Playing...

Today I had fun playing in all of the new supplies that I received from my vendors. Feathers, copper, brass, gemstones, chains, matte gold, coral sticks... oh joy! Peep a couple of the necklaces I made today. They are available for immediate delivery!

Earthy...

Gorgeous chunk of blue turquoise pendant! Turquoise is the color of the year. I was shocked how beautiful it looks with these earth tone artistic jasper gemstones. Available now!

Something New...

Hammered copper

Vintaj brass and lapis

Plated gold and lapis

Hammered gold, lemon quartz, and tigers eye

I'm trying to get away from using sterling silver in all of my designs. Lately, I've been playing with plated gold, copper, and brass. I really like the gold! Check out my latest designs now available for immediate delivery.

It's Complicated...

Broken sterling silver chains tangled, twisted around red coral branches and turquoise gemstones. A great pair of statement earrings and an awesome statement necklace. For more photos, go to my etsy site. These are one of a kind and ready for immediate delivery!

Remember, I ship worldwide!!

The Bluest Eye...

Simple...but still has that WOW factor! I love it for the summer! Now available here.

Hoop It Up...

It's March Madness so... Hoop it Up!! New Hoops in Stock!

Turquoise and coconut hoops

Wood and coconut hoops

Coral chips and shell hoops

Tribal...

New jewels that just hit my shop! Tribal trend is hot for the spring and summer. Try something new this season. Don't be afraid to step outside the box.

Happy...

Yellow makes me happy!

Spring is right around the corner and I'm having my first blog giveaway! Sorry, it will not be these gorgeous Rock & Republic Lotus Platforms. But, it will be something fab! Details coming later in the week.

One to Watch... Artisan Karen Smith

I met fellow artisan Karen Smith about 3.5 yrs ago in Charlotte, NC. We were both vending at a Art Festival/Block Party on a hot day. I was a novice, Karen was more seasoned. Karen had a tent, I did not. Karen had a fan, I had my hand. Advice, contacts, and other valuable information was exchanged and a friendship blossomed. We are both jewelry designers who have mutual respect for each others craft! Meet "The One to Watch"... jewelry designer Karen Smith.

1. Tell us about yourself: I have been in the graphic design field for over 17 years. Graphic design is very 2 dimensional and I wanted to challenge myself by creating 3 dimensional work. With my strong design skills and eye for color, creating jewelry seemed to be the perfect choice and it was a natural transition. I started making pieces for myself and had an overwhelming response! I took metalsmithing classes at Central Piedmont Community College to hone my craft. And so began Karen Smith Metalwear.

2. Do you do this full time? not yet (wink)

3. Where can we purchase your designs? Check the website (http://www.ksmetalwear.com/) for store locations (with more locations to come!) and show dates and locations. You can't purchase from the website right now but we're working on that.

4. Where do you find your inspiration for your designs? Nature, architecture and different cultures inspire my design concepts. And believe it or not, other jewelry designers! I had a design teacher in college to tell me, there's nothing new under the sun! You can be inspired by someone but rework the design by changing elements to make it your own. It's not worth being inspired by someone if you don't make it BETTER than the original design.

5. How do you promote your business? I am fortunate to have my customers, friends and stores to promote my business. I post new pieces and events on FaceBook and I'm walking advertisement. I only wear my jewelry and have often been asked where I purchased it. I whip out my card like the character from In Living Color (BAM!)

6. What advice would you give someone just starting out? Don't expect to make alot of money to start. It will come. Just be patient. And if you think this job is glamourous, think again. It's really hard work especially if you work the craft shows. Do your research with buying your materials. Compare prices. And don't be afraid to ask someone who's in the business questions. Most of them will help you. Before I make a bunch of new pieces, I'll make it once, wear it to see what kind of responses I get. I post it on FaceBook as well as wear it. If it gets a great response, then I make more. You don't want to be stuck with a bunch of products that don't sell. Also, go to your local art schools or colleges and see if they have an intern program. I have a fashion marketing student that will help me with marketing and advertising my business. She will do a 10 week internship. During that time, she will send out press releases to local and national magazines, locate reputable galleries and boutiques to carry my line and maintain my Twitter and FaceBook fan page.

7. One interesting fact about you that you want to share (does not have to be about your business): I would LOVE to travel to Paris and Italy singing jazz in sold out venues. That's just one of my fantasies. I also design/make furniture and accessories for interior design. I think that will be my next business venture.

Sugar Rush...

Just think...you won't have to do any hellacious squats or sit-ups to get this cupcake off of your hips!

Not The Ordinary

Lately I have been challenging myself to create jewels that are not ordinary. I really let my creativity flow when I design earrings. If you have a great pair of hoops on, that is the only accessory you need, well... maybe a big ole' cocktail ring too!

Purple...

Purple...Amethyst

Hot Hoops

I sell a lot of hoops. However, these consistently continue to be my top selling hoops! I love them in the summer! Handforged and hammered sterling silver hoops dripping with cowrie shells.

Sterling Silver Not Required

3 Recent earring designs that do not contain sterling silver. Gorgeous gemstones (aquamarine, turquoise, and ruby crazy lace agate) with Copper and or Brass. Just right for Spring! Now available here.

KISS and TELL

This is one Kiss you want to Tell!

Vintage brass lip pendant attached to gunmetal chain with a lapis lazuli accent bead. Warning: You will have folks asking you, " where did you get that necklace?" A great Valentine's Day alternative to hearts! Now available in my etsy shop.

GET WAISTED

I love belts! It pulls an outfit together. I like the 2 shown above because of their versatility. They can be a necklace or a belt. I am working with different chains to make belts that will also double as necklaces for my spring line. Stay tuned...

It Had Me At Hello!

These hawt plaid platforms are by the eccentric Betsey Johnson. I'm loving the pink soles. Wear them with tights now. Later, get the pedi and rock them all spring and summer!

I Miss You Like I Miss Summer

I really miss summer! It's cold in the Carolinas! I'm ready to shed a layer or two. I made these hoops while thinking about warmer weather. They are light, airy, colorful, and incredibly lightweight. I'm particularly fond of the yellow hoops! Now available in my etsy shop.

MIDNIGHT BLING

I haven't made rings in a long time. I made this today while vending at a Holiday Fair at University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG). It's major bling! Gorgeous, amazing clarity 18mm Swarovski Crystal Graphic Bead in Jet wire wrapped on high quality sterling silver 18 gauge wire. Now available in my etsy store!

STUDIO 54

Remember shoulder dusters? They were hot in the 1980's. Incredibly long earrings that graze your shoulders. So sexy! I made a pair last night and these are my favorites! Disco ball-ish glass beads are attached to copper chain. Get them now! You will be the hottest chick at your office's holiday party!

Buy them during my Birthday Sale! From November 25th - 27th everything in my etsy shop will be 25% off!

10 Things I'm Feeling For November (no particular order)

1. Open Toed Booties

2. My Birthday

3. Thanksgiving (So Much to be Thankful for)

4. My Infinity Scarf (Made by my Sorority Sister Frances Frost)

5. My Candle Necklace (see future blog post)

6. Sydney Austin Designs Fringe Necklace http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34180829

7. New Moon, Precious, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol 3D (Movies I want to see)

8. Marbled Distressed Jeans

9. Pearls and Brooches

10. Celebrating in Wilmington, DE with my Sorority Sisters on 11/21!!