February 24, 2010

Jewelry Findings for my Tucson Treasures

Filed under: On The Road — Tags: , , @ 12:29 pm

Which Nina Designs jewelry findings do I need to complete my Tucson purchases? This was my first year as a Nina Designs representative at the Gem and Lapidary Wholesaler’s Show in Tuscon, Arizona. I have attended several trade shows for Nina Designs in the past, but none quite like this.

While there I had the great opportunity to shop with Leah, a Tucson veteran who brought me to the coolest booths. I was also inspired by the ideas and purchases of my fellow co-workers Clara, Juanita and Yolanda. It was wonderful to have such guidance in the sea of tradeshows and vendors at Tuscon.

Now that I’m home, I need to figure out what to do with all my treasures. I purchased a section of chain made from wood and I knew the moment I saw it that I was going to pair it with our Deer Hide Lace and a handmade ceramic bead from my co-worker Ruth. I’ll also need a five strand clasp for all my rustic glass beads, maybe one with the cross hatch pattern. So many of my purchases were based on Nina Designs jewelry components I already have or really want.

My favorite purchase from the show is a strand of gem quality drop cut Chrysoprase beads. I have so many ideas but can’t decide on a single design. Our Vermeil Style Gold Plate Majapahit Spacer would be great to emphasize the art deco look. But I’m also thinking of our Yemenite Reproduction Silver Beads with Granulation and Wire Work and our Silver Bead with Swirl Granulation. Do I want gold, silver or mixed metal? I’m just not sure. It can be challenging with so many choices! My Nina Designs Wish List is getting bigger and bigger!

Which beads should I choose?

Which beads should I choose?

Chocolate Deer Hide with Wood Chain

Chocolate Deer Hide with Wood Chain

February 19, 2010

Silver Pendants for the Beadaholic

Filed under: On The Road — Tags: @ 11:03 am

Unique treasures, inspirational silver pendants and relationship building marked this year’s Tucson trade show. Every year we look forward to Tucson as a place rich with inspiration and opportunities to swap all things jewelry and we are never disappointed. We come home brimming with fresh creative energy and all kinds of ideas to implement throughout the year.

A tattoo of P22 on a dedicated beadaholic

A tattoo of P22 on a dedicated beadaholic

One of the highlights of Tucson is the opportunity to meet our customers in person and put a face to a voice. We have the chance to brainstorm and collaborate with our friends and customers, to suggest new styles to compliment existing collections, and to admire the beautiful jewelry made with our components.

This year we had a special treat: a tattoo of our P22 pendant! With tattoos that celebrate and honor her creative and artistic journey, Kriss added this one after purchasing the pendant more than 12 years ago. This tattoo definitely raises the bar in our beadaholic circle!

Thanks to everyone that dropped by our Tucson booth to say hello. We are blessed with the best customers ever! Your positive feedback and continued support is truly appreciated.

September 16, 2009

Bead Show Survival Guide

Filed under: On The Road — Tags: , , , @ 2:23 pm

It is time to get ready for the busy fall and holiday seasons by stocking up on jewelry supplies at your local bead show. Since I spend about a third of my year at bead shows I thought I would put together a survival guide to help you navigate your way through those long hard shopping days.

1. Wear comfy shoes – the floors are usually cement and being on your feet all day is hard. I like to have a second pair with me to change into half way through the day, or for your ride home. You would be surprised at how much this helps.

2. Layer your clothes. It can start out chilly in the morning, but by the time the afternoon rolls around and the lights have been on all day, most busy shoppers are breaking a sweat.

3. Food and water – Show food is terrible. Sure a hot dog will seem like a good idea when you have been shopping for 5 hours, but if you just plan ahead and bring a sandwich, some nuts and dried fruit, and a bottle of water, you will be much happier. I always go to the grocery store in the morning to stock up on pre-made sandwiches and snacks and plenty of water.

Nina Designs in Tucson 2008

Nina Designs in Tucson 2008

To read the rest of our handy bead shopping tips, click below.
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August 14, 2009

Hedgehog Silver Charms

Filed under: New Products,On The Road — Tags: , , @ 8:46 am

Inspired by miniature hedgehog figurines unearthed from Egyptian tombs, these new hedgehog silver charms are adorable!  This past fall, Nina and I were at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.  Many years ago when Nina was just starting her jewelry findings company, she would go to the Met and sketch clasps on display from ancient Greece and Rome.  These sketches were the inspiration the Balinese silversmiths used to make some of the first clasps in the Nina Designs collection.

On our recent visit, it was the tiny Egyptian hedgehog figurines that captured my fancy.  Further research reveals that in Egyptian mythology, hedgehogs were protective talismans as they attacked “bad” animals such as snakes. They could survive in the desert, lending them further protective qualities.

In Celtic lore, the hedgehog is a symbol of rejuvenation and spring. When the hedgehog is happy and safe, its needles are relaxed. When frightened, the animal turns into a prickly ball, teaching us to be less defensive in order to enjoy and appreciate life more.

These little hedgehogs are darling and will be available towards the end of September.

When relaxed, the hedgehog is soft and touchable.

When relaxed, the hedgehog is soft and touchable.

So adorable, these little hedgehog charms will be available in late September.

So adorable, these little hedgehog charms will be available in late September.

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June 15, 2009

Silver Tide Pool Charms

Filed under: On The Road — Tags: , , , @ 8:44 am

Our Silver Charms have taken a sea faring turn in recent months. From seashell charms to mermaid charms, from starfish silver charms to octopus charms, we seem to be sinking deeper into the sea theme with every new creation. With so many ocean charms swimming through the office, I could not resist the urge to see how our lovely sea creatures would look in a natural habitat. On a recent trip to Point Lobos, I settled our silver charms into tide pools and snapped as many photos as I could.  The hermit crabs didn’t seem to mind and the charms looked as if they had been living in the water all along. It is a good thing my patient husband likes to meditate because I couldn’t tear myself away until my pants got soaked by the incoming tide!

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