SOMETHiNG MONUMENTAL

Rings For Men and Couples

2012-01-30T05:30:00.000-06:00

Introducing new rings for men!

I've been trying to come up with a few men's pieces to offer in my shop. Leather seemed like the best way to go. I just feel like jewelry for men is a bit bulkier, so I wasn't sure how to approach it at first. Hopefully, I'll get more items made in the future.

The men's rings led to sets for couples. This idea was actually inspired by a customer who requested a pair of rings over the holidays. So, a huge thanks to them! Both the men's ring and the sets are now available in my shop and just in time for Valentine's Day!

Do you have any Valentine gifts ideas or plans for this year?

-Mandy

Carmel Old Towne Antique Mall

2012-01-26T05:30:00.000-06:00

I love this place! The first time I visited the Old Town Antique Mall was last year with my mom. We purchased a ton of records and jewelry. Recently, I took another trip to the shop with my friend Danielle. She was on the hunt for home decor, and I just wanted more cameras. :)

This place is filled with amazing finds. Too bad I can't afford it all. See those green chairs? I fell hard for them the last trip. Of course they were sold when I returned. I did walk away with a Polaroid Square Shooter and a Woody Allen book, though.

What's on your list when browsing antique shops?

Carmel Old Town Antique Mall
38 West Main Street
Carmel, IN 46032-1764
317-566-1908
http://www.carmeloldtownantiquemall.com/

Silly Outtakes

2012-01-25T05:30:00.000-06:00

If you've ever tried to take a self-portrait, then you've probably had several outtakes. We have the tendency to scrap those shots. But you might find something a little special when you put a few together.

Or you can take fifty just waiting for the right one. :)

What do you do with your unwanted photos? Instantly delete them or find another use for them?

-Mandy

Favorite Photo Apps Part 2

2012-01-24T05:30:00.000-06:00

Here's a continuation of my favorite photo apps from last week.

5. iDarkroom - This is such a fantastic app! You can tweak the brightness, contrast, and hue of photos as well as add frames, textures, and light streaks.

6. Grid Lens - Lots of fun. You can choose between a multi or single lens modes with different frames. There's even a manual mode.

7. Labelbox - A fun way to add some text to your photos.

8. Tiny Planets - Hands down my few favorite. I can't stop making tiny little worlds with this. You can also get some really strange shots.

-Mandy

It's Nanerpus!

2012-01-23T05:30:00.000-06:00

Do you remember this Super Bowl commercial? I was hooked the minute I saw Nanerpus. Not sure if it was the mustache or his dancing abilities. :)

I had originally wanted to make a felt puppet, but it seemed a little too difficult. Since I've been working with polymer clay, I thought I'd try that instead. I'm fond of his one curled peel.

What commercials make you smile?

-Mandy

Holy Cow Cupcakes

2012-01-19T05:30:00.000-06:00

My friend Danielle treated me to some cupcakes the other day. We stopped in at Holy Cow Cupcakes in Carmel. There were so many flavors that we had trouble choosing. So, we decided on a couple of minis. I tried the chocolate marshmallow, chai, and double chocolate. The chocolate marshmallow was my favorite, because it had marshmallow cream in the center. So good!

Another great thing about this place? Free wifi!

Holy Cow Cupcakes
61 West City Center Drive
Carmel, IN 46032
317-571-1500
www.holycowcupcakes.com/

-Mandy

Must Have Low-Key Beauty Products

2012-01-18T05:30:00.000-06:00

Low-key is kind of my style. I don't really wear makeup or do anything more than brush my hair. The few products that I do use, I tend to get pretty attached to. Here are my new loves that you might enjoy too.

1. Revlon Ionic Hot Air Brush - This thing is amazing! I'm still learning to use it, but it makes drying my long hair that much quicker. It also makes my hair very shiny.

2. liquid deodorant from Avon - Wow. Thought I'd give this a shot since I've tried just about everything else. I love it! Sometimes I pair it with my regular deodorant, and other times I wear it alone. It really helps.

3. Scunci No Slip Grip Hair Ties - Don't you hate when hair ties lose their elasticity? These stay in place, but they do pull a bit.

What are some of your favorite products?

-Mandy

Favorite Photo Apps Part 1

2012-01-17T05:30:00.000-06:00

Today I wanted to share a few of my favorite photo apps. These apps are available for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.

1. Instagram (free) - This is by far the most popular app. I love the ease of sharing. The app has several retro filters to choose from.

2. Hipstamatic - I LOVE how these photos look. The saturated colors actually make my iPod photos appear sharper. With this app, you can change your lens, film, and flash.

3. RetroGram (free) - This app changes ordinary photos into vintage shots with lots of texture and scratches.

4. Vintage Cam (free) - I like using this in place of the built in camera app. The filters are very pretty and rainbow-like.

I'll share more apps soon! What are some of your favorites?

-Mandy

Leather Star Ring

2012-01-16T05:30:00.000-06:00

It's Monday, and a new style has been added to my leather ring family! This ring features a silver cut out star charm. These charms were an accidental find, and the quantity is limited. Get yours before they're gone!

What do you think of the multi-colored band?

-Mandy

Anjolee Jewelry + Giveaway

2012-01-12T05:30:00.000-06:00

For those who like diamond jewelry, Anjolee is the place to go. They offer bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and rings. The anniversary ring shown above features a gorgeous amethyst in the center. I love gemstones mixed with diamonds.

If you're planning your wedding this year, you can search through the bridal sets. They offer several cuts and wedding band styles. My personal favorite is a princess cut. Which is your favorite diamond wedding ring?

So... would you like to own this ring? To enter the giveaway just leave a comment below (you must be a blog follower). For bonus entries, you can become a fan on Facebook and follow on Twitter. Leave additional comments for the bonus entries. This is only open to U.S. residents. So sorry!

*For this giveaway piece, the ring is made in 10k white gold with cubic zirconia and amethyst gemstones. Ring is size 7.

-Mandy

How To Get Your Handmade Items In Stores

2012-01-11T05:30:00.000-06:00

Several people have asked me how they can get their products into brick and mortar stores. I'll let you know that it's not a quick process, and rejection is common. I don't even remember all of the shops that I approached in the beginning. But I do know that I am very grateful for those who gave me a chance.

1. Be sure that you are making a quality product. If you have been working at your craft for a while, then you are probably ready to approach shops. You don't want to be known as someone who makes a faulty product.

2. Gather a list of shops. You can do an online search or ask other crafters who make similar items to yours. Some of the search terms I used in Google were "consignment shops", "handmade shops", and "list of brick and mortar handmade shops". Check out local shops to see if your work fits in with what they sell. Consignment stores are also a great place to start.

3. Contact shops. You do not want to walk into a shop unannounced. Send out emails to the shops from the list you made stating what you sell and provide links if your work can be found online. You might choose to attach a few photos of your items. Make each email personal by using the shop's name.

4. Wait for a response. This could take some time. In my experience, most people will reply even if it's just to thank you for your interest. Many owners want only local artists featured in their shop, and they will let you know that. Some shops may contact you for a face to face meeting.

5. Know what you want from the shop. If a consignment shop has contacted you, be sure to ask about their terms and how much they take from each sale. You want at least a 60% (you) / 40% (them) split. This way you won't have to raise your prices much if at all. Also, make sure they will cover the cost of a stolen item. Shops may also ask if you're interested in selling wholesale.

Once you've had some experience selling in one shop, it's much easier to get your items into other shops. Before long, shops will be contacting you! Currently, my items are selling in 4 physical shops and an online store (besides my own).

I hope these tips help you with your business!

-Mandy

P.S. Check back tomorrow for a really exciting giveaway! Also if you're interested in promoting your site on this blog, visit the sponsor page. :)

DIY Vinyl Record Clock

2012-01-10T05:30:00.000-06:00

Have you ever wanted a vinyl record clock? I've been dying for one for so long! Luckily for me, I had a duplicate of a record and decided to make one. Here's how to make one for yourself.

What you'll need:

*record - 33 1/3 rpm works best

*clock parts

*batteries

*hot glue gun (optional)

*small file (optional)

*paint and paint brush (optional)

For this project, I used a clock parts kit from a hobby store. If you can't find one at a local store, you should be able to find a kit online. You could also take apart an unwanted clock and use its parts for this.

1. Place your clock mechanism on a flat surface. Slide a black rubber washer over the hand shaft of the mechanism.

2. Insert the hand shaft through the hole of the record. If you want to make sure that the record stays in place, use a little hot glue between the record and the mechanism. The record used here was a bit of a snug fit so I had to file down the hole slightly. Place a brass washer over the hand shaft then slide on a hex nut.
3. Place the hour on the shaft and make sure it's in the 12:00 position (you can adjust from the back). Add the minute hand and minute hand nut. Be sure the the minute hand is also in the 12:00 position.
4. Press the second hand (if included in kit) through the minute hand nut.
5. Add batteries and your clock is complete! Now you can paint on numbers or other decorations if desired.

Hope you like this one! Our clock proudly hangs in our kitchen. :)

-Mandy

From the Heart

2012-01-09T05:00:00.000-06:00

Custom items are always so special. They're the reason I started my handmade business. I've really loved the requests that I've gotten lately for orders. They've been both fun and heartfelt.

Have you ever received something that was made specifically for you?

-Mandy

Covered in Fur

2012-01-05T05:30:00.000-06:00

The holidays gave me the opportunity to spend time with my babies. They live with my mom which is an hour and a half away from my house. I miss them all the time.

My dog, Gunner, is happiest cuddling with me on the floor. He doesn't mind that I flop on him or give him too many kisses. He's so protective of me that he won't even let people hug me.

Zilla, my cat, is a nutcase. The heater puts her in a trance; she drools; and she likes rubbing her teeth on anything pointy. Zilla also "talks" a lot. Sometimes she even makes the same sound as the fish from Pee Wee's Playhouse.

What are your pets like?

-Mandy

The Hunt Family

2012-01-04T05:30:00.000-06:00

Just before all of the leaves had fallen off the trees, I met up with the lovely Hunt family. Not only were these family photos, but they were also pre-birthday shots for a special 1 year old. :)

We met at Forest Park in Noblesville, Indiana. Although the carousel was closed for the season, we still made use of the train tracks and playground. They had so much fun together.

-Mandy

Unexpected Cameras

2012-01-03T05:30:00.000-06:00

For months, I've been wanting one of the cute camera keychains from Lomography. I finally purchased the Diana style just before Christmas. When it arrived, I fell in love even more... because it's tiny! Now, I have to have them all. I may even turn one into a necklace. ;)

My mom also had a camera surprise waiting for me in my stocking this year. Camera luggage tags! They are so awesome. Can you believe she found them at a dollar store?

What were some of your favorite unexpected gifts this holiday season?

-Mandy

Wrap Around Fox Rings

2012-01-02T05:00:00.000-06:00

Talk about trial and error (x3). I wanted to try making wrap rings out of shrink plastic. Not knowing exactly where to start, I used my fox template to make the first ring. The legs made the ring kind of awkward.

For round 2, a fox without legs was used. The ring looked and felt much better on, but because the ring has to be formed while still hot some ink rubbed off in the process.

Finally, I decided to test frosted plastic. Now, the rings are just right! What makes this the best? This plastic doesn't have as smooth of a texture so the ink gets down into the material. I absolutely love wearing mine. You can get your own in my shop.

-Mandy

Meet: Since Sass

2011-12-30T05:00:00.000-06:00

This glitter pouch is my absolute favorite! It kind of reminds me of The Jetsons. I especially love the green color. Stephanie of Since Sass sent it to me, and I can't wait to start showing it off. You can find more unique accessories at Since Sass on Etsy. Go check out her shop!

-Mandy

Things I Love: Glitter

2011-12-29T05:30:00.000-06:00

Doesn't everyone love glitter? Even a little bit can make something feel so special.

1. necklace by Studio 8
2. edible sprinkles by The Bakers Confections
3. shoes by Mad's Crafty Creations
4. necklace by 13th Psyche
5. banner by Confetti Design Shop
6. cake pops by Simply Posh

-Mandy

Some Customer Love

2011-12-28T05:00:00.000-06:00

This past year, some of my customers have sent photos of themselves with my creations. I LOVE them!!! It's things like this that make me want to keep on creating. You're all really incredible, and I appreciate each and every one of you!

I also want to take a moment to send an enormous thank you to my mom. I forgot to do this last week during my seasonal thank you. This holiday season, I was traveling back and forth between my home and my parents' home. My mom helped me with my shop by shipping most of the packages. She really saved me. Thank you, Mama Bear! You're the absolute best!

-Mandy

DIY Confetti Balloons

2011-12-27T05:30:00.000-06:00

Want to add a little sparkle to your New Years celebration? This quick tutorial will show you how to make confetti balloons for your party.

What you'll need:

*balloons

*funnel

*colorful paper OR pre-packaged confetti

*small paper punch

*ribbon (optional)
*helium tank (optional)

First, a warning. When these balloons pop... they explode. As long as you don't mind a bit of a mess, you'll have fun with this project.

1. Punch out bits of paper for the confetti. If you don't have the supplies for this buy a package or two of confetti.

2. Blow up a balloon part way just to stretch it out. Insert the funnel into the balloon.

3. Pour the confetti into the balloon. Make sure the pieces are small enough to pass through the funnel.

4. Blow up your balloon and tie it.

5. Attach a ribbon or leave the balloon as is.

If you use a helium tank and attach a long ribbon, you could pass balloons out to your guests. You could attach a shorter ribbon and tie the balloons to your guests' wrists. For even more fun, bat several balloons around as a sort of game. When it's time, pop the balloons with a toothpick. :)

-Mandy

A Few Handmade Gifts

2011-12-26T05:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday! Hope you all had a special holiday weekend. Can you believe Christmas is already over?

Just wanted to share the few gifts that I made for Christmas this year. I made magnets of our trip to Mexico and my brother's wedding for most of my family. I also made a necklace for my sister-in-law. For my brother, I made some photo keychains of his ducks. And at the last minute, I created a list of important dates for my forgetful dad. :)

Did you make any of your gifts this year?

-Mandy

P.S. The shop is open now!

The {Heart} Change Project

2011-12-23T05:00:00.000-06:00

The {Heart} Change Project is a movement that hopes to create a kinder future. Their mission is to empower our youth to rise above and give hope where hope is needed. Currently, The {Heart} Change Project's focus is on the children in Haiti.

A few months ago, I was asked to make some braided bracelets for their online shop. All proceeds go to helping the children in Haiti. Visit the shop and check out all of the amazing items that are offered.

-Mandy

Things I Love: Rudolph

2011-12-22T05:00:00.035-06:00

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is my favorite Christmas show as well as one of my favorite stop motions. I love the Island of Misfit Toys and Bumble. Did you know that it's the longest running Christmas special on tv?

1. clay charm by Jelly Beads Designs
2. stockings by Jolly Jules Designs
3. hair clip by Karma Box
4. pouch by Madame Cupcake
5. earrings by Night Owl Designs
6. photo by SEEDS Studio

-Mandy

Souvenirs From Mexico

2011-12-21T05:00:00.006-06:00

On trips, I usually don't pick up any souvenirs. I consider the photos that I take to be all that I need. During our trip to Mexico, I had to bring home at least one or two things. I had my heart set on sugar skulls, but I never found exactly what I was looking for. I did end up getting a ring, a necklace, and a sugar skull wedding sculpture. I also had my eye on a shirt, but I was running low on pesos at that point. My brother ended up surprising me with it as an early Christmas gift. Best brother ever. :)

What are some of your favorite souvenirs?

-Mandy