Nature Inspired Handcrafted Jewelry

The Tucson Gem Show, Tucson 2013 Gem Show

noreply@blogger.com (L. Rose Designs) — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 03:25:00 +0000

I've just returned from the Tucson Gem Show this past week. I've spent the weekend shopping for the very best and most beautiful gemstones. Stay tuned for many new items and my new stone options...I will posting the new stone chart very soon! With over 40 different shows going on in the city of Tucson this week, it was difficult to pick and choose which to attend. There would never be enough time to see them all. If you are lucky enough to be in Tucson this week...Enjoy!

OMBRE Painted Dresser Tutorial - How to Refinish old furniture in 10 Easy Steps!

noreply@blogger.com (L. Rose Designs) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 17:17:00 +0000

When I wasn't busy making jewelry this summer, I took on a little furniture refinishing project. Now that I have finally gotten everything together, I wanted to share the tutorial with all of you! It is actually very easy to complete this project. As long as you can set aside a few hours over a long weekend, you can complete this look with any old piece of furniture you have been meaning to bring back to life.

This piece in particular has been in my family for many years. It was actually a piece of my great grandparents bedroom set. It was passed onto my grandfather, then onto my mother. The memories I had of this set of drawers is from my early childhood. It sat in my grandfather's garage, filled with tools, junk and motor oil! I knew I had a lot of work to do because of the dismal condition it was in, but I am known to see the potential beauty in the discarded...so, I went to work!

I have broken this down into (10) TEN Easy Steps because I wanted to make it as simple as possible for any beginner to accomplish.

YOU WILL NEED:

● A cleaning Rag
● A tack cloth
● Sand Paper
● Wood filler
● A putty knife
● Good Paintbrushes
● Paint in a variety of colors
● Floetrol (optional)
● Primer
● Polyurethane
● Spray paint
● New Hardware (optional)
● A well ventilated area

STEP 1: CLEAN YOUR FURNITURE

Depending on how grimy your furniture is, you will need to clean it. Use a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust from the wood. Let dry.

As you can see, this piece was quite dirty! Make sure to clean well.

STEP 2: SAND YOUR FURNITURE

Once cleaned, sand your furniture with a coarse grit sand paper to remove any rough spots along the wood. Sanding also helps to loosen any chipping paint if your furniture had been painted in the past. Since this piece had been painted and used as a junk drawer in the garage, sanding was a very important step to ensure that the wood became smooth. You can also use a hand held, motorized sander for tougher jobs.

Don't skip the sanding step!

STEP 3: WIPE WITH TACK CLOTH

Now that your piece is completely sanded and smooth, you will need to remove the dust that has been formed on your furniture. Use a sticky tack cloth to complete this step. Make sure you remove all the dust from your furniture with the tack cloth or your paint will not adhere properly.

STEP 4: FILL HOLES WITH WOOD PUTTY

Next, you will want to fill any holes or scrapes on your furniture with wood putty. Use a putty knife to fill in the holes. Let dry.

Lots of indents and holes here!

STEP 5: SAND AGAIN!

Use a finer grit sand paper to sand the filled-in holes. You will want to make sure the holes are filled completely and the wood is smooth. Don't worry about the way this looks, your primer will cover it!

STEP 6: PRIME

Now it's time to prime your furniture. I used Zinsser's Cover Stain Primer. It is an oil based primer. This primer will cover everything, even if your furniture is dark. Paint your furniture well and let dry according to the directions on your paint can.

Zinsser's Cover Stain Primer

Primed Drawers

STEP 7: PAINT

Once primed, you are ready to paint! To achieve the look of the OMBRE, you will need to choose six colors, starting with a light color and descending into a darker color within the same color family. The easiest way to do this is to go your local paint store and choose the color scheme that you like. Pick up a paint strip and use the gradient of colors on the strip. You will not need much paint to achieve this look. I purchased sample sized cans since each drawer is painted a different color. Since the piece of furniture I was refinishing was divided into a top half and bottom half, I choose to do a very light green gradient on the top three drawers and a blue gradient on the bottom. The sides and back of my piece were painted white. Use a really good paint brush to apply your paint. Don't skimp on the brush! You do not want to be picking tiny hairs out of your beautiful paint. It is optional to add something called Floetrol to your paint. Floetrol will slow down the drying time of your paint, but will help to minimize seeing paint strokes left on your furniture as the paint dries. Let dry according to directions on paint can.

STEP 8: PAINT AGAIN!

Once the first coat has dried, you will want to give your furniture a second coat to ensure the paint has been evenly applied. Let dry.

STEP 9: PROTECT

Once you see how beautiful your "new" furniture looks with the new paint, you will want to protect it. Use a good clear polyurethane to protect your finished furniture. I used MinWax semi gloss. Polyurethane comes in different finishes. Depending on the type of look your are going for will depend on the finish you choose: Satin, Semi-gloss, Glossy or High Gloss. Apply the polyurethane to the entire piece of furniture. Let Dry.

STEP 10: CHOOSE HARDWARE

The final step is to choose hardware for your finished piece of furniture. I kept the original hardware, but gave it a new look. Hardware can be easily spray painted. I choose Rust-Oleum Metallic in "Oil Rubbed Bronze". If you want to bring newer life to your furniture with hardware, you can purchase new knobs and pulls from a variety of retailers. My favorite place for knobs and pulls is Anthropologie. They really have the most unique selection that I have ever seen.

Sprayed Hardware with Rust-Oleum Metallic

I hope I've explained everything clearly and concisely and inspired you to breathe new life into something old. Overall, this was a time consuming project but definitely worth the effort. I am happy that I could put some life back into a family heirloom that would have otherwise been forgotten. The OMBRE paint is a fun and vibrant way to modernize an old piece of furniture. Thank you to Mary and Ray for their help and for allowing me to take over their garage while I was consumed with this project. Happy Painting!

The finished OMBRE dresser!

Mother's Day Sale - 20% OFF your entire Purchase from L. Rose Designs

noreply@blogger.com (L. Rose Designs) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:53:00 +0000

Five (5) Days Left of the Mother's Day Sale! All items are 20% off with the Super Secret Coupon Code that you can find over at my Facebook Page. Some popular "mom" inspired items seen here: 14K GOLD FILL MONOGRAM BRACELET

STERLING SIVLER MONOGRAM NECKLACE WITH TWO BIRTHSTONES

MOSS AQUAMARINE NECKLACE

THREE STERLING SILVER INITIAL CHARM BRACELET

PAST PRESENT FUTURE FRESHWATER PEARL NECKLACE

Moss Aquamarine Necklace - March Birthstone

noreply@blogger.com (L. Rose Designs) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 17:02:00 +0000

Wow! I am honored to be featured in this gorgeous treasury curated by moonlitbotanicals. Featuring gorgeous Etsy finds for Pisces lovers! My Moss Aquamarine Necklace is happy to be surrounded by so many pretty finds!

The gorgeous Treasury can be seen here!

And you can see the Moss Aquamarine Necklace here!

Personalized Bridesmaid Jewelry - Custom Birthstones with Monogram Initials.

noreply@blogger.com (L. Rose Designs) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 21:39:00 +0000

There is lots of Custom Made Bridal Jewelry to choose from in my Etsy shop! I am stocking up so you can find just what you are looking for!

Give a gift to your bridesmaids that they will love and cherish! These necklaces will come in sterling silver or 14k gold fill. With over 30 custom stone colors to choose from!

Visit my Bridal Collection to see availability, and as always, Brides receive a discount on all bridal party sets!

Personalized Necklaces going fast!

noreply@blogger.com (L. Rose Designs) — Sun, 08 May 2011 13:05:00 +0000

These custom initial necklaces that I've introduced a few months ago are quite popular! I offer them in sterling silver and 14k gold, with heart charms, circle charms or star shaped charms. For a simple, more minimal look just wear one initial -or- pair them together for a layered look!

Various colors of birthstones and semi precious stones are available to add a pop of color to your custom necklaces. A great choice for a gift for mom or your sweetheart! Perfect for a bridal party gift too....a personalized keepsake to wear again and again.

Visit the shop to see all the custom initial necklaces!

Birthstone and Semi Precious Stone Colors

Custom Initial Script

Spring is almost here and Etsy Photography tips!

noreply@blogger.com (L. Rose Designs) — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 22:30:00 +0000

I LOVE SPRING! It's refreshing, beginning to get warm, and new growth is sprouting up everywhere! I also love Spring because I am given the extra hour to photograph my jewelry in the natural light. The winter is tough for me. I work my day job, and rush home to photograph in the 20-30 minute span of natural sunlight that I have before the sun sets for the evening! Thankfully, daylight savings has set in, and there is plenty of sunlight to go around.

Typically, I find that cloudy days are best to photograph. There is enough light, and no glare from the sun. I like to set up right near a window. I place a couple sheets of scrapbook paper (usually a gray tone) on a steady surface, bring in a couple props like a photo frame and tea cup and I am all set. I place my camera of Macro Mode. This allows me to get close enough to show detail of the jewelry. However, because the Macro lens magnifies the items, it's important to show relative size reference so the customer gets a better idea of the true size of the item.

My Basic Photography Set Up

Etsy has some great photography tips. To read about how to achieve clarity and crispness in your photos, read this great article.

Photography is so important when selling items online. A customer doesn't have the ability to touch or try on your items. You have to create a feeling with your photos if you want your items to get noticed. Being featured on the front page of Etsy is always a wonderful surprise. Your photos must be perfect! Here are some great tips from Etsy about getting the items in your shop featured more frequently. Good Luck!

The finished Products

Valentine's Day Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (L. Rose Designs) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 22:01:00 +0000

YAY! Valentine's Day SALE this weekend!!!

Buy your sweetie something handmade!

In honor of the upcoming holiday of LOVE, I am offering 30% OFF your entire purchase from my Shop! After adding the items to your cart, simply type the Coupon Code "LOVE2011" into the Shop Coupon Code Box to automatically receive the 30% OFF discount!

Visit the Shop Here: L. Rose Designs Handcrafted Jewelry

ENJOY :-)

Native American Treasury

noreply@blogger.com (L. Rose Designs) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:46:00 +0000

Here is my latest Treasury created on Etsy. Snow days allow me to have a little extra time on my hands. :-) Click on the title " Modern Native American" to be directed to Etsy, and leave me a comment!

New Bridal Collection

noreply@blogger.com (L. Rose Designs) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 22:29:00 +0000

I wanted to share with you some new Bridal earrings that I have been excited about. I loved creating my bridal jewelry, and am looking forward to being able to create some beautiful pieces for brides to wear on their memorable day.

If you are planning a 2011 wedding, I offer discounts for brides and bridal party orders. Please contact me for specifics!

You can see the entire L. Rose Designs Bridal Collection HERE!

Black Friday though Cyber Monday SALE!

noreply@blogger.com (L. Rose Designs) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 02:45:00 +0000

To celebrate the start of the Holiday Season I will be having a Black Friday through Cyber Monday Sale in my Etsy shop.

All items in the shop will be 20% Off for the entire weekend. Shipping is $2.50 flat rate no matter how many items you purchase.

Items will already be marked down for your convenience starting Friday Nov. 26th and ending Monday the 29th.

Happy Shopping!!

Blue Orchid Necklace

Turquoise Pendant Necklace

Lucky Horseshoe Necklace

Wire Wrapped Chalcedony Earrings

noreply@blogger.com (L. Rose Designs) — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 01:16:00 +0000

I've just finished photographing my new series of Wire Wrapped Chalcedony Earrings. They are a rainbow of color! I love them!

Each stone has been artistically wire wrapped in a generous amount of sterling silver wire. The ear wires are hand formed and hammered by me! All the silver has been oxidized and brushed for a shiny contrasting finish.

HOT PINK

BURNT ORANGE

AMBER

OCEAN BLUE

AQUA BLUE

CORNFLOWER BLUE

See them listed in my Etsy shop here!

Me and Nate Berkus hanging out at the Brooklyn Flea Market

noreply@blogger.com (L. Rose Designs) — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 14:33:00 +0000

It was a gorgeous, seasonably warm, fall day on Saturday. We ventured into Brooklyn to walk, (and eat our way) through the Flea Market. There was so much to see, it was a bit overwhelming at first. We decided to start with some delicious food from some of the many food vendors. Matt had pizza from Pizza Moto, and I had a veggie huerache from Martinez Food Vendors.

After eating lunch, I noticed Nate Berkus in line for some pizza. He graciously allowed me to interrupt his lunch to snap a photo! Later on I saw him again interviewing some of the furniture vendors...he must have been there to film parts of his new show.

Me and Nate Berkus

From there we pretty much ate our way through all of the food vendors, and did some shopping. We sampled some amazing carbonated juice from our friend Antonio of Brooklyn Soda Works. The apple ginger was our favorite. Matt had a maple bacon cupcake from Kumquat Cupcakery. Of course he picked the one that had the largest piece of bacon on it.

Maple Bacon Cupcakes

We also sampled a few different types of raw chocolate bars and truffles from Fine and Raw Chocolates. Matt picked out three of his favorites since he is the choco-holic. Later on for his "snack", Matt tried the pork sandwich from Porchetta.

Some Ball jars from one of the vintage vendors.

Ride your bike to the flea and get a tune up.

Lunch #2 (Grilled ham and cheese and a malt milkshake from Milk Truck)

It was the perfect day!

FREE Jewelry Giveaway for Facebook Fans

noreply@blogger.com (L. Rose Designs) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 20:27:00 +0000

I've recently started a Facebook Page to spread the word about exclusive offers and sales in my Etsy shop. Enter the contest for your chance to win a free pair of L.Rose Designs earrings of your choice!

Help me get to 500 "likes" and you could win a free pair of earrings! Here's how:
1.) Click here to visit L. Rose Designs Facebook Page.
2.) If you haven't already done so, click "Like" at the top of the Facebook page.
3.) Suggest the page to your friends who you think would like the page.
4.) Leave a comment on the page saying that you did so.
5.) Once I receive your comment, your name will be entered to win a free pair of earrings of your choice!

The lucky winner will be randomly picked when I reach my goal of 500 "likes". The more people you suggest, the sooner you could be a winner! The winner can chose a favorite pair of earrings from my Etsy shop. I will send them directly to you, or to someone who you think deserves a gift from you!

Thanks! ♥ Lauren

New Custom Stamped Design Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (L. Rose Designs) — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 15:41:00 +0000

I've recently invested in some new design stamp tools, which I am very excited to use. Thanks to You Tube I've been able to watch some tutorial videos about hand stamping. I practiced a few weeks ago on some inexpensive cooper sheet. This is an example of the script that I will be using to create some of the custom initial pieces that I have been dreaming up!

These tools are easy to use. I have a stainless steel bench block and I just purchased a 2 lb. brass head mallet since I wasn't happy with the amount of pressure that the 1 lb. hammer was giving me. Hopefully with some more practice I will have some new pieces to add to the shop!

Stay tuned for some of the finished pieces. I should have them up in the next few weeks!

Tutorial: How to oxidize sterling silver jewelry without the use of chemicals. Yipee!

noreply@blogger.com (L. Rose Designs) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:35:00 +0000

Oxidizing sterling silver is a great way to add some contrast and character to your jewelry pieces. I also like the rustic, vintage feel it gives to the silver. Oxidizing does not have to be done using harmful chemicals. Here is an easy and economical way to add a patina to your silver all while being eco-conscious.

You will need:
One or two eggs (depending on how much silver you need to darken)
Some water
A saucepan
A pair of tongs
Dish soap
A ziplock baggie
Your sterling silver to be oxidized
A polishing cloth

Step One: Boil some eggs. Place your eggs in enough water to cover your eggs and bring to a boil. Boil for about 5 minutes then remove the sauce pan from the heat. Let the eggs rest in the saucepan for about another 10 minutes.

Step Two: While your eggs are boiling, clean your silver. You can very easily use mild dish soap and water. Cleaning your jewelry will remove any oils that have gotten onto your silver from your fingers. This is an important step to ensure that the oxidation is even. The silver will not oxidize if it is not clean.

Step Three: Use your tongs to transfer the warm eggs (it is important that your eggs still be warm) to a ziplock baggie.

Step Four: Place your sterling silver in the ziplock baggie with the eggs and seal the baggie, making sure it is completely air tight.

Step Five: Use the back side of your tongs or the palm of your hand to smash the eggs. Make sure you really break up the yolk since the yolk is the source of the sulfur, but be careful not to puncture the plastic bag. You may get some egg onto your silver, but don’t fret….it can be washed off!

Step Six: Wait patiently. I recommend checking the jewelry every few hours. When you see the color that you like, gently open the bag and remove and clean your jewelry. I usually leave my jewelry in overnight to get the coloring that I prefer.

Step Seven: Polish your jewelry to highlight the patina. You can simply use a polishing cloth to rub the areas in which you want the silver to show through.

Finished Chalcedony and Sterling Earrings!

Using eggs to oxidize your jewelry is an environmentally safe and inexpensive way to achieve a desirable dark patina. It may take a little more time than traditional liver or sulfur or “silver black” methods, but it is much more earth friendly and economical.

New Agate Slice Necklaces

noreply@blogger.com (L. Rose Designs) — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 21:03:00 +0000

I love the look of these Agate slice necklaces. I've seen them called different names (druzy, geode, agate slab, etc.), but I am sticking with Agate slices. :-) I have a bunch in a variety of colors, but for the purposes of these necklaces I used the brightest in the bunch. Hot Pink, Purple, Teal, and Aqua. I simply wired them to brass chain. They are quite the statement necklace, but they are super easy to wear. I made a purple one for myself that I have been wearing all summer and have gotten many compliments!

Sapphire Blue Agate Slice Necklace

The swirls of colors on each piece are gorgeous and unique. No two are the same!

Because each agate slice is one of a kind, I will be updating the shop with new ones as these sell so check back often! And if you don't see the color you want, contact me and I will make you a custom necklace.

Teal Agate Slice Necklace

Hot Pink Agate Slice Necklace

Electric Purple Agate Slice Necklace

See all of the current necklaces in my Etsy shop! Thanks for looking :-)

Summer Road Trip (in photos)

noreply@blogger.com (L. Rose Designs) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 03:34:00 +0000

I'm sad to say my summer is coming to an end. I was fortunate enough to do a bit of traveling around the U.S. for a few weeks, and had an amazing time.

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Thought I would share some of my favorite photos from the trip...Enjoy!

Forsyth Park -- Savannah, GA

Bourbon Street--New Orleans, LA

World's largest wind farm -- West Texas

Sandia Peak Tramway -- Albuquerque, NM

White Sands National Park, NM

My husband Matt at White Sands

Double Rainbow...so intense!!!

One of New Mexico's many beautiful sunsets!

My Etsy Shop is Four Years Old!!

noreply@blogger.com (L. Rose Designs) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:39:00 +0000

I am celebrating my shop's fourth birthday this week! As a thank you to all my wonderful customers these past four years, I am offering 30% OFF my entire shop from June 30th- July 5th! Just type "Birthday Sale" in the message to seller box when you are checking out (do not submit payment). I will send you an updated invoice through paypal within 24 hours.

Click here to visit L. Rose Designs shop!

Here is a sneak peek at some new goodies coming soon....

My wedding has been featured on New Jersey Bride's Blog!!

noreply@blogger.com (L. Rose Designs) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 23:51:00 +0000

Check out New Jersey Bride's website for an article about our "mustache" wedding! I am so glad I decided to make these for our guests. It was really so funny to see everyone wearing them and having so much fun with them!

I got the idea from watching an episode of Martha Stewart. Easy directions for crafting the mustaches are available on her website. She also supplies templates! My favorite was the imperial. I made three different shapes and used 4 different colors of fabric to accommodate everyone :-)

Shop Update TODAY!

noreply@blogger.com (L. Rose Designs) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 14:33:00 +0000

I will be adding some new goodies to the shop today! It has been long overdue. Here is a sneak peek of what you will find.

Feathered Friend Necklace: Silver

Enlighten Earrings: Blue Chalcedony and Turquoise Glass on Brass

Turquoise and Carnelian Chandelier Earrings on Sterling

Amazonite, Jade and Wood Bracelet with Bali Silver Toggle

Our Fun, Fabulous Mustache Wedding!!

noreply@blogger.com (L. Rose Designs) — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 16:15:00 +0000

Matt and I were married on May 30th at the Abbie Holmes Estate in Clermont, NJ. It was a gorgeous day and we were so happy to be surrounded by so many of the amazing people we love. They say "a picture speaks a thousand words" so here are a few thousand words courtesy of Kella MacPhee our talented photo journalist!

With this ring....

noreply@blogger.com (L. Rose Designs) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 01:35:00 +0000

Thank you to the amazing jewelry artists who designed our wedding rings for us!!!

Laura from SimplyAdorning worked with me to create a wedding band to match my antique engagement ring. She did an outstanding job, and I love my ring!! The floral detail pattern is a close match to the design on the engagement ring. She was a pleasure to work with, and even went out of her way to find the floral pattern for me. Go to SimplyAdorning's shop to see her other handcrafted jewelry.

The husband and wife team of TitaniumKnights designed Matt's simple, stylish wedding band. The titanium ring has a comfort fit bevel design, and features a two-tone finish. It is quite simple but beautiful, just like Matt! They will custom make your ring for you in any width. Matt did not want his ring to be too wide, so they were able to make the width 6mm. We had the ring in less than two weeks from the time we ordered it! Super Fast!

Together Forever

My engagement ring came from Israel Rose in New York City. They have the widest range of estate and antique jewelry that I have ever seen! Their website is a dream to look at if you are into vintage jewelry.
New York Estate Jewelry
My ring is a platinum and diamond ring with tiny sapphires. It is from the Edwardian era, dating back to the early 1920's! I wish I knew who it belonged to...my grandfather, (who was born in 1919) said it must have been worn by a beautiful, classy woman! I think he's right :-)

My Handmade Wedding Invitations!

noreply@blogger.com (L. Rose Designs) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:36:00 +0000

I LOVE my wedding invitations! Check them out below. Ashley of Flatwear and Ms. Erin did all of the hard work. They are beautiful and just want I had envisioned!

Invite

Response Card

Map

500 SALES!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (L. Rose Designs) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:23:00 +0000

Thank you to all my customers who have helped me get to my goal of 500 sales through my Etsy Shop. I love having the opportunity to create jewelry for so many wonderful and supportive people. I am so grateful for the outlet that Etsy has provided for me and for so many talented artists.

Next goal: 1,000 sales!!!!

Thank you to K Warner for making the 500th Sale