Fall 2012 Jewelry Collection

Hi!  Now that fall is in full swing and Thanksgiving is right around the corner I figured I'd better share my fall 2012 jewelry collection.  I know I am usually running a month or so behind everyone else but I really do try my best to keep up with the crowd!  So while the rest of the world is already busy working on their goodies for Christmas, I'm finally ready to share my autumn inspired work with you! 

Wild Berry necklace by Grey Girl Designs on Etsy

  My Wild Berry necklace is a perfect combination of shades of green African jade chips, green glass beads and kambaba jasper mixed with deep red garnet and sterling silver.  It is an adaptable necklace and can be worn as a one strand or two strand necklace.  Wear it the way you like! 

My Wild Berry earrings were made to compliment the necklace, but of course they'd be perfect by themselves as well.  These earrings are fun and dangly post style earrings that hang 2.25" and feature sterling silver, green glass beads and garnet. 

Wild Berry earrings by Grey Girl Designs on Etsy

Another adaptable design, my Pumpkin Spice necklace can be worn as a two strand statement necklace, or a one strand necklace with a matching bracelet.  It's a delicious blend of tiger jasper, red aventurine, crazy horse stone and sterling silver.  The focal point is a Hill Tribes antiqued fine silver pendant (24x12mm) created by hand in the remote mountain areas of Thailand.  It is stamped with a design of leaves and flowers.   

Pumpkin Spice necklace by Grey Girl Designs on Etsy

I created a pair of earrings to compliment the Pumpkin Spice necklace too, these Pumpkin Spice earrings:

Pumpkin Spice earrings by Grey Girl Designs on Etsy

These delicate sterling silver fish hook style earrings hang approx 2.25". They feature sterling silver components, tiger jasper stone and red aventurine.  I thought this unusual color combination would really stand out for fall! 

For a bit more drama in your wardrobe, I created the Smoke and Ashes necklace:

Smoke and Ashes necklace by Grey Girl Designs on Etsy

This one of a kind necklace features fire crackle agate rounds perfectly faceted to sparkle, complimented by faceted smoky quartz and lots of brilliant sterling silver. It is finished with a sterling silver lobster claw clasp and a delicate sterling silver feather charm that hangs sexily down the back of your neck for an extra special touch.  This one is perfect for a night out on the town.

I love those fire crackle agate beads so I had to make earrings with them too.  Here's the Smoke and Ashes earrings:



Smoke and Ashes earrings by Grey Girl Designs on Etsy

These unique earrings are one of a kind and designed to complement my Smoke and Ashes necklace.  The sterling silver fishhook style earrings hang approximately 1.75".  They are sure to add a touch of glamour and excitement to any outfit!

 I just love the beautiful colors of autumn, don't you?  I tried to capture some of the hues of fall in this next necklace. It features a large Indian agate (also known as fancy jasper) focal stone (35mmx20mm) surrounded by sterling silver, coppery colored cultured freshwater pearls and faceted fancy jasper rounds. This is my Autumn Treasure necklace:

Autumn Treasure necklace by Grey Girl Designs on Etsy

It finishes with a sterling silver lobster claw clasp and a delicate sterling silver leaf. I have selected this necklace as a Madcap Charity item. I want to help those affected by the recent Hurricane Sandy. So many people have suffered from this disaster! With the sale of this necklace I will donate a portion to the American Red Cross to help support the victims of Hurricane Sandy in the northeastern United States.  The Wild Berry earrings are also a Madcap Charity item with a portion of the sales pledged to help this cause.

The last but not least addition to my fall collection is the November Blaze necklace:

November Blaze necklace by Grey Girl Designs on Etsy

November Blaze celebrates the fiery colors of fall. It was inspired by a walk through the trees in early November, the oranges and greens of foliage were so brilliant and eye catching that I wanted to convey that beauty in a piece of jewelry so it could be worn all year long. It features a large red agate oval (40x28mm) surrounded by more red agate, delicate leaf shaped sterling silver beads, sterling silver chain and fancy jasper.  I think it's a great statement necklace to add a pop of fall color to your life.  

Thanks so much for taking a look at my fall 2012 collection!  I put a lot of time and careful thought into each piece I design.  If you would like more info about any of these pieces please visit my Etsy shop for more detail.  There are several more pictures of each as well as measurements.  You can also send me a message on Etsy if you have any questions at all.  I would love it if you'd leave a comment here and let me know what you think!


 

Still growing

Even though this winter hasn't been dreadful weather-wise, I was thinking of spring today when I found a moment to be creative.  At the last bead show I attended, a beautiful leafy silver clasp caught my eye and I decided to start with it as the centerpiece for a new bracelet to celebrate spring.  What better to complement it with than some natural stones and gemstones in shades of green?  Here's my new bracelet in the planning stages...

Creating Still growing, my latest one of a kind bracelet!

Moss agate and light green apatite combine with the brilliance of sterling silver to create a bracelet full of the promise of spring.  I made it with a random pattern, as wild and unpredictable as a growing living thing. As I was creating it, I was also thinking about how like a new plant in spring, we are all still growing.  Our spirits and minds grow stronger and deeper and continue this process our whole lives.  That is what inspired the name.  I hope whoever wears it is reminded that even in winter and dark times, we are all still growing inside. The promise of spring and renewal is right around the corner.

Still growing bracelet by greygirldesigns

If you have thoughts or comments about my jewelry, my blog or just want to say hi, I'd love it if you left me a little note here!  Peace and happiness to you all as we continue growing together...

Jennifer

Some fun ideas for valentine's day!

Do you feel the spirit of love in the air?  I'm sure you notice whenever you go shopping you are being barraged by hearts, cupids and the color red.  Well it's almost valentine's day.  I thought it would be fun to look for some interesting and unique valentine's day gifts that you can get on Etsy.  Why give your hard earned money to the usual department stores when you could show your support for an individual trying to live their dream by creating what they love?  Let's spread some love Etsy style this valentine's day!

I've always loved stained glass.  I actually took some stained glass classes and created a few pieces myself.  I know what kind of hard work goes into each of these creations.  When I saw these fun stained glass heart earrings from AfricanSand, I thought they were really a unique way to combine stained glass within a piece of jewelry. 

Stained Glass Heart Earrings by AfricanSand

Aren't those adorable?  I think so!  The artist, Angela, also has some eye-catching stained glass panels, candle holders, business card holders and lots more stained glass jewelry available in her Etsy shop. 

You've heard that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach haven't you?  How about securing your place in your man's heart with one of the gourmet pre-measured mixes available from Kimmi's Etsy shop, LipSmackinCreations?  You can tell her mixes are going to be delicious just by looking at the pictures!

 

Chocolate Luv Pancakes by LipSmackinCreations

What man wouldn't love waking up to the smell of some homemade pancakes with chocolate and peanut butter in the mix?  Yum!  Kimmi has lots of delightful mixes available in her Etsy store including spice mixes, cookies, hot chocolate and even a special treat for your dog. 

Everyone likes sending cards on Valentine's day to show that special someone how much they care.  Why not do it with a unique handmade card from Michelle's Etsy shop, papermichelle?  Check out this one, the Thief of Hearts:

Valentine Card- Thief of Hearts by papermichelle

Isn't that cute?  Michelle's cards are hand drawn and screen printed by her.  She draws small, silly things that make her happy.  She has a great variety of cards in her shop and I think you are sure to find one that makes you smile too!

Lots of men buy flowers for their ladies for valentine's day.  This year, why not get her something different and get a handmade ceramic bud vase for all those flowers instead?  She'll remember your gift all year round with a vase that can be used for a variety of purposes, and looks great all by itself too.  This vase is available in Marietta's shop, blueroompottery:

Ceramic Bud Vase by blueroompottery

I love the wonderful texture and color combination of this vase.  Marietta's Etsy shop is full of lovely and functional pottery that is really a work of art.

My last item to share with you today is actually one of my own pieces, I just adore it and I hope you do too.  It is an adaptable necklace in that it can be worn two different ways, with the heart charm centered in the front, or you can switch it around and have the heart hanging sexily down the back of your neck.

 

Chained to your heart beaded necklace by greygirldesigns

It features sparkling deep red garnet gemstones, faceted black onyx, a faceted black fire agate stone, sterling silver and the rust steel heart charm.  It is a bit goth, a bit modern funky cool all in a one of a kind piece of wearable art.  This beaded necklace is available now in my Etsy store, greygirldesigns, and there is still plenty of time for me to ship it to you for valentine's day.

I hope you saw something you liked from my valentine's day picks!  Of course this is just a small sampling of the wonderful things you can find on Etsy.  Take a look for yourself and see what I mean!  Thanks for taking the time to stop by my blog today...I'd just love it if you'd leave me a comment and let me know you were here! 

Happy birthday Grey Girl Designs!!

One year ago today I opened my little Etsy store and embarked on a new adventure.  I am proud of myself for taking that first big step.  I really love making jewelry and Etsy is a great way to share it with the world.  I've made some wonderful new friends on Etsy too and learned so much about SEO and internet marketing.  I know I still have a lot to learn and a lot to improve on but it has been a good experience for me.  I wonder what year 2 on Etsy will bring my way?
I decided to share my Etsyversary with all my friends and fans by having a special sale, today only 12/8/2011.  Please use the coupon code "ETSYBIRTHDAY15" for 15% off anything in my Etsy store.  I have lots of unique one of a kind beaded jewelry that would make a perfect gift for a special lady in your life! 
Thanks for stopping by- have a delicious cake pop on your way out! I've never actually had a cake pop but I thought they might be fun to try for my Etsy birthday... I picked these ice cream sundae cake pops from CakePopFusion...don't you want one?  Me too!!

Let's celebrate with these so delicious looking cake pops from CakePopFusion!

The Grey Girl Designs 2011 Holiday Collection

I thought I'd share with you what I've been busy creating lately.  I wanted to make a collection of jewelry that would be perfect to wear for the holidays.  Dark and smoky with a hint of sparkle, perfect to compliment modern holiday party attire or even everyday wear if you want to be noticed.  These are all pieces that I would definitely wear myself, my favorite color palette mixed with lots of shining sterling silver.  I may have trouble parting with these pieces- I really love them all!

Polaris beaded necklace and earrings by Grey Girl Designs

The Polaris beaded necklace and earrings feature soft silver cultured freshwater pearls and lots of sterling silver.  The necklace is accented with faceted labradorite that really sparkles.  I think you can see why I named it for the North Star!
This necklace is also a Madcap Charity item. I have chosen the charity Heifer International to donate to with the sale of this necklace. If you are unfamiliar with Heifer International, they help hungry families all over the world in need become more self-reliant by giving them livestock and training. When this necklace is sold, I will donate a Flock of chicks ($20.00) to Heifer International in the buyer's name. "Your gift of chicks helps provide a family in need with a starter flock of 10 to 50 chicks and the training that will enpower them to turn your generosity into a lifetime of opportunity. A good hen can lay more than 200 eggs a year, so your gift will provide a family with a steady source of both nutrition and income." If you want more info on Heifer Int'l check out their website here: www.heifer.org I think this is a great way to help those around the world in need!

Wish beaded necklace by Grey Girl Designs

The Wish beaded necklace also reminds me of stars.  I always used to love making a wish on a falling star or the first star I saw in the night sky.  The Wish necklace sparkles with the brilliance of faceted amethyst, faceted smoky quartz and labradorite heishe.  Silver adds to the shine and magical quality of this necklace.  It ends with a delicate sterling silver feather charm.  The Wish necklace is also a Madcap Charity item and I will be donating $20.00 to Heifer International with the sale of it as well. 

Midnight Kiss beaded necklace and earrings from Grey Girl Designs

I was thinking of New Year's Eve when I designed the Midnight Kiss set.  Have you heard that whatever you are doing at midnight on New Year's Eve sets the tone for the rest of your year?  Well, that midnight kiss with the one you love is oh-so-romantic and sure to fill the rest of your year with lots of love!  This jewelry set features blue labradorite in shades of smoky grey and black with lots of fire.  I complimented the blue labradorite with deep red faceted garnet and sterling silver. 

My favorite piece in the Holiday Collection was inspired by my African greys.  I wanted to make a bracelet that captures a bit of their beauty so I used the colors found in their feathers- deep grey and dark red.  I added a gorgeous detailed sterling silver feather and created this charm bracelet:

I'll Fly Away charm bracelet by Grey Girl Designs

The I'll Fly Away charm bracelet features faceted black fire agate rounds, black onyx, grey freshwater cultured pearl, garnet and sterling silver.  You can wear it as is, or even add on more charms later if you so desired. 

The Dragon Heart beaded necklace and bracelet are real show stoppers!  I love the combination of bright fiery red quartz with the sable freshwater cultured pearls and black fire agate.  It also features a bit of black onyx and sterling silver. 

Dragon Heart beaded necklace by Grey Girl Designs

I think this set would be perfect with a little black dress, or a v-necked cashmere sweater... in fact, you could even wear it with a plain black tank and really stand out in the crowd.  Here's the matching bracelet:

Dragon Heart beaded bracelet by Grey Girl Designs

So, what do you think?  All these pieces are one of a kind, handmade by me and perfect for a gift for your favorite lady (or to treat yourself!)  this Christmas.  If you want to see more details about any piece just click on the name. I am busy creating a few more designs to add to my Holiday Collection so be sure to check my Etsy store to see what I come up with!  Thanks for stopping by!  I'd just love it if you'd leave a message and let me know your thoughts about my jewelry.

Great Gift Ideas for the Music Lover

Hi! Thanksgiving is just right around the corner and before we know it we'll all be scrambling to find the perfect holiday gift for those special people in our lives.  I've talked about great gift ideas for the animal lover but today I thought I'd focus on those that have a special place for music in their hearts.  All these ideas come from Etsy, a great place to shop and find unique and handmade items.  Why not show your support for craftsmen and artists who work long and hard to come up with these great ideas? 

Check out this cool brass cuff bracelet from Kate's shop JezebelCharms.  I'm not sure what piece of music is portrayed on this bracelet but I think it's very charming and would look great on! 

Love Music Brass Cuff Bracelet by JezebelCharms

The brass will age with time taking on a patina that will add to the beauty of this piece.  This bracelet is handmade in England so please take this into consideration and leave adequate time for it to arrive if you are purchasing for Christmas!

Here's a custom designed t-shirt for the guitar lover out there.  I don't think you'll find another one just like it as Bruno makes all his own designs and prints the t's himself in his shop MyPersonaliTs:

Guitar Tshirt screenprinted by MyPersonaliTs

It's a cool design, isn't it?  There is also a custom shirt with drums, as well as many funny shirts with different sayings.  If unique t-shirts are on your gift buying list then check out this shop!

Do you know someone who is always making their own music?  Look at this African Thumb Piano from LepelstatCrafts:

African Thumb Piano from LepelstatCrafts

Now your music loving friend can take along their own instrument wherever they go!  This handcrafted African Thumb Piano is made by Michael from recycled materials in the African tradition and small enough to be carried around easily for musical fun on the go.  It's a real beauty too!

Do you know anyone who collects vintage rock and roll memorabilia?  You can't get much more vintage or collectible than these vintage Rock and Roll Beatles Trading Cards from Carrie's shop BadCatBoutique:

Vintage Rock and Roll Beatles Trading Cards set from BadCatBoutique

This is a set of four different Beatles Trading Cards from the 1960's.  Isn't that awesome?  The set of cards is only $20.00 too so it's an affordable gift for the collector on your list. 
Here's a really cool handmade leather wallet for the music fan.  This slim bi-fold leather wallet Music and Me is from Joe V.'s shop, joevleather:

Slim BiFold Leather Wallet Music and Me by joevleather

The musical notes design is unique and perfect for any music lover in your life.  Joe has some really excellent leather Ipad cases, phone cases, belts, wallets and even handcrafted bracelets in his Etsy store. 

This is just a quick glimpse of some of the music related finds on Etsy.  You can search for anything (and probably find it too!) and a long list of related items will come up for you to look through.  I hope you'll take a look and see what treasures you can find waiting for you there!  Have fun doing your shopping this holiday season...stay warm and cozy inside your house while everyone else deals with crowds and cold weather to look for the perfect gift.  If you have someone on your list that likes unique one of a kind jewelry I hope you'll take a peek inside my Etsy store as well...Grey Girl Designs. I'm busy creating my nature inspired necklaces, bracelets and earrings and would love to have one of my creations thrill a lucky lady in your life! 

A Treasure Trove of Treasuries

Hello!  I would like to share with you a few of the wonderful treasuries my jewelry has been featured in on Etsy.  I really appreciate these Etsians for putting my work in their collections... please enjoy and if there is something you would like to view in one of these you can click on it and it will take you directly to that item on Etsy.

'In Our Hands' by aimeere

Fabric brooch - Ame... yalipaz $15.00	Dried orange slices... HEraMade $33.00	Tatting jewelry tat... Decoromana $18.00	Classic Distressed ... bluebirdheaven $45.00
Ceramic Ring Bowl R... dancingclay $8.00	Spring-Original pai... KijoStudio $450.00	Mini quilted buntin... BozenaWojtasze... $30.00	Fabric Flower Brooc... joannafelt $11.90
Modern Reclaimed Up... thezenartist $219.00	Gabrielle Three-in-... greygirldesign... $164.00	the thread set out ... tangledskystud... $85.00	Ceramic Cat Sculptu... TikaCeramics $115.00
Diaper bag MIMOSA G... ikabags $79.81	Hand Stamped peace ... recycledparts $4.00	Reflection sepia to... SylviaCPhotogr... $10.00	Buttons metal cast... yukidesigns $4.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

'Harvest Picks' by WeeBindery

Zombie Art Doll, Be... twolefthands $32.00	Green Shell and Bra... Christinesjewe... $10.00	Greeting Card, Spir... PolkadotPossum $6.00	Honey Yellow Cup Co... natalya1905 $17.50
Ring. Blooming Gree... efiwarsh $12.00	Baby Girl Blanket i... HattieDesigns $29.00	Handmade sterling s... littlebugjewel... $32.00	Bridesmaid thank yo... TeroldegoAndTo... $10.00
Fine Art Print, Pho... TheShutterbugE... $100.00	Scarflette Organic ... Engelfelt $24.00	Button Necklace in ... cstarstudio $24.00	Porcelain Rabbit Fa... ALDDesigns $12.00
2T to 4T Toddler Vi... TwoSeasideBabe... $31.00	Day 2 - Paris Mont... YannPendaries $11.00	Grey Pearl earrings... greygirldesign... $25.00	Summer Bouquet - Or... funtoprint $20.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

'Choco Nuts' by galafilc

Enjoy & have a great day!

Divine Gold Tassel ... EzzaExclusive $79.00	Chocolate Luv Panca... LipSmackinCrea... $8.75	Vintage Pecan Hand ... CheekyVintageC... $28.00	felted fingerless g... piabarile $26.00
Copper Collection E... andreagoo $15.00	Skies Above necklac... greygirldesign... $83.00	The Ponderosa Cowbo... amytopstitchin... $20.00	Your choice of anim... Cerra $30.00
Borsellino RoccoccÃ... aralesaura $8.00	Vintage 70s Indian ... jasmine882 $230.99	Bear Hug - Vintage ... GinnyandHarrio... $86.00	Secret Circle ring ... odiw $39.00
Cream Mad Hatter Ri... Blackpin $36.00	Vintage Industrial ... ToucheVintage $20.00	Pair of Fabulous At... elektrykboogal... $155.00	Guinness Beer Box ... favorsforall $3.50

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

'Pastel beauty' by UnaPhoto

Blush Mineral Makeu... pinkquartzmine... $14.00	Ruffle Dress Flappe... andwhatelseist... $53.00	Airplane Photo - 8x... CactusHuggers $65.00	Dragonfly glasses s... TheRusticHome $25.99
ORIGINAL Abstract A... GinnArt $80.00	Light Pink boots, g... Yesterdayand2d... $55.00	Pink and Gray Skinn... rabbitstop $18.95	Jumbo Bubble Chande... jeanpelle $3000.00
Pink Vase Gift Two ... ArtByKristin $22.00	Midsummer Night'... TORYNOVACOUTUR... $115.00	Trees, Trees, Trees... ElainesHeartso... $125.00	Heaven's Tears ... greygirldesign... $28.00
Buttons, glass, not... amytopstitchin... $1.95

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

'Autumn Falling leaves ...' by piscesandfishes

Audry -------- Hand... AnnaLela $78.00	Silver decorated St... SigalitAlcalai $32.00	Pears Reproduction ... TheJoyofColor $20.00	Custom Couple Poste... custombybernol... $30.00
Adjustable Button R... LaurenceCollec... $21.00	Crossing Paths Quil... PatchworkMount... $195.00	Custom Initial Char... whiteliliedesi... $29.00	Cream And Nude Colo... roomofyourown $36.00
THE DOOR TO...fine ... ceejay60 $15.00	Jewelry Paper- Orig... Manufactapaper $10.00	Autumn - art print ... zirkulas $29.00	Vintage Tea cups a... vintagebiffann $12.00
Modern Love Affair ... greygirldesign... $28.00	Zara - Limited Edit... retrofemme $23.00	Sunglasses Sleeve NinasSmile $10.00	Antiqued Copper Flo... uptownsupplies $3.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

'Pink to make the boys wink!' by gingerteaphotography

sometimes we all feel a little bit girly!

Oprah crystal hoop ... themadcapheire... $52.00	Rose - Pink Flower ... PhotosByBianca $3.00	Felted handbag flow... galafilc $69.00	Into the Bloom - Si... lizgrandmaison $40.00
Personalised Hangin... fabthomson $5.50	Your Royal Highness... EllaGajewska $183.00	Champagne & Roses n... greygirldesign... $108.00	Pink and Champagne ... RomanticThread... $950.00
Pink Daisy Painting... Amborela $89.00	Christmas Stocking ... bjelvgren $48.00	Paris Photography -... VisualEmotioni... $45.00	Hot Pink Peony in t... artyecological $15.00
Swalcliffe Marie An... OxfordHeaven $40.00	Hot pink Zebra Phot... MargrafsPhotog... $25.00	Marie Antoinette Bo... vintageantoine... $24.95	Dont worry be Hippy... southindiabaza... $34.99

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

'He who wishes to secure the good of others, Has already secured his own' by GlassKissinCreations

Confucius said it perfectly. Madcap Charity has generous members that want to help others, With all these wonderful items, from charitable people, you can do just that. Give something good to others while giving something good to yourself!

Donation to Madcap ... LipSmackinCrea... $29.84	Oprah crystal hoop ... themadcapheire... $52.00	Peace Be With You n... greygirldesign... $78.00	Hand printed table ... BlueberryAsh $41.00
Beach Photography o... beachbumchix $10.00	friendship bracelet... AmbieandAshies... $6.50	Bath Salts with REA... dancingwithfai... $10.99	Anck Su Namun Egypt... EgyptianInspir... $47.00
silk flower brooch,... bunsandballs $6.00	Ethnic angel Sachie... TheGoldenTrees $15.00	Half stack apron, 2... amytopstitchin... $20.00	Gold Filled Bar Nec... TheTaffyBox $32.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

'Layers of Serenity' by ME2Designs

These featured items [all from Team Madcap members] are in shades of neutral in white and gray/grey, but explore the amazing shapes and layers and depth contained in these treasures! Enjoy!

Hand knit Ribbed Sc... goodmarvin $35.00	Cameo on Gray Toppe... 51VC $20.00	Knitted Cowl or Nec... DaisyandFlorri... $35.00	Photograph, Saguaro... DaveDilliPhoto... $27.00
Under the Sea White... searchnrescue2 $55.00	Large Vintage Kodak... UptownVintage $68.00	White apple blossom... kelleyphotoart $35.00	Ruffed Linen Scarf-... AMIZANTI $65.00
Sea Treasure neckla... greygirldesign... $76.00	Here Comes the Brid... themadcapheire... $24.00	Black Pepper Soap SusieQsbathand... $5.00	Vintage Industrial ... rhapsodyattic $75.00
Vintage Bridal Veil... ifindubuy $29.99	Vintage Metal File ... outofdoha2010 $115.00	Porcelain Doll Part... ReminiscencePa... $9.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Aren't they pretty?  I am very happy to be featured- thank you to each seller for including me with all these lovely finds!  Until next time...