When Ladies Only Wore Dresses...

Source: tumblr.com via Robyn on Pinterest

I love the above photo for several reasons.

1. It's a picture of my Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. sorors taken at Howard University (1946).

2. It's old and faded, but holds a lot of history.

3. The ladies all wore knee length dresses.

I love skirts and dresses. I don't wear them a lot, but it's so refreshing to see a lady in a skirt or dress. I remember my maternal and paternal grandmothers only wearing skirts or dresses. They never wore pants. There are so many awesome dresses and skirts on the market today for all shapes and sizes. I personally like maxi dresses, pencil skirts, wrap dresses, and shirt dresses. I think I will challenge myself this summer to wear only a dress or skirt when I go out.

Do you wear a lot of skirts and dresses? Or are you a pants and jeans type of girl?

Featured Artisan: Charm & Jewels

This month's featured artisan is Crystal Carlton of Charm & Jewels. She makes the sweetest charm bracelets! I heart the bracelet shown above! Surprise, Surprise, right! ;) A note to my Sorors: This bracelet is for sale on Crystal's etsy site! http://www.charmandjewels.etsy.com/

It's too late for you to get b4 the Notable North Atlantic Regionals, but it will be too cute on your wrist this summer! See the mini interview below to learn more about Crystal!

1. How did you get started making jewelry? Designing jewelry really began with My Little Inspiration", Taya. I was working 4 days a week, 16 hours a day in the salon, and while on maternity leave I began making jewelry because I wanted to stay home with her, and that's why I started Charm and Jewels!

2. What materials do you like to incorporate in your designs? The materials I like to use most are the handmade lampwork beads and Swarovski crystals. I enjoy the lampwork beads so much because they can just about be designed however you desire, therefore I am able to create true one of a kind pieces!

3. Do you do this full-time? Unfortunately I am not able to do this full-time, but I am working on that!

4. How do you market your business? I market my business several ways, my designs are featured in several salons in the Akron area, including mine. I also have designs in several stores in the area as well. I've also experienced short term leasing in several area malls. And of course my etsy shops... including, Etsy Artists of Color, We Love Etsy, Etsy.com, Indie Public, and Art Fire. I also have an online store http://www.charmandjewels.com/ And lastly, I regularly donate to charities and auctions for even more exposure.

5. What are your future plans for your business? My future plans include growing my business and finding as many outlets as I can, until Charm and Jewels is my full-time business!!!

Got 100?

In celebration of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.'s 100th birthday, I designed these Centennial bracelets. The idea came to mind while attending the Centennial Boule this past July in Washington, DC. The bracelets consists of gorgeous freshwater pearls, swarovski crystals, and a sterling silver 100 charm. The concept has been well received by my Sorors. I just completed the 6 (Sold) shown above, with a little bit of help from my 2 year old nephew, Kaleb. Interested in purchasing one for your favorite AKA? Contact me for ordering details! Peace!