New Items in Shop

SIENNA Earrings
These earrings we created with gold Swarovski pearls, red African bone spacers, deep red miracle beads, mixed red Czech seed beads, and 14K gold plated beads. They dangle from 22K gold plated earring hooks.

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CAFE AU LAIT Earrings
These earrings were created with gold Swarovski pearls, 14K gold plated beads, brown Czech glass, and brown Chinese crystals. The earring dangles from 22K gold plated earring hooks.

Saturday Sparkle: Lori Anderson Designs

Who Sparkled this Saturday?

Lori Anderson Designs


Today on Saturday Sparkle, I'd like to show you this beautiful Madison necklace from Lori Anderson Designs. Her Madison Necklace on the left features a 3.5" mixed Swarovski crystal and pear drop pendant on a 16" sterling silver rope chain. Isn't it gorgeous? When I saw this necklace for the first time, it reminded me of the moonlight.

In learning about Lori for today's article, I was really inspired. She went from a high-tech background in IT Sales to a full-time jewelry design business. And, her designs, ideas, and tutorials have also been featured in Beadstyle Magazine, Bead Magazine and the Craft Report. So in addition to making wonderful jewelry, she really has the go-get-em spirit! I had an opportunity to interview Lori for today's article, and here is what she shared with us.

Lori, how did you get your start in jewelry design?
I got started by accident -- I was on bed rest while pregnant and a friend brought me some beads to keep me busy. I played with them a bit and gave some things to my mom, who took them to her office, and they sold. All of a sudden (and I still can't quite nail down when this happened!) I had a full-fledged full-time business.

What inspired you to turn you hobby into a business?
It allowed me to be a stay-at-home mom and still feel like I was contributing to the household. My husband and I always knew I'd stay home to bring up our son, and I can't say I miss the corporate world a single bit, but I did know I was going to feel strange not bringing in ANY money. I had been selling my handmade greeting cards to stores, but the jewelry just kind of took on a life of its own!

What are your favorite materials to work with? I love handmade glass. It's unique, has character, and no matter what you use it with, it's going to be a one of a kind piece. Plus, using it supports other independent artisans.

When creating a design, what are your top three sources of inspiration?
Color -- I have a color book that holds clippings from magazines of clothing, carpets, flowers, anything that has caught my eye and has a neat pattern.

The beads themselves -- almost always, when I see a strand of beads, I know exactly what I want to make with them.

Having the house to myself -- I adore my five year old but I can't always get my designing spirit going to Sponge Bob! So I only design when he's at preschool or asleep. I don't sleep a lot, consequently.

Who has provided the most support for you with your jewelry business?
My husband. He believed in me before I even did. I remember the day when I first knew he truly believed I could make it work. I had sent out an application for an indoor show and somehow had gotten accepted, and now was faced with building a 10x10 booth. Rick and his oldest sons had gone to buy PVC pipe to build a frame that the three of them had designed.

They built it in the garage, and all three of them looked at it, and even after all the work and time they put into it, they decided that it looked amateur, and that night Rick went online and researched and ordered me a professional set up. And to this day, he goes to every single show, and puts up my tent or booth, and takes it down. He's amazing.

Do you have any advice for a newbie who wants to start a jewelry business?
My advice is to not be afraid. When I got started, I didn't take any lessons, didn't have a clue, didn't know a single person who made jewelry. I just flew by the seat of my pants.

When you start networking and meeting people, don't get discouraged if someone's business is doing better than yours, or if someone is full of negativity about how many people make jewelry these days. Tune that out! Explore, create, tear things apart and give them a new feel -- give yourself permission to branch out and just DO what makes you happy! If you're happy with your art, your chances of success are huge.

Thanks for sharing your story with us today Lori, you are truly an inspiration! And readers, be sure to check out Lori's amazing designs at: www.lorianderson.net

Friday Findings: "Spruce" Up Your Spring Wardrobe with Wood Jewelry

Were you "pining" to get someplace exotic this spring? Well, "fir" crying out loud, if you didn't get there--don't sweat it! A show of emotion will only "sap" you of your strength, and rather than "barking" up the wrong tree about a place you didn't get to see, you can do something to "spruce" up your Spring wardrobe instead. "Wooden" you know it? Today, on Friday Findings, I'm showcasing a selection of whimsical jewelry from independent jewelry artists who create wonderful wood jewelry accessories--a great way to catch a bit of the exotic, as well as a look that will "grow" on you...

Segmented Wood Ring from James Roadman Woodturning
This beautiful handcrafted wooden ring was created from 80 pieces of wood adhered to a band of sterling silver. It's 8mm in width, and made of Maple, Mahogany, Polar, Redheart, Rosewood, and Dyed Black Castillo. Each ring is made to order, so be sure to indicate your size. Designed and handcrafted in San Antonio, TX by James Roadman Woodturning.

The Copenhagen Earrings from Dana LeBlanc Designs
For a uniquely modern look, try these round wood earrings set in a sturdy silver frame. They hang from sterling silver earwires and are approximately 1.75" in length. The earrings are also available in a gorgeous Mother of Pearl setting. Designed and handcrafted in Winston-Salem, NC by Dana LeBlanc Designs.

Teary - Maple Wood Pendant from Studio9
For a fantastic one-of-a-kind accessory, check out this lovely maple wood pendant. It features a delicate image that has been carefully transferred and then sealed onto the maple. The pendant measures approximately 2 inches in diameter and is anchored on a 10x6 mm sterling silver bail. Designed and handcrafted in Grants Pass, OR by Studio9.

Four Circle Mahogany Earrings from Orno
Cut from a plank of Brazilian Mahogany, these stunning earrings have been carefully hand sanded and varnished. They measures approximately 5.5 cm in length, and have a thickness of approximately 3mm. Available with either gold plated or silver findings. Designed and handcrafted in Montreal, by Orno.

Words on Your Wrist Bangle from Paloma's Nest
Make a strong statement by combining the beauty of natural wood with the simplicity of words. These standard sized wooden bracelets fit most wrists and are approximately 3" in diameter. Since a variety of phrases are available and text is stamped proportionately, the thickness of the band varies from a thin 3/4" width to a thicker 1" width. Designed and handcrafted in Austin, TX by Paloma's Nest.

Recycled Magnetic Wooden Bangle Bracelet from Polarity
For a fun and industrial look, get this whimsical magnetic locket that is attached to a lightly varnished wooden bangle and fits most wrists. This versatile locket was created from a recycled steel auto part and comes with two interchangeable magnetic lids. Designed and handcrafted in Farmindale, NJ by Polarity .

That's all I have for you today, but before you "leave" for the day, be sure to congratulate last week's giveaway winners. Posh Mama Beth Anderson will receive the Black Onyx Bracelet from Star Hitched Wagon and Posh Mama Beth will receive the Turquoise Drop Earrings from Azure Island Designs. Congratulations PMs!

Enter our weekly giveaway: This week, one lucky winner will receive a pair of Swarovski Crystal and Wood earrings from Capitola Girl Jewelry.

To enter the contest:

1. "Log" into the Posh Mama website

2. Leave a comment in the Comments section of the original blog post.

The winner will be selected using random.org and announced on Friday, May 16, 2008.

Written by Susan Nelson of Capitola Girl Jewelry, where Every Girl Has a Story (and so should her jewelry!). Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine.

Where in the World: Jupiter and Mars

Where in the World?
Jupiter & Mars

Ordinarily, I write about places I've traveled and how the things I saw inspired me to create a piece of jewelry. Since I haven't traveled in awhile, I find that I must temporarily have to think of other places to write about. But don't worry, many travels are scheduled, so it won't be long...

I have been working with gemstones over the past several weeks, and it never ceases to amaze me how every stone seems to have its own unique identity. There is such a wide variety of colors. The pair of banded agate earrings on the left looked so much like Jupiter, and the jasper coin on the necklace on the right reminded me of Mars. I guess this week, I should be calling this column Out of this World Wednesday...

Have a great day!

Spring Clearance: Save Up to 50%

I'm having a Spring Clearance Sale at my Etsy Shop!

I need to make room for some new items, so stop by my Etsy to save up to 50% off Spring Clearance Items. To see my clearance items, click this link.


Happy Shopping!

Saturday Sparkle will be back next week

I'm taking a mini break this weekend.

Saturday Sparkle will be back next week!

Friday Findings: Bold Bangles

This Week's Friday Finds: Bold Bangles

What could be more fun than the jingle-jangle of a big bangle? One of the hottest looks for jewelry this season is wearing fewer, and yet bigger, bolder and more impressive pieces. So, whether you go for large gemstones, modern plastic, or solid silver... be on the lookout for big pieces that are one part adorable adornment and another part major statement.

1. THE BIG BANG
For someone who is serious about the bling factor, try this bold cuff made of solid sterling silver. The center has a large hand cut swirl that is surrounded by smaller wire spirals and planets. It weighs approximately 3 ¼ ounces and is sized for a small to medium wrist. Designed by The Silver Lake Studio in Texas.

2. CRAZY FOR YOU
If you're crazy for crystals, try this stunning bracelet made with Swarovski crystals, silver Bali beads & sterling silver tubes. The toggle clasp is oxidized silver and nicely fits at 7.5 wrist. Designed by Azure Island Designs in Ontario, Canada.

3. CONFIDENCE BANGLET
For the girl with roots and wings, make a statement wearing this Confidence Banglet. It features a large Onyx coin flanked by Balinese sterling silver and faceted onyx rondelles and sterling silver tubes. It close with a sterling silver toggle clasp. Designed by Star Hitched Wagon, who is offering 25% off all orders from Posh Mama's through December 31, 2008. When making your purchase, use discount code poshmama.

4. SISTER OF MERCY
For the fan of great texture and big pattern, wear this bold bangle with black vintage lucite beads. It’s accented with tiny pieces of silver glitter, and hand-wrapped with thin black wire. It fits any wrist and is designed by Bauble Bauble in Los Angeles.

That's all we have time for today, but before you go, be sure to congratulation last week's giveaway winner, Julie. Julie will be receiving an Aqua Fried Marble Necklace and Earring set from last week's featured artist Sally Sotelo of Silver Gate Jewelry.

Enter our weekly giveaway: Two lucky Posh Mama’s can each win a beautiful piece of jewelry. Our first winner will receive this gorgeous black Onyx bracelet from Star Hitched Wagon.

Our second winner will receive these gorgeous turquoise drop earrings from Azure Island Designs.

To enter the contest:

1. Go to my original post on Posh Mama.
2. Leave a comment in the Comments section of the original post.

Winners will be selected using random.org and announced on Friday, May 9.


Written by Susan Nelson of the Capitola Girl blog and Capitola Girl Jewelry, where Every Girl Has a Story (and so should her jewelry!). Now featured weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine.