I’m moving…I know this was short lived. I’ve finally made the plunge to Blogger as I want all my sites in one place!
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Pink, Pastel, Pretty – More Valentines Day Jewelry Ideas
I’m not always a huge fan of pink. I guess I always want to be a bit “edgier” or “tougher” or something. (as if!) However, I always make an exception for subtle, muted ballet pink. It’s almost an earthy, natural tone. It’s flattering to most skin colors and sublimely elegant. Here’s two of my favorite pieces in more neutral pink:
Gemstone Statement Necklace – Raw Pink Quartz
It’s elegant, natural and a versatile long length!
Available at Miscellanea by Valerie Tyler
Triangles Necklace with Redline Marble
Available at Miscellanea by Valerie Tyler
Independent Businesses Give Back – Thanks to Customers like You!
When you purchase from an independent business person or artisan your dollars are going directly to that person (minus a significant chunk to business taxes..oh my!) You enable them to support their families, to afford their homes, their food, their lifestyle. More importantly, independent businesses tend to give back a greater proportion of their income back to their community and to other small businesses. Numerous studies have shown that shopping at independent or locally owned businesses causes a shift into how much money comes back into the community and makes a positive economic impact. I can think of several other artisans we were able to support this year as well as many local shops and restaurants. Personally, now that I depend on my customers both near and far for my livelihood I am so much more aware of where we spend our dollars. It’s led to a more conscious consumerism in the materials I use (a lot more recycled!), the places we shop (more local or more independent/small businesses), and even how we get rid of things (more recycling, more donating, more giving to someone who can use it).
This year I was also able to contribute to several charities using profits earned from my jewelry sales and since my business is my sole source of income now I wouldn’t have been able to do this without your support and patronage. Thank you to my customers for allowing me to give a little bit back. Here is where some of the money spent went to. I encourage you to also contribute to causes that help others such as these or others you may find:
The basic necessities are probably one of the most important ways to give. Thanks to Harvest For Hunger my husband and I were able to donate every single time we went to the grocery store right at the grocery store register by tearing off a $1, $5 or a $10 voucher and adding it to our bill. (specifically our local Heinens!, a Cleveland based chain, so our dollars continue to help our community) Harvest for Hunger is one of the largest annual, community-wide food and funds drives in the nation and it provides important and critically needed resources to local hunger relief organizations in twenty one counties in Northeast and North Central Ohio.
In the spirit of building small economic independence for others as well we were able to purchase many symbolic gifts through Oxfam unwrapped. Oxfam’s Unwrapped catalog offers items that symbolically represent the organization’s lifesaving
work, and each purchase is a contribution toward Oxfam’s many programs that help people living in poverty
throughout the world. As a small entrepreneur I love how much of their work revolves around empowering people to help themselves better their lives from things like tools, seeds, animals and honey bees to help them make a living to things like school and computer training as well. Oxfam helps individuals and communities make a living, protects women and children, and helps in times of emergency.
You even enabled me to help out my own mother with some cash flow when she was dealing with bills for cancer surgeries and radiation treatments (She’s doing much better now by the way!)
Other, however smaller donations were also made to the American Red Cross and the St. Jude Children’s foundation as well.
You may think next time when you buy a necklace or earrings it’s just a cute accessory but it’s really so much more, and the benefits of that purchase go farther than you even imagine. Anytime you make a purchase from a small business be it a local shop or restaurant, or an etsy entrepreneur, or a tiny shop online realize you are strengthening the economy as well as helping others to lead empowered lives. Thank you! Please continue to buy thoughtfully and meaningfully.
Valentines Day Jewelry : Personalized Jewelry Gifts
Valentines Day will be on it’s way before you know it. Be sure to get the perfect gift in time by ordering now. The double heart necklace is a perfect way to give the one you love a personalized gift with your initial and theirs (or give mom a necklace with the initials of her two lovely children!) Prices range from $21 for the double heart personalized necklace in gold brass to $30 for the necklace in sterling silver.
Shop at Miscellanea by Valerie Tyler
The Making of the Initial Rings
My adjustable initial rings are my #1 seller. Then they were featured in the US weekly holiday gift guide, and now there’s a literal frenzy over them! While I’m waiting for some material to arrive so I can make more to meet the demand I thought I’d share with you the process of how they are made. They’re extra special in that I create each and everyone especially for the recipient, one at a time by hand.
The rings are solid cast brass. Before I even begin to personalize them they are first often filed and sanded, then tumbled for over 1-2 hours to smooth and shine them slightly. (They do have a slight matte finish)
Each ring is individually hand stamped with the letters the buyer chooses:
Here I am looking pretty exhausted after having hammered about 25-30 rings.
Below you can see some of the stamps I use.
Then each is formed on a mandrel with a rawhide mallet until they’re the desired shape and size
The letters are oxidized to make them stand out, then the rings are lightly sanded and buffed by hand to remove extra color and smooth them slightly. I use both fine grit sandpaper and polishing pads to achieve the finish.
Finally I give each a wax coating to protect and preserve the finish. (This also helps slightly with those who react to brass and sometimes get the “green” effect.
The finished product:
Rings can be purchased at http://www.valeriemiscellanea.etsy.com (when available! They sell out quick!)
Jewelry Trends : Holiday Green
A touch of green lends some holiday festivity, but can be worn year round as well for a vibrant touch.
Clockwise from top left to bottom left:
1. Emerald Earrings, $29
2. Green Chandelier Crystal Necklace, $26
3. Emerald Necklace, $75
4. Nephrite Jade Necklace, $39
Holiday Jewelry Trends : Holiday Reds
Today when sharing some jewelry trends I’m going seasonal and sharing a jewelry trend that pops up every year: Holiday Reds!
Red jewelry is vibrant, festive and deliciously bold! While the pieces I’m sharing with you today are perfect accessories to add that red touch for the holidays they aren’t specifically holiday themed so they can still be worn year round.
Clockwise from top left to bottom left (Prices subject to change):
Leaf Necklace, $34
Hoop Earrings, $20
Red Howlite Spike Necklace, $20.75
Red Howlite Spike Earrings, $23.50
Using Found Objects in Art
Found objects are a great inspiration for artists block. My collection includes natural elements, old keys, vintage jewelry, bullet casings, misc. nuts, bolts and screws and other goodies. Even when these items fail to provide inspiration they at least look pretty on the shelf! Old printers trays are such excellent vintage items for storing treasures too!
Like the lovely topography pictures in the back? I bought those from Crafterall.
Jewelry Trends : Winter Woodland
It doesn’t look like the woodland trend is going away anytime soon. Of course it’s here to stay. Woodland items remind us to take the time to enjoy nature, to take a deep breath of the air, to allow natural details to calm us and give us respite from our busy lives. Today I share a few woodland inspired jewelry pieces that are suitable even into the winter season.
1. Tree Teardrop Pendant Necklace
2. Sterling Silver Branch Necklace
