BaublesbyAndrea on Etsy

I am so excited to announce that my BaublesbyAndrea store on Etsy is now open for business!! I've been working my fingers to the bone over the last several weeks creating new pieces that I'm so excited to share with all of you! Since my last jewelry venture, Shoe Girl Designs, my creative streak and sense of design has really evolved. I'm using newer techniques, chicer designs, and more intense materials. Most of these pieces are new, but there are few old SGD things as well. I couldn't let them go, right?

I have been drawing inspiration from pieces that other bloggers wear, retailers that I love, and what I would personally wear. If I'm not going to wear it, I'm not going to sell it! I will continue to create new pieces, replenish fan favorites, and bring you all the details here first! 

My dad has graciously accepted the non-payed position of my in-house photographer and he has done an amazing job! He has captured the essence of each piece, accenting the texture and color, in such unique and artistic ways. I think we have such complimentary esthetic views and make an incredible team! Glad I have him on my side and in my new online store! 

With all that being said, here are a few of my favorite pieces and photographs that my dad took! 

 

 

 

What are your thoughts on BaublesbyAndrea? Will you tell your friends? Will you make a purchase? I can't wait to see what the future has in store and what my creative juices will produce. I sure hope you stick around for the journey!

Happy Monday!

Baubles by Andrea

Several years okay, when I had all the time in the world, I started a jewelry business. I designed and made my own pieces and my company was called Shoe Girl Designs. I had a booth for several years at the Overland Park Arts and Crafts Fair, held home parties, sold on consignment at a local retailer and another in Jefferson City, MO, and worked with clients on specific pieces for gifts or personal wear. My girlfriend Julie even helped me create catalogs. I had personalized gift wrap, business cards, a banner for the art fairs, shopping bags, and the sweetest display pieces found at various antique stores. But, like any "home based business", there came a point when it was time to call it quits and I've always had amtiny piece of regret.

Lately, I've been rethinking my jewelry business. I've been rounding up all my old tools, beads, visiting local bead stores, and researching an Etsy account. I'm kind of jazzed at the prospect of creating again. I've made pieces here there. Some for me, some as gifts, some for local charity events, but nothing terribly consistent. Until recently! As of this week, I'm on a mission! I've made several pieces over the last couple of days, but I find it takes me so much longer than it used to as I have a little helper! There are little fingers constantly digging through the contents, asking if he can have certain beads for himself, or throwing strings of things all over the den. I have to wait for naps or after he's in bed to work. However, when I do get the time, I'm loving what I've done so far.

I work with various stones, sterling silver, gold, wood, and chain. I make necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and the occasional ring. At times, I become obsessed. At times, I become frustrated. At times, I'm in total heaven. I absolutely love being, what I consider, a jewelry designer and maker. Here is a little taste of some of the pieces I'm working on right now.

I have to say that this is my favorite so far! I'm loving the blush tones mixed with copper, topaz, and stone. This would look amazing with paired with my Tori Spelling spike necklace!

 I love statement necklaces, but they can be pricey. I've been playing with this one for several days. I just can't seem to create what I've got in my head with the beads that I already have. I will make this work and it will be gorg!

When I saw my mix of white beads, which is typical as not all things get put back in their proper place, I had an idea for a silver and white piece. I thought it would really pop against all the bright colors for summer. And, if I have some sort of tan this year, I love the way white looks against sun-kissed skin!

So that's what I've been thinking about lately. I thought about posting this as a Dream to Reality, but I've already lived the reality. Now, it's just taking that original business and turning into something bigger. Something more profitable. Something more chic and sophisticated! Stayed tuned readers. Soon, you could be wearing a Bauble by Andrea! It's gotta ring, don't you think?

Jewelry DIY

Several years ago I had my own jewelry business called Shoe Girl Designs. Being a huge shoe girl it made sense to call my business that, right? I had a booth at the local fall arts and craft show for a couple of years and a local boutique featured my pieces in her store. I also held parties in my home. It wasn't a super successful business, but it was profitable. I really enjoyed making jewelry. I found it to be a wonderful creative outlet and I was pretty good at it, if I do say so myself. 

I closed my business in 2009. I found I was repairing pieces, that weren't mine, more than actually making pieces for people to buy. Because I love jewelry so much, I became a rep for Silpada, but I missed making pieces that were unique. 

About a month ago my mom asked if I had any anything left over, which I do, for a birthday gift for a dear friend of hers. I didn't have anything that really said "Blue Gotham" so I pulled out the ole jewelry making kit and made a one-of-a-kind necklace. My mom loved it, and so did Blue. And thus the flood gates opened.

I've been making a piece here and there over the last week or so. My mom and I stopped at Joann's last weekend for a different project and wound up in the jewelry making section. I found a few DIY projects in a fall magazine that I want to attempt and my mom happened to find some beads she liked. I had some time, alone I might add, to whip up a few things. Below is one of the necklaces I created. Along the way, I documented the process. Hope you enjoy!

The end result!