Silver Dot Jewelry Designs

Wonderful Giveaway!

2009-02-11T00:44:00.006-05:00

How would you like to win this gorgeous Crystal Rose Necklace? Visit Nana's Box to enter this fabulous giveaway. Nana’s Box is a nonprofit service committed to providing a photo box to cancer patients who are undergoing treatment. Nana's Box offers this service to the individual patient with the help and support of families, and those volunteers interested in the emotional support of cancer patients. You can learn more about the organization here.

My Mom is a two-time breast cancer survivor. There are not enough words for me to describe how much I admire her and love her. I always do whatever small things I can to help cancer patients. It's amazing how a small piece of jewelry or something pretty can brighten their day. My Mom had a horrendous surgery last year due to complications from her previous cancer surgeries. I'm so thankful that she's finally recovering. I made her tons of earrings and bought her lip gloss to cheer her up. Little pretty feminine things -- just helped her get through the dark days.

Perfect Outfits for American Girl Dolls

2009-01-31T20:31:00.007-05:00

My 8-year-old niece loves American Girl dolls, and she loves to collect outfits for her doll. There is a lovely shop on Etsy called Naya's Designs. I bought a couple of outfits for my niece for Christmas, and she loved them. My sister-in-law said that they were so beautiful - better than her own clothes! Linnea, the designer behind Naya's Designs, creates every outfit with the utmost care and love. She just created these custom pajamas for my niece's doll.

I have my eye on these outfits too.

Yes, I'm one of those crazy Aunts who loves to spoil her niece and nephew. But, honestly, the best gift I can give them is my love and my time. I'm so proud of them, and I love them so much. My brother and his family are coming to visit me in DC in April. I can't wait!

Great Geekery!

2008-12-11T01:02:00.009-05:00

Debby Arem creates the most original products out of old computer circuit boards. What a great idea! And it's important - helping to keep discarded computers out of landfills. She also happens to have a fantastic vintage bead shop. Yes, I've done my share of damage there.

These bookmarks are so unique -- wonderful stocking stuffers,

Visit her shop for more great gift ideas.

I also love these key chains!

Great Lines

2008-12-10T07:34:00.009-05:00

Do you think I could get a date with these lines?

Or maybe I should just try this.

I should probably wait until I fall in love before I send this. That should take a while.

From one of my favorite card shops on Etsy. Empty George is so much fun.

I Feel Lucky

2008-12-09T07:50:00.005-05:00

I feel lucky:

I have wonderful friends and family.
I'm so proud of my niece and nephew!
My Mom is doing much better - this was a horrible year for her, but 2009 is going to be great.
I love my day job.
I moved to Washington, DC this Fall, and it was one of my best decisions.
My jewelry business on Etsy is doing well and I have the best customers a person could ever hope for.

I do work incredibly hard for everything - my job, my business. However, I know that my friends, family and faith also play a role in my luck.

I'm also lucky for frivolous reasons:

My flapper necklace made the front page of Etsy this weekend. Thanks to the lovely Amy Hatch - Ruby Rose. Her jewelry is gorgeous and very reasonably priced! I love these earrings! Wouldn't they make a great gift this holiday season?

I actually won something! Mom Fuse sponsored a giveway for a Land's End Cashmere Sweater, and I actually won. I wanted to get it in black, but I have a dresser full of black sweaters. So, I ordered the light emerald green. I'm actually going to wear a color. My niece and nephew will be so proud of me when they see me wearing a color other than black.

Tis the Season for Giveaways!

2008-12-06T08:49:00.004-05:00

Okay, I found another fabulous giveaway. Please visit Nana's Box to enter to win a lovely pendant from Finestra Designs. This non-profit organization provides support to cancer patients. You can read about their amazing work here.

Finestra Designs donates 20% of the proceeds from their sales to the charity of your choice. The work is truly beautiful. I urge you to check it out.

Oh! Wow!

2008-12-05T21:40:00.004-05:00

I just found out about this giveaway today by accident. You only have one more day to enter to win a gorgeous Land's End Cashmere Sweater. Visit Mom Fuse to enter. I'll have one in Dark Charcoal Heather, please.

Time is Running Out!

2008-12-04T07:50:00.006-05:00

Two fabulous giveaways! One more day to enter to receive the amazing gift box from Etsy Crest (Capital Region Etsy Street Team). The gift box includes handmade items from 22 Etsy sellers and it includes jewelry, soap, knitwear - everything you can imagine! Visit the Etsy Crest Blog, and leave a comment. That's all you have to do! I've contributed my Crystal Rose Necklace valued at $33.50. The winner will be announced tomorrow afternoon, so hurry up!

You still have a little bit of time to visit Jeannie's blog to enter her giveaway for a gorgeous pair of coin pearl earrings valued at $22.50. The winner will be announced Monday, December 8.

Holiday Handmade Cavalcade

2008-12-03T23:52:00.009-05:00

If you are in the Brooklyn area on Saturday, December 6 be sure and stop by the Holiday Handmade Cavalcade sponsored by the {New New}York Street Team on Etsy. They'll be at the Knitting Factory from 10-6.

You will be able to find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts created by NY, NJ and Connecticut artists. And they are giving the first two hundred visitors gift bags with lovely handmade items. I donated 43 pairs of earrings! Unfortunately, I'm just one person, so I really had to stop at 43 pairs. My vision was getting kind of blurry, so I'm not sure how a 200th pair would have looked.

Here is a sample of some of the artists who will be there. I wish I could go, but I have to be in DC this weekend.

I love Giveaways

2008-12-01T09:48:00.002-05:00

I just found this fun blog Dandelion Wishes while visiting SITS today. It's a great read, and she's sponsoring a great giveaway! Visit her blog to win the Lose Weight, Feel Great Cookbook from the fabulous Jeannie, from Jeannie's Happy World.

Happy Cyber-Monday!!!

Once again, I was shocked!

2008-12-01T09:08:00.004-05:00

My vintage blues earrings were on the front page of Etsy over Thanksgiving weekend. Many thanks to the lovely Elleabelle for including me in her gorgeous treasury. Elleabelle's jewelry is beyond fabulous. The Dahlia Necklace is one of my favorites. Her gorgeous Mistletoe Earrings get me in the holiday spirit, but I would wear them year-round! Oooh, she's having a cyber-Monday sale too!! Yeah!

Get Ready for Cyber Monday! Amazing Giveaway from Etsy CREST!!!

2008-11-29T09:27:00.005-05:00

I'm a proud member of the Etsy CREST Team. No, it's not toothpaste - although I do use Crest toothpaste. It's the Capital Region Etsy Street Team. This team is made up of amazing sellers from all over the Washington DC area. Many team members are having fabulous sales for the holiday weekend! Simply type EtsyCrest in the search bar at Etsy.com to find beautiful handmade items including soap, jewelry, knitwear, art, photographs - anything you can imagine.

It gets even better...EtsyCrest is sponsoring the most fantastic giveaway. 22 sellers have donated items from their shops for a gorgeous, huge, Etsy gift box. You can win the opportunity for a handmade holiday! All you have to do is visit the EtsyCrest Blog and leave a comment. You will automatically be entered in the giveaway.

My giveaway item is the crystal rose necklace from my shop valued at $33.50. You only have until December 5 to enter, so hurry up and visit the EtsyCrest Blog!

Holiday Earrings Giveaway!

2008-11-28T12:42:00.006-05:00

I found Jeannie's blog while surfing SITS one day. I love her blog! She has amazing recipes, tips and great stories. It's so much fun to read. I commented on her Monday's Monet Moment post because, well, I love Monet, and I thought her post was beautiful. Jeannie graciously offered to host a giveaway for these gorgeous earrings on her blog! Please visit her blog to participate. I'm sure you'll become a Jeannie follower too!! You only have until December 8, to enter, so hurry up and visit Jeannie's blog!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I did! My parents are visiting. My Mom's been quite ill for a while, and she's doing much better. It is so great to have them here. There are not enough words to describe how thankful I am for her recovery. As a matter of fact, we're off to go shopping right now! I'm so grateful to have this time with her.

A Few of My Favorite Things

2008-11-25T09:13:00.007-05:00

I'm always amazed at all of the fabulous things you can find on Etsy. I love beautiful boxes to store jewelry or small items. This gorgeous trinket/keepsake box from funwallart is in my favorites list on Etsy. I love the 50's vibe, as well as the rhinestone closure and the rose on top of the box.

Etsy has so many amazing ceramics artists, I don't even know where to begin. I'm in love with this poppy bowl with recycled glass from PrinceDesignUK. It's so unusual and just perfect for decoration in my living room.

Another one of my favorites from this shop is the eat your heart out dessert plate. The hearts are adorable, and I would use this plate year-round. I could see using fruit or small pretty petit fours -anything! It makes any dessert a celebration.

If I Were a Wealthy Girl...

2008-11-23T10:38:00.005-05:00

I would buy handmade luxury clothes on Etsy! These coats from Sanchia Playfair are so gorgeous! A girl can dream, right? They also have gorgeous hats and scarves. Check them out! This cashmere hat is one of my favorites.

Custom Clothing Design

2008-11-14T07:44:00.006-05:00

There are many clothing designers on Etsy who do custom work. All you have to do is send them your measurements, and they will make a garment to fit you perfectly. I am difficult to fit, so I'm always looking for these designers. I blogged about My Black Dress, and I'm still saving my pennies to purchase one of her dresses. Here are two more of my current favorites from yellowcake. Her clothes are gorgeous! Etsy is such an amazing venue for incredibily talented designers who might never be seen otherwise.

I'm in Shock!

2008-11-13T07:37:00.005-05:00

I woke up this morning to find my Vintage Inspirations Navy bracelet on the front page of Etsy. I've only been in one treasury, and I've never been on the front page. And, I've been with Etsy for almost a year! It's probably a fluke, but I will enjoy it!

Thanks, bullfinchbarbury, for selecting my bracelet to include with the other amazing artists in your treasury. Check out her gorgeous jewelry!

I'm having a weekly special in my shop for blog readers. Check it out here. Now, if someone would just read my blog. lol.

Etsy Casual Chic

2008-11-12T21:10:00.009-05:00

I love shopping for clothes on Etsy. You can find amazing original designs at a variety of prices. I'm looking for comfortable casual clothes that will fit my body type and look great on the weekend.

I love this t-shirt from Ahpeele. In the winter months, I'd layer it under a cardigan. And I think it would be fab with either of these custom jeans from Trapper Jane. I have a very difficult body to fit, but I want jeans that look great! I can't wait to try these jeans!

Weekly Special

2008-11-10T08:25:00.002-05:00

I was a jewelry maniac this weekend. I had a total burst of creativity and I just couldn't stop. Unfortunately, I didn't get to photograph everything. I did manage to list some fab long chain necklaces with gemstones and some pieces featuring gorgeous vintage German sugar beads. Check out my new listings here.

This long citrine necklace is one of my favorites.

This week receive a 20% discount on any item in my shop. Please type BLOG in the Notes to Seller box on the Etsy Order Form. I'll promptly issue you a refund for the discount amount via PayPal. Sale ends on Friday, November 14.

Such a Deal!

2008-11-07T19:07:00.005-05:00

I love a good bargain! One of my new favorite sites is MrsDealFinder.com. She finds and categorizes all the deals so that you don't have to! She even has friends and family coupons from a great variety of stores.

I went to Cost Plus World Market with my 25% off coupon and bought a ton of these super cute spice jars. No, I won't be using them for spices. I'm a horrible, horrible cook. I'm using them to store beads! I'm redesigning my studio and storing my fabulous beads in clear jars. It wasn't so much fun carrying them home on the metro, but well worth it! Hurry up - the coupon is only good through November 11.

Weekend Special: Free Shipping

2008-11-06T00:01:00.005-05:00

I'm offering free worldwide shipping (USPS First Class) in my shop through Sunday, November 9. Type BLOG in the Notes to Seller Box on the Etsy order form. I will happily refund your shipping costs via PayPal.

Thank you for visiting Silver Dot Jewelry Designs!

I Love this Blog!

2008-11-05T17:42:00.007-05:00

I'm having fun following fashion on Twitter. Luxaholics found this amazing blog about Michelle Obama's style. I'm so inspired by the election and the change it will bring. But, I must confess, that I greatly admire Mrs. Obama's style -- both internal and external. I'll be following this blog closely!

Last 2 Days of the BOGO Sale

2008-11-03T21:53:00.004-05:00

My BOGO Sale ends on November 5. I have something extra special for blog readers -- free shipping on any purchase today or tomorrow! Please type Blog in the Notes to Seller Box on the Etsy Order Form, and I will happily refund the shipping to your PayPal account.

Thank you!

Etsy Dream Looks

2008-10-29T17:25:00.002-04:00

I'm so happy to be a part of the Etsy community. One of my favorite things to do is just browse the site and come up with dream looks. I started with the perfect black dress from My Black Dress. What is so fabulous about this shop? She has classic, custom-made black dresses in a variety of sizes at reasonable prices! I personally have a horrible time finding dresses, and I'm planning to purchase Madeline as soon as I can.

I would love to wear these fabulous platform pumps from Zerkahloostrah. The Aeri clutch from Tracy Vanderbeck would add the perfect pop of color. Finally, how about these classic earrings from Artisans?

Fashionable and handmade - what could be better?

Necklace Lengths

2008-10-28T23:37:00.010-04:00

I'm definitely trying to be more of a planner this holiday season. I usually do all of my shopping at the last minute and drive myself insane.

In the spirit of better planning, I thought this necklace guide might be of help. Well, maybe it will just help me, but I thought I'd share anyway.

I try to create a good variety of lengths in my shop, and I always try to keep this in mind when making gifts for friends and family.

Okay, here goes:

Choker length necklaces are around 14"-16" in length. These necklaces wrap close to your neck. Petite customers often like this length.

17"- 19" typically fall just below the throat and look great with crew or high necklines or v-necks. You can also create a sexy look with a deep v-neck. Note: 18" is usually considered standard size, so it's a safe bet for a gift if you are unsure.

20"-24" fall at or just below the bust line. I love using chunky beads and chain with this length. Pendants also look great. True confessions, I'm top-heavy, so this length doesn't work for me personally. However, I have a lot of customers that request these lengths and love them.

26"-36" usually fall below the bust line. I've sold several necklaces recently in this range, and my customers love the versatility of being able to double them or wear them really long.

Over 37" is so versatile. Try wearing it in the back to accentuate the beauty of a backless dress. Some customers also like to double and triple this length, or they wear it super long.

Remember that clasps can add length to the necklace. When shopping, read the description carefully to see if the clasp is included in the length. Also, check to see if an extender can be added for additional length so that you can wear it with various necklines.

I love to help customers find the perfect length necklace or customize to meet their needs. Feel free to send me a message at info@silverdotjewelrydesigns.com or visit my shop for more information.

All Mixed Up

2008-10-27T07:14:00.006-04:00

I love mixing metals and textures, Here are two new designs in my shop. I'm having a fabulous BOGO Sale through November 5!

Bagels, Glorious Bagels

2008-10-26T09:47:00.005-04:00

I do love a good bagel. When I lived in Seattle and the San Francisco Bay Area, I was never able to find a truly great bagel. Well, now that I've moved to Bethesda, I can walk to Bagel heaven!

Bethesda Bagels are NY style bagels - hand made to perfection. My favorite is the black & white (pumpernickle and plain mixed together). I also love the sesame. Well, you also can't go wrong with the plain bagel.

Now the perfect Sunday morning - the Washington Post, coffee and a black & white bagel (toasted with whipped cream cheese).

Then, I'm off to take a walk on the Capital Crescent Trail.

Have a great Sunday, and don't forget about my little special on rose gold vermeil.

I Love Lucy

2008-10-24T17:21:00.004-04:00

I first discovered Lucy when I lived in Foster City, CA. The Burlingame store was their original store, and I used to love to go there when I needed workout clothes. One of my favorite activities is distance walking. I've participated in five Team in Training marathons as a walker.

Not only does Lucy have the coolest workout clothes, but they also have a variety of sizes. So, you don't have to only be a small size to shop there. The staff is super friendly and helpful. I was so thrilled when I moved to Bethesda and saw Lucy again! I live within walking distance - how fun is that? It's been great to see this wonderful chain grow over the years.

Right now, I'm loving this outfit. Maybe it's time to do another marathon....

Rose Gold Vermeil

2008-10-23T19:31:00.007-04:00

I'm obsessed with rose gold vermeil. I don't know why -- I just love it. I think it is versatile and beautiful, and it has this lovely glow. I have several pieces with rose gold vermeil components in my Etsy Shop.

Right now, I'm having a fabulous BOGO sale. Buy two pieces of jewelry and receive a 50% discount on the lower priced item. And if you buy any piece with rose gold vermeil, I will throw in free shipping!

Type Blog in the Notes to Seller Box on the Etsy order form. I can either issue a refund for the discounted amount via PayPal, or I can send you an invoice for the discounted price. The free shipping offer lasts through Sunday, October 26.

My New Favorite Earrings

2008-10-21T00:24:00.004-04:00

I purchased these earrings from Emily Gray a few weeks ago. They have become my new everyday "go to" earrings. I'm a black t-shirt/sweater and jeans girl, and these earrings add glam to my wardrobe. They are beautifully made. Emily's jewelry is impeccible. I urge you to check it out.

I'm pining for her Duality II pendant!

Just Beautiful

2008-10-20T08:25:00.007-04:00

I just moved to DC a couple of months ago from Seattle. I decided to settle in Bethesda, and I just love it. I'm within walking distance to the metro, as well as great shops and restaurants.

The Bethesda Row Arts Festival was this weekend. It was really beautiful -- so many amazing artists. My absolute favorite was Teri Oja. She creates gorgeous thread paintings using embroidery. Her work is mostly florals and landscapes, and she has an impressionistic style. I've never seen anything like it.

I love a modern, clean asthetic, and Fontier Designs has really gorgeous home accessories. The pewter lamps are to die for! He was also one of the nicest artists there - so talented, yet so nice and friendly. I need some lamps, and I will be ordering from him as soon as I can.

Finally, I'm a huge fan of metalwork. Rob Glebe uses steel to replicate pottery designs. This piece is one of my favorites.

I'm In Love

2008-10-19T12:54:00.011-04:00

...with a pair of shoes. Tory Burch Reva Ballet Flat in Black Croco Patent. I had been looking for these shoes, and they seemed to be sold out everywhere -- even at Tory Burch. Finally, I stumbled upon Jildor, where they had my size. This is a fantastic site for any shoe fanatic. I was in heaven. I could find whatever I wanted in my size! And Jildor is very reliable. My shoes arrived quickly and were packaged nicely. I think this might be my new favorite shoe site.

I know that the Tory Burch flats are expensive, but I purchased 2 pairs last year, and one pair this year. I wear them practically every day. Not only do they look great, but they wear well. They're also super comfy.

Since I recently moved to DC, I gave up my car. I take the metro, or I walk everywhere. So, of course, I need fabulous shoes. I can justify just about any shoe purchase. Now, I'm saving up for the cranberry color.....

Bangkok

2008-10-18T16:47:00.004-04:00

I just returned from a business trip to Bangkok, Thailand. I worked so much, that I barely had time to do any site seeing! But I did manage to visit Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha. It was pretty amazing. Wat Pho is famous for the huge reclining buddha that it houses. This unique buddha is 46m long and 15m high with beautifully inlaid mother of pearl soles. Wat Pho was built by King Rama I (reigned 1782-1809) nearly 200 years ago and houses a gigantic gold-plated Reclining Buddha.

Wat Pho is also a long established center of public education and is sometimes referred to as Thailand's First University. The temple is also the center for traditional medical practitioners in Thailand. Stone plaques and inscriptions describe treatments for various ailments and methods of massage and meditation. Snake handlers also have their businesses there. I didn't see any of the snake handlers!

I wish I could have seen more of Bangkok. It's an amazing city. I'll probably be back again someday, and I promise myself to take some vacation days next time!

I didn't take a picture of the Reclining Buddha because it felt disrespectful. But you can learn more about it here.