Pineapple Sugar

Pineapple Sugar featured in blog

noreply@blogger.com (christie) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:26:00 +0000

My friend, Sandi, of Sassy Glass Designs just featured Pineapple Sugar line in her blog as one of her new Etsy favorites and also included my shop's Etsy mini! Thanks, Sandi!

Tropical find!

noreply@blogger.com (christie) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:44:00 +0000

I'm always on the lookout for organic, fair trade products. While at the mall this weekend (someplace I rarely frequent), I stumbled upon these fabulously, tropical, bronzed beach body-scented, coconut lotion from The Body Shop:

And there's not just lotion- The Body Shop has an entire line of coconutty organic goodness and every purchase supports small, organic coconut farmers in Samoa. Stock up!

New "Under 20 Dollars" section at Pineapple Sugar on Etsy

noreply@blogger.com (christie) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 21:18:00 +0000

So, the economy sucks, but you can still get pretty, handmade jewelry. I added a new section to my shop- everything is 20 dollars or less. I'll be adding more pieces, so check back often! Happy shopping!

Sand and surf

noreply@blogger.com (christie) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:51:00 +0000

Unfortunately, D and I couldn't make it to the beach this weekend, but here are some pictures I took on our most recent weekend trip to the beach.

4th of July Find!

noreply@blogger.com (christie) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:40:00 +0000

This genuine beach glass handmade necklace by Artwear by Mona is a chic, subtle nod to Independence Day.

Sweet silver earrings

noreply@blogger.com (christie) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 13:44:00 +0000

These handmade sterling silver sand dollar earrings by Norma of Beachcombers Cove are just too cute. And perfectly beachy.

Stop over at Beachcombers Cove on Etsy for this and other perfectly beachy finds.

Surfer girl find

noreply@blogger.com (christie) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:36:00 +0000

I lurve Roxy for its relaxed weekend wear. When I wear Roxy clothes, I feel like a surfer girl, even if I live in landlocked Pennsylvania (for now). I need this tropical top.

Stuff, goals and random thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (christie) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:49:00 +0000

I daydream a lot. Which isn't to say that I don't work hard and get a lot accomplished. Quite the opposite. I usually come up with my most creative ideas while daydreaming. It's a good thing I'm a master multi-tasker. My brain is usually moving so fast that I can't actually do everything I want to do within my finite time constraints.

And so, when this situation is applied to my life as a jewelry designer, I end up with a lot of beads. Lots of 'em. I get lightning bolt moments when I see yet another luscious gemstone or artfully designed lampwork bead and suddenly, I'm off and running- purchasing the beads with the best intentions of making my newly dreamed up creation. And then, while I'm waiting for those beads to arrive in the mail, I stumble upon another idea and another and another and another...you get the picture, I'm sure. There's something to be said for making (and sticking to) a merchandising plan- this is something I am working toward as my business grows (baby steps).

But for now, there's lots of beads and lots of ideas and precious little time. Unfortunately, some of those beads need to go straight to my Pineapple Sugar Remix destash shop (do not pass go, do not collect more dust in my bead box, just go directly to destash). And others, well, I need to start exercising some restraint and work with what I've got. Which means, developing some sketches, filling in the supply gaps and knocking out some new designs with old (but still stunning) beads. Watch for it.

I've also been thinking about my goals for my second jewelry line, Jocelyn Grace, and I really want to push that line in a slightly different direction. My tagline of "Timelessly modern jewelry" is still the focus and I want to create on-trend items that a woman can keep coming back to over and over again, specifically using lampwork beads. My litmus test for this new direction will be, "Can I see this piece in one of my favorite (semi-upscale) boutiques?" If the answer is no, it doesn't belong in my collection. I really want to modernize lampwork in a way I haven't really seen done before. Lampwork beads are so beautiful and I have plans for some atypical lampwork jewelry designs. Again, watch for it.

And one more thing (hey, I did title this post "Thoughts, goals and random thoughts"- you were sufficiently warned)- This mind-racing/lack-of-time conundrum isn't limited to my jewelry design. It permeates every area of my life and right now, one of my biggest projects is grad school and my thesis project (which is called Blooming Wildflowers...sound familiar?). So, in a effort to start moving toward the goals I have for putting my thesis project into effect, I'm planning some changes to my blog. Don't worry, you'll still get to hear me ramble about LOST and see pictures of my garden, but I'm planning to add more of a business aspect to it- as in more fashion posts and more focus on Blooming Wildflowers (and what exactly that means).

I want this blog to be fun, but I want the content to be relevant to my readers and relevant to my goals. So, look for updates soon. I'm working on a roll-out plan for my new blog features. Baby steps.

Aren't you glad you don't live inside my head?

And...summer

noreply@blogger.com (christie) — Thu, 28 May 2009 19:22:00 +0000

My classes are over (rocking out with a 4.0 this semester), LOST season 5 is complete and So You Think You Can Dance audition debacles are airing on FOX. That can only mean one glorious thing- summer is at last upon us!

I can't get enough of summer and here in the Northeast it's just way too short (yet another reason I *heart* SoCal). But, I savor every last second of the balmy summer evenings and long summer days.

I decided to take a break from grad school classes this summer, so I could focus on a few other things- like, relaxing. I seem to have forgotten how to do that over the past few years.

On the summer '09 agenda?

Several trips to Atlantic City, Ocean City and Cape May and maybe a weekend in Baltimore.

On the crafty front, I want to start wielding a torch so I can add more metalsmithing components to my jewelry designs. D isn't so thrilled about the torch thing. I told him I'd keep a fire extinguisher right next to me, but still not so thrilled.

Soapmaking might also be a possibility, but given the high speed at which my weekends are booking up and slipping away, I'm not sure that will actually happen.

I'll be doing the Pineapple Sugar stand at the Mount Joy Farmer's Market, too.(I can't completely relax.)

And lastly, it's time to get D caught up on seasons 1 through 4 (and 5 when it comes out), so I can watch season 6 without him asking me 5 seasons worth of questions during every episode:

Pineapple Sugar hits the summer 2009 Mount Joy Farmers Market

noreply@blogger.com (christie) — Fri, 22 May 2009 10:46:00 +0000

Can't make it to the beach every weekend this summer? Then (if you're in central PA), stop by the Mount Joy Farmers Market and pick up some colorful, handmade, beach-inspired jewelry at my Pineapple Sugar stand. And while you're at the market, stock up on fresh, tasty produce and homemade bread from the other vendors.

I'll be at the market four more times this summer:
Saturday, June 6
Saturday, July 11
Saturday, August 15
Saturday, September 12

The market is open from 8 a.m. to noon.

This is the first craft show type of event that I've done and my first Saturday there was this past Saturday (May 16). Here was my little corner of the market:

Stop by and see me!

(PS- I also posted the dates in the left column of this blog for easy reference once this post gets buried.)

A plea to the entertainment industry

noreply@blogger.com (christie) — Wed, 20 May 2009 23:36:00 +0000

Stop with the bad remakes and revivals of shows and movies that never needed to be remade or revived. It's really starting to wear on my nerves. First, the sad, skanky 90210 revival in which they have successfully destroyed not one, but two, of my favorite characters' happily ever afters. First, Kelly gets the short end of the parenting stick when Dylan ends up being a deadbeat dad to his and Kelly's son and then David chooses Japan over Donna.

I'm totally annoyed with this new 90210 reality, but I can live with it. Maybe.

But today, I came across a travesty that can only fall under the category of sacrilege. Looks like Footloose will be getting a remake of its own with Gossip Girl's, Chace Crawford playing the role of Ren McCormack. Almost Paradise? Far from it. No one messes with Kevin Bacon. I am boycotting. Or maybe I'll go dancing and take all my footloose friends with me and stage a protest in the theater lobby.

Everybody cut, everybody cut- this remake. The original is perfect.

Write it Down Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (christie) — Wed, 13 May 2009 12:55:00 +0000

1. I want to enjoy my summer break from grad school.

2. I want to start freelancing more. A lot more.

3. I want Kate to stop being an idiot, leave Sawyer and Juliet alone and go back to Jack where she belongs.

4. I want to sell some Pineapple Sugar handmade jewelry at the Mount Joy Farmers Market Community Craft Day this Saturday.

The need to bloom

noreply@blogger.com (christie) — Mon, 11 May 2009 22:14:00 +0000

A friend recently reminded me of this fabulous quote:

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."

It is so true and I do see that day coming very soon for me. And here is one of the reasons:

I completed my semester-long preliminary marketing plan for my thesis project. I have a long way to go with the other parts of the project, but this represents a huge step for me and it's the reason why I'm in grad school. I'm still not giving away the details of my project, but this might give you a clue. But don't be so sure...it's much more than what it appears on the surface. :-)

Happy Mother's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (christie) — Mon, 11 May 2009 02:05:00 +0000

To all the mothers out there, but especially to my mom, who is the raddest ever.

Write it down Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (christie) — Wed, 06 May 2009 15:36:00 +0000

1. I want a bright, sunshine-y day.

2. I want the new store that's opening in Lititz, PA (and that carries my jewelry) to be a smashing success.

Pineapple Sugar Etsy Shop Makeover is Nearly Complete!

noreply@blogger.com (christie) — Mon, 04 May 2009 12:29:00 +0000

I'm almost finished reshooting my products in the new visual merchandising style for Pineapple Sugar. Here's a screencap:

And I ordered tons of supplies to make bunches of new handmade jewelry designs inspired by tropical gardens and lively beach boardwalks! Check my shop frequently for updates.

Write it Down Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (christie) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:15:00 +0000

1. I want to perform on stage again in musical theatre. It's been far too long.

2. I want to finish my 4th semester of grad school with a 4.0. Three weeks, a paper, and finishing up a marketing plan for Blooming Wildflowers stand between me and the finish line, but I'll get there.

Pineapple Sugar photography update!

noreply@blogger.com (christie) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:14:00 +0000

In keeping with my redesign for Pineapple Sugar identity materials, I also updated my product photography and styling to make sure everything works together to create a tropical, beachy vibe. My props include bamboo mats, silk flowers and shells. I think I like it. I'm slowly working on re-shooting existing products and of course, all new items will be shot in this new style.

Third time's a charm...

noreply@blogger.com (christie) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 22:09:00 +0000

OK, I loved my recent redesign for Pineapple Sugar's identity materials, but I still felt like it was just too close to Jocelyn Grace. So, I went an entirely different direction:

I feel like this really conveys the "surfer girl" spirit that I want for Pineapple Sugar. I also tweaked the logo so the words are more clear. Merchandising updates coming soon.

Write it down Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (christie) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:22:00 +0000

Lots of people do Wordless Wednesday blog posts where they only post pictures. But I thought I'd mix it up a little do my own weekly post called "Write it Down Wednesday." Check out my earlier Pen to paper post for further explanation because today, I'm just writing it down.

1) I want my back to feel better.

2) I want to catch the break I need soon.

3) I want to live in San Diego.*

*This is a recurring theme. You might see it frequently in my "Write it Down Wednesday" posts. Just sayin'.

Business and Marketing Monday - Newest endeavor

noreply@blogger.com (christie) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 18:06:00 +0000

I discussed re-focusing my vision for my jewelry lines and adjusting the merchandise accordingly in past posts. Here's my newest endeavor:

It's called JG by Jocelyn Grace. I may have mentioned it briefly before, but here's the lowdown- it's the romantic little sister of Jocelyn Grace. It's urban and vintage-inspired with lots of crystal, glass, brass and some gemstones. The first shop for JG by Jocelyn Grace will live on Etsy. As I work to re-merchandise Pineapple Sugar, I'll start moving a few things over to JG by Jocelyn Grace in addition to creating new items.

So, why three jewelry lines? So that each one has it's own distinct look and attitude. As I work to develop these lines, you should begin to see that distinct look for each emerging. I hope you will anyway.

I want a house in La Jolla overlooking the ocean.

noreply@blogger.com (christie) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 20:17:00 +0000

Just writing it down. :-)

Welcome to my Pineapple Sugar blog- a blog for beach lovers!

noreply@blogger.com (christie) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 14:36:00 +0000

Just like my jewelry designs, everything in this blog is inspired by sun, surf and sand. I'll scour the web (and some brick and mortar shops, too) and post my favorite beachy and tropical finds- from fashion to locales to indie arts to food. Sit back, relax and enjoy the read.

Pen to paper

noreply@blogger.com (christie) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 19:42:00 +0000

So, Jorge Garcia has an awesome blog. I was reading back through some of his old posts and found this one. I love it. It's so true. If you want something, write it down.

I decided to try it:

1. I want to be the owner/founder/CEO of a business that synthesizes my passion for social causes (arts, environment and animals, specifically) with my love of fashion and my desire to support and promote indie artisans/designers/artists/musicians (particularly on the local level). And I want to incorporate cutting edge new media technology into the customer experience. Tall order, I know. That's what grad school is for.

2. I want to live in San Diego.

3. I want to finish my MFA summa cum laude.

4. I want a puggle (Thing 1 and Thing 2 need a Thing 3).

5. I want a potted, organic veggie garden (and some chickens).

6. I want new shoes.

7. I want the weekend. Now.

About me

noreply@blogger.com (christie) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:52:00 +0000

Welcome to my world of whimsy and color inspired by sun, surf and sand.

In my dreams, I live in a California beach bungalow, fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves, awake to purpley-pink swirling sunrises and spend my days running my own boutique/gallery, designing jewelry inspired by it all.

In real life, I live not-so-close to the beach, fall asleep to the sound of my snoring beagle, awake to the sound of my snoring beagle and spend my days as a marketing professional/MFA grad student, designing jewelry (part-time) inspired by the life in my dreams.

In a completely random order- I love art, design, beagles, LOST, California, sushi, lazy Sundays, falling leaves, crashing waves, shopping downtown, buying local, watching 90210 reruns on SoapNet, technology, hoarding art and craft supplies, beads, and good wine.

And that life in my dreams? I'm working toward making it a reality.

I'm a proud member of The Etsy Beagles, Etsy Freethinkers and EtsyBead street teams. I'm also a Self Representing Artist Jewelry Designer (SRAJD #1852).