Monday, November 19, 2007

I'm finally done with my 2007 holiday shows! It's been crazy with shows every weekend. Haven't had much time for my dogs, my poor husband, or myself! But I had my last show over the weekend and now will be relaxing and getting ready for the holidays. I plan on spending December playing with all of my PMC and perfecting some techniques. Hopefully I'll have lots of neat fine silver pendants and designs to show off at the end of the year.

A little news in my life... I'll be testing my wonderful beautiful amazing German Shepherd for his Canine Good Citizenship and Therapy Dog International certifications on November 30. I'm really looking forward to it and have been working with him on all the requirements. If he's not a total bonehead, he'll pass with flying colors. I've worked with him in manners and obedience since he was a pup, so he knows everything he's supposed to do. Wish us luck!!

Friday, October 26, 2007

Just a quick note about my upcoming holiday shows... I have lots more to talk about, but need photos to go along with the text! I'll write more in the next few days.

I have a very special coupon offer for my public shows for members of my newsletter. Sign up at www.symphonyjewels.com to take advantage of this offer and future specials.

2007 Holiday Show Schedule

Oct 28, Sunday, 10am-4pm
McHenry County College
8900 Hwy 14, Crystal Lake. My booth is located in the gym.

Nov 4, Sunday, 10am-4pm
With wine-tasting from noon-4pm
Barrington Park District
235 Lions Drive, Barrington

Nov 8, Thu, 11am-9pm
Nov 9, Fri, 10am-9pm
Nov 10, Sat, 10am-9pm
Nov 11, Sun, 10am-5pm
Arlington Race Track
2200 W. Euclid, Arlington Heights

Nov 17, Saturday, 9am-4pm
Crystal Lake South High School
1200 S. McHenry Ave, Crystal Lake

Saturday, August 18, 2007





Summer 2007 Newsletter


Happy summer! I wanted to send out a quick little newsletter. I realized I have lots and lots of news, so I better share it before I forget!

ART FAIR SCHEDULE

Due to the time constraints of my former job, I wasn’t able to sign up for too many shows this year. I have one left for the summer. No year end shows are confirmed yet, so this may be my last public show for the year. It’s a nice fine arts fair in a beautiful setting!

Sunday, August 26
North School Park in Arlington Heights

410 N. Arlington Heights Rd, near downtown Arlington Heights

I’ll have some great little deals for this show too. Buy any necklace and receive free matching earrings. Also, buy 4 pairs of earrings, get a 5th free.


LOCAL RETAILERS

I also have my jewelry in 3 stores now, and I’m actively pursuing more. You can find my jewelry at:

My Girlfriend’s Closet Boutique, 528 N. Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville
4 CCCC’s jewelry store, 2020 Rte. 12, Unit C, Spring Grove
Woodland Grove Gallery, Robert Parker Coffin Rd, Long Grove


NEW PRODUCTS

I have started making my own silver. I have always wanted to carry my own line of silver pendants, charms, beads, jewelry, and I am finally now casting my own molds and creating one-of-a-kind fine silver pieces. Here is a sample photo of one of my pieces. I wanted a necklace that could easily be worn with jeans and a t-shirt, so this funky little casual piece was perfect! This shows one of my handmade silver pendants.

I am also learning how to make my own fused glass. My focus with the glass is to incorporate them into my silver pendants.


FUN NEW STUFF

Those of you who haven’t seen me in a while, most of my inventory is brand new this season. There are a couple of classic designs that are super-popular that I will keep around forever, but most of my current line is new, fresh and, as always, very limited production.

I also started working with a woman who makes all of her own diamond-cut pewter pendants. We’re collaborating on some new ideas… here’s a photo of a rose pendant I requested she make for me. It’s a really neat piece!


HOME PARTIES

Now that I have come home from work to concentrate on my jewelry business, I am actively booking home parties. If you’d like to host a jewelry home party (I guarantee, they’re a blast, everyone loves them!!), here are some of the benefits as hostess:
You and your guests receive 15% of all listed retail prices on all jewelry.
You receive 10% of the total sales (less sales tax) towards your jewelry purchase.
You receive a free pair of earrings, valued up to $20.
You receive $20 towards your jewelry purchase if you have 20 or more guests.
You receive $10 towards your jewelry purchase for each home party booked from yours.

People usually keep it pretty simple. Wine and cheese, or coffee and desserts, or just some chips and dip. One gal kept it practically stress-free and ordered the party size Subway sandwiches.

Now that I’m home, I can do evening or weekend shows. I have available time slots, but people are already planning some Oct & Nov shows to prepare for the holidays. Yes, the holidays are practically around the corner!!

Please come out and see me at my Arlington Heights show. It will be great to see some familiar faces! Wish me nice weather! Thanks for your support!

Thursday, August 09, 2007


"Hollywood Here I Come!"

That's the goal, at least! I haven't shared that with all of you yet, but my goal for my jewelry is to see a celebrity wearing it in a magazine or on TV. I'm working on it! Tedious task, it is.
On a smaller scale, I am now selling my jewelry through some local shops. I will be adding more as time goes by and as I meet with more store owners, but for now my designs are currently in My Girlfriend's Closet Boutique in Libertyville, IL, 4 CCCC's jewelry store in Spring Grove, IL and Woodland Grove Gallery in Long Grove, IL. I am working on a Barrington account and some out of state accounts. I will soon be pursuing some other nearby towns and will keep everyone posted on my blog and website.

More news, I recently found a woman who does all of her own handcrafted pewter pendants. She designs her own molds and diamond cuts all of her pieces. Her work is beautiful and I am very happy with these new fun designs using her pendants. This photo shows one of her southwestern flavor pendants with turquoise, fancy jasper, rutilated quartz, Swarovski crystals and sterling silver. I have a couple girlier pieces too... a large oval-framed unicorn pendant with pink opal, peachy-pink button pearls and sparkly peachy-pink Swarovski crystals. Also a really neat sanddollar pendant with sea opal, pearls and crystals, in blue, gold and ivory tones. I'll post photos of those in the near future.
I have one more art show at the end of this month. I'll get that information posted soon too. It's a fun show in Arlington Heights in a beautiful park.
I am also starting to make my own silver pieces. Right now I am mastering the art of molding and cutting & drawing designs on the molds. I cast several new pieces tonight and some of them are super-fun!! I expect to have these available in the fall or winter. My jewelry designs will feature them and I will also have pendants and charms available for purchase alone or with sterling silver chain or suede/leather cord.
I think that about covers it for now! I hope you're all enjoying your summer!

Monday, April 16, 2007


This is a brand new necklace that I created last week. I purchased some artisan lampwork beads that I just fell in love with!!! The day after I made the necklace, I wore it, and someone bought it from me. I was actually planning on keeping it for myself... I've been drooling over these beads trying to decide what to do with them that would fit me and my outfits perfectly! But the right buyer came along and it now has a new home. Afterall, I can't keep them all... and if someone else is that in love with my jewelry, she deserves to enjoy it as well.

Sunday, March 18, 2007

"Wanderlust"
Chunky aquamarine nuggets soften this dark and dramatic necklace with faceted smoky quartz rondelles and smoky quartz AB Swarovski crystals. A large sterling silver Bali piece adds a detailed focal point.
http://www.symphonyjewels.com/catalog/item/1853055/3984135.htm