New Year on the Horizon

So with the new year right around the corner, I am terribly excited!! The last two years have brought so much changes to my life...many of which I can't even begin to talk about. But so change comes growth. I must say though most of this growth is completely unwanted, however, I have had no choice, so therefore I am going to make the most of it. I think, no I will.

I did find out yesterday that another boutique that I am quite fond of is closing, out of San Francisco. Each boutique that has closed has stated "due to the economy", times are tough. It is heartbreaking...so I am off to the San Francisco International Gift Show in just 2 weeks...I hope that it goes well, but with the economy the way it is, it will be interesting to see.

I spent the last week in Las Vegas, can I just say, what a great trip it was...I went to Cirque du Soleil Elvis, which is great at Aria Hotel, I visited the Eiffel Tower, Hoover Dam, Ethel M's Chocolates, saw Jerry Seinfeld (hilarious, laughed my ass off), shopped, spa'd (massage and facial), ran every morning on the strip when it is quiet and only the drunks are up from the night before, I was an Elvette with Big Elvis at Bill's, saw all the decorations, oh and I did gamble, and won, who knew!!! It was a great trip, and much needed. I feel refreshed and have a nice perspective on some things!!

So to all of you....happy holidays...oh and here is to a Rockin' (good kind) or New Year!!!!

Here's to the Next Year

Happy New Year and enjoy your holidays!! Here's to 2011, a new beginning. I have made a few ecisions about what I am going to do differently in 2011. It is exciting to think of all the posibilities!!

Enjoy!!

Another Small Business Bites the Dirt

A couple of weeks ago, maybe longer, I received a notice from this great boutique I was in, French Hen, that they were closing. I was so sad to hear it, it was a great boutique that was run by a woman named Nicole and her wonderful mother, and sometimes Nicole's children. It had a very French feel, Parisian flare and couture uniqueness. I loved to go in there, it was everything I wanted my home to feel like. Then the other week I receive an email that a great site, Posh Mama, was closing. This site focused on mother's, delivering information and various giveaways to mothers, and they did a wonderful job.

But with the economy and lack of support from the immediate community these boutiques and others will continue to go out of business. In a country that allows people to dream big and then encourages originality, we somehow don't support it once it is established.

It is saddening. I challenge all the big businesses, making all the money and often monopolizing various industries to spend just as much time encouraging, supporting and directing people and monies to small businesses in their communities. It can only be good for the whole.

So I am off my soap box!!

With this Druzy I the....

A friend of mine found sterling silver and gold metals from an estate sale...what I have been able to do with the metals is so much fun!! The beaded wire above, I have never worked with, and a bangle is what I came up with...I love it, definitely a statement piece!!

So for the next month...literally from this day forth, I will be working towards making pieces for the SF show, and getting my display ready, as well as my little giveaways...that is my goal.

Oh and yes...I as of today have my business on track...so exciting!!!

Well off to zumba...now that makes me smile too!!

Sacramento, California

So living in the same town that you grew up in can be not so much fun...sometimes. It can feel like nothing is new and everything is the same. Which of course can be boring. But then you start to realize that there are some great benefits to "the same ol thing".

Well of course the obvious...I never get lost, which is lovely, I know where all the boutiques are, and the malls as well, I can find my favorite greek restaurant in a heartbeat, and know my massage spa phone number by heart (oh and they know me). Because I have been in the same place for so long, it is comfortable, stable and yes it is still fun.

I have been fortunate to run into people throughout town that have been huge supporters of me, kkpw designs, and what I create. So tonight I turn on the news, and Adrienne Bankert of Channel 3 is wearing my earrings. She is a sweet person, I met her several years ago at a fashion event, and she has been kind and supportive of my designs since then. Not to mention the support I have received from Good Day Sacramento, thanks Jackie, and various local blogs. But the best part of being in your home town, is that people appreciate my designs and that they are local, and that my pieces reflect Sacramento, or should I say Sacramento has had an effect on me, therefore an effect on my designs.

Best of Sacramento was last night, it was fun, and do you know how many people I ran into from all different parts of my life. Too many to count, but it reminded me that sometimes, there is new in old, you just have to be open to it!!

New Year

So for the new year, with regards to reading "The Happiness Project", it makes me want to start a year of working on being "happier". I almost want to follow Gretchen's same path, with a few tweeks here and there, that is for sure!! But the first month of her plan, she cleans and organizes...I love it. Although I have spent most of this year doing that, I am going to reinforce my organizing by going over and through everything in January. February will be month of doing something new....what does that mean? Well how about going to a museum I haven't been to, reading a new book, donating to a new organization, taking up cooking (that would be new for me, maybe I should start with a class first)...I know there is so much more to do, but I am going to start with the first two months for now. As for the jewelry business, I am going to apply the same philosophy. Get organized. Then try something new, a new technique, class, develop a new skill. Sounds so exciting and inspiring to me!! Hope your December has started out great!!

Copper, Copper, Copper

So I use copper in my designs, it is fun to work with and sometimes takes on a rose color, much cheaper than rose gold. Copper has healing properties that alleviate cramp-like pains from menstruation, now that is great! It also is said to promote smooth funtioning of glands. Copper is good for the heart chakras and prepares one for meditation. It is found in the US and all over the world. Copper should be cleaned with hematite stones, and should not come into contact with water.

So I have updated the website...again. I need change, constantly, keep looking for the right look, the right feel...something new. It is almost like cleaning out my closet in some ways.

I was also fortunate to have two good friends of mine, Darcy and Alexa of Me & D, model my jewelry for me. They took so many pictures so I have something to show what pieces look like while being worn.

So up this week is a Holiday Bazaar at Parkside Pharmacy, I am telling you that place is so cute!! And then between now and January 8th, I will be working to get ready for the San Francisco International Show...so excited, I hope it is a good show.

It is time to start thinking about my new year's resolution and in preparation I bought "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin. I am only about 30 pages into it, and I am loving it!!!

Hope all had a great Thanksgiving...enjoy the upcoming holiday festivities. Up next will be....Jasper. Thats fun!!!

Ladies Night Out

Last night was ladies night out at the Citizen Hotel, thanks to my delightful girlfriends for going with me. We had a little drink, little food and got to see some local boutiques and local businesses. Thanks to Serendipity and Face It for showing off my pieces as well.....that was very sweet of you!!!

What's new....well Dec 4th is an open house at the Parkside Pharmacy, did I mention it is a boutique, in William Land Park, so I will be working on pieces for that. And guess what, San Francisco International Gift Show is just around the corner, I barely have time!!! But I will get it together!!

Oh and the pieces that I got at last weekends Antique Faire, to incorporate into my designs.....lovely!! Can't wait to use them. Have a great weekend!!

Curate Gifts new website!!!

I met these ladies, Debra and Mary, at the San Francisco International Gift Show last February and they were embarking, n their new boutique adventure. I was fortunate enough to be one of the designs they chose to put in their store. Most recently, they created the website to go with their boutique. They are located out of New Jersey and have created a unique gift shops.

Their online boutique is fabulous with one of a kind gifts to purchase for yourself, friends, family, yourself (hahaha). But definitely a must check out. My favorite items, so far, are the "Dream" Belt buckle...
http://www.curategifts.com/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=5676

Also....this vintage looking journal
http://www.curategifts.com/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=6174

So take a second and check out www.curategifts.com

I can promise that you wont be disappointed!!!

Aquamarine - What does it mean for you....

Buying jewelry for someone is such a personal thing. It can be helpful to have some insight as to what certain parts of a jewelry piece mean when looking for a gift. So with that I have decided to start providing information about the stones I use....Aquamarine is up to bat!!

Aquamarine is place around the neck to heal neck and throat problems. It can also protect against seasickness. Aquamarine symbolizes peace. It encourages a gentle nature and personality in the wearer. For Aquarius it promotes friendship and love, while for Pisces it encourages awareness. Libras are warned against danger.

The stone is to be worn directly on the skin. It is found in Brazil, Madagascar, Ural, USA, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

"Healing Crystals and Gemstones" Dr. Flora Peschek-Bohmer, Gisela Schreiber

Next stone up for meaning....Copper

What's New!!

So I love books....and I can't get enough books, magazines, anything that I can read, review, gain knowledge from, and admire!! So lately there isn't a book/magazine that I have passed up, including that I now have a membership to Barnes and Nobles. Right after I got it, my friend said "aren't they going out of business?"....Great...well too late now...so what is my new favorite book purchase..."Where Women Create". It is this amazing book of various fabulous artists who have allowed the cameras into their studios to show off their functional, inspirational and creative studio spaces. I love them all!!! Makes me want to revamp everything!!!

Next up, Parkside Pharmacy November 4th, Ladies Night, then Holiday Bazaar Nov 4 - 7 & Nov 11 - 14, Parkside Pharmacy Holdiay Bazaar December 4th. But tomorrow, new designs into Serendipity Boutique and by next week new designs for Parkside Pharmacy.

Our most recent collaboration and exciting boutique we have entered is Madam Butterfly in the Pavilions. It is an amazing boutique that offers a wide variety of clothing, fashionable and timeless, with much style. All the girls that work there are inviting and very friendly...so check it out Madam Butterfly, Sacramento, Pavilions on Fair Oaks. We'll be back soon!!

Fashion Show

My friend and I drove to San Francisco yesterday to check out the Northern California Fashion Show, to see if we would like to have a booth there for my designs....we learned quickly not a good idea!!

But I did make a decision, I am going to do the San Francisco International Show, once again. We did it last February, this coming year it is in January. Lots to do and focus on so I need to get creating!!

One of the best ways to find inspiration is in learning a new skill, on my list(long list) of things I want to do!!!

Hope the summer has treated you well, here comes fall!!

Appeal

There are things that we come across in our lives that appeal to each of us. Some are visual, some auditory and others based on smell or reminiscent of past experiences. My appeal to jewelry and the pieces I create come from all of these for me. When life has misguided me or I have become lost it is hard for me to draw from these various areas.

This piece comes from my desire to find something pleasant to focus on. To me if feels vintage and rich (and I am not talking about money). I hope that you will take a few minutes to enjoy this necklace made with gold filled wire, sterling silver wire and aquamarine stones.

Pieces of Jewelry

Hello....what do you do when things beyond your control keep happening? How do you deal with it? What do you focus on?

These are all things that I have been forced to think about lately. More like in the last year. It is funny how you think life is going one way, and then boom, it takes this unbelieveable turn. It is for the better? Is it for the worse?

Who knows. I don't. But I am trying to find direction. In something. Some days easier than others. Some days I feel like there was an explosion in my heart and in my head. I am fortunate, I have lots of good friends to get me through those crazy days.

I have friends who bring me laughter, who bring me joy and who allow me to just be me. Not everyone gets that. Not everyone is fortunate enough to spend days as they are, without question.

Some of my best days are alone. It feels good sometimes to just be stuck with myself....that is funny!!

Well the one thing I am trying to do is refocus on my designs. I have stepped away at random times in the last year, but in the upcoming year I have great plans. I plan to move forward with the pieces that I am passionate about, regardless of what others are inclined to like. I plan to make plans to do the New York show. I want to do that so much!! I am going to go to school, yes, the self taught girl is going to go to be schooled. I am so excited about that!! I have wanted it for years, and I just kept putting it on the back burner. No more!!

So, I have this new found faith in putting my goals out there...I mean literally, look where I have put them. On the world wide web....lol. So my challenge to you...put one dream/wish/desire out there...for the world....I promise if you believe in it, it will come one way or another.

Life takes us down a road for a reason...sometimes we just don't know until later.

Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend!!

Is May Here?

So I have been horribly bad the last month. No posts, no winners to the giveaway and no giveaway for May. Well life has happened, things have changed and people have to. Myself included. So I will announce the March giveaway winner, but we will not be doing anymore giveaways, I am sorry to say.

As for the jewelry world, KKPW Designs (that would be me) will be on Good Day Sacramento next week, I believe May 25th at 6am to be exact. I am very excited about that. We have lots to prepare for including making my studio area presentable. At this point it is so far from that. But I will accomplish my goal!!!

Hope all are doing well in blogging world!! I will announce the March winner shortly, and yes I will post it!!

KKPW Jewelry Designs

We did it!! We did it!! We finally finished our new web page. I had no idea that I could do it on my own. I thought, you must pay someone if you don't know how to write HTML....well guess what I thought Wrong. Several years ago I paid a company to do www.kkpwdesigns.com since then I have been unhappy with the look, the length of time to get updates done, and just the overall service. So with a challenge from my husband and a push from the ladies of Me & D I found a service already in existence where you can do your own site but with there assistance, only you don't have to ask for the help they have it all there. It is wix.com....awesome site!! So now you can visit us at www.kkpwjewelrydesigns.com let me know what you think, do you like it better than the other? I do!! But I want to hear from you....so take a look and leave a comment.....boy am I happy about this!!

March Giveaway

Happy March!! How February flew by. It was a good month, so much happened, good and renewed, I am thankful for that. So I feel good and I am going to pass that on to my readers.

This month's giveaway is blue pearls and 14kt gold filled chain and wire. It is delicate but can be layer or worn alone. I love it!!

If you have any questions please let me know. To enter see the post about the rules on the left hand side. Don't forget to log into our regular site and create an account, www.kkpwdesigns.com.

March is going to be a good month, the sun will come out, the flowers will start to bloom and Spring will be here shortly!!! Have a great month!!

February Giveaway

I am so slow!! This months giveaway is similar to the picture featured, but is in sterling silver with 14kt gold filled wire wrapped with a single pink tourmaline. Fun and pretty. Ring size is about a 6 and a half. So read the rules and sign up if you would like to win. Have a nice and relaxing Feburary!!

Just me

Ok, so it has been a crazy week, I went to Tucson, AZ to buy all my wonderful stones for the year, yes the year. I flew in on two flights from Sacramento, spent the whole day running ( I know what I want) and then flew home that night (yes 2 flights back). Got up the next morning and met up with a friend who helped me go to SF and get ready for the show. It was amazing. I learned so much, met so many amazing people and had some great orders from some great stores/boutiques. We got an amazing store in New Jersey and tons of new places in Cali. I had a blast, but can you say tired, with much work to do, and follow up. Not so good at that.

Not to mention I still haven't shipped January's winner nor have I put up February's giveaway, so lame!! Ok, I promise by Monday to have done the posting for February and by early next week to ship to Ghainsom. Sorry Ghainsom!!!

Well hope everyone has a rockin Valentine's Day...I will, I am with my honey!!! Happy Heart Hunting!!!

January 2010 Winner...For Real!!

Congratulations lin3arossa who won the turquoise and sterling silver bracelet!! We hope she enjoys her piece of wonderful jewelry. Our next giveaway will be posted shortly!!

Congrats lin3arossa!!!

January 2010 Winner.......

Ok, so I don't know yet, but I will shortly. We have our biggest group thus far, thanks to a great blogger, Handmade Giveaways, who found us and passed our blog on!! We picked up two new stores this last month, Pure Bliss in San Diego, a hot little boutique with all the current styles and trends, very San Diego and we picked up Artist Exchange in San Francisco. If you need a gift, this is where you go. They have work from local artists and when I say artist, I mean it. They have paintings, jewelry, sculptures, artistic bowls and plates, and the owner, Scott, and Catherine, the manager, are unbelieveably nice!!

Ok, so I promise to pull the name by Wednesday, post it and it will have to ship after the 10th. We will be at the San Francisco International Gift Show starting this coming Saturday for four days, and on Thursday I take my annual trip to Tucson to find fabulous stones for my designs....oh so excited!!!!

Have a wonderful February, oh and if you haven't signed up for our monthly newsletter, email me at kkpwdesigns@hotmail.com and you will receive our Coupon codes as well!!

January 2010

So I was committed to making this year better.....sound mind, body and soul. So far a lot is going "better" if you will. I started meditating, not just going into my head, but taking some silence, LOVE IT!! I got into a great store in San Diego called Pure Bliss, the owners are wonderfully delightful and the store is quite cute!! Current trends with all the things you want to keep!!

Today I am off to San Francisco in hopes of gaining another store, Artist-Exchange. I little different from what I normally go for, but we will see. Wish me luck!!

Next up to making the year better, finishing pieces for the San Francisco show. Two weeks and counting....where has time gone?

San Francisco International Gift Show

I am preparing for the show in February, and I am trying to put pieces together for the show, but you know when you must do something it makes it even harder to do it. So I go home everyday with every intention of working on a piece, and then guess what, the cats need attention, dinner needs to be cooked, I got a new magazine in the mail, the phone rings, my husband is home, we go for a walk, we talk, we do anything other than make jewelry......now what do they call that???

PROCRASTINATION....what is a girl to do!!

January Giveaway

Here it is, January's giveaway. I am on this blue kick, I just repainted our whole living room in light blue with brown accents and a little green as well. I love it, but this bracelet goes right along with my theme for the year. Relaxed and soft!! So sign in, leave a comment and you can enter to win the bracelet....turquoise and sterling silver relaxed and soft bracelet of course!!!

Blog

Do you ever wonder if anyone is reading your blog? I do. All the time, I don't even think my own husband reads my blog. Maybe I need to add some new stuff to it. Ok, let's see, what is exciting.....

I am currently watching college bowl games, so not exciting, but enjoyable (at least from my perspective). I just finished the new "W" magazine, it was good, Jennifer Gardner is so cute and entertaining at the same time. There was a great article on a Taiwanese woman who went to school in NY and is 35 and her jewelry designs are amazing!!

Finished buying supplies for the San Francisco Gift Show, that is good. Oh and I had a great conversation with a few friends the other night who never enter the monthly giveaway, what is up with that. They promised they would from now on....I guess I should actually put up January's new piece!!!

December Winner!!

Jennifer at cspmom is our winner for december. She will receive these delightful hoop earrings and we hope she loves them!! Don't forget to enter our January giveaway, we should have the design available within the next few days.

Happy 2010!!

I have been looking forward to this day!! 1/1/2010...I never thought it would come. 2009 was such a hard year, a learning year, and unfortunately a year of sorrow for me. The loss of my father was by far the hardest thing I have ever dealt with. I miss him every day, but 2009 became a horrible year as soon as he was gone!!

With the new year, comes new beginnings, including my resolutions....1. to be a better wife 2. to be a better counselor (my full time job) and 3. to actually work at my jewelry business. Now my husband says that number 1 and 2 are a waste of time b/c I already do a good job there, that I really should focus on number 3. Well I am going to focus on all of them, maybe at different focus levels though.

So for the new year, we have new designs as always, but we have a new venture. We are going to be at the San Francisco International Gift Show, Feb 6 - 9 Booth #939, now I am not going to say that I am not frightened by what may or may not happen. But I will say, I have so much to do, including getting going on creating some inventory. My goal.....to get 3 boutique stores in San Francisco....how I will do that...by showing my delightful, one of a kind designs. Mission accomplished? We will see.

Any suggestions out there would be oh so helpful......but if not, I will figure it out.

December Giveaway winner will be announced shortly, and yes, we will still do a giveaway in January, so stay tuned. And if you haven't noticed, we are no longer selling on our website. You will need to visit www.1000markets.com and search "KKPW Designs" to purchase my designs. I am in the cost effective mode, or you can always contact me directly on our site through "Contact Us"....well tata for now...Wish me luck and Happy New Year!!