Charlotte Valentine
I love chevrons!
There is a necklace by Carrie Yashin in our upcoming May issue that uses chevron amethyst, and it reminded me of how much I love chevrons (and I really do)! The repeating pattern of V-like lines is somehow both simple and lavish. A touch of chevron jewelry can add that oomph your outfit craves.
1. Fortunate Son by carolinableu
2. Le Jazz hot by WhimsyBeading
3. Ring of Chevrons by BeadazzledofOregon
4. Chiquita 125 by bootsravendesigns
5. Turquoise and Bronze Chevron Bracelet by BonatoArt
Charlotte Valentine
Gift Wrapping
One of our submitters, Barbara Polinsky, submitted a pair of earrings that arrived in the cutest little box ever! The box was not only adorable by itself, but it also went perfectly with the theme of the earrings.
Look for her earrings (which are as lovely as the box they came in) in the up coming May Issue of Bead Trends Magazine.
Charlotte Valentine
Etsy Roundup – Go for the Gold!
I love the Olympics and look forward to these games. I have spent the last week cheering for the USA in every event – snowboarding, figure-skating, hockey, short-track, skiing and yes… even curling! Only a few more days of Olympic competition left and I’m going to enjoy them all.
Gold, silver and bronze naturally makes me think of jewelry! Most of my jewelry items are silver but lately I’ve been adding some different metals. Go for your own gold and be inspired by one of these lovely Etsy pieces.
1. Pansy Necklace by madebymoe
2. Plumeria Heaven by joojooland
3. Carnelian and Aquamarine Earrings by VivianneDesigns
4. Gold Rush by FreshMetal
Jeri Huish
Etsy Roundup – Lucky Lucky Me
This year, St. Patrick’s Day falls on March 17th. Add the luck of the Irish to your wardrobe with some inspiration from these Etsy artists.
1. Luck be a Lady by BeadinBabe
2. Lucky Lass Peridot Sterling Necklace by nansglam
3. Lucky Earrings by aubepine
4. Lucky Girl Necklace by briguysgirl
Jeri Huish
Etsy Roundup – Heart to Heart
Look at all these fabulous ideas for Valentine jewelry pieces! There are so many ways to incorporate hearts into your jewelry design, some are boldly obvious and others are subtle. However you use them, you’ll have a romantic jewelry item to wear and enjoy all month long.
1. Amethyst Heart Necklace by sleepymoondesign
2. Little Verdigris Heart Earrings by ZsBcreations
3. Key to My Heart by asecondtime
4. Love Me Tender Bracelet by shalayneoriginals
Jeri Huish
Branding
When we receive jewelry submissions, we certainly don’t expect professional packaging. Still, it is always fun to see all of the business cards and packaging that some of our designers use.
We received some earrings attached to this business card for Tamara Kriedeman, and I loved the design so much that I photographed it to share with you here. All of her contact info was on the other side, which I forgot to photograph, but you can get the gist of it from this image. 
Charlotte Valentine
Out shopping.
Here are some things I found while out shopping. I liked how the starfish used beads to give it texture and how the earrings used concentric circles made of seed beads.
Charlotte Valentine
Etsy Roundup – January Garnets
Deep red garnets are the birthstone for January and these Etsy designers have used them in a number of creative ways. Let these 4 pieces inspire you to add some sparkle to your winter wardrobe.
1. Sorbet Necklace by thebijoubabe
2. Celosia Earrings by karensugarmansdesigns
3. Red Garnet and Sterling Wrap Linked Bracelet by thebigbluebead
4. Silver Wire Wrapped Ring with Garnet, Ruby and Vintage Button by IvyTalagaDesigns
Jeri Huish
Etsy Roundup – Let it Snow!
Even with the holidays over, I still love the cold months of winter. I love the snow on the mountains, soft cuddly scarves and steaming hot chocolate. This week I noticed so many beautiful snowflake jewelry pieces – each as lovely and unique as the snowflake itself.
1. Pink Snowflake by SabiKrabi
2. Coralline Earrings by Mathanalai
3. Snow Bells Ring by LillyQueen
4. Snowflake Swarovski Crystal and Pearl Bracelet by GlistenDesigns
