Independent Fashion Bloggers: Links à la Mode : November 27th

Talkin' about a Disco Hangover

I love these blingy vintage silver sequin earrings from Texas-based jewelry designer ishi. If jewelry had a song-equivalent, I'd be singing the lyrics to Parliment's "Flashlight" -- This pretty pair of disco-inspired delight is approximately 3 inches in length, and dangle down from black enameled ear posts with a small silver bead accent.

- Available from ishi.etsy.com.


Independent Fashion Bloggers:

Links à la Mode : November 27th

• 39thandbroadway - Ever wonder where fashion trends come from and how they develop, long before they hit the stores?
• A Few Goody GumDrops - A Few Goody Gumdrops asks…Who needs a Mink Coat when you can have a Mink Bag!
• Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy - Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy gushes over Freeman’s Replenishing Body Lotion - the effective, but stinky moisturizer
• Capitola Girl Jewelry Blog - I’m saying no to gift cards this holiday season, and looking to the indie sellers on Etsy for some great guy gifts.
• Clutch 22 - Tackling Black Friday and Cyber Monday this holiday season.
• Couture Allure - Couture Allure shows how to dress up your holiday hairdo with vintage accessories.
• dapper kid - Essay on the impact of the Industrial Revolution on Men’s Tailoring.
• Diary of a Style Addict - Diary of a Style Addict Reviews Paint Cosmetics fab mineral eyeshadows
• Dirty Laundry - 37 Things to Love: The Definitive List (And How I Have Way Too Much Time)
• Dogmom’s Dish - Five little luxuries for the holidays, ranging from Free to Sugardaddy Suggestible.
• dramatis personae - Why Dieting is a Dirty Word
• fashion fille - What is YOUR opinion on the trendy scarf? Fashion Fille debates keffieyahs.
• fashion in my eyes - Love of a lifetime,Coco Rocha and Roberto Bolle
• Fashion Pulse Daily - We’ve got the skinny on the upcoming Target accessory designer collaborations — including Felix Rey!
• Flights of Fab Fashion Fancy - Wearing fur, faux and real, is sooo trendy hot! Here are hot looks from all over the globe!
• Hello, Lover… Shoe Daydreams - Recognize the things that trip your relationship up and keep you from having the “real” fairy tale.
• Independent Fashion Bloggers - IFB announces the new newsletter!
• Iole in fashion - Inverno a colori / Colored Winter
• Mademoiselle Robot - Outfit ideas for Thanksgiving.
• Pencil - a look at Suphanut Suwansanya’s, a London Fashion Designer, Autumn/Winter 08 collection and his inspiration.
• Petite Bourgeoisie - Interview with Kristen Calavas of TheLookbook
• Retro Chick - Putting on the Glitz, working your sequins for Work, Rest & Play
• ShopDiary - ShopDiary invites you to access chanel-exclusives.com, the first ever online Chanel boutique, and discover a limited edition selection of Chanel accessories.
• Some Like It Fashion - The shape of things to come: have your say on what ‘look’ will come to define this recession.
• Style Discovery - Style Discovery goes burlesque.
• Sweety P Style FIles - Since I haven’t been shopping in three months, I find myself in a wardrobe recession.
• Tainted & Sweet… - Thank you Daddy Karl!!!
• The Bare Skinny - Eco Friendly and Fabulous…Fashion Goes Green
• THE COVETED - Feathers, Lashes, and Courtney Brooke Hall… vintage fashion photography
• The Sunday Best - Contest on TheSundayBest! Big fun! Big prizes! Big…pandas?
• Your Style Star - Shop on Black Friday like a pro

Saturday Sparkle: Cosmo's Moon Jewelry

Who Sparkled this Saturday?
Maureen of Cosmo's Moon Jewelry

This week on Saturday Sparkle, I'm really excited to show you some of the strikingly original pieces from Arizona-based metalsmith Maureen of Cosmo's Moon Jewelry. Maureen has been metalsmithing for more than 20 years and her study of jewelry design and techniques range from as close as the Southwest US and the East Coast, to as far away as Florence, Italy.

For today's featured piece, I selected her one-of-a-kind Bordello Mixed earrings--which have been entirely hand fabricated using a lamination inlay technique. This is a technique where thin metal copper sheets are fused with sterling silver metal and then compressed to create a graphical and dramatic, bold pattern (Maureen then accented with shimmering silver fringe!). Don't you love it?

Maureen was also kind enough to answer some of my questions, and here is what she shared with us about her jewelry designs and business.

Maureen, how did you get your start in jewelry design?

In 1986 and 87 during summers home from art school (SMFA Boston, painting) I worked for a silversmithing shop on the coast of Maine and New Hampshire (yes, NH has a 7 mile seacoast..).
I acquired the position by accident, my mother was at her jeweler’s shop and was lamenting about my immense un-hire-ability. (I think it was the punk rock hair, which was pretty unusual in NH back then).

Well, the shop owner was an older hippy (disguised as a businessman) who offered to take me in and apprentice me, 6 days a week. So, for those 2 summers while all of my friends were working in horrible mall jobs I was happily soldering and forging away with sailboats and water in the background. So there is something to be said for keeping true to yourself, even if it is just an appearance issue! ( I now look like the artsy soccer mom I have evolved into).

What inspired you to turn your jewelry-making hobby into a business?

Not ever wanting to work in anything else! I absolutely love what I do. From designing to finishing work…the whole kit and caboodle.

Yes, I have had to compromise a few times and work in cafes or in offices, but have always continued with my metalwork, even into late nights after “work”.

Oddly enough, I still am trying to figure out how to have my own design work be a viable business. I do show in galleries and have an etsy shop, and lately have started participating in some local shows.

I have mainly been employed as a metalsmith for other jewelers or have been teaching at various schools in Tucson or Florence Italy (my husband is Florentine, so we sometimes live there). Currently I am taking another step in creating an independent business by building a web presence, showing at local sales, galleries and selling my handcrafted work direct to savvy buyers on etsy.

When creating a design, please describe your top three sources of inspiration...

I am inspired by architecture, nature, and mechanical forms. I love repetition of form and subtle use of color.

Who in your life has provided you with the most support for your jewelry business?

Honestly I’m not sure I could pick any one person. I have many cheerleaders and I couldn’t be here without them. My husband is a big support, and without him I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to take the time to learn new techniques to fortify my design vocabulary.

My family in general is not involved in the arts (I’m the odd auntie) but everyone has developed an appreciation for my work, and most are now proud owners of some amazing early pieces.
I have friends who help me haul showcases around, have recommended me for teaching positions, and employed me as a goldsmith when my work was selling slowly
I’m pretty lucky.

If you had any advice for a newbie to jewelry making and selling, what would it be?

For making- When I teach beginners I stress that while technique is a major part of metalsmithing, finding your voice and having fun while learning can be equally important. Joy in making is reflected in your designs. Don’t sweat small technical errors, work with them! (and strive to learn from them) Metalsmithing has a very deep pool of techniques, and it takes years of practice to become proficient in most of the basics. So, you might as well have fun trying, and if you melt something into an unrecognizable ball there is always the chance to re-claim the metal through studio or commercial refining.

Selling -I have learned to stay true to yourself, and be patient! Everyone has a road, even though sometimes the journey can seem like it has ended. When this happens, I say, turn around and look for the other door…believe in yourself and work hard and your path will find you.(and it might not look like the one you imagined).

Also- A lot can happen in 24 hours!

Thanks to Maureen for sharing her story with us today! Her designs are sold at galleries in Arizona, New Mexico, Martha’s Vineyard, and Maine (seasonally). You can also find Maureen's work at her online shop: cosmosmoon.etsy.com

Happy Saturday and keep sparkling!

Friday Findings: Which came first...the button or the buttonhole? (+Jewelry Giveaway)

Which came first…the button or the button hole? Well, its really not a riddle…but, in case you don't know the answer… it was the button. Depending on who you talk to, buttons were invented between 3000-5000 years ago and they were worn for decoration, much like we wear a brooch.

Some years later, the Greeks came along and developed the precursor to the button hole -- a decorative threaded loop that was fastened to clothes so the wearer of the garment could run the button through it. When tailored garb became popular in Europe during the 13th Century, the button got functional and started to be cut directly into garments in the style that we know it. Buttons were so popular, the French even formed an official Button Maker's Guild. And, that's the "nutshell" story of how we got the button and the button hole.

Nowadays, buttons are primarily used to fasten clothing. But did you know that many indie jewelry artists use buttons for decorative purposes--much like its original roots? If you love cute-as-a-button decorations as much as I do, then you'll enjoy today's post. So, without further ado, let me show you some of the surprising and creative ways these six indie artists on Etsy are using buttons in their jewelry designs...

Dainty Red Wine Button Charm Bracelet
mrsgibson.etsy.com

Feast your eyes on this richly colored silver-plated button charm bracelet that is full of new and vintage buttons (in berry, burgundy, chianti, and red grape). This gorgeous and feminine Red Wine Button Charm Bracelet closes with a toggle clasp and measures 20 cm in length. Available from mrsgibson.etsy.com.

Triple Red Earrings
iomiss.etsy.com

Delicate and brightly colored nacre buttons are mixed with sterling silver discs. These Triple Red Earrings dangle from silver hooks and are available from iomiss.etsy.com. And as a special for readers, receive a 15% discount on your purchases. Simply enter the code "capitolgirl" in the Message to Seller box and wait for a revised invoice from iomiss. Offer is valid through December 31, 2008.

Red Rose Black Jet Vintage Button Ring
traceyanne.etsy.com

I love the bold and substantial look of this Red Rose Black Jet Vintage Button Ring. Its gets its Gothic look from an old vintage button and features a gorgeous red satin metal rose on the face. The band is 10mm wide and is available from traceyanne.etsy.com.

Modern Art Knotted Button Necklace
edithandlulu.etsy.com

This beautiful Modern Art Necklace was hand-stitched and knotted together by combining muted red buttons and both shiny black and turquoise vintage glass beads on grey silk cord. It closes with a simple sterling silver toggle clasp and is 16.5" in length. Available from edithandlulu.etsy.com.

Dramatically Long Flapper Necklace of Vintage Buttons
stelmadesigns.etsy.com

A long, vintage Flapper Necklace made from vintage buttons that measures 154 cm in length. It's a versatile piece that can be worn long or doubled. Available from stelmadesigns.etsy.com. And as a special for Posh Mama members, receive a 15% discount on your purchases. Visit my original Posh Mama blog post for the discount code. Offer is valid through December 31, 2008.

Bold Buttons Link Bracelet
gemmabeads.etsy.com

A gorgeous, rich red 7.5 in bracelet of Bold Buttons. It's a marvelous mix of new and vintage buttons that is accented by a single red aluminum rose that's been mounted onto a silver finished link bracelet. It also closes with an easy-to-use fold over clasp. Available from gemmabeads.etsy.com.


Well Posh Mamas, I hope you have a fantastic long weekend. Before you go, please congratulate last week's Friday Findings giveaway winners. I'll be contacting you both today via PoshMail for your mailing addresses.

Posh Mama Missy Mohammed - You have won the Half Moon Self-Referential necklace from our giveaway sponsor tillybloom.etsy.com.

Posh Mama 3squares - You have won the Tiny Pink Marble Earrings which feature from giveaway sponsor enthral.etsy.com.

For this week's jewelry giveaway, one (1) lucky Posh Mama who leaves a comment on today's post will be selected next week using www.random.org to win the cute button earrings from this week's giveaway sponsor at www.edithanlulu.com. These upcycled button earrings feature warm, rich coppery plastic buttons with bold fuchsia plastic buttons on oxidized brass wire.

To enter this week's contest:

1. Visit my original Posh Mama blog post and leave a comment about your favorite jewelry piece from this week's showcase in the Comments section now!
2. The winners will be selected using www.random.org and announced in next week's Friday Findings post.

Written by Posh Mama Susan of Capitola Girl Jewelry and the Capitola Girl blog -- where Every Girl Has a Story (and so should her jewelry!).

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine.

Which came first…the button or the button hole? Well, its really not a riddle…but, in case you don't know the answer… it was the button. Depending on who you talk to, buttons were invented between 3000-5000 years ago and they were worn for decoration, much like we wear a brooch.

Some years later, the Greeks came along and developed the precursor to the button hole -- a decorative threaded loop that was fastened to clothes so the wearer of the garment could run the button through it. When tailored garb became popular in Europe during the 13th Century, the button got functional and started to be cut directly into garments in the style that we know it. Buttons were so popular, the French even formed an official Button Maker's Guild. And, that's the "nutshell" story of how we got the button and the button hole.

Nowadays, buttons are primarily used to fasten clothing. But did you know that many indie jewelry artists use buttons for decorative purposes--much like its original roots? If you love cute-as-a-button decorations as much as I do, then you'll enjoy today's post. So, without further ado, let me show you some of the surprising and creative ways these six indie artists on Etsy are using buttons in their jewelry designs...

Dainty Red Wine Button Charm Bracelet
mrsgibson.etsy.com

Feast your eyes on this richly colored silver-plated button charm bracelet that is full of new and vintage buttons (in berry, burgundy, chianti, and red grape). This gorgeous and feminine Red Wine Button Charm Bracelet closes with a toggle clasp and measures 20 cm in length. Available from mrsgibson.etsy.com.

Triple Red Earrings
iomiss.etsy.com

Delicate and brightly colored nacre buttons are mixed with sterling silver discs. These Triple Red Earrings dangle from silver hooks and are available from iomiss.etsy.com. And as a special for readers, receive a 15% discount on your purchases. Simply enter the code "capitolgirl" in the Message to Seller box and wait for a revised invoice from iomiss. Offer is valid through December 31, 2008.

Red Rose Black Jet Vintage Button Ring
traceyanne.etsy.com

I love the bold and substantial look of this Red Rose Black Jet Vintage Button Ring. Its gets its Gothic look from an old vintage button and features a gorgeous red satin metal rose on the face. The band is 10mm wide and is available from traceyanne.etsy.com.

Modern Art Knotted Button Necklace
edithandlulu.etsy.com

This beautiful Modern Art Necklace was hand-stitched and knotted together by combining muted red buttons and both shiny black and turquoise vintage glass beads on grey silk cord. It closes with a simple sterling silver toggle clasp and is 16.5" in length. Available from edithandlulu.etsy.com.

Dramatically Long Flapper Necklace of Vintage Buttons
stelmadesigns.etsy.com

A long, vintage Flapper Necklace made from vintage buttons that measures 154 cm in length. It's a versatile piece that can be worn long or doubled. Available from stelmadesigns.etsy.com. And as a special for Posh Mama members, receive a 15% discount on your purchases. Visit my original Posh Mama blog post for the discount code. Offer is valid through December 31, 2008.

Bold Buttons Link Bracelet
gemmabeads.etsy.com

A gorgeous, rich red 7.5 in bracelet of Bold Buttons. It's a marvelous mix of new and vintage buttons that is accented by a single red aluminum rose that's been mounted onto a silver finished link bracelet. It also closes with an easy-to-use fold over clasp. Available from gemmabeads.etsy.com.


Well Posh Mamas, I hope you have a fantastic long weekend. Before you go, please congratulate last week's Friday Findings giveaway winners. I'll be contacting you both today via PoshMail for your mailing addresses.

Posh Mama Missy Mohammed - You have won the Half Moon Self-Referential necklace from our giveaway sponsor tillybloom.etsy.com.

Posh Mama 3squares - You have won the Tiny Pink Marble Earrings which feature from giveaway sponsor enthral.etsy.com.

For this week's jewelry giveaway, one (1) lucky Posh Mama who leaves a comment on today's post will be selected next week using www.random.org to win the cute button earrings from this week's giveaway sponsor at www.edithanlulu.com. These upcycled button earrings feature warm, rich coppery plastic buttons with bold fuchsia plastic buttons on oxidized brass wire.

To enter this week's contest:

1. Visit my original Posh Mama blog post and leave a comment about your favorite jewelry piece from this week's showcase in the Comments section now!
2. The winners will be selected using www.random.org and announced in next week's Friday Findings post.

Written by Posh Mama Susan of Capitola Girl Jewelry and the Capitola Girl blog -- where Every Girl Has a Story (and so should her jewelry!).

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine.

Meteorite Rings

Meteorite Rings

Today for Thanksgiving, I wanted to show you a really interesting and unique find from the online marketplace, Etsy. It's a 10K yellow gold ring, available for both men and women, and features a Gibeon meteorite. It was designed by Etsy seller, Ralph Schroetter who runs the yourpersonaljeweller shop.

Ralph has been in the jewelery trade for over 25 years as a designer. He is a both a goldsmith and graduate gemologist and has primarily specialized in high-end jewelery designs featuring diamonds and sapphires.

According to Ralph, the Gibeon Meteorite is classified as a fine octahedrite (IVA) iron meteorite. When polished and etched it shows the characteristic cross-hatching of the Widmanstatten Pattern. The meteorite is said to have healing powers for balance and alignment, a connection to extraterrestrial life, and an unusual energy. And been dated as much as 4 billion years old!

Gifts for Him & Thanksgiving Plans

Gifts for Him & Thanksgiving Plans

I've got one or two more gifts to get, but I'm essentially done with my holiday shopping...so...I kind of feel like I have some time on my hands for the long Thanksgiving weekend (I'm not cooking this year and I'm really excited about it!).

Instead of preparing a Thanksgiving feast for family and friends, I'm thankful that I've been invited to be someone's guest. With the extra time I now have, I've planned a big rearrange and overhaul of my craft room. I got started yesterday and in rummaging through my supplies, I found some cuff link blanks in my stash...so now my Silicon Gallies Next Generation Glass Tiles are available as cufflinks for men.

Pop by my shop to have a look, or visit the Gifts for Men showcase page on Etsy for some other great guy gift ideas for the holidays.

So...what do you have planned for the loooooong Thanksgiving weekend? Are you cooking a feast? Getting together with family and friends? Leave a comment if you want to tell us about your long weekend. And...whatever you do, I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving.