I made 3 different looks.  Turns out she loved all of them and took them all home!  Love when that happens  :)
Her bridal portaits were done last weekend, so I'll post pictures soon!

Happy Holidays!  See you in 2011

i've been busy

Happy hump day!  I've been really busy the past week making new things with all my new supplies.  I'm also gearing up for another jewelry party tomorrow night.  Once again my kitchen table is covered with "tackle boxes" full of beads, yards of chain, spools of wire and half-finished pieces.  I have a bit of creativity A.D.D.  I think one thing, start to make it and before you know it I've jumped to another, 5 minutes later I've switched to something else.  This technique is similar to how I shop, specifically at Marshalls.  One minute I'm perusing shoes and the next I'm looking at decorative pillows & glassware - I can't stay focused.  No matter how it's done, the pieces come out great.  I LOVE all of these.  I hope they go fast!!  Enjoy.

intergalactic bead show

When I tell people I'm going to a bead show, the reaction is the same.  "uh, that's cool.  What's a bead show?"  I smile and reply "It's only the greatest show on earth".  (Not to be confused with Ringling Bros. Circus)
I went to the Intergalactic Bead Show this weekend and it was the best show yet (I’ve been 3 times).  Suppliers from all over sell any and everything related to jewelry making.  There were a ridiculous amount of vendors this year with rows upon rows of strands of beads.  I. was. in. heaven.

Here are a few pictures from the show.



Yeah, lots and lots of beads.  This is just one vendor booth



Spools of gold and sterling chain - cheapest I've seen in a while so I stocked up!



jewelry parties

When you hear the words Jewelry Party what do you think?
From my extensive research, the most popular answer was "do I really have to spend $60 on a necklace I'll never wear?” 
It's my opinion that the "focus group" was referring to mass produced jewelry made in China that you order from a catalog and have to wait to deliver.  ;)

As a "designer" (I hardly consider myself one, I just like to throw that word around) I put a lot of time & thought into each piece so I really appreciate hearing feedback and it's a treat to see other people wear my designs.  I try to wear everything I make at least once and I have to admit, there have been a few things that were hard to say goodbye to. 

This party was hosted by my mom (fan numero uno). 
We had wine, snacks and great conversation.  The ladies walked around, tried things on, asked for opinions and when they found something they liked, they just held on to it.  No pressure, no searching through catalogs, no order forms, no waiting!  You take home what you buy that night and wear it to work the next day!  Another perk, if you want something longer or shorter - I can make adjustments.

 
Check out some of my latest displays!  I am obsessed with this antiqued door and all it's colorful knobs.  It's such a great way to view the necklaces.

 

Small frame with screen backing



 

Packaging Sample



i love new stuff!

My new supplies arrived and so completes my first etsy purchase experience.  Overall everything went well.  Although, some of the items are much smaller than I expected, but I still love everything!
Here are some things I made last week....more to come!



SOLD



  

Can do in silver too!

favorite things

Shopping for supplies is my favorite part about making jewelry.  I could go from shop to shop all day long, spending hundreds & hundreds of dollars.  Actually, the best part is getting home and going through every item, organizing, pricing, laying it all out.
Unfortunatley, Charlotte only has a few bead stores that are worth a damn, and they are extremely overpriced and bead shows only come around every few months.

I've been a huge fan of etsy since I discovered it a few years ago.  I created a "store" and listed my items but didn't have the time to dedicate myself 100%.  Even though I don't sell on etsy anymore, I check it out a few times a day...it's an addiction.  Last Thursday I made my first purchase!!  I found a great vendor that sells chain, beads, findings, etc for next to nothing.  36ft of chain for $4.99.  Yes please!  I hit the etsy jackpot and cannot wait for my items to deliver. 

So long bead shops, I'm buying on etsy from here on out.  While the experience is a bit different, the savings are worth it!  Will my treasures arrive today?!!??!!?

my fingers hurt

I think I made 30 new pieces this weekend, and man my fingers hurt.  Working with such tiny beads had my hands cramped and I pricked myself nearly 100 times.  But as they say, no pain no gain right?
Here are some new things.  Remember, all of these items are for sale, just send me an email and we can figure out payment/shipping. 


SOLD

SOLD

I love a dainty necklace.

This is probably my favorite stone ever.  Going to be hard to let go of this gem.

creativity comes and goes

For me creativity comes in spurts, but when it hits, I'll make 50 peices in 2 days.  SO GET READY!
After a few months of not feeling very inspired, the juices were flowing yesterday.  I refreshed my supplies and was ready to get to work!  It was a beautiful day so I opened the double doors to my screen porch and let the cool breeze blow in.  Here's a sneak peek...



My first bracelet.  I'm in love with it.



I need a bigger workspace



here we go!

So this is my first post....
The whole purpose of this blog is to show family and friends what I've been working on.  Well, it's time to be honest, I haven't made anything in a few months.  Here are some pictures of pieces I still have available.  ENJOY!


Love the vintage copper



One of the simpler pairs



This necklace looks much better on  :)



SOLD but can be recreated