Karen Landis

What Do You Use?

Karen — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 13:35:09 +0000

I’m going through a bit of a purge phase (e.g., sorting through old books, clothes, supplies, etc.). It’s got me wondering why I keep things I adore tucked away. I have some lovely pieces packed in boxes because “I don’t want anything to happen to them”. I never even look at them.

For instance, I bought an amazing sterling silver and crystal skull clasp at On A String a while back. It is cleverly constructed, gorgeous, edgy and was (for me at least) a splurge. It also reminds me of Alexander McQueen’s work which makes me love it even more. But it is put away, wrapped in tissue paper. Why not pull it out and design a piece for it?

And what about my collection of Depression Glass? Why is it upstairs packed in boxes in a closet? What would happen if I unpacked it? Maybe I should even (gasp!) use it as my dinnerware.

Jennifer L. Scott’s Daily Connoisseur video on using your best things, has inspired me to reevaluate not only what I keep but what I do with it.

If you aren’t familiar with Jennifer, she has a book “Lessons from Madame Chic: The Top 20 Things I Learned While Living in Paris” and a blog “The Daily Connoisseur“. I bought the Kindle version of the book on Amazon and am thoroughly enjoying it.

The Light

Karen — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:27:40 +0000

A day late (for the solstice) but still beautiful. May you find your light this holiday season and keep it burning throughout the new year.

Holiday Sale Extended!!

Karen — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:24:02 +0000

Enjoy discounted prices on all jewelry in my Etsy shop now through Sunday, January 1st! Plus, free upgrade to Priority Mail Shipping on orders over $40 shipped to addresses in the USA. Prices are already marked down thanks to Etsy On Sale’s lovely application. Shop now

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday & Cyber Monday Sale!

Karen — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 04:23:53 +0000

Save 15% off any purchase from my Etsy shop now through Monday, November 28th. I’ll be adding new pieces all weekend.

Intergalactic’s Back!

Karen — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 01:46:36 +0000

Just a quick heads up to let you know the lovely Intergalactic Bead Show vendors will be at Metrolina Expo this Saturday and Sunday. The show runs both days from 10 AM – 5 PM. There is usually a $5 admission charge on Saturday and a $4 admission charge on Sunday. For more information and a $2.00 off admission coupon, check the official Intergalactic Site.

Geode Slice Mount

Karen — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:35:52 +0000

I purchased ten geode slices quite a while back but couldn’t figure out the best way to mount them. I didn’t want to interfere with the beauty of the stone because they are gorgeous. I think this setting solves that problem. I soldered a sterling silver frame and added half round prongs to hold the stone. It’s simple, clean and allows light to pass through the stone. I’ve mounted three of the geode slices this way so far.

Look for this piece and a few others in my Etsy shop soon!

Rock ‘N’ Rollo Design Contest

Karen — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:19:30 +0000

Rings & Things is running a cleverly named jewelry design contest. Check out their Rock ‘N’ Rollo Challenge! Here are the details:

You must include either some of their Rainbow Amazonite beads and/or Larvikite beads
You must also include one or more types of their bulk rollo chain
You can use any other components you want (handmade, store-bought, new, vintage, found objects, etc)
Entries don’t have to be jewelry.
Limit: 3 entries per person or design team

Prizes are $250-$75 Rings & Things gift certificates plus lots of bragging rights. And best of all, there’s plenty of time to enter. You have until January 31st, 2012 to get you design in!