What's Hot for Summer

The sun is shining, the pools are lined with lounge chairs, and people are shedding layers of fleece and wool to show off some skin in sundresses and skirts. In the famous words of Olaf the Snowman, "It's SUMMER!" I don't know about you, but I welcome this season with open arms. It gives me a chance to break away from the routine of setting the alarm, packing school lunches, and rushing from activity to activity. For the next few months, we can take a collective breath of fresh air and just relax.

Though, on one hand, we embrace a more casual lifestyle during the summer, it does not mean we have to sacrifice being fashionable. I'm all for a comfortable wardrobe of tank tops and shorts, but I make sure I'm still stylish when I leave the house. My favorite way to create a look is with accessories - specifically jewelry! And, this time of year is perfect to incorporate some new pieces into your style. Flipping through the fashion magazines, you see what's trending - shimmering gold, bold geometric shapes, or bright colors to show off your summer glow! These are just a few of the many ways to enhance your outfits - whether you're lounging at the pool, having lunch with friends, or going out for a night out on the town. Your jewelry is the exclamation point at the end of your fashion statement!

Throwing Stars Jewelry has the perfect piece to complete your look:

For that flirty sundress...



For that perfect cover-up...

For that LBD...

Rag Ribbon Rainbow

Rag Ribbon Rainbow

Rag Ribbon Rainbow

The price of gold and how it affects us...

I wasn't sure how to deal with the price of gold creeping up higher and higher... And for in the past 12 months, or maybe it's been the past 6 or 8 months, I've ignored the price of gold increase.  It's gone up and down, making the price of silver and 14k gold-filled go up and down too.  So, I've waited for things to settle.

The reason I'm writing this post is not to scare any of you lovely and awesome Throwing Stars Jewelry fans away.  I'm just trying to explain why my prices have needed to be increased.  And some things needed to go up drastically. 

Inflation is typically 2 to 3 percent a year??  Something that I think we all just learn to deal with, right?  However, the price of gold has gone up more than 100 percent!!  This time last year, the silver and the 14k gold-filled I was purchasing was half the price it is today.  Half!!  Just in the past couple of weeks, the price has gone up $5! 

The great news is that I've been busier than ever!  I've been getting tons of orders!  Everyone has told me how great my jewelry sells and how they get tons of compliments!!  I thrive off of it!

 In other news, we had an awesome photo shoot the other day!  Check out some of the fun photos that need to be filtered onto my website!

Trinity School Spotlight on Art 2011

The 30th annual Trinity School Spotlight on Art starts tonight with their opening gala from 6-9pm!  This will be my 3rd year displaying Throwing Stars Jewelry at the show!  And jewelry is just a small portion of the show.  There is tons, and I mean, tons of fine art and sculpture at the show as well.  From contemporary, impression/realism to funky folk and whimsical art.

It's not a surprise that I usually walk out with a few pieces of art every year.  I even left my wallet at home last year, and I had to borrow money from my friend.  What can I say?  I found something that I absolutely couldn't live without, and I was worried I couldn't get another that would work...  So embarrassing, but I couldn't live without it!
 
Spotlight on Art Main Page

Spotlight on Art: Jewelry

Spotlight on Art Calendar of Events

Here are some photos of newer jewelry that I've included this year.

 

From left:  Silver Bands with Amethyst, 2-Tone Bands with Pink Tourmaline, 2-Tone Bands with Yellow Beryl

 2-Tone Ring with Large Pink Quartz

 

Large Clear Quartz with Copper Inclusion

Fused Silver Cuff

Throwing Stars Jewelry Featured on the Indie-Pendent Wish List

I'm so excited, Beth from the Indie-Pendent wanted to feature my new rings on her Holiday Wish List, today.  And today happens to my my daughter's 1 year birthday!!  The stars were aligned on this one!!  Soon, sometime after the new year, we'll be able to see the new retail space.  Can't wait until it's opento the publie!  Check it out below...

2010 holiday wish list…throwing stars jewelry

Posted on Dec 2, 2010

i wish i had…

The handmade Ribbon Rings, made from brass, are a gift already wrapped in its own ribbon. The rings are slightly adjustable, however, please provide your preferred ring size. Available in sizes 5-10. Each ring is handmade, therefore, slight design changes may occur. Each ring comes handcrafted with your own personal inscription of up to 15 letters. Or choose words or phrases such as: love, peace, you are loved, always, sing, dance, dream, & breathe.

The handmade Rose Rings, made from copper (and/or silver), are similar to the Ribbon Rings. Like the Ribbon Rings, the rings are slightly adjustable, however, please provide your preferred ring size. Available in sizes 5-10. Each ring is handmade, so slight design changes may occur. Each ring comes handcrafted with your own personal inscription of up to 15 letters. Or choose words or phrases such as: love, peace, you are loved, always, sing, dance, dream, & breathe.
The copper and brass rings are $78.  The silver Rose Ring is $150.  Bracelets range from $75 to $250.
You can find these wonderful rings on Throwing Stars Jewelry’s website.

First Thursday Art Walk, November 4th and 6th

I have this awesome opportunity to be a part of an art show this week in the Tula Art Center.  It's the First Thursday Gallery Walk on Bennet Street.  And that's exactly what it is!  This first Thursday of November, join us and walk the galleries on Bennet Street... meet artists, schmooze, drink, eat, be merry!  What could be better this time of year, right?  It's something I've never done before, and I hope it becomes the first of many.

I didn't know that something like Bennet Street existed in Atlanta.  It's an artist community in the heart of Buckhead, hidden just behind Houston's on Peachtree Street.  Bennet Street is this hidden gem of a community!  There's galleries upon galleries, antique shops, vintage shops, and much more.  I haven't had the opportunity to visit for a good length of time yet.  Good news is that the "First Thursday Gallery Walk" is supposed to educate people like me.  I'll be there showcasing my newest designs for this Fall and Winter in Judie Jacob's studio, K-1 at the Tula Art Center.  She does oil painting, encaustics, and ceramic art.  My goal for this year is to save up for a custom encaustic from Judie.  They are just so cool and would look so good in my living room, hmmmm.  Quilter, Stacie Manis and jewelry by Peru to You will be there too. 

Here's the specifics:
Address: 75 Bennett Street, 30309
Tula Art Center
Located in Judie Jacob's studio, K-1
Time and Date: Thursday, November 4th from 6-9pm and Saturday, November 6th from 6-9p

Marist School Holiday Traditions, This Saturday Oct. 30th

Marist Holiday Traditions 2010

This is my first year doing the Marist Holiday Traditions.  I've heard it's a show that shouldn't be missed!  If the weather holds out, it might be perfect!  If you go to the show, remember you can't bring strollers.

Visit Throwing Stars Jewelry outside, booth number 57, Arcade Area C.  Below is the information I grabbed from the Marist School Website.  And if you're not familiar with directions, I also put that information at the very bottom of this posting.  Cheers!



October 30, 2010
9 am - 4 pm
Admission: $3 

Holiday Traditions, sponsored by the Marist School Parents Club, is held each year on the campus of Marist School and is one of the largest juried arts and crafts shows in the Southeast. Produced through the hard work of over 400 volunteers, it is well known for its quality and warm hospitality. All show proceeds go directly to support Marist School programs.


Show Highlights:

*Over 240 quality artisans and crafters from Georgia and around the Southeast.
*Visit the Cooked Goose Café serving lunch featuring our famous homemade Corn Chowder and Poppy Seed Cake.
*Play the popular Holiday Traditions Instant Raffle to win wonderful items donated by all participating show artists and crafters.
*Shop their Bake Sale for homemade cakes and treats.


Parking: Free parking is available the day of the show on the Marist School campus (if you arrive early!) or at the Ashford Green Office Park located just inside I-285 on Ashford Dunwoody Road. Free shuttle service is available throughout the day.

Directions:
Marist is located on the north side of Atlanta, Georgia at:
3790 Ashford-Dunwoody Road

From I-285 East OR West, take exit # 29 onto Ashford Dunwoody Road. Head South towards Atlanta, away from Perimeter Mall. Marist is located approximately 1.0 mile inside I-285 on the right hand side.

From I-85 take I-285 West to exit # 29. Turn left onto Ashford-Dunwoody Road, away from Perimeter Mall. Marist is located approximately 1.0 mile inside I-285 on the right hand side.

From I-75 take I-285 East to exit # 29. Turn right onto Ashford-Dunwoody Road, away from Perimeter Mall. Marist is located approximately 1.0 mile inside I-285 on the right hand side.

From Buckhead take Peachtree Road North. Turn left onto Ashford-Dunwoody Road, go approximately 0.9 miles. Bear left at 1st light, right at 2nd light, stay on Ashford Dunwoody Road, go approximately 0.8 miles. The entrance to Marist School will be on the left at the stop light.

Rag Ribbon Rainbow This Weekend

It's just the beginning of the holiday season, and it starts with RAG RIBBON RAINBOW!  I don't want to say it starts with a "bang", but it sure is a feast for the eyes!!  I went to drop off a few repairs this morning, thinking I could turn off the "shopping bug", but I couldn't resist!  I walked out with 3 paintings...  And I know exactly were they're new home will be, in my dining room of course!  It was 10am, and there were cars up and down the street already.  Ladies shopping and catching up since last years show.  This year a portion of the proceeds will go to a local charity. 

In case you can't read the address, this year will take place at the same home as last year!  It's a wonderful home and a very convenient location for you local Atlantans, in Buckhead, close to 400.

696 Mountain Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30342

The Beehive Atlanta and Groupon This Wednesday, September 22nd

Groupon Website

Ever since I became a part of the Beehive, I've come to realize how much I enjoy hanging with "my peeps".  We're a bunch of designers of all crafts, shapes, and sizes.  I always seem to walk in and start shopping, I can't help myself!  I'll see some adorable clothes for my girls, then some more clothes for me!  Then there's some yummy sweets to taste, tea I need to sip, bags I need to fill, soaps I need to smell, it's just endless!  Preeti, one of our awesome owners and designer of Spunge Designs, laughs at me when I come to update my space.  She says that I'm such a shopper.  True, but I'm in shopping heaven at the Beehive!

Here's the scoop, The Beehive is the featured Groupon tomorrow!  I know, last minute info.  But if you haven't become a fan of The Beehive and Groupon, well tomorrow is your chance! 

Shabammy

We have a saying in the Throwing Stars Jewelry studio, "go big or go home".  With the new Copper Cuff, don't you just want to say "Shabammy" too?

Large Brass Cuff.  Or we could just name it, "Brass Shabammy"!  Don't be surprised if you see the new cuffs with Shabammy as the name! If I'm feeling spunky, you never know...  You can find this one at Beth Ann Boutique in Buckhead, GA.

Hope sporting the Ribbon Brass Rings, the Heather Adjustable Necklace, and the Ribbon Brass Bracelet, and the Small Leaf Hoops. 

So Many Ideas and So Little Time!

My friend, assistant, the person who "keeps me on track" in the studio, Hope, always tells me that I do my best creations when I'm procrastinating. My 3 1/2 year old daughter has unfortunately picked up that same quality from me. Maybe she'll be a great procrastinator/creator some day? In fact, I should be in my studio right now, but I'm "creating" here on my blog...

I had to share some fun, new designs that I haven't been able to add to my website and the 2010/2011 Fall/Winter line sheet yet. Here's a sneak peek!

I've been feeling a little Grecian inspiration lately. Maybe it's my few pairs of gladiator sandals I wear on a daily basis! I have a pair in chocolate brown, tan, gold, and I just ordered a pair in black. So maybe it's like 4 pairs, but who's really counting anyways?

Here are my new Ribbon Designs in Brass and Copper inspired by the Mediterranean!

The Brass Ribbon Wrap Cuff, $78 retail















The Copper Flower Ribbon Ring, $78 retail














The Brass Bow Ring, $78 retail














The Brass Ribbon Ring, $78 retail














Like all my designs, the Ribbon series is available in Sterling Silver and 14Kt Gold-Filled. You can always email if you'd like pricing information on Sterling Silver and Gold-Filled. Cheers!

Beth Ann Boutique Trunk Show Today

The "New" Beehive in Atlanta and New Throwing Stars Website

Lot's of new things on the horizon! Maybe I'm inspired by the Azaleas blooming in my front yard or it's the white Dogwood blossoms, or maybe because Spring has finally arrived to Atlanta. Either way, it's spring time and I'm giddy!

The Beehive here in Atlanta has moved into this fantastic new location in Edgewood! If you're not familiar with Edgewood shopping district, head South on Moreland, just past Little 5 Points, and you'll come upon a new brick development. You'll see there's a Lowes, Best Buy, Target, Caribou Coffee, Willy's etc. We're located between the Wachovia Bank and Willy's. Just look for The Beehive!





I freaking love it! I love the new store, the white walls, the sunlight beaming in through 2 sides, and (drum roll please) my booth! Take a look.

And by the way, we're celebrating our grand opening this weekend, April 16th - April 18th. If you want to enjoy some refreshments, come on down Friday evening from 6-10pm. However, I may not be there until later, with 2 kiddos at home it's bedtime hour...

If you're out and about this weekend, enjoying this awesome weather we're finally experiencing, and you need to cool off in the air conditioning, come visit The "new" Beehive. I know the Dogwood Festival is at Piedmont, so swing by on your way!

Also, if you get a chance to look at my updated website, it's new and refreshing! www.throwingstarsjewelry.com

From Winter to Summer

Where did Spring go? We went from "rain rain go away, come again another day"... to 90 degree weather in the matter of a day! I guess it's Summer now. Craziness...

In honor of Spring, and Denise's special order in Marietta, I made a Dove charm to add to my Peace/Heart Bracelet. I thought that it fits perfectly with Spring and Summer. And now that Spring/Summer is in full bloom, we've been inspired to add Leaf Necklaces to the line; check them out in silver and 14Kt gold-filled.




































Also, Throwing Stars Jewelry is in a new store in Buckhead, Beth Ann Boutique. Below is a photo of Tiffany at Beth Ann wearing the new 14Kt Rose Gold-Filled Flower Necklace. Yay! And next to her on the black bust is the James Necklace.

New Beginnings!

I just found out this morning that makingjewelrysupplies.com is featuring this little blog of mine in their "blog awards". Yay! Take a look!

As for the latest additions to the Throwing Stars Family, I'm really excited to say that we had a beautiful and healthy baby girl in December. She's almost 12 weeks old and growing like a weed. Soon her big sister will show her all the wonders of making her own jewelry! So keeping up to date with my blog has been, well, a little challenging. I've been choosing to use "Amy time" in the studio and it's working out wonderfully! We just started adding 14Kt Rose Gold-Filled to the line, and it looks absolutely beautiful!








Also, I've been staying busy with the "Family" and "Name" Pendants. Take a look!

As for upcoming events, the Trinity Art Show is going through this Saturday, February 20th. I'll be there tonight for "Cocktails and Canvas" from 6-9pm. I went last year, very fun and lots of vino! And if you can't make it, you can always contact me directly and I'd be happy to show you some newer Throwing Stars Jewelry creations in person.

Paideia Art & Craft Show, This Weekend!

Last year was my first year of being a part of the Paideia School's Art, Craft, & Jewelry Show. And it's coming up again this weekend, the 14th and the 15th. Although I'll be one of the many artists who will participate, it's well worth a visit. For me, going to these art shows is eye candy galore!

I am about 8.5 months pregnant with Baby #2, and I almost didn't sign up for the show this year... but I just couldn't miss it! I figured if I can't make it, at least my jewelry will be there and represent.

If you get a chance to visit, you'll see that the prices are reasonable and it's for a great cause, art programs at Paideia. You'll also see a lot of my pals from the Beehive Co-op who will also have their wares on display.

In case you need their address or more information, just click on the link below. Paideia's address is 1509 Ponce De Leon Ave in Atlanta.

Art Visions

The Paideia School's 27th Annual

Fine Art & Craft Sale

• Saturday, November 14
  10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, November 15
  12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

An artist market featuring the works of local and regional artists

• Offering affordable art during the holiday season in all mediums
• Fine art, decorative art including Chanukah and Christmas gift items, ornaments, garden art, folk art, funky and functional art in all mediums
• Annual fundraiser for Paideia art programs
• Admission and parking are free

Artist Information

What is Art Visions?

A fine art and craft sale featuring work on consignment from established and emerging artists

Art Visions is . . .

A successful fundraiser for the Paideia School's art programs, grosses over $60,000 in revenue each year.

Art Visions is . . .

The perfect venue for artists to sell a variety of fine art and decorative art including Hanukkah and Christmas gift items, ornaments, angels, garden art, folk art, funky and functional art in all mediums.

Art Visions is . . .

A wide range of artistic mediums including: oil, acrylic, watercolor and mixed-media painting, wood, metal, textiles, glass, pottery, ceramics, photography, jewelry and more.

Art Visions is . . .

An artists market offering affordable art during the holiday season.

Who Attends?

The sale receives generous support from the Paideia community and the public. Newspaper listings and area flyers attract hundreds of shoppers.

How is the art priced?

Artists price their own work. Art Visions strives to be an affordable holiday shopping venue, so the majority of the work is priced under $500.

How is artwork displayed?

This year, we will be using our beautiful new art gallery and practice gym to display your artwork. A team of dedicated volunteers will transform this area into a visually appealing retail space. Art Visions volunteers handle all aspects of the sale from set up to take down. Artists do not need to be present and Paideia provides round-the-clock security during the sale.

Rag Ribbon Rainbow, Thurs-Sat

If you've never been to Rag Ribbon Rainbow before, well all I gotta say is you need to go! Yes, it's true that I have my jewelry on display, but I'm only 1 of about 100 artists whose artwork is for sale. Not that I'm telling you what to do, but I highly recommend it!

Here's what they do to make it so cool! Sally and Lou, sisters and fantastic artists, have been putting Rag Ribbon Rainbow together every October for the last 25 years. They ask a friend if they can take over their home for about a week, and literally turn their home into an art gallery... Everything on the furniture, counter tops, walls, bathroom sinks, tables, etc. is for sale. It's hard to describe, so I suggest the experience even more!

If you like art, it's like eye candy for your soul. This October will be my third year as part of the show, and I have to say that most of my coolest and most unique artwork around my house I've purchased from Rag Ribbon Rainbow. I have a wire cowboy and cactus in my foyer, funky jewelry that's so cool I had to frame and hang it in my dining room, a felted wool throw pillow on my couch, and poetry and found artwork from Lou hanging in my studio. And that's just from the past 2 years! I wonder what I can get this year? I'd love one of Sally's bird nest oil paintings, but I think I will have to save up a little bit more before I can invest in one. I also spotted some blown glass while I was setting up yesterday that I really want to look at again...

Plus, did I mention that my mom is also a part of the show? I recruited her last year and they didn't have to ask her twice to be a part of the show again! Her company is called Flirttea Aprons and it's handmade aprons... She also has a few wrap skirts for ladies and some children's clothing, but it's mostly aprons. I'll be there, hope to see you!

Location: 696 Mountain Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30342

Times:
Thursday 10am-5pm

Friday 10am-5pm

Friday Evening "Meet the Artists" 7-9:30pm

Saturday 11am-5pm

Studioplex Update

Sunday 12-5pm

Monday Closed

Tuesday thru Saturday 12-9:30pm

Wow the Traffic has been Incredble!

The market has been incredible, great people visiting and living in the Old Fourth Ward. We have discovered that not too many folks are walking around during the morning, so we are changing hours as follows:

Sunday 11:30 to 5:00pm

Monday Closed

Tuesday thru Saturday 11:30 to 9:30pm

Keep spreading the word, we will be bringing in new artists and vendors on a daily basis, and start thinking about your Halloween Costume. Remember the best get up wins $100

Month of October at Studioplex

I don't get out as much as I used to. By saying "getting out", I mean, I don't get out of the house in the way of shopping like I used to. Isn't that what a girl likes to do? We need to shop, it's part of the whole guy "hunts", girl "shops" thing, right?

We grab our friends, maybe buy some coffee or grab a bite to eat, and shop. I used to make a weekly habit of it. When I had my 9 to 5 sales job, I would go to a "meeting" where it was conveniently located next to a lunching/shopping area, and shop. There's that whole adrenaline rush you get, yeah you know what I'm talking about, when you find that really good deal... Anyways, you're wondering where am I going with this as a jewelry artist? Well, there is this live/work community in Inman Park called Studioplex. I never heard of it until recently, or maybe I've been under a rock, I dunno. But, all I know is that I need to spend some more time downtown and do what a girl does best, shop...

And to float my own boat, Throwing Stars Jewelry is a part of a A Fine Market for the month of October at Studioplex. I got a glimpse of who will be down there for the month, and I have a feeling I'll be doing some damage to the checking account, by of course, SHOPPING!

Here are a couple of factoids: A Fine Market at Studioplex is a 1st time event in Atlanta. It's an urban market featuring local designers and artists. (Which means it's really cool and unique!) It's open from 11:00am to 9:00pm, Tues thru Saturday and 12:00pm to 5:00pm Sunday. CLOSED ON MONDAYS

And here's a quick peek at their calendar of events:
October 1, Opening night

October 9, 2:00pm tea party with Just Add Honey (you must try Brandi's tea, awesome!)

October 17, 11:00am to 9:pm Breast Cancer Event, 10% all sales donated to Breast Cancer Research

October 24, 6:00 to 9:00pm Green/Heal the World

October 30, 6:00 to 9:00pm HALLOWEEN PARTY AND COSTUME CONTEST, PRIZES

GALORE

I only got to check out a few of the booths because I was setting up, but I can't wait to get back. It's a good thing she takes credit cards too... Yikes!

The New Studio Buzz

I went away on vacation last month, and I came back to find I have a newly remodeled studio! Yeah! It was something that we talked about for a long time, more like talking about what my dream "creative space" would be. But, I wasn't totally sure it would really ever come to fruition. Just talking about it was overwhelming for me, and I wasn't going to do any of the manual labor! I only get away with it because I'm preggers. Otherwise I would have been in the throws of it all.

With it all done, and not being witness to all the hard work. I'm not going to get into how freakin' awesome it was that my husband, his dad and mom did all the work. Nor am I going to tell you about the 3 years worth of grime they had to scrub away before they could even start moving furniture around. Pretty much, I don't have a clue of what they really did in there. All I can say is that the studio is awesome. Even better than I could imagine.

I mean, I knew I needed to clean up my studio and make it more orderly, but I had no idea how much I needed the extra counter space. Now that I have Hope helping me in my studio, I definitely needed to explore a better use-of-space. We were literally on top of one another. If you only knew how often I used the floor as my assembly line, storage, and dumping ground (isn't that what the floor is for?). My creative space was quickly becoming an obstacle course. Try being 5 months preggo, and hopping over boxes and jewelry just to get a tool or turn on a light. Yeah, I know safe! But I just thought that was the way it was... working from home and making due. But no more people, I really feel a new wave of inspiration in my new space!

Here is a picture of the updated studio! I know it may not be the most exciting picture to look at, but for me, it's my dream!

The soldering station on the left, directly underneath the vent. The pickle pot just to the right of that. My photo booth is up, permanently. (Now I have no excuse, I need to get better about taking pictures of finished jewelry). Then the hammering station straight ahead. Notice how it's on a different table then the rest. That was on purpose and needed to be thought out and talked about for a long time. We didn't want to choose between someone soldering and someone hammering, we wanted to be able to do both at the same time. Now we aren't competing for space, we're able to do it both at the same time! Genius! Actually totally logical, but it took us a while to figure out how to make that work in the space...

Lovin' It!