New Years Resolutions

I've been quiet around the blog the past couple of weeks, but I'm back today and I wanted to share a little bit about my goals for 2014.  I'm not normally one to make a big fuss about New Years, setting some unattainable resolution(s) on January 1st, only to fail or forget about them before spring even arrives.  While I don't plan to make any bold, set-in-stone resolutions for 2014, I do have some modest, general goals that I've set for myself.

I feel like I'm in a sort of transitional period in my life.  I'll be turning 27 this year, finally feel like a bonafide adult, and am feeling the pressure to accomplish a few things that are important to me before I hit the big 3-0.  Naturally there are a few goals I'd like to meet this year to nudge me along the path to being the successful woman I'd like to become.

In general, I'm going to wholeheartedly focus this year on growing my jewelry business and this blog.  While I've been running a business since 2006 and this blog since 2008, I've really let my shyness and insecurities hold me back from going places over the years.  While working on the shyness is going to be a lifelong process, I have resolved to be more diligent with updating my online shop, posting here on the blog, and generally giving my businesses my all.

I started working with a graphic designer last fall to brand my businesses and create a new website/blog.  While the work isn't entirely in my hands, I'm hoping the whole process will be complete before year's end.  I think the pick-me-up in branding will help establish a recognizable look for my business and blog and create a more professional appearance overall.

This year I'm making some investments to expand my skills and to improve my craft.  After years of wanting to take up metalsmithing, I've finally splurged on some of the basic tools I needed to do so.  I'm also in the process of learning mold-making and resin casting so I can begin reproducing the vintage flowers that I so dearly love to use in my designs.  These are two new skills that I've wanted to learn for some time, but I'm thrilled to finally take the leap.  As these new skills elevate my work, I'm going to apply for a few more prestigious art/craft shows this year.

As far as life in general is concerned, I'm hoping that I can make some advancements this year in being a more organized, productive person overall.  Again, no set-in-stone resolutions as far as this is concerned, but I'd like to feel a little more put together come 2015.


I can already say I'm well underway working on accomplishing my "learn to metalsmith" resolution.  I've started making some simple, slim sterling silver textured stacking rings which are now available in my Etsy shop for purchase.

These sterling silver stack rings have really sparked a major passion and I'm excited to learn more techniques in metal.  I hand form, solder, hammer, and polish each of these rings by hand.  The entire process is utterly thrilling and addicting.  As I'm able, I plan to expand my collection of metalsmithing tools so I can continue to explore new techniques and projects.  This is just the beginning!


I'd love to know what you goals and resolutions are for 2014.  Any tips on staying motivated when your resolutions are less-than fun?

New Items in my Etsy Shop!

Prancing Peacock Necklace

Minted Bracelet

Butterfly Bobby Pins

In the Garden Necklace

In the Garden of Whimsy Necklace

Green with Envy Bracelet

Of Pearls and Bows Cameo Necklace

In the Garden Necklace

Quiet Beauty Necklace {Sold}

It's been a while, but I've started updating my Etsy shop again.  I finally have a setup that I'm happy with, which makes taking photos for my shop much easier and more enjoyable than before.  I'm trying to jump full force into my jewelry business this fall and I hope to have my shop full of items, with consistent new listings at least a couple of times a week, by the beginning of November.

I have a few art/craft shows lined up over the coming months as well, and I'll be sharing those dates on the blog soon for any local folks who might be interested.

It feels good to be back in the swing of things!

Cyber Week Sale!

I'm a little late announcing the Cyber Week Sale in my Etsy shop here on the blog, but better late than never, right?

Until midnight EST on Monday, December 3rd, enter the Coupon Code "CYBERWEEK2012" during Etsy checkout to receive 20% off your order.  I'm also offering free shipping for all US orders this week as well.  It's a great time to do a little holiday shopping for yourself or loved ones!

Happy shopping!

New in the Shop

{Flower Chandelier Earrings}

I just wanted to pop in and share a few new pieces I just listed in my Etsy shop.  I've been under the weather for the past week or so and fell behind on getting pieces up, but I'm hoping to play catch up this weekend.

{A Slice of Nature Necklace}

I've spent much of the day in the kitchen preparing a few dishes for Thanksgiving dinner with my in-laws tomorrow (Southern Cornbread Dressing, Maple Cheesecake, Bourbon Derby Pie).

{A Slice of Nature Necklace}

I'm looking forward to spending time with family and enjoying a modest feast to celebrate all the wonderful blessings in our lives.

{Dainty Rose Drop Earrings}

I hope all my US readers have a wonderful Thanksgiving and have an abundance of blessings to be thankful for.

{Flower Chandelier Earrings}

Hopefully I'll get plenty of time this weekend to get more pieces photographed and listed in my shop in time for a big Cyber Monday sale.  All sales from my Etsy shop come packaged ready for gifting and would make a lovely, unique present for any lady in your life.

Etsy shop reopened!

{Buried Treasure Necklace}

I just wanted to pop in and announce that I have (finally) started listing some new pieces in my Etsy shop.  Tonight I listed ten pieces and I'm hoping to get in the groove of adding 5-10 pieces every few days.

{Coral Reef Bracelet}

Also, if you don't already follow my Facebook page, you may want to check it out for updates, coupons, sales, etc.

{Winter Branch Necklace}

I spent the better part of my day photographing these pieces, editing photos, pricing the pieces, and typing up the listings.  It's been a while and I had forgotten how time consuming running an online shop can be...

{Take Flight Brooch}

It can also be pretty darn rewarding and so much fun to send your creations to buyers all over the world.

Thank you to everyone who has been patient with me over the past year as I took a much needed break from selling my designs.  I'm so happy to be back in the swing of things now though, and just in time for the holidays.

Shop Update

I've been adding some new pieces to my shop this afternoon. This first necklace is a similar style to the very popular Oui, Darling Necklace. I call it the Non, My Love Necklace. ;)

These earrings are one of my favorite pieces at the moment! They are styled after the incredibly popular and currently sold out The Prancing Peacock Earrings. While The Prancing Peacock Earrings were a bit whimsical and quirky, these Date Night Earrings are much more romantic and feminine. I only have one pair available at the moment but I plan to have more available soon.

The A Rose for My Love Necklace is currently available with your choice of three different colors. Choose from a red, pink or blue rose cabochon.

Lastly, the Hopeless Romantic Necklace, one of my best selling designs, is back in the shop.

Weather permitting, I'm hoping to photograph and add more items tomorrow!

Win a $20 Gift Certificate from That Winsome Girl!

From now until midnight EST on July 3rd, send in a photo of yourself wearing your favorite That Winsome Girl design and you'll be entered to win a $20 gift certificate!

You can enter one of two ways:
1. Upload a "fan photo" to the That Winsome Girl Facebook fan page.
OR
2. Email a photo to thatwinsomegirl(at)gmail(dot)com as an attachment with "That Winsome Girl Fan Photo Giveaway" in the subject line.

Details:
*All entries must clearly highlight the participant wearing a That Winsome Girl design.
*Entries will be assigned a number according to when they were received. These numbers will be entered into a random number generator and a winner will be randomly chosen and announced on July 4th.
*Anyone and everyone may enter. You may submit as many photos as you like, but there will be only one entry per participant.
*The winner will receive a gift certificate code which will be redeemable for purchases made online ONLY via the That Winsome Girl Etsy shop. The gift certificate must be redeemed by midnight EST October 3, 2010 or it will become invalid.
*By entering, you permit That Winsome Girl to use your photo for promotional purposes. (Please contact me if you are firmly opposed to your photo(s) being used and I'd be happy to make an exception.)

I look forward to receiving all your wonderful entries!

Summer Necklaces

For all those who were interested in the Oui, Darling Necklace when I first posted about it back in March, I know have it available in my shop!

Also in the shop is this adorable necklace featuring the cutest vintage brass bunny charm ever! I call it BunBun and the Cabbage Rose and it's inspired by a close friend's seriously cute bunny. I love the vibrant colors and the whimsical design. I think it's a perfect necklace for the sunny days of summer!

Breathing New Life

The past couple of days I've been working on some custom pieces for a customer using costume jewelry passed down from her mother. As Mother's Day presents to her siblings, the customer had me transform these sentimental pieces of jewelry into new, modern designs that would reflect the style of her siblings.

For this first necklace, I took a darling little stone bird bead from a pair of clip on earrings and transformed it into a playful necklace inspired by nature. The inspiration bird bead hangs above an antique brass branch from which I added a glowing citrine leaf briolette.

It's difficult to really capture the facets in the leaf-shaped citrine briolette, but it is truly stunning in person.

For this next necklace, I utilized a screw back earring with a beautiful, soft blue detail. I turned the earring into a pendant and added a bold and beautiful blue quartz briolette.

The design is simple, allowing the beautiful colors and details of the pendant to really shine. I think the color is mesmerizing.

I love breathing new life into heirloom pieces such as these. We keep and cherish the costume jewelry of our mothers and grandmothers but don't often wear it ourselves. It's nice to transform something so sentimental into something practical that we can not only cherish but really wear and enjoy.

Lilac Beauty

Just thought I'd pop in to share another new design for Mayfest. I've been a busy little bee in the studio these past few days and things will remain super busy until after this weekend. I probably won't be posting much this week, save for maybe a post or two to share new designs I'll have available at Mayfest.

This necklace is one-of-a-kind. I'll have a few necklaces available in a similar style, but no two will be just alike. The necklace features vintage cabochons (with a couple of new, vintage-style cabochons) linked together and finished with a simple 14K gold-filled chain, adjustable up to 19 inches. I think it would be stunning with a vintage strapless lilac dress and gold pumps for a summer wedding.

Such Vintage Charm

I'm back to share another new design for Mayfest. These are a cross between a stud and a dangle earring. Vintage ivory rose cabochons are given 14K gold-filled post backs and are accented with vintage yellow rose cameos set onto the most darling brass charms with a heart and scroll design. The rose cabochons sit on the ear lobe while the yellow rose cameos dangle just below the ear. I am crazy about this style and hope to offer a few different rose and cameo color options. I should have these available with blue and coral colored vintage rose cabochons and coordinating floral cameos. I am hoping to have the other colors paired with sterling silver findings if I can get the little brass charms plated in sterling silver in time for Mayfest. If I can't get them plated in time, I may offer them in 14k gold-filled/brass as seen here for Mayfest and have them in sterling silver in the future.

In the Studio

I thought I'd share another version of the In the Garden Necklace which I shared in my last post. I love the soft femininity of the pale pink rose paired with the white freshwater pearls. It's so sweet and romantic.

I've been insanely busy building stock for boutiques, Mayfest and my Etsy shop (which is utterly neglected these days). My studio is an insane mess and it's driving me a bit bonkers.

{It actually looks worse since I've taken this photo. Oh dear!}

This is what my main work table looks like right now. My mind gets all foggy and I get cranky when things are messy, so this is a real problem. I have so many pieces in progress and others that are finished and waiting to be carded and/or labeled. I need to take 15-30 minutes to go through and put away any stray materials and get things a bit organized. I know I'll feel much more calm after a little organizing.

I've been so preoccupied with work lately--often I'm in the studio until 2 or 3am--that I haven't gotten to dive into any cute Easter baking. I was planning to make some flower topped petit fours and individual versions of this cake for Easter dinner, but it looks like I may only have time for the cakes. Maybe I'll be naughty and make time for both on Saturday.

...But maybe not. This weekend, in addition to everything else, I'm actually working on some pieces to send off to Kentucky Bride magazine for them to potentially use in a photo shoot for the upcoming issue. I actually had the joy and honor of being included in their Fall 2009 issue. I'll be sure to share if any of my pieces make it into the upcoming issue!

Sneak Peek

I thought I'd share some sneak peeks of new designs which I'm saving to debut at Mayfest. The first necklace above is one design of many that will be made in this same style. I will be offering this design in 14K gold-fill (as shown) as well as sterling silver in various color combinations. Different color roses will be paired with beautiful freshwater pearls in a few different shades. The chocolaty brown freshwater pearls used in this particular necklace are so rich and warm and gorgeous! I think this particular color combination would be so dreamy on someone with a golden complexion.

This next design is one of my luxe pieces featuring freshwater pearls and gemstones. I have paired a gorgeous smokey quartz briolette with a gorgeous cluster of freshwater keishi pearls. I have meticulously connected each and every keishi pearl to the delicate sterling silver chain with handmade (by me) fine silver head pins. Each pearl is securely connected so this beautiful cluster will last a lifetime and beyond.

I really love this design as it pairs two of my favorite materials to work with: smokey quartz and freshwater keishi pearls. The bridal earrings I designed for my wedding featured a gorgeous cascade of these same keishi pearls, so they have a special place in my heart. I adore the way center-cut keishi pearls are like little abstract flowers. When they are top drilled, they look like little rose petals. I am crazy about their uniquely organic shape and their gorgeous nacre.

I'm am planning on designing a pair of matching earrings to make the necklace part of a set. I think it would make a beautiful, sophisticated gift for Mother's Day.

Back in Stock!

Just a little update for those who were interested, The Prancing Peacock Earrings are now back in shop and available for purchase in my Etsy shop.

Today I took new designs to Street Scene in Lexington. Of course I couldn't resist being a little naughty as well... I bought the most beautiful vintage eight-piece mug and saucer set with matching napkins, lined in lace! I'll be sure to share a photo of the set soon.

I'll be updating my stock at Calypso, Kolors, and ReBelle in the next couple days as well. After that I'll be focusing all my attention on preparing stock for Mayfest. I'll be adding some new items in my shop in the following weeks and will be posting little peaks at new designs which I'll be saving for Mayfest. Stay tuned for that!

The Prancing Peacock

I designed these earrings yesterday evening and am absolutely head over heels crazy about them! I ordered these vintage peacock cabochons, not entirely sure what I'd use them for. I had also ordered these vintage inspired dahlia cabochons around the same time, intending to use them for studs, bobby pins or rings. When I saw them laid out on my work table yesterday and was struck by how perfectly they paired together! I couldn't be more in love with the outcome of this design. The peacock cabochons have such a gorgeous detail and paired with the dahlia cabochons, I feel there is something so perfectly 1970s about this design. It feels retro and modern at the same time and something about the majesticness of the peacocks and the richness of the blue feels very royal. I think these would make such a perfect eclectic pairing to a cocktail dress for a night on the town.

I only have two pairs of the earrings made at the moment and both were quickly spoken for via my Facebook fan page where I showed a sneak peak of the design in progress yesterday evening. I'm will be ordering more of the components for these earrings and should have plenty more available soon. I'll post when I have them available in my Etsy shop. In the mean time, if you'd like me to reserve a pair for you when I have them ready, leave me a little comment!

Lilac Dreams

I created this necklace a while back. I was sort of saving it for Mayfest, then today I had a sweet customer contact me looking for a purple necklace as a birthday present for friend. I shared this design with her and she loved it! I shared the photo on my Facebook fan page this evening and another one of my wonderful customers inquired about it. I was only able to create two of these necklaces as the gorgeous soft purple vintage rose cabochons were a pair. I have been crazy about the colors in this design since I created it, and with both necklaces being snatched up the day I revealed the design, it seems others are just as crazy about it. I think the lilac of the vintage cameo paired with the almost watercolor look of the purple rose is perfect. I'm sure I'll be creating a similar version of this necklace, with a slightly different rose accent, in the near future.