Labradorite

Labradorite is truly a fascinating stone and one of my favorites. Like staring into a deep tide pool in a remote lagoon, the stone displays flashes of blue, purple, green and gold.
It is said to be a power stone, which allows you to see through illusions and determine the actual form of your dreams and goals.
In the earrings pictured above, I've used small nuggets of Labradorite, but still, you can see the intense flash.

Post Earrings

I created a few pairs of these nifty post earrings yesterday. Right now I'm loving the combination of gold and black. To me it seems part Tory Burch, part Gucci chic, part vintage Versace and part eighties cheese, but all of those parts together is very right now and sophisticated. At least I think so.
Because of the size of these earrings (approximately 1/2 inch or 14mm in diameter) they look sort of like faux plugs. Be edgy without the pain!

Magnets

In an effort to mix things up and hopefully generate some sales in the shop, I've introduced these lovely accessories for your fridge: The Lola Collection magnets! Created from bits of vintage ephemera and decorative papers left over from my jewelry, they are the perfect solution to spruce up you tired old ice box. Packaged in their very own glass top, tin containers, these shabby chic magnets also make fantastic house warming or hostess gifts!

New Displays

I've decided to re-vamp my show display this year (now I just have to work on booking some shows!) and started with these above. They are essentially cheap picture frames that I've painted. I removed the glass and "upholstered" the back of the frame using batting, pretty fabric and my trusty hot glue gun. I'm really happy with the way they came out, soft and pretty, yet functional. I took them with me recently as I made the rounds to some local boutiques and they held up surprisingly well being yanked in and out of my tote bag.

I think all in all, they cost me less than $20 to make three.

Lariat Style Necklaces

Another new style I’ve been working on and I love how they’ve turned out! I’ve been working this over in my head for a while and couldn’t wait to actually create a few of these pieces.
They are what I like to call “faux” lariat. The sterling silver chain I’ve used is so delicate but it is perfectly juxtaposed by the handcrafted, slightly rough sterling silver ring that creates the lariat look. For sale now in The Lola Collection Shop.

Luxe Necklaces

Here is a small sampling of what I've been working on lately. With the spring / summer show season right around the corner, I've been striving to create some new pieces that are innovative, yet sophisticated.

These necklaces feature my signature pendants but with a twist; a cascade of crystal and semi precious beads. I love them!

Bird Pendant Necklaces

Yay! New birdie pendants make their debut this week! Keep an eye on the shop and check them out.

Resolutions

I'm not usually one for resolutions, but I do like to set goals. So my resolution/goal for this year is to really push myself and my Etsy store to be all that it can be (and basically avoid getting a job outside of my home lol).

That being said, I've decided to add some new styles of work to The Lola Collection. I will continue to create my signature pendants, earrings and bracelets primarily but will integrate some new beaded work into the shop.

These new pieces will allow me broaden my horizons, discover new and different techniques, and use materials I wouldn't normally use. Basically, it'll keep me from getting bored lol, which can sometimes be a problem! Above is a sampling of some new pieces that are not yet listed in the shop. Take a peak and let me know what you think!

New Year, New Styles

I've been working out some new style ideas and here they are. I could not resist creating the labradorite bar necklace. Right now it's my favorite stone, I adore the colors, the flash, the speckles, the murky look.

It is a power stone, allowing you to see through illusions and determine the actual form of your dreams and goals. It is excellent for strengthening intuitions. What a great way to start off the new year!

The earrings are a new style as well, featuring sparkling drops and hand formed sterling ear wires.

New Colors

Last night I decided to play around and mix some new polymer clay colors to incorporate into some new designs. I love the look of shimmery metallic polymer clay, but the metallic colors are a bit harsh for my taste. So I mixed these seven colors using mostly Fimo Soft gold for the metallic shimmer. The colors I came up with range from dark golden olive to frosty gold to dark supple suede. I really love how they've turned out. These samples remind me of the eye shadow pots at M.A.C.

Be sure to keep an eye out for these new shades in my Etsy shop!

The Blues

Blue is my favorite color. Here is a sampling of my favorite earrings in my favorite hue, available in my Etsy shop.

New Designs

i call this necklace (above) Four Maps; each little glass gem features a bit of a map of coastal California and encased in polymer clay. i plan on making more with different themes. this one in particular has just been listed on etsy, so we'll see how it does!

i have committed myself to a few more shows in Sept. including the Brooklyn Indie Market and the Atlantic Antic on Atlantic St in Brooklyn. i am really excited, so i decided to come up with a few new designs. i don't have a name for the necklace pictured above, but i absolutely adore it. the pendant features and image from an antique map and hanging from the chain is a beautifully carved wood flower, a tiny glass vial (from my friend aminyitray.etsy.com), a piece of white turquoise and a black cathedral bead.

I really love the look of this necklace, and it looks stunning on. i may not be featuring this style just yet in my etsy shop, but definitely plan on making a few for my upcoming shows.