My mom brought me some amazing earring findings and charms from Tokyo and I put them all together today. I love these earrings! I’m definitely keeping these for myself but I am going to find similar findings to make more! Thanks, Mom!



My mom brought me some amazing earring findings and charms from Tokyo and I put them all together today. I love these earrings! I’m definitely keeping these for myself but I am going to find similar findings to make more! Thanks, Mom!



My old friend Hillary and I tried to sell our wares (washi paper eggs and jewelry) at a craft fair/flea market today. Never expect to sell anything handmade at an event that is marketed as both because no one will want to spend over $5 on anything. Really–$5 is the magic number. It was fun catching up, though, and I got a nice base of color on my arms. That color being red.
OK, people. Time to check these other two sites:
Caitlin’s virtual shower is in full force. You can win prizes. Simply leave your name and email in her comments. If you aren’t a mom, I’m sure you know one who could use these free gifts. It will only take you two minutes so just do it. And tell your friends.
Matt and I posted our first review of our trip to Japan. Bookmark this site and check back often. We’ve got a lot of material to cover.
And please, leave comments and feedback! And tell your friends.
I finally got a little bit of time (and profit) to work on some new jewelry this weekend. My latest:




Today was the best experience so far as to selling my jewelry to the public! Even though I only sold 4 items (plus the 2 that my parents bought after it was over) it was a fun atmosphere, outside, beautiful weather, and friendly fellow vendors. Can’t wait until next month!
My local Whole Foods is hosting a “Local Market” on the first Sunday of the month from June-October, and they invited me to participate! The first market will be on June 1 and it looks like it will be a lot of fun:
* The following vendors will have an 8’ table, table cloth, and space under the big tent provided by Whole Foods Market: Kelli Dietrich, From the Garden, Jlove Jewlery, Alice Dougherty, Occasions to Savor, Simple Bangles, Creole Soul, Poo Paw, Naturally Neil, Helen’s Pure Foods, Nature’s Inspirations, Farview Farm, Bucks County Preserves, Blackstone Studio, The Natural Baker, and Abington Art Center.
* We will have a grand opening ceremony at the first market (June 1st at 10am) with a bread breaking ceremony. Special guest, State Representative Josh Shapiro, will be here to help cut the 5’ loaf of French bread.
* There will be live music, kids activities, and grilling at each market.
I will be selling my jewelry on Saturday, May 3, at The Eagles Nest’s Craft and Vendor Fair. Come visit!
Simple Bangles jewelry is finally for sale at a shop in Downingtown, PA! The Eagles Nest is now housing most of my pieces and I am having a little bit of separation anxiety, but hopefully this will generate more sales! It’s an adorable shop that used to be an old barn. If you are ever in the area, check it out!
Thanks to my mom for donating the table and bird cages, and for helping me today to set everything up (and navigate while I drove terribly)!
In honor of wedding season, I am advertising a new line of jewelry for brides and their bridesmaids. I just recently made a “knock-off” Maria Elena headband for someone, and loved making it. Most of the pieces will be custom made, so on my website, Simple Bangles, I’ll just have photos of example pieces I have made. I really am willing to try anything and work with the bride, bridesmaids, moms, brothers, whoever, on what exactly they want.
Since my wedding almost one year ago, I’ve learned a lot of weddings and brides. Sometimes I completely understand that people want everything about their wedding to be perfect, especially because vendors really gauge you in their costs. My goal is to create quality products for people but at a reasonable price.
This “season,” these are some of the top trends going on:
1. Lace and bead embellishments. The back of the wedding dress is the focal point this year, and both lace and beaded styles are back on the runways in criss-cross designs. Deep v-backed dresses are a popular find, and embroidered flowers are making an appearance for summer and fall.
2. Eco-friendly and organic weddings. From pesticide-free flowers to serving organic menus in the catering department, having a green wedding is both an environmentally conscious and personal choice. More couples are choosing natural fabrics and sustainable foods for their wedding day, and some are even giving their wedding gifts as donations to favorite charities.
3. Local attractions for wedding locations. Botanical gardens in the neighborhood, the city zoo, and even the local state fair are all prime locations for a unique wedding. More couples are looking at attractions and distinct settings for a more customized wedding event.
I really like those three, but if you want to read about all ten (and get a good laugh) you can read the rest of the article here
Here are some great blog posts about wedding season:
Mapgirl blog
Peanut Butter Burritto
**Update: “Celebrity Wedding and Bridal Site” just referred to this post on their site. Cool!
According to Looking Fit, the Saturday before Memorial Day is the official start of wedding season. Let the planning begin!
Simple Bangles has an ad! Check it out:
My friend Jacob designed it for me (it’s his website, too, so you should read everything on it).