Origami Gift Box & Cherry Blossom

Ever in a bind and dont have any gift bags or boxes for small items? Got some scrapbook paper handy? All you need are 2 pieces of paper and a scrap for the flower and you're all set.

This origami box is a simple yet elegant way to wrap presents or just to whip up and store tiny things around the house. The Cherry blossom adds a sweet touch if you're giving it as a gift.

I'll share a quick tutorial with you on how to make these, stay tuned!

Hip To Be Square

I am always on the lookout to incorporate unique materials in my work not only to expand my skill level but also to give an updated look to chainmaille as people know it. One of the newer trends among chainmaillers is to use rings that are made of square wire. These are a little bit tougher to work with sometimes, because even when they are the same size as round wire rings they don't always work for the same patterns that "normal" rings can be used for.

As an example - One of my favorite patterns to make is a dodecahedron ball ( I call them my "Porcupine Balls"). It looks like this -

 When I tried to create the same thing with the square wire rings I was using, even though the size was similar, the pattern was not coming together properly. I almost got discouraged that I'd have to take it all apart and start over, but then something about the shape got my brain moving. The rings were stiff enough to keep the pearl inside captive, so I thought it would work out well as a ring design. I attached it to a simple mesh band and here's what it turned out like:

It's not scratchy like you might think from the edges. The mesh has loosened up a little bit, but that is normal for most rings. I wore it a few days in a row and it was quite a conversation piece! It makes me think of a geodesic dome, like at epcot or an observation center. It's very sci-fi in my opinion.

The reason I bought the square rings in the first place was actually for a custom order - The request was for a stainless steel byzantine bracelet in a heavy gauge. It was going to be a Christmas gift for a man. I am not a fan of working with heavy gauge stainless steel. Rather than turn the customer away, I made the suggestion for the square rings and it was accepted. Here it is:

I'm happy with how my experimenting has turned out lately. I'm working on some modifications of the ring design, and I have some smaller sized square rings that I'll be using for other projects as well. The square rings may be a new favorite of mine - they give the pieces more of a modern edge, which is what I gear my style towards. Stay tuned and I'll be sharing even more fun developments with you.

Valley Health Services Holiday Bazaar 2011

Since the first big hurdle of my holiday season is over I thought I'd share a little recap of my last events. I didn't get any photos from the house party I did, but it was a big success. I am a tactile shopper myself, so I love being able to actually show my items to people so they can see and touch it for themselves. I also tend to tease that the more they hold onto something the more they must want it. Sometimes it even works! I hope to be able to do more private shows in the coming year and plan to develop that more too.

The monday after that was the Holiday Bazaar that My moms workplace holds every year to support their Residents council, and this was my second year in attendance.

(I didn't think you'd want to watch Days of Our Lives)

My new banner I ordered from Vistaprint showed up the week before, I could not be happier with it! I am so happy that now people will be able to come around and actually "know" who I am. Especially next month since the Indie Garage Sale is supposed to have around 100 vendors, it will help people find me.

My table is always a work in progress - I am planning to get some new things this week to help give my displays an even more organized and chic look. It is slowly coming together, though.

My ornaments and wine charms have turned into popular items - I plan on making a lot more, but I'm trying to brainstorm how to effectively display those, too. I can't exactly have a christmas tree crowding my table, as pretty as it would look.

I've already sold out most of my sets, so I think its a good idea for me to get a move on finding more charms to make more. I should probably specify that individuals can be mixed and matched for sets if people so desire.

The Bazaar was a lot of fun. I was glad my boyfriend was able to be there to help me carry things, and since my mom works there she is my best advertising. I wish I could have won a few of the raffles I entered, but then again my luck is not always the best. It's a good thing I rely more on my skill :).

In Two Weeks I will be vending at the Indie Garage Sale! I am excited and a little nervous. I did well at the show last year. I wish I had this weekend to work on items for it but I am going on my yearly NYC trip, so I will have to squeeze in Shop time after work and as I can manage. It might get a little rough, especially with "normal" holiday planning and shopping. At least I managed to grab some good Cyber Monday deals to fill peoples stockings with. Hope your holiday season is going well too!

Just for YOU, my readers here, 25% OFF in My Etsy Shop with coupon THANKSFANS25

Etsy is free to join and shop - I use Paypal for checkout which is a secure method and you can use your credit or debit card without having to open an account there. Or you can simply email me with a purchase request and I can send you a Paypal invoice.

Happy Shopping!

Chainmaille Wine Swag

The other night I got around to photographing and listing some new items I've been working on lately - Wine Glass Charms and Bottle Necklaces.

As we head into holiday season for many that means an upswing in the festivities. Wine glass charms are a great for hostess gifts or a housewarming parties, and especially fun for your favorite wine-lover. Also, they're one size fits all! How can you go wront with that? I made a few different sets of four, and theyll also be available in larger quantities here and there, too (like sets of 6, 8 and 12)

I also made some single pieces that can be mixed and matched

Citrine is a big trend stone for november since it resembles Topaz - Novembers birthstone

The bottle necklaces are a personal favorite, though - even if you aren't a drinker, they'd look great draped over a vase, or a bottle lantern. I have a gorgeous cobalt blue bottle light that I'll be hanging one on that I bet it'll look fantastic with the candle light shining through at holiday dinners.

I made them with and without crystals - I like items that can be color coordinated to your decor. The first offering has some chic black sparkles but they'll be available in other combinations, too.

I'm so excited about this line of items - I've been wanting to do more than jewelry for a while now, and I love that I'm getting to branch out a little bit. I'll have more new items soon, but in the mean time you can check these items and more out in my Shop.

Happy Weekend!

Happy Halloween!

Handmade Holidays

While the stores no longer wait for Halloween to put the Christmas decorations out, after tomorrow holiday marketing will certainly be getting a push to consumers. Personally I have always preferred gifts and decorations with a handmade quality to them - and honestly I'd rather put less money in the pockets of the big box stores. There's something rewarding to seeing items around your home or watching a loved one open a gift that was handmade with care. 


I know not everyone has the time to spend on handmade gifts, and that some are convinced they dont have an artistic bone in their body to make things. With the growing community of Etsy at your fingertips, that doesn't have to be an issue - You can quickly and easily search and find unique, handmade, creative gifts for your friends and loved ones. Even better is that you can help support local artists, many of whom supplement or depend on their income from their shops. I wanted to highlight some of the Etsy members I've had the pleasure of interacting with, both online and at craft fairs.


Waterfall Designs specializes in personalized glassware - perfect for weddings, bachelor/bachelorettes, birthdays and other holiday gifts. Her mustache glasses are especially fun.

   

Originals by Lauren makes hand sewn housewares, such as potholders, aprons, oven mitts, lunch and sandwich bags, and more - She uses all sorts of fabulous fabrics and even has a line of saucy pin up items, for guys and gals. She also has another shop that features dress-up items for kids.

  

Serenity Lane Designs  - makes hand made paper crafts, tile coasters, pendants & cards  

      

Gingers Vintage Room has some awesome paper flowers, holiday gift boxes, and altered poker chip necklaces.

   

Nikid - Nicoles Homemade Treats creates awesome chocolate sweets and treats, if they dont make your mouth water, I'm not sure what will!


    

Pretty Pear Designs for fabric backed stationary paper goods, gift tags and boxes that will give your correspondance a "touch and feel" quality.

   

Dew On A Petal - I dont know about you, but the holidays always make me think of certain smells, and these soy candles from Dew On A Petal will certainly help you get in the holiday mood!

   

PURE Natural Minerals - Natural mineral makeup - soaps, lip balms, eye shadows, and more. 

  

TangBaby has been especially popular for fun Cake Mail items

  

Spongetta - Unique handbags and creative Christmas stockings.

   

WoodCastle Studio Custom Woodworks & Turnings Unique Pepper mills, Wine Stoppers, Pens

 

I'm sure I dont have to remind people about my own shop - but here's a gentle hint ;)

One of the best things about the fact that these are local, handmade artists is that you get personable, responsive custom service! No automated messages, robots or "press 1 for customer service" to deal with. Many of them are also willing and able to do custom items - Not something that you can get at that big smiley face store!! But you have to be quick - because remember, these are REAL PEOPLE, not machined, and they dont work in sweatshops - so if you do want a custom order get it in fast, so you'll have it ready for the holiday!

Well, what are you waiting for? Go do some shopping!

**This post was not sponsored or requested by Etsy or any of the featured artists - I simply want to do my part to help promote fellow local artisans and crafters**