Stefanie Says...
Kids Jewelry Craft Activities at the Studio
Over school vacation week this spring on Martha's Vineyard I invited kids into my studio for jewelry craft activities! We designed and created our own stretchy bracelets from gemstones, crystals and pretty charms. There were trays of beautiful beads to work with and plenty of inspiration on hand. The kids got to choose their beads and charm and then I showed them how to put it all together. Check out their gallery of bracelet designs below!
Repair-a-palooza!
There's still time!
Remember that I need a little time to make the jewelry! Below are my shipping time frames for the holiday to make sure you get your gifts delivered on time.
- Order by Monday, December 19th with Priority Shipping to get it by December 25th
- Order by Tuesday, December 20th with Express Shipping to get it by December 25th
Happy shopping!
My first ever trip to the Czech Republic, November 2016
The currency is Czech Koruna or Crowns. The exchange rate when I was there was about 25 Koruna to one US dollar.
Browsing glass color sample cards over a delicious (and very strong) coffee
A glass pressing machine at the bead factory
A sampling of traditional Czech meals...
Guláš, Beef Goulash (above). A beef stew served with (extra delicious) onions and bread dumplings. Dumplings (either bread or potato) accompany many meals in the Czech Republic.
Svíčková (above). Beef with a cream sauce served with cranberries, whipped cream(!) and bread dumplings. The thick sauce is made from carrot, parsley root, celeriac and cream. Beef with whipped cream!
pečené vepřové s knedlíky a se zelím (above), is often considered the most typical Czech dish... It consists of roast pork with pickled red cabbage and potato dumplings.
Štrůdl (Above. Apple strudel with ice cream!
Now back to the bead factory!
A snowy morning outside of my hotel window
These large coin-shaped beads have just been cut and have yet to be cleaned up.
A bagful of beautiful
My shopping spree in the Czech glass bead factory!
This photo was taken on what may have been one of the best nights of my life (after, of course, my wedding and the birth of my daughter...). Working late to accomplish many things during my last day and night at the bead factory. We enjoyed pizza and champagne and Jamie and I worked on designing a new collection, choosing beads for Spring, and forecasting our needs for the coming year. Now that's my idea of heaven!
A visit to the glass museum in Jablonecs
Then off to Prague!
What a trip!
Dare to Dream! (at the John Lennon wall in Prague)
My Love for the Locals sale is back!
Save up to 20% from Dec 1-11th when you shop online or in store. In store, take 20% off all regularly priced items. Online use the promo codes below to save!
- Save 20% on your web order when you spend $200 or more online > just enter LOVE20 promo code at checkout.
- Save 10% on your web order when you spend $100 or more online > just enter LOVE10 promo code at checkout.
We're getting in the holiday spirit!
While I'm away in the Czech Republic for my bead buying trip, the girls at studio started to get ready for the holidays! I'm so happy to see that the studio is all sparkles and glitters!
The stockings are hung by the fireplace.
Shiny glitter bows and ornaments right where you can find some gifts for someone on your list!
Garlands, ornaments, bows and lights are twinkling with my jewelry and I'm so excited to be getting in the Holiday spirit with all of you!
There's also a few new designs I'd love to share with you. I've added a color mix and a medley perfect to add more sparkle to your holiday ensembles!
The Island Fog is inspired by the shades of gray from the island's winter hues. It is made of striking banded agate, smoky quartz, white jade, goegeous faceted mother of pearl, crystals, freshwater pearls and Czech glass tiles.
The Wine & Chocolate mix is added to my Trilogy Collection, think merlot and dark chocolate by a cozy fire.
Come on by the studio to see the new designs! And don't forget about Christmas in Edgartown next week, December 8-11. We'll be having some hot cider for you while you shop!
Help me name my Summer 2017 color mix!
How the heck do I put this bracelet on myself?
How to dress yourself- You all love the look of my multistrand bracelets but many of you are intimidated by the clasp. I've been clasping and unclasping my own bracelets for years without much trouble at all and I thought it was time to share my methods. I demo this often at craft shows and a few simple tips have helped many of you get fully dressed by yourself in the morning! In this video I demonstrate my tips.
Sizing- My multistrand bracelets come in three sizes:
- Small is 7 1/4 inches long
- Medium is 7 3/4 inches long
- Large is 8 1/4 inches long
I am happy to fill custom orders for additional sizes- just let me know what you need!
Caring for your multi-strand bracelet- Keep your bracelet's clasp shiny by wearing it often, storing it in a closed container (such as a sealed baggie in your jewelry box), and polishing it with a silver polishing cloth if it becomes tarnished or dull. It's air and especially humid air that causes sterling silver to tarnish, so if you live in a humid climate you may notice your silver tarnishes more quickly.
A small amount of tension holds these clasps shut as the narrow bar (an electrician or mechanic might call this the "male end") slides into the wider bar ("female end"). Your clasp should be snug when it is closed and it should take some gentle force to open the clasp. If you find that after much wear your bracelet seems too easy to open or close, you can tighten it yourself or bring/send it back to the studio and I'll be happy to do it for you. To tighten the clasp yourself, open the clasp and take the "female end" and give it a gentle squeeze to narrow the gap, this will yield a more snug fit next time you close the clasp. If you do notice that your bracelet seems too easy to open, tighten it up (or bring it back to me to tighten for you) before continuing to wear it-- and you will be able to enjoy it for years to come!
Full Moon Soiree at the Studio
Join us every other Thursday all summer long for celebrations of summer at my jewelry studio. At each event I'll be serving wine and nibbles. Next one:
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Thursday, August 18th, 2016, 6-9pm. Follow the full moon to the jewelry studio for a special event! Enjoy tarot card readings by island favorite Madame Falgoux, chocolate, howling and refreshments. Upstairs at 12 North Water Street, Edgartown, MA. 774-549-9526
3 Ways to Wear the Gold Leaf Necklace
I've been wearing my gold leaf necklace as a wrap bracelet at my summer shows and so many of you have been commenting on it that I thought I'd share this video. See the full gold leaf collection here.
