What? It's October 1st already......

Well, I don't know about you but September just flew by and I can't believe it is October 1st already!

Many things are happening behind the scenes at Designing-Diva that will be rolled out asap. I'm looking forward to revealing the new shopping cart that has a search function for customers as well as some other really cool features. I still need a few good testers....if you're interested, please drop me an e-mail at shoppingtester AT designing-diva DOT com.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month . I will be donating $10/per Think Pink awareness bracelet sold plus an additional 5% on any sales from an awareness bracelet to the Susan G Komen foundation through the month of October. Since breast cancer awareness color is pink, I will also donate 10% of any jewelry items sold that use the color pink.

I've partnered with two new indie boutiques : Smashing Darling and Shopaholics TV. I do hope that you will check out my jewelry designs at these new venues plus all the other fabulous indie designers!

Through Monday October 6th (noon CST), you can save 15% off the jewelry in my Smashing Darling boutique by entering the following code: SMBsd15

If you live in the DFW metroplex, I will be a vendor in the gym at the 5th annual Cottonwood Creek Elementary Craft Fair and Gift Market this Saturday October 4th from 10am -4pm.

Have a great Wednesday!

~Randi

Awareness Jewelry Colors & Meanings-ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) added

The awareness color meanings has been updated.

Nancy Henson was kind enough to contact and let me know that blue can be used for ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome). Thanks for helping me keep this updated Nancy!

I've had the honor and privilege to NOT only create awareness bracelets but custom jewelry using the metaphysical healing properties of stones for customers the special people in their lives. It is very rewarding to hear back from customers and gift recipients on how much they enjoy and are comforted by the jewelry that I have created.
I recently had a digital mammogram and grateful when I got the "normal" result back! Designing-Diva has supported a number of women's health issues including breast and ovarian cancer. I was happy to help out Lisa Patton of Hill Country Swings when she contacted me for a silent auction donation for the Cattleman for Cancer Research event held in Bastrop, TX in October. If you live in Texas and would like to help out or attend the event, you can visit the above link for more information!

Lead Jewelry Law-California Consumer Information

Due to all the "lead concerns" especially for children under the age of 6, a lead jewelry law has been passed in California (proposition 65 & 1681) (effects all jewelry sold to California residents whether retail or online) ;as this is a general public concern, I'm sure more states will follow California's suit.

Although, I primarily design jewelry for adults I do get custom requests for children and thought this would be valuable information not just for California residents but all consumers. As a consumer and mother myself, I wanted to educate myself to ensure that I'm making a "safe" product and that I buy "safe" products for my family !!

As a consumer, what you need to know is that I use the following precious metals to make the majority of my jewelry: fine silver, sterling silver and 14k GF (considered a class 1 material). On my dichroic glass pendants, I have a line priced under $25 that uses sterling plated bails and 18k plated bails; these bails are made from a base metal . The base metal is considered a Class 2 material and deemed acceptable for all adult jewelry as long as the base metal has <10% lead in the electroplated material (in Aug 2009 this will change to <6%). I checked with my supplier and the plated bails I have fall within the requirements.

I also use Swarovski crystals as accents in many of my necklace and awareness bracelet designs. The crystals do contain minimal lead but the lead is embedded so does NOT pose a health risk to adults; any children's jewelry must NOT contain more than 1 gram total weight of "crystal" jewelry.

I would like to thank Rena Klingenberg for posting this information and sharing her reader's input to assist jewelry artists and consumer navigate this new law!