Sunday, December 16, 2012

New Boho Chic Inspired Beaded Jewelry

Check out the New Boho Chic Necklace and Earring Sets

Indian Kashmiri beads, crystal, glass, acrylic and metals combine to create these Boho-Chic Necklace and Earring sets. the beads hang on multi-strand cotton necklaces. 

Available at http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/PinkSunsetJewelryDesigns


Saturday, December 1, 2012

Holiday Sale Through December 15th


The holiday savings continue until December 15th. Great deals on handcrafted artisan jewelry and accessories. Like these just listed.

Jet Black Crystal Bracelet Woven Wide Cuff Style



Wire and Bead Crochet Necklace

Gemstone Slab Necklace in copper

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Jewelry Sales

Black Friday through Cyber Monday Sale

As the Holidays approach, everyone is making their list and checking it twice for Holiday Shopping. Pink Sunset Jewelry Designs is having a wonderful Holiday sale to make your shopping a little easier. Every item in our studio will be marked down 30%. And as always, US shipping is free! We have something for all the ladies on your shopping list. Buying from indie artists also help to support small businesses. Look at some of the great deals that will be available beginning Thurday, November 23rd at midnight through Midnight on Monday. Use PROMO CODE HOLIDAY30 at checkout.

Jumbo Stack Bracelets
SALE PRICE $19.60

Earrings
30% OFF MANY STYLES

Beaded Leather Wrap Bracelets
SALE PRICE $1750

Yoga Empowerment Ribbon Wrap Bracelets
SALE PRICE $23.10

Wine Cork Necklaces
SALE PRICE $16.10

iPad, Android Tablet and eReader Charms
SALE PRICE $8.40

Sterling Silver Swarovski Crystal Ball Necklaces
SALE PRICE $19.60


Gemstone Slab Necklaces
SALE PRICE 16.10

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook for sneak peeks on new designs and upcoming deals.



Saturday, November 10, 2012

Ipad, Tablet and eReader Jewelry

I just whipped these up today. Decorate you iPad, Android Tablet or eReaders with this whimsical charm clusters. The are made with pearls, crystals and gemstones. These clever tablet charms easily slip over the protective sleeve. They stretch and will fit any device. Find one that matches your sleeve. (or your personality). These tablet charms would be great for stocking stuffers and holiday gift giving. 



Thursday, November 8, 2012

Small Business Saturday

November 24th is Small Business Saturday®, a day to celebrate and
support the local small businesses that boost the economy and invigorate
neighborhoods across the country.
Pink Sunset Jewelry Designs is proud to take part in Small Business Saturday, and we’re encouraging everyone to Shop Small® here on November 24th.
Plus, we’re having a special Small Business Saturday offer! Shop with us online at www.pinksunsetjewelrydesigns.artfire.com on November 24th and you’ll get 
30% off everything in the studio (excluding gift certificates). Use promo code SBS30 at checkout.
To learn more, visit ShopSmall.com.

Monday, October 22, 2012

New Gemstone Slab Pendant Necklaces

I love gemstones in their natural state. Add a little polishing and it lets the natural colors and inclusion come out. I came across these Imperial Jasper Gemstone Slabs and immediately thought of trapeze style pendant necklaces. After rooting around in my bead stash for some smaller coordinating beads, this is what I came up with.

These necklaces are approximately 18 inches long and have been designed in silver tone, copper and brass. All accent bead links are hand wire wrapped. Some of the accent beads include carnelian, blue striped agate, aventurine, magnesite and kiwi jasper. 

A little about Imperial Jasper

Imperial Jasper is mined only in the Guadalajara Mexico area, & is one of the highly prized Jaspers on the market today. It forms in nodules, with colors ranging from reds & greens, to pinks, grays, tans & other earthy tones. It is a nurturing  & grounding stone that helps one to exist in a state of joy. It is also believed to stabilize emotions.  It is said to provide protection (as all Jasper does), & reduce fears & insecurities. Known as the stone of sharing & caring, promotes stability, physical stamina, calm, relaxation, comfort, contentment, compassion, nurturing, tranquility, enthusiasm & organization. Helps relieve emotional stress, loneliness, insecurities, grief, fears & guilt.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Seaside Pendants

I had a few pendant trays and sat there wondering what to do with them, I looked around my studio and found these little tiny shells. Hmmmm...What to do? I added a few sparkling sky blue seed beads and this is what I came up with. All set in diamond glaze.


Aren't they just sweet. Wear a little bit of the beach with you all the time. 

Friday, September 28, 2012

Hardware Jewelry

I was shopping in Home Depot and had an idea come into my head when I came across some different brightly colored electrical tape. I'm always looking for new ways to make jewelry. I like to incorporated different items and techniques. I have always been fascinated by jewelry made from hardware items.

Hmmmm. What could I do with that? I grabbed some and then kept walking up and down the aisles. Clear tubing....sure. Some nuts....okay.  Something to connect the tubing.

This is what the finished product looked like. Just as I saw it in my head. How cool is this. Bangle bracelets. I have some fine tuning to do, but I am more than happy with the results. I think I might use the heat gun to "shrink wrap or even melt the tape" into position.

I also got some larger tubing and plan on using it to make some necklaces with leather.


Please comment and let me know what you think of these. 

Monday, September 24, 2012

Bead Weaving Masterpiece

This bracelet is a custom order. I have made a couple of them but this one....wow. It's called a Capricho Bracelet and it is a very labor intensive design.

The bracelet actually has 2 layers. The first layer is made of thousands of seed beads woven, one at a time, in a net pattern. Then I go back and weave more seed beads and crystals onto the netted base. I am backed up with orders on this one, but I love making them. Here is the most recent creation.
The first layer is done and I'm adding  the crystals

The finished product.

The finished product...check out the sparkle!
Capricho Bracelet~~Bling!

And here are 2 others that I have done
Pearl Capricho Bracelet Bangle


Gold Crystal Capricho Bracelet



Gemstone Pebble Pendants

How cool are these pendants. Simple in design, but they make a bold color statement. Each of the pebble pendants is made with semi-precious gemstone pebbles set in a 2 inch by 1 inch bezel setting. The gemstone pebbles are set with Diamond Glaze for a brilliant shine. Great when you need a pop of color around your neck.

The gemstone pebble pendants are available in my Pink Sunset Jewelry Designs Studio for $18 each.



Wine Cork Jewelry Upcycling

A lot of my friends are wine enthusiasts. I even have one who has begun making her own label. I brainstormed and came up with some ideas for a line of wine enthusiast jewelry. I purchased unused authentic wine corks for different vineyards. I hand-cut the corks to fit into 2 inch by 1 in bezel trays.
I secured them in the trays and embellished them with flat back rhinestones. Voila! Wine Cork Pendants. I added matching chains and there ya go!

I've already had several fly off the shelf. I will also customize them if you have your own favorite wine lable.
They are available in my Pink Sunset Jewelry Designs Studio for $23 each. What a great gift idea for you or your wine enthusiast friends.


Jumbo Bracelet Stacks

I just love these new bracelet stacks. Jumbo beads are used to make them. Some of the beads are 3/4 in in diameter. My new obsession, Kasmiri and Maruti beads. These beads are on Indian origin and are made by making beads with a mixture of clay and marble then embellishing them with stones, beads and metal components. I am in love with these.

These jumbo bracelet stacks are sure to make a statement. The bracelet stacks have vibrant colors with accents of copper, silver and brass. You're sure to get looks wearing these layered bracelets.

Jumbo Stack Bracelets are available in my Pink Sunset Jewelry Designs studio HERE


New Bracelet Stacks

I've just listed these gemstone bracelet stacks in my studio. I had a lot of fun making these and plan to make more. Each stack consists of 2 or 3 individually made stretch bracelets. The bracelets can be worn alone or stack them for a real statement.

The bracelet stacks have coordinating gemstone, wood, pearl, crystal or bone beads. The beads are accented in beads of copper, silver, brass and gold. Dangling chains and charms add movement to the bracelets.

All bracelets are strung on power cord elastic thread and are secured with adhesive.

The stack bracelets are available in my Pink Sunset Jewelry Designs studio here.


Artisan Silk Ribbon Wrap Bracelets

Here is my new line of yoga bracelets. They are made with hand dyed silk ribbon that I was able to get from another artist They have gorgeous ombre color patterns and the silk ribbon has finished edges to prevent fraying.

Each silk ribbon wrap bracelet has a cluster in the center. The cluster can include semi-precious gemstones, crystals, pearls and/or cubic zirconia. Each cluster also includes charms with empowerment symbols like Om, the elephant, peace signs, hamsa hands, tree of lifet, etc.

Each stone or element is hand wire wrapped in either copper, cold, silver or brass wire.

I love the look of these and they can be wrapped around the wrist up to 7 times. They also have and extender chain for the perfect fit.

The yoga bracelets are available in my Studio for $33 each. Click here for more information or to purchase.



Saturday, September 8, 2012

A Quick Guide to Caring for Your Artisan Jewelry


Jewely is an investment and can last forever if you take the proper care of it. Here are a few tips on how to care for your Artisan Jewelry. I've added a few convenient links for some of the products I discuss.

  • Put your jewelry on last when getting dressed. This avoids over spray of makeup, lotions, hair products and perfume. All of which can cause dulling, pitting and degradation of gemstones.
  • Do not wear your jewelry while working with harsh chemicals or cleaning solutions. They will have the same affects as makeups and perfumes. If this should happen, rinse your jewelry in warm water as soon as possible and let air dry before storing. 

  • Do store your jewelry in airtight containers. Metals will oxidize naturally over time. Storing them in airtight containers, will extend the natural process. You can also place a  piece of chalk or an anti-tarnish square inside your container. This will help with moisture and oxidation control.
  • Do store your jewelry pieces individually to prevent them from rubbing against each other. This could cause scratches and chips in the metal and gemstones. Store them in separate compartments in your jewelry box or in small zipper top plastic bags.
  • If your jewelry should tarnish, do not use chemical jewelry cleaners. Some gemstones are softer than others and the chemicals can break down the stones composition. 
  • Use only a jewelry polishing cloth for cleaning. (for dirt and dust in crevasses, you may use a dry, soft bristle toddler toothbrush to loosen the dirt.
  • Avoid wearing your jewelry during rough activities, this will avoid cracks, scratches and breakage. 


Artisan Jewelry is wearable art and an expression of yourself...............So take care of both of you!

Pink Sunset Jewelry Designs is Selected for 2012 Miami Award


This was a nice surprise this morning. I'm honored. I guess hard work does pay off.



Award Image





Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pink Sunset Jewelry Designs Receives 2012 Miami Award
Miami Award Program Honors the Achievement
MIAMI September 1, 2012 -- Pink Sunset Jewelry Designs has been selected for the 2012 Miami Award in the Precious & Semi-Precious Stones category by the Miami Award Program.
Each year, the Miami Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Miami area a great place to live, work and play.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2012 Miami Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Miami Award Program and data provided by third parties.
About Miami Award Program
The Miami Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Miami area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.
The Miami Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.
SOURCE: Miami Award Program

CONTACT:
Miami Award Program
Email: PublicRelations@awardprogram.org
URL: http://www.awardprogram.org

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Fall Color Forcast

Here are the Fall 2012 color trends according to Pantone. The trendsetter of colors. These are not your mamas traditional fall colors. When I think of fall colors, browns, oranges, reds and golds come to mind. Pantone has thrown in a few non-traditional color trends. I happen to love them.



Here are a few jewelry pieces that incorporate these fun fall colors. 


Fire Opal Orange Woven Crystal Ball Necklace Sterling Silver 18 inchesSterling Silver Necklace with Amethyst Cubic Zirconia Swarovski 18 inBlue Swarovski Crystal and Sterling Silver Cluster Necklace 18 in HandcraftedLeather Triple Wrap  Gemstone  Bracelet Green Korean Jade

Necklaces and Necklines~How to find the perfect match!


Not sure what type of necklace to wear with what outfit? It does matter. The style of necklace that you wear can enhance or detract from the look of both your outfit and your jewelry.  Here are a few tips to follow when choosing your perfect accessory. Following these will help to spotlight you, your outfit and your jewelry.


Plunging neckline:
A plunging neckline, believe it or not, usually does not fare well with a neck

lace even though there’s a lot to bare. It takes away from the outfit, which is already a statement. Instead, skip the necklace and accessorize with rings, earrings, bracelets, hair/head bands or barrettes.

Sweetheart neckline:
A sweetheart neckline gives a lot of room to work with since the shoulders are also bare. It’s a flirty style and looks great with a short bib necklace, chunky necklace, pendant necklace, and it can be simple or bold.

V-shaped neck:
A V-shaped neck always looks sweet with a Y-shaped necklace, pendant necklace, or a cascading necklace that follows the V shape.

Square neck:
A square neck dress or top looks perfect with short layered chains, a dainty necklace, or a short chunky necklace that creates a structured round curve to complement and balance the square shape.

Bateau neckor Boat Neck:
The bateau neck covers you up on top, so you want to go the opposite with a long necklace–layered or single.

Draped neckline:
A draped neckline paired with a necklace can look like too much is going on, so if you must, opt for a short dainty necklace.

Round neck:
Just like the bateau neck, a round crew neck style covers up the neck. A short necklace can compete with the neckline so you want to go the opposite with a long necklace. Go with a long pendant necklace or one with charms or tassels dangling at the ends.

Necklace lengths: Which one is right for you?

Necklace lengths: Which one is right for you?

Choosing the right necklace length is an important factor to take into consideration while buying jewelry. Jewelry can enhance your outfit or your body.

Do not underestimate the importance of size when buying jewelry Whether you're trying to find a necklace of appropriate length for a formal gathering, wishing to accentuate your best features, or wanting to deemphasize your flaws, you need to be armed with knowledge about how size affects the way jewelry looks. Use this guide to the terminology of jewelry size and the related tips to pick the perfect jewelry for you.

No matter what size necklace you choose, there are some things that you should keep in mind. If you want to look taller, choose a necklace that falls below the bustline. If you're 5 foot 7 inches tall or taller, a necklace of any length will look good on you. Long, thin necklaces will look good if you have a small bust. Women with larger busts should go with necklaces longer than 22 inches. If you have a long neck, choose a short necklace with multiple strands. Ladies with shorter necks look best in long necklaces.


 

Collar (12’’-13’’): Collar sits snuggly on the middle of the neck, and can be worn a
s single or multi-strand.
Princess (17”-19”): The princess length is very popular, lies just below collar bone.
Matinee (20”-24”): The matinee drapes on the chest.
Opera (28”-34”): Opera drapes extravagantly to one's mid-section.
Ropes (Over 45”): Recently popular, rope length necklaces are elegant, sensual and sexy.Ropes can be looped, wrapped or draped as desired. Ropes can also be used as double-strand necklaces or multi-strand bracelets.
Lariats (Over 45”): Lariats are long like ropes but have open, unattached ends. They can be loosely knotted in the front or wrapped around the neck.

Basic Guide to Chakras

There is a lot of talk about Chakras. What exactly are they? Here's a short intro Chakras and the gemstone that help to align them.

A Chakra can be thought of as an energy point within the body. Chakra Therapies have been used for thousand
s of years by the Chinese and Indian cultures to balance energy in the body. They maintain that imbalances at these points may result in emotional and physical upsets. They believe the body is entwined with the emotions and spirit. Upsets at critical periods of the life may manifest as physical complaints. While modern medicine is just now discovering the link between stress, our emotions and our health, gemstones have been used for thousands of years in moving and manipulating Chakra Energy, sometimes called Ch'i or Prana. It is believed by many Naturopaths that a Chakra responds to the energy produced by particular gemstones and are therefore thought to bring balance and align these energy points in the body.


 

7th - Crown Chakra
Transcendence
Gemstones: Clear Quartz, Amethyst, Opal, Moonstone
6th - 3rd Eye or Brow Chakra
Spiritual
Gemstones:Lapis Lazuli, Amethyst, Sodalite, Sugilite, Purple Fluorite, Dumortierite, Blue Aventurine, Charoite, Tanzanite, Dark Blue Kyanite
5th - Throat Chakra
Communication
Gemstones: Turquoise, Blue Lace Agate, Angelite, Blue Topaz, Blue Kyanite, Lapis Lazuli (light), Blue Chalcedony, Blue Calcite, Sapphire, Blue Opal, Aquamarine
4th - Heart Chakra
Love and Compassion
Gemstones:Green Aventurine, Rose Quartz, Malachite, Jade, Rhodochrosite, Pink Kunzite, Rhodonite, Pink Opal, Lepidolite
3rd - Navel Chakra
Will Power
Gemstones:Yellow Amber, Citrine, Golden Topaz, Yellow Calcite, Yellow Aragonite, Golden Tiger Eye, Rutilated Quartz
2nd - Sacral Chakra
Pleasure
Gemstones: Carnelian, Yellow/Golden Topaz, Tiger Eye, Orange Amber, Sunstone, Peach Aventurine, Malachite
1st - Root Chakra
Fear, Security, Survival
Gemstones: Black Tourmaline, Garnet, Hematite, Obsidian, Black Onyx, Dark Ruby, Smoky Quartz, Bloodstone
General Chakra
There are some gemstones that do not need cleansing, or that are said to be extremely effective in aligning all Chakras.
Kyanite - Besides being an exceptionally beautiful stone, Kyanite is said to effortlessly align all Chakras and never need cleansing.
Kunzite - Said to help pinpoint and move energy blockages.





Gemstone and Crystal Earrings on Handformed Sterling Silver Hoops

$18 to $28

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Happy New Year Welcome 2012

Another year has come and gone. Good times to remember and bad times to tuck away. Business is beginning to flourish, but it really is a lot of hard work.

I love making jewelry and it's not all about the money, although my bank account says that it should be. I never want to lose sight of why I began making jewelry. It is very therapeutic for me when I tuck myself away in my little studio (aka the 3rd bedroon). I feel like the rest of the world doesn't exist. To me, there is nothing more satisfying than to be out somewhere and see someone wearing my jewelry. How validating is that?

But.....
It has become a business for me. So making a profit does matter. I never want to lose sight of why I started, and I never want creating to become something I dread waking up to do.

My goal this year is to find that delicate balance between business and pleasure. I am a single mom and a homeowner (jobs #1 and #2). I have a 40+ hours "day" job with the largest Fire Department in the Southeastern United States (job #3). Because I am a bead-a-holic, I have amassed a tremendous amount of supplies, so I opened up a destash shop (job #4). I was also blessed with inheriting a large stash of vintage jewelry, so I opened up a vintage jewelry studio (job #5) And finally, my Jewelry Desiging Studio. (job #6). oh yeah...and obviously, I'm a juggler too!

I still don't know how I fit all these job in a normal week. I manage to do it, but I want to be more efficient. To those of you reading this who don't run an online buisness, you have no idea what it takes to do that. I'll save that for another post.

So #1 on my list of New Years resolutions, scheduling. Making the most of the time I have and doing it in an efficient way. And still find time for ME.