Monday Musings

Monday is always a crazy day for me because I need to play catch up from weekend orders. I'm happy to say that I got everything I needed to do and have time to spare before I need to pick up the kids from school. Woot!

Anything is possible if you have enough nerve.---J.K. Rowling

Inspired by this quote today, I have created two pitches to some very competitive catalog and magazines. I have my toes and fingers crossed that I make it past the submission desk!

Here are the jewelry designs that I submitted for consideration:

9 to 5, Hammered Sterling Earrings


Sparkling Quartz & Onyx Earrings


Riveted Pink Jade Bead Ring (adjustable)

One of A Kind Fused Glass Pendants

I have to admit I love experimenting. Guess it all goes back to my geeky clinical scientist days! Warm glass is such a rewarding medium......check out just a few of my one of a kind experiments! I like experimenting with color and shape to create unique designs; chocolate and pastel pink triangles are tack fused together and accented with aqua, pink and clear bits of leftover glass. What a cool funky look.....
This next design is bit more sleek and chic. Hey, I'm a poet and didn't even know it. Did I just say that.....I can hear your groans, ya know! ;-) Vanilla art glass is the base and pink and black streaker glass are added in different directions to add interest. A sterling plated bail has been adhered with an industrial adhesive (with the design above and below).
Aqua blue and irridized clear glass come together beautifully in this next design. A sterling jump ring will allow you to wear it on any necklace/cord you already own. Simple clean design that can be worn everyday as a signature style piece. Just love it!
All of these pendants are super affordable ($15-$20) which is awesome for a unique handcrafted jewelry design. Please check back often as I will be adding new pendant designs daily for the upcoming holidays.

Burstin' With Love Wire Wrapped Pendants-Garnets in Fused Glass

Burstin' with Love

A faceted heart shaped garnet was tack fused to clear art glass and wire wrapped with sterling silver. The chain shown is "antiqued" sterling silver with a faceted garnet dangle.

Burstin'with Love II

A faceted heart shaped garnet was tack fused to opaque pink heart glass with two clear glass rectangles just propping up the heart slightly. Wire wrapped with sterling silver and shown with an antique oxidized sterling silver chain with faceted garnet dangle.

Burstin with Love II
Another shot trying to capture the "romantic" vibe. I just can't decide if the background is too distracting....comments?

These earrings were designed with triangle shaped garnets, faceted garnets and pink jade. They could go with either design.
I will try to get these designs in the jewelry boutique asap. If you are interested in purchasing these, contact me.

Designing-Diva Jewelry Ad for N.E.E.T. Magazine

I just love the online only magazine, N.E.E.T.--it features independent craftsman and artists only. This magazine is put out quarterly and has been made quite an impact since it's debut in December 2005.

As a small business owner, I'm always on the lookout for advertising opportunities that will bring exposure for my handcrafted jewelry line. What better way than in an online magazine that has a huge audience!



As an indie jewelry artist, there is a lot of stiff competition which is awesome. It requires me to be more creative and best that I can be. I'm always looking for innovative ways to gain exposure and I just love the fact that N.E.E.T. magazine only showcases "independent" fashion and creativity.

Stop by and check out past issues of N.E.E.T. magazines and see if you don't get hooked too....

BTW, what do think of the ad I created? I would love your feedback and comments. You can drop me a line at designingdivajewelry (at)gmail(dot)com.

Silver Tear Drop Chandelier Earrings with Faceted Garnets

These chandeliers were made by me in my N. Texas studio. I used square sterling wire to make the tear drop and used twisted wire for the inner detail. I was inspired after reading a book on how to make filigree jewelry...The trio of 3 faceted garnets adds a splash of color to these beauties!




The chandelier earrings will be put on the website this weekend. You can e-mail me at designingdivajewelry(at)gmail(dot)com if you would like to purchase them now.

New Jewelry Design-Handcrafted Faux Pink Opal and Sterling Silver Pendant

Here is another jewelry experiment that turned out so awesome. I had a design opportunity because I made the bezel setting too small (oops!). I read about a faux enamel that can simulate the look of stones so I had to try it. Looking at it ...it almost looks like a pink opal but of course it is not! ;) But it is a one of a kind wearable piece of art.

Want this for yourself? E-mail me at designingdivajewelry(at)gmail(dot)com. I will be placing this in the jewelry boutique this weekend.

Creating HandCrafted Jewelry Is My Passion

Find Something You Can Be Passionate About
--Martha Stewart

It is hard for me to fathom. I keep wanting to pinch myself. Not that long ago, I was working as a clinical scientist in a management role. While I thrived on the challenges and fast pace, my heart was not just in it anymore.

I start beading as a hobby with a dear friend who is now back home in Japan. ;( Although, I have moved on from beadweaving into lampwork beads, fused glass and silver fabrication, I still thank my lucky stars that I met Nozomi and got introduced to beading.

My hobby turned business is my passion. My creative gene was dormant for so many years when it finally turned on it was like an explosion in my brain. I can't tell you how many times, I have put the kids to bed and looked at the clock and it is 2 or 3am in the morning.

Jewelry is very competitive as a business but I am so passionate about my designs and marketing my jewelry that I do not let this interfere. I have set goals and go after them....the passion is my fuel.

I would love to hear what your passions are and what keeps you up at night! ;)

Handcrafted Jewelry -Silver Beads Allow Custom Jewelry Design

I just love all the sterling silver bead choices on the market today. It allows me to create wonderful personalized jewelry. Right now, I'm enamored with the inspiration and affirmation beads like this one pictured. These some with many different sayings on them so it is so simple to create a custom one-of-a-kind necklace, bracelet or earrings with these silver beads.The other silver bead is Hill Tribe Silver. I just love the look and feel of these little works of art. The details on the beads are just beautiful.

Custom Inspiration Jewelry

I just love the way this custom silver necklace turned out and I had to share. The believe affirmation charm* speaks volumes and the chainmaille work draws the eye to the charm. The black mother of pearl nugget is a great choice because it will go with anything and it's iridescence catches the light.

*This affirmation charm is available with over 20 sayings. Want one similiar? Get a quote on custom order jewelry here.

Jewelry Trunk Shows-book yours now

Designing-Diva Jewelry can bring a jewelry boutique to your home,private event or retail store. This picture is just an example of how the boutique will be set up for your guests or visitors. This is a wonderful opportunity to view and purchase handcrafted jewelry, meet the artist and earn free jewelry*. What are you waiting for? If you live within 100 miles of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, you too can have a private jewelry trunk show.

**For private events, earn free jewelry or for fund raisers,I will donate a % of the sales to your non-profit cause.

Buy Handcrafted Jewelry at FTM

Just a reminder that you can purchase handcrafted jewelryat First Trade Mondays in Canton, Texas this weekend.

I will be hosting a booth in Trade Center IV, Booth 10 from 8am-5pm this coming Friday through Sunday. At this retail market, I will be showcasing new designs and having a BOGO (buy one, get one half price) sale on all handcrafted silver earrings.

Hope to see you there. If you haven't already, sign up for DDJ's newsletter. Preview new designs before anyone else, learn about promotions, get coupons and so much more.

Porcelain Bead ,Fiber & Silver Necklace

Original Handcrafted Jewelry-this gorgeous necklace is one-of-a-kind. This turquoise spotted porcelain pendant is accented with crystals and black faceted quartz. Black suede and chocolate dyed silk bring out the spots and are finished with silver cones and toggle clasp. Buy it now for only $64.95!

Ideas for Marketing Handcrafted Jewelry

Ideas for Marketing Handcrafted Jewelry

Here are just a few marketing tips for handcrafted jewelry that I have done and had success with. If you have a marketing idea or tip that you would like to share, please add a comment.

• Hair salon or day spas in your area. Call owner/manager and ask if they will carry some jewelry designs or allow you to host a jewelry trunk show.
• Small independently owned boutiques ,gift and galleries.
  
• Local community events: school festivals, street fairs, etc...
• Fundraiser for church, sport group or school-host a trunk show with a % of the proceeds go directly to the organization
• Office Trunk Show-bring jewelry to a business at lunch time. Women can pick up a treasure on their lunch break and men can treat the special women in their life.
• Private Trunk Shows-host a show in your home or have a friend host a show. Have incentives for others to book a trunk show with you.
  

New Year's Eve plans

I'll be wrapping up the jewelry market at Canton tomorrow so I can hurry home for our Family New Year's Eve party.

The kiddos are going to try and stay up late so they can use the party poppers we bought. Brittney got Jr Monoply and has several activities planned; I'm sure she will be an event planner when she is older!! Blake has the food taken care of-call the pizza man ...spoken like a true 5 year old! :)

Hope everyone has a SAFE and Happy New Year!

Randi

Hatshepsut: From Queen to Pharaoh.

Went to the Kimball Art Museum in Fort Worth and saw the Hatsheput exhibit. I was in awe of the jewelry. Gold and silver intricately created by hand with lapis lazuli, carnelian and the original seed beads(cornflower and lotus flower).

I was digging the scarabs and think that I need to create something like that in glass. I'm off to sketch and play on the torch.

Canton Trade Days

Canton Trade Days are coming up, December 29-31st, in Canton, Texas. I will be in the 4500 Pavillion at booth 4520/4521.

I have a few new jewelry designs that are not on the website yet; I was waiting for the new website launch in January which I may phase in the pages as time goes by!

Have a safe and Happy Holiday and maybe I'll see you in Canton.

Randi

Stop Procrastinating -get that Holiday Shopping done

Are you a procrastinator when it comes to your holiday shopping? Here's a little incentive. Free shipping has been extended for a short period. Your jewelry orders must be placed by this Sunday to guarantee Christmas delivery.

Don't forget the Diva offers Gift Certificates which can be printed for instant gratification. With a new collection being launched in January, the recipient will have a hard time choosing!

Jewelry and the Media

I have my fingers crossed for 2007. I have several of my designs and media kits sent out to various agencies for Spring / Summer 2007 marketing. Gift guides and must have lists are featured in many media forms.

Many of the jewelry designs I'm working on for my January launch are included in this media blitz.Maybe you'll buy and wear it before a celebrity does? How cool is that!

Remember to drop me a line if there something you would like to see designed. I'm often inspired by my customer's wishes. :)

I'm dreaming of a classic gold byzantine bracelet with a diamond bead or three as a focal point. Luxurious or what? Guess, I better go make some gold jump rings to make it a reality.

Off to the jewelry studio I go!

Aquamarine for Winter Blues

How would you like to chase away the winter blues wearing this gorgeous double tear drop design with gorgeous aquamarine rondelles.

The drops are wire wrapped and hung from a simple sterling silver chain.

Want this? Buy this gemstone necklace here for only $45 . It will come in a lovely silver foiled gift box and includes free shipping through 12-15-2006.

What are you waiting for?

January Jewelry Trunk Show

Mark your virtual calendar for the Diva's January Online Jewelry Trunk Show. There will be new designs, sales and some great give a ways.

This is when the new website will be unveiled along with the new collection and a customer loyalty program.

Subscribe so you don't miss out on any deals or jewelry news!