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Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Hibiscus Earrings

These earrings remind me of a walk I took on a tropical island last year. 

There were straw huts, palm trees and delicate hibiscus surrounding our path.

We wondered through the jungle, carrying drinks in pineapples, as our guide shared the history and culture of the island with us.

I like to remember that field trip on these grey, slushy days and I'm counting down the days until my next tropical vacation.

These earrings are a fun mix of Czech glass, lucite flowers and handcrafted disk beads set off by a ring of blackened steel. 
  

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Earring Cards for Less

With the start of the new year, I decided that I needed some new brand identity cards. And with the sweet deal that VistaPrint was having, I knew that the time was right.

I have used VistaPrint on and off for years to create branding and marketing materials, from postcards to banners, business cards to flyers. I wanted to freshen up my image while still keeping it recognizable as me. I could have started from scratch and used my (not so) mad skillz with Photoshop Elements to create a custom card that I would upload and get printed, but I knew that I wanted it to be quicker than that. So I started with one of their standard designs.

In the past I have used their 100 free postcards (just the cost of shipping) to create a layout with four cards that I would then cut apart, punch holes in and attach a self-adhesive plastic hanger to the back. In fact, from the first batch I did years ago, I still have about 1/3 left since 100 postcards would make 400 earring cards.

This time I wanted to use a business card and create it so that the top 1/3 was scored which would eliminate the need for the those little plastic things.

{Tesori Trovati Earring Cards - front}
I lucked out in finding a business card template (and matching pieces) that had this nice looking flourish on it and a different colored top part. I found the color number from the editing and adjusted my logo in Photoshop Elements to match the text and flourish. I uploaded and oriented my skeleton key logo upside down with my name in this top area. Below the line, I added my company name. Just below that I placed two tiny asterisks in the lightest gray I could find and still see when printed (sorry for no picture of that one, you will have to trust me 'cause it is the best tip ever!). That makes it far easier to punch the holes and keep them even.

{Tesori Trovati Earring cards - back}

There are usually different options for the back. I could have gone with blank for no charge or black and white for a small fee. The back I  used is one that had pre-printed lines on it and a faint image of the flourish from the front. I opted for the color, even though it was faint, to keep the continuity. The lines were for recording appointments, and had pre-filled tags, but I just changed the text, moved it where I wanted it and added a few more lines through their advanced editing tools. If you are familiar with Word, you can likely figure out how this works pretty easily, so don't let that intimidate you. I like to write the name of the earrings and a list of the components on the back, so these lines come in handy. Since I had room, I put some contact info on the back as well as my initials in the corner that would be useful for my coding system (i.e., EPH-12-001) and a dollar sign to indicate the price.


{Tesori Trovati earring cards - folded)

The best part is that with the colored box, I can easily find where to put my bone folder to score the line that the card is folded on. (A tip: score the line from the back. If you score it from the front, the bending will cause the crease to split.)

{Tesori Trovati earring cards - displayed}
These cards were meant to hang on a display, but happy accident! I found is that they work really well when sitting on a display case because they are angled. Bonus!

As I was going I decided to create a cohesive look by adding new business cards,

{New Tesori Trovati Business Cards}
new hang tags (with plenty of space for writing about necklaces and bracelets) that double as an alternative business card (which I might consider using as my primary business card),

{Tesori Trovati Hang Tags - front}
{Tesori Trovati Hang Tags - back}

as well as a notepad for writing thank yous and a rubber stamp of my return address. A lot of these items were free or greatly reduced. Knowing what I could have paid for all of these pieces, I saved a ton of money and I really like the look. If you haven't see a deal from VistaPrint that you like, just wait a week and a new one will come along!

For the cost of an uploaded logo ($4.99), color backside ($12.99) and shipping, I got 250 new earring cards that present a professional look that matches with my other similar branding.

{What do you think of my new earring cards?}
The result is a brighter, fresher look from my previous cards, which includes my consistent branding (the skeleton key) and allows me to display my products professionally.

What do you use for earring cards or to display your earrings? Do you name every pair of earrings that you make? Do you list the materials that you have used? Would love to know about how you do it!

Erin Prais-Hintz invites you to go on a journey of inspiration at her blog Treasures Found :: Inspiration is Everywhere. You can view a gallery of her work at http://www.tesoritrovati.com/ or purchase her new line of 'Simple Truths' in her Etsy shop.
 
 

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Type Drawer Earring Storage


Here's a fun storage solution for your favorite earrings!  Cloud9Jewels has repurposed and painted an old Printer's drawer and uses the small compartments to hang earrings. This would look so sweet on a bedroom or bathroom wall- especially for someone who loves vintage like me!


Friday, January 27, 2012

I Heart You


My original plan was not to post a Valentine inspired post,
but things don't always work out as planned.
I love these earrings so I'm happy to share them in the end.
Copper Hearts and Wonderful Lampwork Beads by SueBeads!
There are also tiny bits of Sari Silk tied below the beads.




While I'm at it I may as well go for it huh?
Here are a couple other Valentine themed items!
Can you tell I'm hungery?!?!?
















These Heart Earrings and other jewelry and components available in my Etsy Shop.

I'm also Celebrating my 1,000 sale in my Etsy shop
 by having a sale Friday 27th-Saturday 28th
15% off everything using the coupon code CELEBRATE

Kristi 

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Hopeful Mermaid Love

Mermaid Love
The beads in these earrings make me think of clear green seawater and frothy sea foam, and there's something mysterious and wistful about those little heart padlocks--perhaps from a sunken treasure chest, with a lonely mermaid's trousseau inside? Even the beadcaps make me think of seaweed....Maybe these would be put aside for a mermaid's wedding day.


Of course I picture them with a mermaid-y sea green gown,
Gown by Jack Guisso, from Dolce magazine

 and a mermaid headdress. 

By Thyme2Dream on ArtFire
Stop by and visit my Etsy shop if you'd like to see more!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Fashion Forward Feathers

Feathers - they hit so many trends that are currently out there.  They work on a geometric level, their lovely pattern echoing the very popular chevron designs.  Paired with bright colors they would work with a color blocked outfit.  I'm seeing more neutrals added in with bursts of bright colors for a fresh take on last year's hot trend. And they also work with the ethnic vibe that I'm seeing everywhere.

Of course, those feathers appeal to my inner mother-earth-nature-girl and I'd probably pair them up with something simple like a gray sweater, my favorite dark jeans and a nest-y bracelet like this one.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Like Royalty

Berenice Bejo is an Argentine actress that I have never heard of until recently. Her performance in the movie The Artist is winning rave reviews and recently at the Golden Globes captured three titles.

She recently showed up at the Critic's Choice awards wearing what seems to be a signature color, by on of her favorite fashion designers, Ellie Saab. But I think that she missed out on a golden opportunity to wear some knockout jewelry, don't you think?

Berenice Bejo in Elie Saab. Photo from ElieSaab.com.

As an aside, Ellie Saab's website is stunning in that you can actually see the entire collection on the runway. His Haute Couture for Spring/Summer 2012 literally took my breath away. Oh, to be 5'10" and skinny as a beanpole. If I were, I would rock his lush romantic looks.


Berenice Bejo in Emilio Pucci. Photo from MTV.com

For her most recent win at the Golden Globes, Miss Bejo showed off that deep hue of blue in a dress by Emilio Pucci. The bustier style dress reallly shows off her beautiful neckline and her winning smile. She is so beautiful! And while jewelry from Chopard might be nice, I think that these earrings I created would work well with either dress as well as rocking a more casual look with jeans and a t-shirt.

{Like Royalty for sale on Etsy}

What do you think?

Erin Prais-Hintz invites you to go on a journey of inspiration at her blog Treasures Found :: Inspiration is Everywhere. You can view a gallery of her work at http://www.tesoritrovati.com/ or purchase her new line of 'Simple Truths' in her Etsy shop.


Monday, January 23, 2012

Versatile Wire!

The only way to put it is to say, I am in Love with wire!! The more I use it, the more I Want to use it! It is versatile and fun! So here is to wire!!
You have to look at the different ways it looks when you move it around in the light. Shimmering and shinning. Dull and Dark{in a good way}. It is simply wonderful! This is solid copper wire that I patinaed in LOS for a nice Vintage feel!
You can find these in my ETSY shop! I hope to make more soon in different colours, with the wire curved differently. The possibilities are endless!!
 Wear them with a chic little Jacket!
Found on Pintrest
Click on photo to take you to original link

You can also find more designs on my Website
Please read my blog for more inspiration!

Thanks for stopping in for a visit! We love to have you!

Marie

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Earth-Friendly Earring Cards

Birch Bark Butterflies - drill tiny holes in the wings.  These would be sweet for a booth display too.

Upcycled Hearts from old maps would add a nice vintage touch to a booth display.  You may want to back these with a heavier recycled cardstock.

Loving these cork tags, perfect for a display. 

Vintage book illustrations are given new life as tags.

Simple and charming kraft paper heart tags.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Bird and Branch Jewelry Display

Now this is something to tweet about!

I LOVE this jewelry displays from Selina Beads n Bits

Check out her shop to see the whole collection.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Mystical Traveler

I just love these lampwork beads that my husband made; to me they look mystical-hence the name. I paired them with Czech beads in a gorgeous shade of plum and lemon. Did some wire wrapping and voila! A pretty pair of earrings.

Wouldn't they look great with this scarf?
And of course jeans and boots to complete the look!

(images found on Pinterest)

Mystical Traveler earrings can be found Here.
  Sorry they were just SOLD!
but please check out my website Here.
Bubby & McGurk Beads Facebook page can be found Here.
Bubby & McGurk Beads Etsy can be found Here.
Kristy Abner blogs at Kristy's Kreations Jewelry


Thursday, January 19, 2012

Winter Flowers


Today's earrings feature sweet little flowers, created from weaving copper wire around tiny Czech glass leaves.  I love the color of these beads! They have this creamy, muted hue that is tinged with just a bit of rusty brown, giving them an antique look.  Flowers can bloom even in the winter - and be a reminder that Spring is just around the corner!

These would be perfect with your winter whites like this coat I just fell in love with (via Pinterest)!



You can find these earrings and much more at my Etsy Shop, Melismatic Art Jewelry.  For more info about me and/or my designs, check out my blog at Art, Life, Love.



Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Inspired by Pink Accessories


The earrings were inspired by my co-author (Bohemian Inspired Jewelry) and friend Erin Siegel who has mastered the technique of knotted beads onto metal components using beads and linen cording. I used some plain brass hoop earrings, and embellished them with pale pink cording and metallic peanut seed beads, and some Bali silver charms.  The pink was inspired by the popular color in accessories this winter, and here are a few great examples. Tell me these pink slouchy cowboy boots don't make you weak in the knees!



accessories from Sundance Catalog

You can find these and other pretty things in my etsy store, Lorelei Eurto Jewelry.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

What's Your Mood?

 Mood Rings were the rage when I was a kid...
I owned a bunch of them and giggled with girlfriends over our Mood colors ~ 
I've been looking at these beads for over a year....they intrigued me..
I finally ordered some and have to say..

THEY ARE SO AWESOME!  

I have so many jewelry ideas to make with these and just can't wait to create! 

My 18 year old daughter is totally in love with the beads and we chatted late into the night 
about creating our own mood color descriptions...
Like wouldn't it be funny to make humorous color meanings about
Menopause, Moms, College, Dieting, Beading or Love?  

And in my searches for mood related items...

If Lucky Brand uses Mood, it must be awesome!

How about Mood tiles.... 


Or Mood iphone cover ~ very cool!


How about nature's take on Mood...the Chameleon ~ 



Hope you had fun with the Mood Ring thing  ~ 
I'm off to create some 
Moody type stuff!
Stop by see!