Paper Posies, Pins with Organic Appeal!

I started making paper posy flower pins a short while ago and they are finally up and for sale on Etsy!


This is one example of the pins, they are each unique and fun!  Stop by my Etsy shop to see more designs or by my website.


These will be perfect for any outfit or even as a wonderful accessory for a bride or bridesmaids (or groomsmen).  I can make almost any color or combination of colors.


Please contact me for more details!

Summer 2013 Color Trends, Part II

We have discussed about half of the Pantone color palette for Summer 2013 (below).  This is the palette;

Pantone colors for summer 2013

We already discussed; Lemon Zest (Pantone 13-0756), Tender Shoots (Pantone 14-0446), Dusk Blue (Pantone 16-4120), Emerald (Pantone 17-5641) and Grayed Jade (Pantone 14-6011).

Today let's discuss; African Violet (pantone 16-3520), Monaco Blue (Pantone 19-3964), Nectarine (Pantone 16-1360), Poppy Red (Pantone 17-1664) and, last but not least, Linen (Pantone 12-1008).

African Violet:

Purples are a forgotten color group in many people's homes and closets.  African violet can be used this summer in many areas, from carrying a tote with violet in it to wearing a headband or scarf with accents within in or wearing earrings that include it, like in these enamel sterling silver and fine silver earrings with organic finish.













Monaco Blue:

I am partial to the name of this color (although I have always been partial to the color itself) as it's my maternal grandmother's maiden name.  :)

The rich cobalt-ish blue is very saturated with intense color but will still be useful for summer.  Try sunglasses with monaco blue frames, fun flip flops or enamel fine silver and sterling silver "vessel" earrings which pack a punch of color within their 8mm centers!

Nectarine Orange: 

Orange is a wonderful color for summer!  Bright and cheerful, it's bound to make even dreary days fun.

Many people avoid oranges, though, either because they aren't sure which oranges will look good with their skin tone or because they fear using too much color.  Even heavily saturated colors, like nectarine orange, can be used by everyone.  Start in small ways, like wearing some capris with an orange print or striping or a pair of handmade enamel orange and denim blue earrings like these.  Even small accents can bring color into your wardrobe!









Poppy Red:

Reds are terrific for most seasons but, during the summer, they are even easier to wear!

Lipstick is the natural choice for red, make sure to try a cool lipstick: bottom (with a blue base) and a warm lipstick: top (with a yellow base) at the store before doling out the money on one that might not look good on you.  Another site for finding out your skin tone (warm or cool) is She Knows; Beauty and Style.  The image, to the right, is also from that website and shows good examples of warm red lipstick versus cool red lipstick.







Red can also be used in accessories, of course; red pumps or slings or summer... red clutches or totes or red pieces of jewelry, to bring red into your ensemble in a smaller (more personal) way.

This is a faceted Mount Saint Helen's "stone" set into a sterling silver handmade and hand textured / hammered ring with a square shank.  One of a kind and perfect for summer attire (or any season, for that matter).

For more of my red items please click here.

Last, but definitely not least, we have Linen!

Linen is a subdued, delicate color that almost anyone will feel comfortable tying into their summer outfits, or home!  This light peachy-pink will be easy to accent (as a main color) or to use as an accent for other colors.

This clutch is a prime example of how Linen can be used any day, any time!



Those are all of the summer 2013 Pantone colors, in a nut shell, with various ways they can be used and worn.  I hope that you have enjoyed this summer sneak peak, thank you for reading!

Summer Color Trends for 2013

Every season we are graced with a new (or re-newed) closet full of clothes.  We, of course, have our favorites but, when shopping for new clothes, sometimes we are torn between our "staple" color palettes and trying something new.

Pantone, a system of accurate color measurement, has listed it's 2013 summer palette and I am going to share it here, with you, in case you're not sure if that nectarine purse that you bought will be able to survive the once-over by your fashionista sister!

2013 Summer Color Trends for Fashion and Jewelry

As you can see some wonderful colors are in store for us this summer!  They are not, however, for the feint of heart. 


 

lemon zest enamel earrings in fine silver and sterling silver

Lemon Zest:  lemon yellows and golds are surprisingly easy to add to a summer palette if you're someone that likes to wear gold.  Instead of wearing gold try silver jewelry (which will highlight your sun-kissed skin) with gold or yellow enamel accents.  The try one or two other touches of yellow (a skinny belt, purse or scarf etc.) and you'll be ready for 2013's summer!

Gold also can be used for makeup accentuation as well.  Try a little gold shimmer powder on your eyelids or a tiny bit on your cheeks and nose to bring a natural spring glow to your face.

tender shoots pantone color on fine silver and enamel earrings

Tender Shoots; this chartreuse - ish green color will be a lot of fun to bring into your wardrobe!  Don't be afraid to try small touches of it throughout your outfit and remember... "opposites attract".  If you're not sure what color to pair a bright lime with (besides the old faithfuls of black or white) try it's opposite; dark red - ish purple.

A coctail ring, pair of neon lime earrings or another small accessory item will pair well with many other colors, from robin's egg blue to purple or even orange, when used sparingly.

grayed jade pantone color, labradorite stacking ring

Grayed Jade seems like an odd color for a summer palette... it's indecisive... does it was to be green or gray?  Maybe it wants to be a gray-ish blue?  Either way this color will work well for those that like to limit their fashion's 90's level and avoid all-things bright or fluorescent.

This labradorite ring is a prime example of how, albeit subtle, grayed jade can still be interesting and not dull!

Rainbow moonstones or Larvakite (Norwegian Moonstone) have similar properties to the Labradorite, should you like those colors and some "flash" on your gems!

dusk blue pantone color, summer 2013 fashion palette.  oblong hoops with vintage beads.

Dusk Blue:  Dusk blue is probably a color that most people have worn already, especially during the summer.  It can be found in light colored denim, blouses etc..  It's a wonderfully soothing color and, although fairly subdued, still rich with intrigue!  Focal earrings, like these oblong sterling silver, hand made and hammered hoops with vintage beads or a nice head band with blues in it or even a pair of flats that can be dressed up or down, depending on where the mood takes you!

Emerald pantone color for summer 2013 fashions

Emerald:  When you look at the palette, above, and think about the comment "opposites attract" you may come to the realization that another of the colors on this palette fill that bill; linen.  It's a light pink (and also the opposite of a dark green color).

Using linen and a smattering of emerald you could cause quite a stir at your next family BBQ, or when out on the town!

The richness of emerald makes everything more opulent, like this "mood" necklace of sterling silver with emerald colored enamel and intricate Celtic knot work.















That's all for this installation, we will discuss the rest of the summer pantone palette for 2013 in our next installation.  Thank you for reading!

Valentines Share the Love Contest!

I have started a new contest, set to end on February 25th, 2012.

Enter to win a pair of bright red 5mm vessel earrings,
made of sterling silver, fine silver enamel!

If you are using firefox you may have an issue seeing the rafflecopter information below. Please visit using explorer.











a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enamel, Patina, Hoops and a Ring!

I added a few more pieces to the shop today, some of which feature my new enamels: indigo /denim blue and ice!

I hope that you like them, click here to see my shop.

To the left you will see a pair of fine silver, sterling silver and brass post earrings that I patinaed. The wonderful thing about this oxidation process is that the colors vary depending on how long they item is left in and what metals the item is made of. The brass patinas first, then the sterling and, finally, the fine silver. I sealed these with a clear coat to save the patina.





To the right you will see another oxidized pair of earrings, these are completely blackened, to contrast the white enamel. This creates a very modern look and packs quite a punch in their 5mm vessel size!

These sterling silver, handmade vessel posts are very popular with my customers as they can be mixed and matched with one another and in different sizes, (I also make 3mm and 8mm styles of these enamel earrings).




This next style are my "dimple" earrings of sterling silver and fine silver. They have my new "ice" colored enamel on them and really do look like frozen water, with little speckles and shimmering crackle.

These are 6mm in diameter and are a great size for mixing and matching, even with the above type of style, (opposites attract)!

Handmade, modern and unique these will go well with many styles of clothing, from the classic black dress to jeans and a tee shirt. Speaking of denim...




This is my other new enamel, I called it Denim / Indigo Blue because that's what it looks like to me.

This enamel is clear when it's thin but, when built up like it was in these earrings it caused little speckles of color.

So, put on your cowboy boots, jeans and a comfy sweater, these earrings are unassuming but pack a punch with their 8mm of color!

Handmade, by me in New Hampshire, they will make a great gift for your special someone... or yourself!







Up next is a copper handmade ring that is a wide band. I forged the metal to cause a slight flare in the copper. This is a size 9, I can make other sizes, should you like this but need a different size.

The texture is all over the band, each tiny little little mark made with a hammer that I got from my grandfather years ago... a tiny little ball pien hammer.

Once I was done texturing the copper I put a satin finish over the outside and a wire brush finish on the inside.





To the right you will see my new indigo / denim blue enamel coupled with my orchid pink enamel in a new style of earring.

These are little rounded rectangles, 1cm tall by 4mm wide. The bases are sterling silver with little lines made of sterling and sterling silver posts.

Here you can see that the blue enamel is more transparent and not speckled. These look like mini, mixed media paintings but they are wearable!





This next pair of earrings are oblong, egg shaped, sterling silver hoops.

I hand formed them, planished / hammered them to harden them and added gorgeous vintage aqua / cerulean blue glass beads with wonderful swirls of color throughout!

Really lovely, unique, earrings that will be the perfect finish to many outfits.






Last, with this grouping, is a handmade sterling silver spiral ring with a flattened sterling "pebble" on one end and a teardrop shape forged on the other.

This is a size 5 ring, some call this style "Greek armor" etc. but this is the first of this type that I have made. The sterling has been planished and forged repeatedly to give it strength and spring so that it will hold it's shape.

Shiny and brilliant with hammer marks this unique piece will look lovely on your finger!


This is the link to my Etsy shop, again...

Thank you for stopping by my Blog, I hope that you have enjoyed looking over my handmade, fine jewelry!

Shannon, a.k.a. Che' of CheDesigns.Com

+ 2 Fine Jewelry for Geeks!

So your girlfriend is a geek, eh? It's happened to the best of 'em.

Keep in mind that gamer chicks have some very awesome qualities;

1) They know what an orc is, (and not just from watching "Lord of the Rings")!

2)When you're going on and on about comic books, anime and manga a geek chick will actually TAKE PART in the conversation and not just "yep, uhuh, really?" you to death. Though, in fairness, they may still do this once in a while... depending on how lame the subject matter is.

3) Gamer girls like math, they have to if they have ever figured out THACO, (don't ask).

4) Geek ladies love Gary Gygax, R.I.P. Gary.


One way to encourage your lady geek to stay by you, especially if you're NOT a geek, (it's OK, everyone has their flaws), is to show your special geek that you care and that you want to try and understand what comeliness is and how it affects charisma. These earrings can help!


These earrings, (or the ring below), can help in one of two ways;

1) You can wear one, or both, to assist you to level up or

2) You can give them to your gamer chick to wear and she will be eternally grateful when her human cleric or fighter draenei needs a boost to attack or damage. (She may even wear a cosplay costume to show how grateful she is)!


No guarantees or warranties come with these magically imbued items, (some D.M.'s may allow, others maybe not). If you play Cthulhu you may want to request a custom +10 piece... you'll need it!

Click on the images for details on these magic items. Should you need a letter of origin, for your D.M.'s approval, drop Che' a line and she will write one up for you or your lady geek.

Happy Gaming! Don't forget Valentine's Day, (it's a day when even geek chicks want to be thought of and honored, February 14th every year). :)

Valentines Sale... Flowers die but jewelry lives on!

Trying to Decide Between Flowers, Perfume, Chocolate or Jewelry for your Sweetheart?

Here are some price comparisons to assist in your decision:

Perfume: Most designer, quality, perfumes will cost $50 or more, retail and one bottle will last one year or so, with regular use.

Chocolate: Most chocolate gifts, delivered by FTD or other companies will cost *MINIMUM* of $50 and will last... much less time than perfume, (in the box)... on the hips they will last much longer!

Flowers: To have one dozen roses delivered would cost at least $49.99 and roses can last a week or two, (possibly a tiny bit more), depending on care, quality and freshness.

Jewelry: Handmade, sterling silver, jewelry, (made in the U.S.), can cost less than ALL of these items and CAN LAST GENERATIONS! Your wife could give her jewelry to your daughter or your granddaughter etc.!


As a woman I would rather get something that will last over something temporary. Sure, a single rose, small bottle of champagne or my favorite chocolate bar, (Skor, for anyone interested), is a nice treat but getting something that will remind me, for the rest of my life, that my husband thought of me and found something perfect for me is priceless!

I have made a sale are for my Valentines Collection, (anything red or a heart shape etc.). I have marked everything down 14% off with coupon code 214SALE . Here are some of my new items from this sale area.

The images are linked, just click on them to view the item(s)!



This is a Helenite ring, (also called Mount Saint Helens Obsidian). This "stone" was made from the ash of the 1980 Mt. St. Helens eruption. I handmade the shank and hammer set the stone, adding tiny texture marks all around.

The next ring is handmade copper ring that is a love knot with a heart on one end. This is the first of this style, it is very cute and would make a lovely Valentine's Day gift for a teen or young lady.








Next up is a handmade enamel necklace with a copper heart that I hand pierced, (sawed). I added a deep red enamel to it's surface, in multiple layers, and attached it to an antiqued brass coated chain of 18" long.




These are sterling silver disks that I hand stamped with hearts, x's and o's. They are 1cm in diameter and have a gorgeous golden amber / peach enamel over the chased designs. Simple posts with a message of love under their glass "cases", these would make a great gift for Valentine's day!




Next up we have simple, 3/4" hoops that I hand formed from sterling silver wire. They have brilliant Padparadascha Sapphire colored Swarovski drops on them that are set in sterling silver.

Very light and comfortable these are a lovely peachy pink color, feminine but not too girly!





More x's and o's! These tiny sterling silver studs, (.925), were chased with one x and one o, symbolizing hugs and kisses. They are 5mm in diameter and have a gorgeous amber / peach enamel over them!

Small doesn't have to mean boring and these little post earrings attest to that!



So, when considering what to get your special someone consider their style, the colors that they like and the jewelry that they already have.




HERE IS A STYLE CHECKLIST FOR YOU TO CONSIDER:

Do they like color?

Do they like textured items or high polished surfaces?

Do they like organic looking things or things that look machine made?

What size is their finger that they usually wear rings on? If you're not sure take a piece of paper and fit it inside the band. Mark where the full measurement is and print out a free online ring sizer. Lay it against the sizer and voila! You'll know your sweetie's ring size!

Do they wear dangle earrings or post earrings?

Do they like yellow metals, (like gold or brass), or silver metals, (like sterling, white gold or platinum). There are also red metals such as copper, (below), or rose gold.



If you have any questions please feel free to drop me a line, I would be happy to make you something you-nique for your special someone. Happy Valentine's Day!


CLICK HERE TO GO DIRECTLY TO THE SALE AREA!

-Che' of CheDesigns.Com

It's Elementary, My Dear Watson!

I have been making some more fused earrings and hoop earrings etc. and am posting those geometrical / elementary new items together here;

As with all of my jewelry the items are hand fabricated, (not pieces just put together). I start from scratch, (wire, sheet etc.), and create from there. I then use gemstones and enamel to accent the pieces and give them color here and there!




LET'S TRIANGULATE!


This is a pair of fused sterling silver earrings that are triangular and unique!

They each have a ball of sterling silver on the and a pastel seafoam green enamel on their faces, which I dotted with golden enamel flecks.

Small on size but big on personality these funky post earrings are sure to turn heads!

< == CLICK ON THE PHOTO FOR MORE DETAILS OR TO ORDER.






YOU SPIN ME ROUND, ROUND!

This is another fused pair of earrings made of sterling silver. Fusing metal is different than soldering in that you are melting the two layers together, instead of attaching them with another metal, (like solder). This causes a very organic finish / texture. In the center of these I heated and baked multiple layers of golden honey colored glass enamel. I have other colors of enamel available, for custom orders also. CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR MORE DETAILS OR TO ORDER. == >






WHAT'S ALL THE HOOP-LA ABOUT?

These are some 3/4" hoops that I hand formed from sterling silver and added gorgeous, faceted vintage crystal / glass amber colored beads to. They are 7mm in diameter and beautiful! This is a nice, comfortable, hoop size.

< == FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR TO ORDER, CLICK ON THE IMAGE.







BE A SQUARE!


These little square post studs were handmade from copper sheet. I cut them out, planished them with a tiny hammer, (making little dents all over the and causing them to be slightly concave). I then rounded out the edges and added clear enamel, to enhance and protect the beautiful blush / copper color!

Relatively small but sure to be a favorite in any wardrobe or jewelry collection!

CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE. == >




Who says that geometry is dull?! Thank you for stopping by and looking at my handmade fine jewelry designs, have a wonderful day!

- Che' of CheDesigns.Com