The three basic elements to our new look!

To do this we are developing design contests where you make jewelry and can win prizes for your designs. I should have this up by next week sometime. We will also host fun giveaways, and offer valuable how-to’s for making necklaces, making bracelets, and earrings too, how to display jewelry, and how to run a jewelry business. Thanks for being patient while we make changes!

To answer the question: how do you know if your blog needs a facelift? We knew when: (1) we wanted fun & cheerful graphics that mirrored who we are, (2) we needed to upgrade our WordPress from version -0.001 to something more 2012! and (3) we wanted more ways to involve you – the most important part of any blog.

What are some topics you’d like us to post about?

The Writing & Art of Andrew Thornton

Be sure to stop by Andrew’s blog to see what else he created with Nina Designs jewelry charms and components, and learn how he keeps his days busy with writing, jewelry design, and the opening of a new creative space – The Allegory Gallery.

Allegory Gallery is “a creative space that’s one part bead store, one part jewelry boutique, one part fine art gallery, and one part gift shop. The aim of Allegory Gallery is to promote artisan craftspeople, inspire the community to explore their creativity, and act as a focal point for classes and artistic education in the area.”

If I ever find myself near Ligonier, PA, I’d definitely plan a visit!

Elizabeth – contact me at juanita(at)ninadesigns(dot)com and we will get your flower charms in the mail asap.

And, now you’re wondering: How do I win this awesome prize of flower charms,
silk ribbons, and leather cord ($160 Retail Value)?

Just follow these simple steps to join in the fun:

1 – If you don’t already have one, create your account at Pinterest.com. Request an invite and enter your email. You’ll get a response in a day or so.

2 – After your account is open, enter the contest by following our board: Ninadesignspin.

3 – Then start pinning images of flowers from Nina Designs to your Pinterest Board. Find your favorite flowers anywhere on our site, like flower charms & pendants, flower earrings, floral design ideas, and even from our blog.

4 – Then leave a comment on this post for each flower you pin. Earn entries for every pin you turn in. There’s no limit to how many you can turn in! The more comments, the more entries into the contest.

5 – Contest ends: Tuesday, May 8th at 10 a.m. PDT.

6 – The winner will be drawn at random from all comments, and announced on Tuesday afternoon, May 8th.

THIS CONTEST HAS ENDED

See more by Pretty Things!

Today we’d like you to meet Lori Anderson, of Pretty Things, a super sweet blog chocked full of fun design challenges, blog giveaways, and inspiring jewelry design. We sent Lori a goodie bag full of bronze jewelry charms – like coral pendants, feather charms, and circle jewelry links – and love what she created. We especially appreciated how she turned the feather charms into jewelry links, and how she mixed key charms with steel parts from her local hardware store. That’s thinking outside the box!

Be sure to check out all three designs she made using bronze charms . . . and, if you go to her blog by April 28th, you’ll still have time to enter her blog giveaway to win Nina Designs jewelry components. While you’re there be sure to meet her son Zack, see her vintage camera collection (really awesome), and see what Lori’s designing next!

Do you make jewelry and blog about it? Consider partnering with Nina Designs. Contact: deanna(at)ninadesingns(dot)com for more information. It’s fun. It’s free. And, it drives traffic to our blogs!

Meet Tiffany, one of our friendly customer service reps!

Common questions we get through email & phone calls:

Q:Do you sell wholesale?
A: YES! In fact, the majority of our business is wholesale. After you create your wholesale account online, we ask that you email, fax, or mail us a copy of your state issued resale license. We can not accept a Business License or Employee Identification Number (EIN), because they have nothing to do with the collection of sales tax. For international wholesale customers, we require some kind of government issued business documentation.

Q: Are the prices on the website wholesale?
A: You must be signed in to your wholesale account to see wholesale prices. If you are not logged as wholesale, or you are a retail customer, then you will see retail pricing.

Q: When will my order ship?
A: It usually takes us two days to process an order and get it out of the office. If you want it sent out same day, please select an expedited form of shipping (3-Day, 2-Day, or Overnight), and place your order before 2pm PST. See Shipping Chart for details.

Q: Do you charge my card when the order is submitted?
A: No, we wait to charge your card until after your order is pulled, and any out-of-stock items are taken out of your cart. That is why the actual amount charged is sometimes different from your order total when you submitted your order.

Have a question not listed here? Check our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) page for answers.

Madame Adowa Masks

Madam Adwoa carves wooden masks in West Africa. She used the money from her loan to buy materials and tools. The profits from her business allow her to educate her grandchildren.

Daria Laureano carves gourd sculptures in Peru. She learned carving from her parents, grandparents and great- grandparents.  “I decided to continue with this art and not let go of our culture and history,” she says. “But I wanted my works to express my own creativity and designs.” Now her adult children have joined her business to continue the tradition.

Nittaya Cherdchu from Thailand could not afford to study past primary school but her wood carving businesses is thriving. Each of her pieces takes over a week to create. “I can remember that when I was a girl I worked in the rice field and did housework and, in my free time, I made bamboo baskets to sell. Weaving baskets did not provide us lots of income but we had no other choice. I wish I could have studied more, but my parents couldn’t pay for more education.”

Nittaya Cherdchu

Tahi Wood Carving

Daria Loreano

Bracelet from My Sweet Daughter

Each of these jewelry designers pushed their limits to design outside the box, and I love the results. Punches of color, whimsy, and layers of bronze charms! The photos below are just some of their creations, so be sure to stop by each of these wonderful blogs to see the rest, and discover a community of talented jewelry designers.

We’re also delighted to get such positive reviews from our blog partners. “I LOVED these charms. I thought they were 14k gold but they are better because they have more durability than gold and are way more affordable.” – For My Sweet Daughter. And, “I received this gorgeous goodie bag of beautiful bronze beauties! They look and feel like 14kt gold, and are MUCH more beautiful and lush in person.” – Saints and Sinners.

Thanks ladies! Creating products to inspire jewelry designers is an ongoing joy. We love knowing that our work feeds the creative energy of so many talented artists.

Necklace by Barbe St. John

Earrings by Michelle Mach

My first design is this art deco component. My idea behind this design is to use the the holes as a decorative element that could also be utilized in jewelry construction. I feel that the design is strong enough to stand alone and also has the potential to be all dressed up in gemstones and dangles. It lends itself to be a great pair of earrings, but can be an excellent pendant as well.

Which of the sketched designs would you like us to make next?

Which design would you like to see in silver next?

My first design for Nina Designs

Nina Designs is known for high quality sterling silver charms, beads and pendants, but many people forget we offer more than sterling silver and gold plated sterling. One of my favorite collections is the Black Silver Collection. It is of modest size – some links, charms, a couple of clasps, & earring findings – but makes a big impact. And, black silver looks fantastic with gold vermeil, sterling silver and bronze! Any combination you can come up with, our sophisticated black silver will spruce it up. I’ve been using it a lot and would love to see more black silver styles.

Are you a fan of black silver? Would you be interested in seeing more?