Inspiration from the Contemporary Crafts Show this weekend.

I went to check out the Contemporary Crafts Market in Pasadena on Saturday and the first thing I noticed was that my friend and I were much younger than most of the other shoppers. It's definitely a completely different crowd than say Renegade Craft Fair, Unique LA or Patchwork!

I forgot to take any pictures while I was there but I saw a few of my favorite jewelry designers as well as found some new favorites. There was definitely an interesting mix of work there but I'm still not sold on whether it's the right show for my collection. Here are some pieces from a few of my favorites that I saw at the show. 

Romantic Rust Cuffs by Kit Carson

Pyrite Sun Medallion from Lisa Kim Fine Jewelry's Windlord Collection

Bamboo, Silver, & Gold Bracelet by Fred & Janice Tate Designs

Cuffs and Rings by Jivita Jewelry 

I'm personally wanting to add her Cactus Spike Necklace to my collection.

Oh Opal OAK Necklace by Sharon Kaplan Jewelry

I'll definitely be picking up some new earrings from her Enamel Collection.

I did also see some great ceramic, wood, glass, and fibers work at the show. But sadly I can't find their work online to share so maybe next time I'll remember to take some pictures to share.

West Elm Summer Soiree Recap

I had such a lovely time at a pop up event with fantastic local designers at West Elm Santa Monica this past Friday. I'm already looking forward to planning another event with their staff for late summer/early fall. The layout of the store was absolutely beautiful and it worked so perfectly to set up on this gorgeous console table.

Nook Console

The Dakota Weekender

Clark & Madison  stood out as one of my favorites from the event. Their bags are handcrafted here in Los Angeles and absolutely gorgeous. 

Gavin Luxe & Company was also there with their candles that smelled absolutely amazing. I couldn't decide on a scent at the event but since it's summer I think the Sunny + Beach sounds perfect. 

Thank you so much to the entire staff of West Elm in Santa Monica for organizing this wonderful event, I had a blast and am already looking forward to the next one. 

Be bold. Live Beautifully.

-Amanda

"Sweet on You" Valentine's Day Jewelry Gift Ideas

top left to bottom right: guardian opal ring, skull ruby necklace, all we need is love necklace, 

amor stacking ring, pebble diamond earrings, ruby shark tooth necklace

With Valentine's Day almost here I headed over to a few of my favorite jewelry designer friend's sites to put together this sweet collection.

Of course since I design my own jewelry my boyfriend almost never buys me any, but that doesn't mean I can't swoon over these lovelies. We actually have a tradition of picking a casual restaurant or just getting takeout and spending the night relaxing together for Valentine's Day.

What about you how do you like to spend this holiday with your special someone?

Be bold. Live Beautifully.
-Amanda

A fun little video of how I make a ring!

   I've been thinking about making short little videos to show my process to the world but I never got around to it until now! I love how this first video turned out and I can't wait to shoot more. 
   Last month I decided I wanted to enter the American Made Awards so I put together my entry with lots of help from my friends. I didn't make it into the finalists, but I can't wait to see who did win. The contest did help me take the time to spruce up my bio, get some amazing new photos of my work, and make my first video. I'm planning to enter more contests in the near future just to keep me on my toes! I have been so wrapped up in the production side of my jewelry collection that I haven't taken much time to experiment and really push my designs and skills to the next level. I'm sure lots of you fall in to this same pattern. I know in college I never had to think about pricing and marketability of my designs so the sky was the limits. I want to dive in again without limits and see what I come up with! I am also thinking about teaching some classes this winter, I am going to talk to a studio next week so wish me luck!
   Let me know what you think about my video or just what you have been working on lately I would love to see.

xoxo
Amanda

Getting Ready for California Gift and Renegade LA

The past weekend I did the Patchwork Long Beach show and had so much fun. I also did a little trunk show at Mindful Nest on Saturday. It was wonderful to meet customers who have bought my jewelry online or in the store face to face and chat a little. I saw lots of familiar faces at the Patchwork show as well as met a few new people. Thanks to Tina of Hi Tree for being such a great neighbor at Patchwork. Tyler Bender Book Co., Harris-Casey Designs, and Janaration were all lovely to hang out with at Mindful Nest too.

Here are a few pictures of what I've been working on and also from the shows this past weekend.

Patchwork LB 2010

My Bench

Mindful Nest Artist Meet and Greet

How is your summer going so far? Do you have any new exciting projects or fun adventures planned?

Happy Long Weekend!

Liquid Courage Photograph by Myan Photography

What are you up to for the 3 day weekend? Since I live in sunny Los Angeles I will be enjoying some time outdoors at bbq's and the beach.

Next week I leave with work for the JCK Las Vegas show. I am going to try to do a follow up post about some of what I see there. I will be working at a booth in the Design Center for a new line launching at JCK called Meus Designs. The website isn't up just yet but I will share the link when it is. A few friends that will be at the JCK show are Sara Weinstock and Branch. During the week there are lots of other shows like ACRE and AGTA going on around Vegas. I am of course excited for the tools section of JCK and all the beautiful stones at AGTA.

Magnolia Diamond Cluster Earrings by Branch

Stacking Rings by Sara Weinstock

I will be driving back from Vegas before the show ends because I have the Patchwork Show in Santa Ana on June 6th, if you live anywhere close be sure to come out it's always a great show.So I will be doing some work too this weekend. I am gearing up for a busy next few months of shows.
By the way if you live anywhere near Morro Bay, California my jewelry is now available at Poppy a great shop there.

Happy Memorial Day I hope everyone gets some fun in!