Friday, November 30, 2012

DIY Friday: Art Deco Bracelet

This is one of my favorite DIYs yet. It's just so pretty and will be perfect for dressing up at holiday parties!

You will need:
- Silver twine
- Flat rhinestone "beads"
- Magnetic clasp
- Small silver beads

Step one:
Cut four pieces of silver twine long enough for a bracelet plus knots.

Step two:
String two pieces of silver twine through each side of your "beads."
Step three:
Add a bead to one side, through both strands, and tie a knot.
Step four:
Add a bead to the remaining strands, and secure with a knot.
Step five:
Put both strings (on one end of the bracelet) through the one half of the magnetic clasp, and tie off. Repeat on the other end. 
Finale:

It's one of those bracelets you can dress up or down. Shown here with Lauren Elan Lily bracelet.
Can't wait to try this same look with these beads next:
Happy weekend!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

This or That? Holiday Hair Flair

I tend to think of hair accessories like jewelry. They're ornamental, sparkly, and are sweet additions to your outfit.  No one does hair accessories like Ban.do.  They have a fantastically festive holiday line that includes oversized hair clips and bobby pins, bows, and flowers.

If you were dressing up for a holiday party, which hair accessory would you choose?
Vote in the comments below!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Festively Obsessed

We've got fuzzy sweaters, glitzy jewels, pops of red and gold, warm fur, and toasty beverages in today's festive edition of "obsessed".  Like always, all photos are from my Pinterest jewelry board, but this time all the photos have jewelry plus that "je ne said quois" holiday feel about them. I just love this time of year.  Enjoy!
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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Gift Guide: Your Trendy Friend or Sister

It's hard to believe Christmas is less than one month away! I love the month leading up to Christmas maybe even more than Christmas itself. I can't get enough Christmas carols, baking, decorating, and scheming up the perfect gift for everyone on my list. Today we'll start with the "easy" to buy for people on your list - your best friends or sisters! Why are they easy? Well, because they're the most like you! If you like it, want it, and have it on your list, chances are it's on theirs as well.  Here is my list for your trendy friends, at all price points. Enjoy!

Jennifer Zeuner, Mini Eye & Hamsa Necklace / Anthropologie, Orbiting Rivets Cuff / Lauren Elan, Nova Necklace / Forever 21, Bow Ring / Catbird, Hammered First Knuckle Ring Silver / Giles & Brother, Hook Cuff /  Michael Kors, Slim Runway Watch / Anthropologie, Braided Bracelet / Anthropologie, DIY Friendship Bracelet Kit /  Gabriela Artigas x Sincerely Jules, Mila Necklace &/or Headband

Monday, November 26, 2012

Do or Don't? The Single Earring

A surprising jewelry trend has been popping up here and there, coming and then disappearing again – a single earring! I spotted Diane Kruger, Milla Jovovich, and many others rocking this bold, asymmetrical look. I am all for experimenting with accessories, but do you think this look is a do or a don't? Should earrings always be worn in pairs or is this a look you totally would try?

Let me know in the comments below!

Friday, November 23, 2012

DIY Friday: Silver Beaded Bracelet with Tassel

I know that most of you will be hitting the malls tomorrow in full combat gear, but if you decide to stay home and want to try your hand at making something (instead of buying something) why not try this simple silver beaded bracelet with tassel?  I wanted something delicate that I could layer with my other silver pieces and thought these small, silver plated beads would be perfect. And the tassel? It's there for a bit of pizazz and color.

You will need:
- silver beads
- elastic cord
- embroidery thread in multiple colors
- scissors

Step 1: 
Measure your wrist with doubled elastic cord, leave extra room for tying. Fold elastic in half (doubling) and start stringing beads onto the cord.  Doubling up on the cord does take a little extra stringing time but it's worth the added security and strength.
Step 2:
Continue stringing beads until you have enough to encircle your wrist.  Tie a double knot (pulling tightly) and snip your ends.
Step 3:
Cut 2 inches of embroidery thread in each color. Fold them in half over the knot. Take another 2 inch strand and tie around the thread (double knot) at the top.  Trim the ends.
 Ta Da!
I frayed the ends a little more by separating the thread for a fuller look. Then I paired it with another silver bracelet to complete the look.  
 Stay tuned for a DIY on the floral, crystal bracelet I made (wearing above) next Friday!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Winner, Winner + Thanks

I am thrilled to announce the winner of the Lauren Elan Astin bracelet giveaway. This was our most popular giveaway yet, and want to thank you all for entering and for Lauren's generosity! 

Drum roll please...

Meaghan (comment #4) you've won the Astin bracelet and 25% off your next Lauren Elan purchase! I'll be in touch about your mailing address!
 
I know that today is American Thanksgiving so I just wanted to take the time to thank my readers for continuing to support Jolie Jouel. Your comments and support mean so much to me! I have a lot to be thankful for this year and am definitely taking the day to reflect.  
What are you thankful for today?

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Designer Spotlight: Pennyroyal

Designer Tim Foster decided to leave the recording industry in 2006 after discovering a new passion for jewelry-making while creating a gift for his girlfriend.  What followed was Pennyroyal Studio and a slew of edgy, inspiring, handmade collections. Keep reading for more on Tim's career and insight into the life of a jewelry designer.

Let's start at the beginning. How did you get into jewelry design? Are you formally trained, self-taught, or some combination of the two? 

Before I was a designer, I worked in artist development and marketing at a major record company and after about 6 years I was looking for a way out as the industry was changing very quickly.  I made a Christmas gift for my girlfriend out of a penny from my birth year that I hammered into a rough shape and hung from a cord.   I loved the process of creating an object that was imperfect and meaningful and that started me on the path of becoming a designer full time.  I bought as many books as I could and watched videos online and started buying and improvising tools to teach myself how to work with silver.   One year later I left my job at the record company and launched the first version of the Pennyroyal website with just 7 designs.   Over the past 6 years, I've had some training in various techniques but for the most part I was self taught.   

What inspires your designs?

When I first started, all my designs were inspired by music. They were named after songs and often featured imagery from the songs they were inspired by like "Learning to Fly", "All You Need Is Love", and "Shine On You Crazy Diamond". I've always compared my design process to the songwriting and recording process.   I like things to be a little bit imperfect so they have that handmade human quality. I've never been a fan of music that is overly produced and too polished, and I embrace that same philosophy in my jewelry design. These days my designs still embrace imperfection, but I find inspiration in a lot of different places.  It's very creatively freeing to allow yourself to be open to different types of inspiration.  My latest collection for women, called The Empire Collection was inspired by Art Deco art and architecture. It's a departure for me because I've never really done anything that involves so many straight lines, but the combination of my imperfect, handcrafted texture and the straight bold lines makes what I hope people think is a unique take on the style.  
 
I love how you also design jewelry for men. Many designers overlook this market. How is designing for men different and how has the feedback been?

Designing for men is really easy for me because, well... I am a man. So I just design stuff I would want to wear and lean on texture and simplicity. Designing for women is the more challenging one for me but I do a lot of research and I have some really great women in my life both personally and professionally who I bounce ideas off and make test designs for all the time.  

Being a jewelry designer, what do you like best about your job? What are some of the trials or toughest parts of running your own business?

My favorite thing about being a jewelry designer is the actual process of designing jewelry.  Whether it's working on a custom design for a customer or drawing and carving my own ideas, its easy to get lost in that process.  I also love the business side of things, so it's relatively easy to switch back and forth between the two whenever needed and that keeps me from getting burned out on one or the other.  I think running any kind of business is a very difficult thing to do, but when you love what you do it's easy to get up every day and face whatever challenges happen to come up.

What is your typical day like?

I don't really have a typical day.  I'm really into making lists, so the beginning of the day always starts with making the plan of attack.  After that, it's anybody's guess what might happen, but that's what keeps it interesting.  Some days I'm carving wax and sketching ideas, and dealing with website issues.  Other days I'm back and forth on email hashing out details of custom designs for individual customers.  Some days I'm in the car for a few hours driving around LA going to meetings, and some days I get a phone call or email in the middle of my plan that sends me off in a completely different direction.  

If you could go back and give your 20 year old self some advice, what would it be?

The only advice I would give to anyone who is 20 would be to embrace the mistakes you make in life and learn from them.  Nobody has a magic answer that will make you happy, or make you more money, or find you the perfect mate.  You just have to commit to your own journey, follow your instincts and make the best of whatever comes.  But also, I would tell my 20 year old self to invest everything you can in a new company called "Facebook".

Thanks Tim!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Bejeweled Winter Accessories

There is a nip in the air that wasn't there a month ago. It's time to cover your ears, wrap your necks, and protect your hands with fun winter accessories. Instead of going purely for function, look for scarves, hats, and gloves with a little extra flair! I've noticed lots of brands adding a little bling or a dash of gems to their winter accessories this year. See below for my picks for the best bejeweled winter accessories!

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Gloves, Piperlime 
2. Pearl Embellished Headband, Topshop 
3. Kate Spade Gloves, Piperlime 
4. Michael Kors Hat, Piperlime 
5. Kate Spade Beret, Piperlime 
6. Juicy Couture Toque, Piperlime 
7. Juicy Couture Gloves, Piperlime  
8. Kate Spade Scarf, Piperlime   
9. Alice Hannah Gem And Bead Scarf, Topshop

Will you be rocking bejeweled winter accessories this season? 

Monday, November 19, 2012

Shop Spotlight: The Hunted Few

As a Canadian, a jewelry lover, and an avid online shopper, I can't tell you how irksome is it to decide to spend the money on a special piece of jewelry, and have the shipping, taxes, and duty equal the price of the bauble in question.  Countless times I've gotten to the check-out portion of the purchase, only to see a whopping shipping price added on or a sad disclaimer that the shop doesn't ship to my region.  Imagine my excitement when I stumbled across The Hunted Few - a shop that caters to finding hard to reach products for Canadians, without the astronomical international shipping.

Meet The Hunted Few Owner, Lauren Stope.

Tell us about The Hunted Few and the idea behind your shop.

The Hunted Few came about as a way to share my loves with others. Everything in the shop is something I have previously purchased for myself and wanted to make available to the Canadian market. Each and every item available in the shop is something I stand behind and hope everyone will enjoy as much I have!

What made you want to start the Hunted Few?

I am a huge online shopper. As many Canadian shoppers know it can be frustrating trying to track down products locally. So often designers charge an arm and a leg for shipping or elect to not ship up here at all. I clearly remember finding a tiny piece of jewelry I wanted but the store was asking for $45 shipping and in that moment I thought to myself – there must be a better way!


What are you looking for when considering to have a product in your shop?

First and foremost I need to be able to stand behind the designer or company. I really value relationships and believe that knowing the makers behind the lines is of the utmost importance. The item needs to be really high quality but at good price. And for all of the apothecary items they need to meet my health standards in terms of organics and natural formulations where possible.

Can you tell us about some future jewelry lines you're planing on or hoping to carry in the near future?

We have a new jewelry line arriving this week that I am really excited about! Young Frankk is an amazing independent line from designer Christine Young and perfectly fits the hunted few's roster of  beautiful, hand made, quality goods. I think our customers will love Young Frankk – lots of gorgeous textured pieces in rich colours for fall like bronze and copper. I can't wait for everyone to see the collection!

What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs or hopeful shop owners?

Be brave and make your move. The hardest part is taking that first step but once you do you'll find yourself wondering what took you so long!

Thanks, Lauren!

Friday, November 16, 2012

Obsessed

Behold, a little jewelry inspiration for your Friday! All images are from my Pinterest on the Jewelry board. Enjoy!

pc: shop planet blue / refined style tumblr / atlantic-pacific / sincerely, jules / the couture consumer tumblr / cisthene tumblr / runway to real life / gemgossip / yelp.com / lauren elan's instagram /

***Don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY for 
a Lauren Elan Astin bracelet + 25% off of your next order! ***

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Line Lust: Lauren Elan's Winter Collection + Giveaway!

I've been a long time fan of Lauren Elan's eye catching, colorful jewelry collection.  Her 'Winter Collection' was released last week and it does not disappoint.

The collection was inspired by a star-filled, snowy, winter night sky (sigh) and features a five piece mix of finer gold items, a dazzling rhinestone and chain necklace, and a bracelet duo. The finer items are a first for Lauren Elan, but like everything she does, they're gorgeous and on trend.  You can wear these delicate pieces alone for a simpler look, or combine some of the finer pieces for an eye catching layered look. And don't fret, there are a couple of classic Lauren Elan statement pieces that are just perfect for holiday parties and events. I love them all.
Giveaway:
I am thrilled to announce that one lucky Jolie Jouel reader and Lauren Elan fan has the chance to win the Astin bracelet! The Astin bracelet features a tiny arrow held together with delicate 18K gold plated chain. Lauren will also generously give the winner 25% off their next purchase on laurenelan.com.
Above: Lauren Eland Astin Bracelet (also shown, the Lauren Elan Bella Bracelet)

To Enter:
1) Visit www.laurenelan.com and leave a comment below telling me which Lauren Elan piece is your favorite. There are lots of beautiful pieces on her site that aren't featured in this 'Winter Collection' post.
2) Follow @JolieJouel on Twitter!

Bonus entry:
- Follow @Lauren_Elan on Twitter

***contest closed***

Good luck!
 
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