Behind the Scenes: Shopping for Supplies!

One of my favorite parts of jewelry designing is shopping for new treasures to incorporate into my jewelry.  Month after month I'm inspired by the artwork, architecture, and activity bustling around me in downtown Chicago.  Inspiration can come from anywhere - the stained glass exhibit at Navy Pier, new spring flowers at my local flower shop, the funny way Violet (a two-year-old I babysit) chooses to layer my necklaces on herself as she plays dress-up. 

Month after month, I fine-tune my ideas into styles I want to incorporate into my jewelry... then I finally get to shop.  Every few months, massive wholesale gem and jewelry shows come to Chicago and neighboring cities selling all things jewelry related.  They have a fabulous selection of fine jewelry (where I've splurged on a ring I love), but they also have booth after booth of wholesale strands of gemstones, pearls, gold and silver treasures, cheap plastic beads, vintage rings and broaches, thousands of styles of chains... I could go on forever.  If you've seen it in Nordstrom, they have a way for you to make it.  I thank God every time I go for my wholesale tax license!  There are some shows open to the general public, but the really good ones need a tax ID. 

I was recently spoiled with two weekends back-to-back of jewelry shows: Intergalactic Bead Show (one I've been going to for 12 years that also travels up and down the East Coast), and the Jewelry Fashion and Accessory Show.  I'm blessed to have two good friends - Nicole and Anna - who live in my building and are unconditionally supportive of my growing jewelry business.  They tagged along to both shows, which made shopping so much more fun!  I feel like I can develop tunnel vision with some of my styles and designs, so it definitely helps to have a couple people to bounce ideas off of.  My girlfriends got into the excitement and wound up buying several strands and pieces from both shows so they could put together some pieces of their own.  I love inspiring new artists!  Here's a bit of information on the shows I've been to since I've been in Chicago:

• Intergalactic Bead Show (www.beadshows.com) is expensive, even for a jewelry supply show.  I've been going to this show for 12 years - it was my first introduction to the overwhelming world of touring jewelry supply shows.  It used to have a huge presence and a lot of floor space, but it is slowly shrinking.  It's definitely worth the trip if it is coming to your area, especially if you don't have any shows coming up and you need to get your hands on some new pieces... but it isn't worth spending a fortune at.  I was extremely luck to find a new booth that I loved at this show last weekend which made the trip worth the drive: Adornments by Kathy Dokomos (www.adornments.com).  Loved her soft, matte gold pieces!  I'll definitely be ordering more - and she was so sweet and easy to work with!  You can check out some of the bracelets I made with some of her pieces on my Etsy at: www.etsy.com/shop/landonlacey

 

• Transworld's Jewelry Fashion and Accessory Show (www.jfashow.com) may be a Chicago thing.  It has more than just jewelry - scarves, perfume, shirts, etc.  This show is more extensive than IBS as well as more affordable, but still isn't the best.  They also have  pre-made cash-and-carry jewelry that retail stores can purchase to incorporate immediately into their shop.

• International Gem and Jewelry Show (www.intergem.com) is the best I've found.  They have an enormous selection of gemstones at rock-bottom prices, tons of styles of chain, and a beautiful selection of fine jewelry to drool over.  They also have a section that is wholesale where you need a tax-ID to enter.  I feel like a kid in a candy shop every time I walk in - it is overwhelming and exciting!  Definitely takes two days and a glass of wine and slippers at the end of each day!  Hopefully we'll road trip to this show when it comes to Columbus Ohio in a couple weeks!  

Looking forward to finding some new treasures at the upcoming shows!  Check them out as I incorporate them into some lines I'm developing! 

South: Anna Spruiell's Success Story

One of the first stores in which I sold my jewelry was Blush Boutique, a wonderful little shop in Mt. Pleasant outside Charleston, SC that specializes in trendy adult and tween clothes.  Anna worked behind the counter at the time, and I loved coming in to bring her my new pieces because she was so much fun to chat with.  I was disappointed one day when I found out Anna had left South Carolina - then thrilled to hear she had decided to embark on a new adventure and open her own shop in Alabama: South.  Anna's shop sent a shockwave around Birmingham that I could feel from North Carolina.  She had a killer opening day (that I shamelessly stalked online), immediately had 1000+ Facebook likes, and somehow had an amazing lineup of fabulous indie designers (including me, I'm proud to say)!  Anna is a shining example of what it means to make grassroots grow!  Anna sat behind a counter in South Carolina ringing up sales... and knew she could make big things happen.  She had the guts to act on her dream, the determination to see it through, and the intelligence to make it thrive.  Anna's community has embraced her with open arms - her business has been a huge success and she continues to evolve as her business sense develops and the artists she features come out with new lines and new styles.  Here's Anna's account of her inspiring story:

My name is Anna Spruiell, and I am the owner and manager of South, an Alabama-based boutique that carries cutting edge women’s clothing, jewelry and accessories.

When I’m not at the store, I love to travel and spend time with my family. I had the opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy. It really opened my eyes to new experiences. I love meeting new people, seeing the world, and experiencing other cultures. There is a whole world out there that I am dying to see.

How did you get into the retail business?

After I graduated from The University of Alabama, I moved to Charleston, SC. I didn't know a single person there and was without a job. Ironically, my first day in Charleston, I met a wonderful family who offered me a job at their local boutique. For the next three years, I split my time working as a nanny and at a clothing boutique where I learned the retail business.

What brought you to Alabama?

I am an Alabama native but could never make the leap to move back home after college. My heart finally called me home when one of my family members fell ill and I knew I wanted to be there. I am very close to my family and I decided that I didn't want to spend another moment without my family and friends right beside me. I also felt it was the right decision to open my first store in Alabama – surrounded by my support group.

Growing up in Alabama definitely shaped my style and I wanted to reflect that in the overall feel of the store and designs I have selected for South.

What was your biggest disappointment and success story in the process of opening your own store?

The biggest disappointment was trying to open South without a penny to my name. My parents strongly urged me to go back to school but I insisted on opening my own boutique. I had to take out a loan at 24 years old with very little help. Everyone told me I wouldn't make any money and I would be paying back what I put in it for the next few years. Within the first month of opening South, I had paid everything off and was already making a profit.

What's the best piece of advice you can give other aspiring grassroots shop owners?

Follow your passion and work hard. Be prepared for the store to become your priority and make sure that you have the time to devote to it. I was literally at the store every night until 3 AM for the first 3 to 5 months.

What's the biggest lesson you've learned in opening your own shop?

It has definitely redefined my work ethic. Patience is also important.

What role has Social Media played in promoting South?

Social media has arguably been the strongest driving force in my business. We love to post our items on Instagram and Facebook. We are also looking into new opportunities on Pinterest.

How do you find the artists and vendors you want to feature in South?

I lived in Los Angeles and Charleston for a while and would find things in my favorite stores that had not made it to Alabama yet. We try to bring new lines/items from the west and east coast.

How has South evolved over the past year or so?

Over the past year, South has transformed from a small boutique in Trussville, Alabama with a local customer base to a popular online store that ships to customers all over the country.

What direction do you see South going in the future?

Right now we are considering franchise opportunities for South or expanding on our own. We've also looked at opening South at several locations outside the state of Alabama, but nothing to report just yet. Right now I am just enjoying my first store! Opening South has changed my life, and I so grateful for the opportunity to share the experience with our amazing customers, friends and family. We have the best customers who have helped make South so successful during our first year.

Be sure to check us out online at www.shopsouthboutique.com or stop by for a visit.

I found Anna's story so inspiring, I had to share it with the world!  Hope you've loved reveling in the success of a woman who had enough faith in herself to pursue her dreams and achieve so much more than she expected.  Just look what can happen with intelligence, passion and determination combine!

www.shopsouthboutique.com

www.etsy.com/shop/landonlacey

Shop Exposé: String a Strand on Wells

Today my friend Katy and I went to String a Strand on Wells, a fabulous little jewelry supply store in Old Town in Chicago (String a Strand).  It's a great local spot with an eclectic mix of jewelry supplies, finished jewelry, and accessories.   As soon as I moved to Chicago, I scouted out places near me that I could use to pick up some unique pieces, so I walked around and found this little gem.  It's in a great area for food - I LOVE the Italian spot Topo Gigio nearby.  It's also around the corner from Chicago's famous comedy venue Second City.  Here's the store:

I love how the store is laid out with little dishes full of treasures.  They have some really unique pieces!  My favorites are tiny hedgehogs that I put on a gold chain.

Dajana, the owner of the shop, has her own handmade jewelry for sale throughout the store.  She specializes in gorgeous gold necklaces that look wonderful layered with other necklaces.  She has a great idea for displays: velvet over cork board in a frame. 

Here's another shot of her handmade jewelry:

 Dajana also has some beautiful accessories throughout the store, like masquerade masks:

One of my all-time favorite stones is druzy agate.  She has a great selection of gold plated druzy chunks in various shapes and sizes.  She has these in a million colors - definitely worth checking out!

Katy and I had a ton of fun poking through her gems and wound up finding some little treasures to take home and incorporate in our Etsy shops.  Check Katy out at www.etsy.com/shop/catekatan!

Katy found a beautiful strand of gemstone beads.  I'll post what she makes with them once she puts something together!  I got some charms for gold necklaces (the aforementioned hedgehogs, a pineapple, and a ballerina).

Here's a shot of some of her charm necklaces.  She has these in numbers as well:

Overall, it was a very successful trip to a local Chicago jewelry supply shop!  Dajana has a great store with a beautiful layout.  I have a ton of respect for her grassroots shop - look out for my interview with her in my next blog post!

My Etsy Shop

Local Scarves: An Interview with Bozena Strozik

In honor of the -12 degree temperatures here in Chicago, I interviewed a local grassroots artist who makes gorgeous handmade scarves!  Here's the scoop on BOZENA STROZIK:


Give me some background on yourself - where you're from, what you do, unusual interests, etc.

I was born and raised in a small town in Poland, my parents brought me and my two siblings to the States when I was thirteen with hopes of a better future.
 
I enjoy camping, traveling, reading, biking, cooking and of course crocheting. I love hanging out with hubby and spending time with our fourlegged baby BaBa.

How long have you been making scarves?

About 3 years

How did you initially become interested in handmade scarves?

I fell in love with chunky, oversized cowls. Instead of just buying one I was determined to teach myself  how to make one. I felt that it was the only way I was going to get exactly what I want. I found that crocheting is very calming and relaxing, I was hooked.

Hooked - that's funny : )  How did this move from a hobby to a business?

I had quite the collection of scarves and cowls, after giving a lot of them away to friends and family and getting lots of compliments I decided to give Etsy a try.

Check out Bozenna's Etsy link at the bottom of this post! 
What techniques do you use when you make these scarves?  
I don't know anything about knitting and crocheting... so fill me in!

I don’t really use any techniques, all of my scarves and cowls are made freehand with no patterns or stitch counting.  I usually think of something and go for it or just make it up as I go, this is why no two scarves in my shop are the same.

How do you choose your yarn (it's yarn, right?)  Where do you get it?

I choose my yarn by softness and thickness.  I enjoy most working with super bulky yarns  always making sure that it’s soft to touch.  My favorite yarn to work with is an Acrylic & Wool blend.  My go to store for yarn shop is Hobby Lobby, I also often visit Michaels.

What direction do you see this going in?

My ultimate dream would be to have my scarves in my favorite store FreePeople (www.freepeople.com)

Have there been any people or artists who have influenced you? 

My inspiration is the world wide web, I do a lot of research to stay o top of fashion and trends.

What's the most unconventional way a person could wear one of your scarves?

My infinity scarves can be worn as a bolero and most of my cowls are wide enough to be pulled down on the shoulders for some extra warmth.

What's your biggest feel-good story about your handmade scarves?  Something someone has said?  Something you've chosen to do with them?

One of my clients e-mailed me to tell me that she was stopped by a woman on the street because she had to know where she got her cowl from. That to me is the best compliment. I also enjoyed being able to donate 15% of my December sales to Child's Voice (www.childsvoice.org)

If you could see your scarves on any celebrity, who would it be? 

Rachel Zoe ☺

Thanks for a great interview Bozena!  You can find Bozenna's warm, handmade scarves at:

www.etsy.com/shop/BundleUpShop 

How To Make a Hand Stamped Suspended Bracelet

This is my first how-to post... feel free to ask questions and give me feedback!  I’m going to explain how to make a personalized, hand stamped, suspended bracelet.  Step 1: Pick your blank.  Choose a blank with enough gauge (mine is 18 gauge, nice and thick) and width (mine is about 13 mm).



Here’s the blank I chose:



Instead of ordering blanks with holes, I chose to place them myself (it allows for some more creativity).  This is a nifty little tool you use to screw a hole into a blank.  It has two sides, one that makes a 1.5 mm hole and one that makes a 2 mm hole.  I chose 1.5.  I got this from : http://www.firemountaingems.com/itemdetails/H203084TL.  I like it because you don’t have to squeeze hard, you simply turn.  So I marked where I wanted my holes with a pen, and then turned the knob to push the screw through.



On to hand stamping letters…  www.beaducation.com has a fabulous tutorial on their website on how to do this under their “Learn” tab.  If you’re getting into this, I highly recommend it!  Their products are pricy though, go to www.halsteadbead.com for better prices on blanks.
So I choose my letter and then position it so I can see its reflection in the blank to make sure it isn’t upside down or askew.  Then I use my hammer (I recently had one of these taken from me at the airport… whoops… expensive mistake) and give the metal letter around 13-20 good whacks.  I try to tilt it to make sure all the corners are good and clear, but it you tilt it too far, it will make an impression of the circle around the letter.  I used to put my metal slab (I don’t know technical words) on the floor to hammer letters, but it drives my neighbor below me nuts, so now I rest it on my knee and give it a few more whacks than I would on the floor. 
Once you’re happy with your impression, you can take a permanent marker and fill it in.  Use nail polish remover to wipe off the excess marker and you have a beautifully contrasted initial stamped.



Measure out the length of chain you’d like.  My total lenght is 7” and it fits loosely around my wrist but won’t fall off, so measure accordingly and make sure to include your blank and clasp.  Cut it in the middle so you can secure the blank to one side and half of your clasp to the other.
Use toothless pliers to secure jump rings to your chain.  You can also choose to wire wrap the blank to the chain.  I like a smaller jump ring because it gives it a cleaner look.  Avoid pliers with teeth so you don’t tear up the jump rings.



Use jump rings or wire wrap the chain to a clasp.  I chose a toggle. 



And the finished product… a delicate, minimal, hand stamped, suspended bracelet.  Thanks for reading!