Capitola Girl Jewelry Blog

Saturday Sparkle: Fall Color

2009-11-07T12:45:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning to clear crisp skies, turning leaves, and the gentle sound of wind rustling the trees outside. That put me in the mood for fall. I love autumn colors -- warm buttery yellows, soft citrines, rustic coppers, and rich carnelians...

So, before I get off to doing my Saturday chores (autumn decorating is on today's to-do list), I thought I'd pop into the Saturday Sparkle Handmade Jewelry group on Flickr to find some inspiration and lovely fall colors. So, without further ado, here are some of the beautiful pieces being created by independent jewelry artists this autumn:

Winds in Autumn

from www.vagabondjewelry.net
~~~

Carnelian with Turquoise and Citrine
from nicolayoondesign.etsy.com
~~~

Carved Citrine Earrings
from msbelle.etsy.com
~~~

Bumble Bee Earrings
from lunedesigns.etsy.com
~~~

Mixed Autumn Leaves
from alibalijewellery.etsy.com
~~~

Happy Saturday
(and keep sparkling!)

New in Shop this Week

2009-11-06T12:12:00.000-08:00

One of the things I've long wanted to do is to try to improve my ability to take photographs on my jewelry for my shop. This week, I had time to get a little more creative than I've been in the past. I wracked my brain, hunted and sorted through all the tchotchkes around my house and found some interesting things to use as photo props. Here's the result:

Anyway, its a nice almost-warm, almost-winter day. So, I'm off to run errands and have a lunch with one of my friends.

Happy Friday!

The Tech Lover Gift Guide

2009-11-02T13:40:00.000-08:00

A quick shout out of thanks to the folks over at Etsy.com for showcasing my Silicon Gallies QT pendant in "The Tech Lover" gift guides!

New in Shop: Dancing Whimsy

2009-10-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

Saturday Sparkle: Halloween Pendants

2009-10-17T09:14:00.000-07:00

Who Sparkled This Saturday?

It's been awhile since I wrote a Saturday Sparkle post, but with Halloween only two weeks away, I thought it would be fun to showcase some creative Halloween themed pendants that were uploaded to the Handmade Jewelry: Saturday Sparkle group on Flickr recently.

I love really like these pendants because they feature original photographs, lead-free solder, and creative beadwork. They were crafted by a Berkeley-based photographer and jewelry artist Stefanie Kraus and available at the stefaniekraus.etsy.com shop.

Be sure to visit Stefanie's Etsy shop at: http://stefaniekraus.etsy.com/

Happy Saturday and Keep Sparkling!

Capitola Girl Shop: Etsy Weekend Deal for 9/16/2009-9/18/2009

2009-10-16T09:41:00.000-07:00

Take 10% off all items from my capitolagirl.etsy.com shop! Simply type 'weekend deals' in message to seller at checkout and the discount will be promptly refunded via PayPal. This offer is valid Friday, September 16 through Sunday, September 18 2909 only.

Saturday Sparkle: New Pearls in Shop

2009-10-10T13:26:00.000-07:00

The weather changed so mornings and nights are cold, so I've been having fun this week turning on re-runs of Sex and the City and making holiday jewelry for dressing with glass pearls, copper components and gold chain. Here's a peek at what's new in my shop this week...'

margaux

glass pearl and gold chain dangle earrings
~~~

luce

glass pearl and gold chain dangle earrings
~~~

juliette
glass pearl and gold chain dangle earrings
~~~`

dominique
glass pearl and gold chain dangle earring
~~~

claire
glass pearl and copper dangle earrings
~~~

chantal
glass pearl and gold chain dangle earrings
~~~

capucine
glass pearl and gold chain dangle earrings
~~~

Etsy: Winter Fashion & Accessories Showcase

2009-10-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Pop by and see today's Winter Fashion & Accessories showcase on Etsy.

Just Beacuse

2009-09-13T09:29:00.001-07:00

A shout out of thanks to fellow Fashion, Design & Lifestyle team member Barbara from the mylittleaura shop on Etsy for including my Kelp Forest earrings in her "Just Because" treasury today...

That was a great way to wake up on a foggy Sunday morning!

OK. Enough Moping.

2009-09-12T08:10:00.000-07:00

So last night's post was a little emotional for my taste, so I deleted it.

In case you missed it...it basically detailed that I had a bad breakup this week.... All I can say is... last nights writing was the result of some incoherent, drunk blogging. I don't recommend it. Anyway, today is a new day and whatever answers I thought needed...are ones that must be answered in my own way. Sometimes, people are unable to give us the closure that we think we deserve and need. For me, its back to the business of finding closure about the end of an intolerable situation in my own way.

So, for the first time in many, many weeks...I'm getting back to me by spending my day making jewelry. Its time to start worrying about who I am and want to be for a change. And, to stop handing power over to someone who seems to be entirely incapable of getting me or appreciating me.

Anyway...my best girls just left after an amazingly great hour of morning coffee. I'm really grateful to have some true friends who are happy to prop me up in my times of need. And, they keep me around, because they know that whenever they need me... I'll show up to for their aid with some seriously awesome earrings.

Happy Saturday!

Cool Quote

2009-09-08T12:12:00.001-07:00

I've been at a crossroads in life, a sort of limbo. I got this quote from a friend today, thought it was good:

“Every decision you make - every decision - is not a decision about what to do. It's a decision about Who You Are. When you see this, when you understand it, everything changes. You begin to see life in a new way. All events, occurrences, and situations turn into opportunities to do what you came here to do.”

- Neale Donald Walsch, Author of Conversations With God

Bold Blues & Retro Reds

2009-08-12T10:41:00.000-07:00

Finally! Its been weeks since I've been logged onto Etsy at Treasury Time. But today I was able to nab and curate a Treasury West....enjoy :)

Happy Wednesday! This Twest expires August 15th.

SVRG's Hot August Fights

2009-08-02T16:51:00.000-07:00

Capitola Girl Jewelry will be at the Silicon Valley Roller Girl's
2nd Annual "Hot August Fights"
Saturday, August 8, 2009 at San Jose Skate

Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
Don't miss it!

For more info, visit:

http://www.svrollergirls.com/
http://svrollergirls.wordpress.com/

Saturday Sparkle: Blue Green

2009-07-18T09:21:00.000-07:00

Saturday Sparkle: Blue Green

Its been a long time since I've written a Saturday Sparkle post, but this morning, I got the blogging bug. I'm going to a Blue-themed party by the ocean today, so I thought I'd check out the Handmade Jewelry: Saturday Sparkle group on Flickr for some inspiration. So without further ado, here's some beautiful blue/green jewelry for summer submitted by Saturday Sparkle group members. Enjoy!

Cast Seed Necklace
serenakuhl.etsy.com
~~~

Cathedral Glass Earrings Blue Green

patspotpourri.etsy.com
~~~

Atlantis
www.lorianderson.net
~~~

Reef Brio
www.kateydesigns.com
~~~

Laguna

beakee
~~~

Indian Summer Choker
abgift.etsy.com
~~~

2009-07-11T15:44:00.001-07:00

Happy Fourth of July!

2009-07-03T11:50:00.001-07:00

I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Featured on SBH Blog

2009-06-23T08:04:00.000-07:00

A big thanks to Rebecca at the Shop By Hand Blog for featuring my Neopolitan Earrings in her Neopolitan Goddess Showcase on the Shop by Hand blog today. Here's a link to her post:

I'm still working a bunch and that has been keeping me away from blogging for a few weeks. But, I'll be back more often and with regular columns soon.

IFB Links a la Mode: June 11

2009-06-11T07:54:00.001-07:00

Happiness is being a free bird…

Edited by Jennine of IFB & The Coveted

Oddly enough since we moved over to the editorial selection, I’ve never selected the links, and I really have to tell you choosing this week’s roundup was tough, so many great links, I had a hard time picking!

Well, here we are in the midst of summer, this year you can’t click twice without hitting a blog giveaway, as we’ve got great giveaways on Bobbins and Bombshells, Style Symmetry, Fashion Hippo and The Coveted, and if that’s not enough, IFB has a couple of great links to more contests. Whew. And while ‘free’ doesn’t always mean stuff you don’t have to pay for, it can also mean free as in stuff you can’t pay for, Decline Designs takes inspiration to two free spirited cinematic heroines with vivid imaginations, Brick My Lane will add rock and roll to your dancing feet, and free minded bloggers 39th and Broadway, Curvy Fashionista and Pursed Lips question the fashion industry.

Links à la Mode : June 11th

39th and Broadway – What the end of an era of fashion excess means for the industry

Bobbins and Bombshells – Celebrating first anniversary with a beauty of a give away! The prize: Pin-Up Cosmetics!

BRICK MY LANE – How to give shoes a rock’n'roll edge using simple DIY ideas.

CUTEMESS – How Trevor the horse and an Australian Kangaroo Paw flower came to rest on a Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent dress.

Debutante Clothing – Interviews celebrity favorite vintage costume maven Carol Tanenbaum

Decline Designs – Defining Your Personal Style, Part Three: Using Your Inspiration

Dirty Dirty Laundry – KABLUEY! Check out my venture into the world of blue monochromatic fashion.

Fashion Grail – Love the way Chloe Sevigny perfectly combines the elegance of a scalloped Chloe blazer and cut off shorts.

Fashion Hippo – Three lucky readers will receive this tee as a prize. Loved by Kate Moss and many other celebrities. Ends June 18th.

Hong Kong Fashion Geek – Update your look for less – Resort 2010 looks for recessionistas

Independent Fashion Bloggers – Giveaway sites for freebie junkies.

MissRedLips – In Defense of Brooches

Pursed Lips Magazine – The CFDA Fashion Design Awards Promotes their Photoshoot, with None of the Women Nominees. Is something fishy?

Retro Chick – Mary Queen of Charity Shops – The Review

Style on the street – Alison Stephens, the new it model

Style Symmetry – Vintage Snakeskin Bracelet Giveaway!

Super Kawaii Mama – Meet Aleshia Brevard. A Vintage Style Icon you’ll never forget!

The Capitol Fashionista – Fashion Nostalgia: The Beautiful Covers of British Vogue

THE COVETED – The perfect giveaway for vintage lovers… win at Rice & Beans Vintage.

The Curvy Fashionista – The State of the Curvy Community Panel Discussion at Full Figure Fashion Week

the nerdlings – The photo shoot started off well. But words were spoken that shouldn’t have been spoken and everything else just descended into chaos.

Yart Sale on Etsy: June 10-14, 2009

2009-06-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

SECOND ANNUAL YART SALE on Etsy

I am participating in the Yart Sale on Etsy sponsored by Team ESST.

Now through 6/14/2009, when you buy clearance items from the YART SALE section of my shop, you'll get a PayPal refund off the price of each clearance item purchased:

~ Buy 2 items from the YART SALE section of my shop and get an additional 10% off each clearance item.

~ Buy 3 or more items from the YART SALE section of my shop and get an additional 20% off each clearance item.
—————————

Hurry! The YART SALE ends Sunday, June 14, 2009

On a Blog Hiatus

2009-06-03T08:37:00.000-07:00

I haven't updated my blog in many days with good reason (I've been working overtime). So, I thought I should at least pop in for a quick post to explain why. With my new job, I'm writing all day and for long hours, so for at least the next few weeks...blogging will have to take second stage. But, I'll be back to blogging someday soon :)

Friday Findings: The Games Jewelry Play

2009-05-29T08:42:00.000-07:00

Don't you love to be entertained? When I was a kid, television and video games were just starting to grow in popularity. So, me and my friends passed the time building puzzles, throwing dice, playing dominoes and testing our mental acuity with Mah Jong. As we became of age, we even passed the time gambling with lady luck on the slot machines.

If you love playing games of skill and chance like me, I'm positive that you will adore the pieces of jewelry in today's Friday Findings showcase, which celebrates popular games and past times. And another amazing fact? Every game in today's assortment is entirely hand made using both the wits and skills of a talented seller at the online marketplace, Etsy.

Gamesmanship No. 2
TimeAndMaterials

A gorgeous double-strand stretch bracelet with a recycled Domino and Mah Jong tile focal points are accented by a standout combo of wood, horn, soapstone and coco beads. The bracelet lights up with its bright spots of copper, lime, amethyst, lavender, burgundy and gold. Available from TimeAndMaterials.

Lucky Sevens Peyote Cuff
SandFibers

If you love playing the slots, this amazing handwoven Lucky Sevens bracelet should bring you some luck into your wrist. The bracelet features delica beads woven using a peyote stitch with accents in black, white, galvanized hematite, and silver lined frosted ruby, and pearl grey. Available from SandFibers.

Vintage BINGO Bracelet
junkiejools

This jewelry maker offers a wide variety of one-of-a-kind "Junk" bracelets and one of my favorites is this one. It's created from a variety of vintage BINGO game pieces and buttons. The pieces are attached to a 7.25 inch sterling-plated base and it comes gift wrapped. Available from junkiejools.

Piece and Love Necklace
mcflashpants

This Lisa and Nicky "Piece and Love" necklace is hand cast from recycled sterling silver scraps and fit together like a puzzle. Each piece in this puzzle is approximately 1" square and is sold separately. A portion of the proceeds are also donated by the seller to Greenpeace. Available from mcflashpants.

To Die For Earrings
TruniqueDesigns

Two pairs of dice are cleverly reused by this jewelry maker who takes recycled dice and turns them into unique beads. They hang on sterling silver earring wires and are accented with clear Swarovski crystal cubes. Available from TruniqueDesigns.

Domino Bracelet
starkitty1969

The cute stretch bracelet is created from recycled dominoes and beads. And, the shop owner generously donates all of the proceeds from her items to the Cocheco Valley Humane Society. Available from starkitty1969.

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.

IFB Links à la Mode : May 28th

2009-05-28T09:57:00.000-07:00

Stylist Melting Pot

Edited by Clutch 22

This week’s edition of Links a la Mode includes a variety of style tips, collectively helping us all achieve wardrobe domination. Dirty Laundry gets creative with monochromatic colors, we have a juicy American Apparel shopping tip from The Coveted, Capitola Girl introduces us to new wooden accessories for summer and Vulgar Moon even shows us how to look good in sweatpants. Be sure to check out all the links and feel free to let us know which posts are your favorites!

Links à la Mode : May 28th

A Typical Atypical: How to wear the fashion of the eclectic makeup style of the the Dresden Dolls

Agent Dreamer: An interview with Izzy of The Dandy Project

Capitola Girl: Modern wood designs for summer accessories

Decline Designs: Defining your personal style, part two - the essentials

Dirty Laundry: Monochromatic style exploration

Fashion Grail: A few modifications for one of Sienna Miller’s go-to looks

Fashion Matchmaker: Fashion at the Cannes Film Festival

Felicia Sullivan: Score ten amazing summer pieces for under $100

Pop Your Fashion Pill: 4 DIY necklaces in 30 minutes using safety pins: No scissors, pliers or hooked used!

Retro Chick: Showcasing Kristinit for this month’s Ethical Design Spotlight

Style Symmetry: Eyeliah celebrates her 1,000th post with a snazzy reader giveaway

The Coveted: Who Knew? Over 50% off American Apparel deals on Amazon

The Demoiselles: Translating boyception - how they perceive our style

Unfunded: The many ways to play with ShopStyle ranging from shopping to blog content

Vulgar Moon: How to enjoy the comfort of sweatpants while still looking good

Style on the street: My outfit and a style advice for the next Fall-Winter

Yes Please Mademoiselle: Introducing french label ‘The Kooples’.

Felicia Sullivan: Score ten amazing summer pieces for under $100

Super Kawaii Mama: Creating an Everyday Glamour Girl Makeup Look - a video tutorial.

Fun, Flat Broke and Fabulous : 7 Questions to ask yourself before you buy.

Independent Fashion Bloggers: Essential Wordpress Plugins for Fashion Bloggers

Etsy Finds: 48 Hours of Deals for Dad

2009-05-26T15:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday. After a long weekend, its time to start thinking about the next big day. And, with Father's Day less than a month away, the online marketplace Etsy is talking about 48-Hours of Deals for Dads on The Storque Spotlight. To read the deals from Etsy sellers like me, click the graphic below.

And, I'd like to say thanks to the story writer, MaryMary, for including my 48-Hour Deal for Dads in her Etsy Finds article published today.
Between 5/26-5/27/2009 only, buyers who complete the PayPal purchase for a pair of computer key cufflinks from my Silicon Gallies for Him collection, you will receive 20% off the item price (which will promptly be refunded to you via PayPal). To receive this discount, enter this promo code in the Message to Seller box during checkout:

"DEAR OLD DAD."

(The above code is valid on cuff links purchased
between May 26-May 27, 2009 only)

Have a great day!

For Those Who Celebrate: Have a Wonderful Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-23T19:49:00.000-07:00

I'll be back after the long weekend!

Friday Findings: Going with the Grain

2009-05-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

I love wearing wood jewelry in the summer and since summer is fast on the approach, I thought that this week…I'd go with the grain for a change! So on my travels through the amazing online marketplace, Etsy, I found some collection of fantastic wooden adorments to share with you today. This week's picks offer contemporary, modern looks as well as the exciting three-dimensional texture and organic appeal that's inherent to wood. So without further ado, enjoy today's Friday Findings showcase:

STIX Earrings
Omerica

Omerica Organics is a small company that specializes in high quality wood body and jewelry adornments created with 100% wind energy. One of my favorite pieces in their collection are these STIX earrings. The pair is available in six varieties of wood and backed with nickel-free sterling silver posts. . Available from omerica.etsy.com. To see a larger selection of their products, visit the Omerica Organics website at : www.omericaorganic.com.

Sun Ray Earrings
miostudio

I love the clean and modern lines of these dramatic earrings. The pair is hand carved and fabricated from dark Ebony and measure 2" in length. They hang from sterling silver french wire earring hooks and are available at miostudio.etsy.com, a shop run by artists Muñiz and Erica Millner who hand carve and sand every piece in their collection. For more information, visit their website at www.miostudio.com.

Madera Heliconia 2 Petals Recycled Wood Necklace
galerieurbana

These dazzling modern petals are just one of the designs available from two-women artists and now run the galerieurbana.etsy.com shop. Their Two Petals Necklace is created with recycled Madera wood from Columbia and silver Heliconica, and is also available in a variety of finishes. The necklace is a lightweight aluminum. To see more of their designs, visit their website at: www.galerieurbana.com
.
And as a special for readers, galerieurbana is offering all readers a 10% discount coupon code to use towards your online purchases. To receive the coupon code, send an email to sales [at] galerieurbana.com and mention that you read about their 10% off promotion on Capitola Girl's Posh Mama Friday Findings post.

Woody
RAAW

These gorgeous grain and gold combination has an airy and light style. The pair is designed by RAAW, a Los Angeles-based mother and two daughter team who create a variety of delightful pieces inspired by nature. RAAW designs have been sold at a number of trendy boutiques including Lisa Kline in Los Angeles, CA and Sirens & Sailors in Echo Park. Their designs are also available online at raawjewelry.etsy.com.

Birch Bark Earrings
Dreamspiralart

I love the mixture of deep wood color and timeless texture in this pretty pair created by a metal jewelry artist from Richmond, VA. She creates wearable art from an unassuming studio behind a 100-year old farmhouse. This pair is created with birch bark sealed in clear resin and set into sterling silver. Each circle is approximately 8mm in diameter and the pair is 1" in length. It can be purchased with sterling silver posts or earring wires. Available from dreamspiralart.etsy.com.

Well...although I really "wood" love to show you more, its time to get the weekend started Posh Pals! So if today's collection left you feeling inspired, please leave a comment to let our featured artists know the pieces you enjoyed most. Have a happy Friday!

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.