2010, a new decade?

I'm not sure if I have been so busy and I didn't realize, or I'm just not that smart, but today it really sunk in that we are entering into a new decade. I don't know how I missed this!

What makes it even crazier is it has been 10 years since the y2k scare, I visited California for the first time, I graduated from high school, and I moved away from home went to college... Part of me thinks that it really doesn't seem like it's been 10 years. But when I try to think about what I was doing back then, what I was thinking about, what I hoped to be when "I grew up" I realize it really has been 10 years.

If you would have asked me in 2000 where I would be in 10 years my answer would be: a clothing buyer definitely not working for my dad anymore. I would be married by 24 with 2 children living in San Francisco and very, very happy.

However, today I am working for my father by day and jewelry artist by early morning and night. I am single at 28 but dating a wonderful man, childless and technically petless, STILL living in Atlanta (but finally visited SF this year), and still figuring out what I want to be "when I grow up." But I have to say, I am very very happy where I am right now walking into 2010.

I said I wouldn't post until the new year, but I couldn't resist. All of this has got me thinking and when I get all thoughtful I think it should record it in history! (it doesn't happen all THAT often!)

Before I really sign off until the new year I wanted to let you all know that I have some very exciting new designs that I will be releasing in the new year. And here's a little sneak peak of one idea:

This ring is a new series called rock candy rings that I will be expanding on, along with my gumdrop rings. Each will be one of a kind and resized to fit to order. They are not yet available in my etsy or big cartel store but when they are, rest assured, you will be the first to know!

Here are also some future gum drops rings.


I hope you all have a very happy new year!

and the winner is ...

Merry Belated Christmas!


I apologize for my absentee post yesterday. I ended up taking Christmas off: no email, no blog, no etsy, no jewelry, I even tried not to talk about jewelry. It was nice to focus on my family, Dan, and my dog, Chloe. It was a wonderfully relaxing day. I hope you had a lovely day also!

I want to thank you all for participating in my advent calendar of promotions, it was a lot more involved than I had anticipated, but because of you all it was very successful. I have to say when I first had the idea, I had this grand notion that I would plan ahead and have all the blogs scheduled the week before, but alas, my procrastination won over and I was furiously blogging each night for the sale the next day. I think I will try to plan ahead next year a little better, and maybe not do SO many sales...maybe I'll drop it down to the 12 days of Christmas...

So know everyone has been dying to know what the final giveaway is and who gets it! I want to remind you all the only people who were entered into the giveaway are those who used the sale codes through out the 24 days. I'm not going to wait any longer to share ...

The winner is : Patti Mason

The prize : $50 gift certificate to ANYTHING from Christina Kober Designs

Congratulations Patti! I will email you shortly to verify the best shipping address!

I am signing off until the new year! xoxo

day 24 : merry belated christmas

It's already Christmas Eve! I can't believe how quickly this holiday has flown by!

Today is the last sale on my advent calendar before the final giveaway tomorrow on Christmas! Meaning using the promotion code today, is your last day to not only purchase my jewelry on sale but to be entered into the giveaway!!
I know many people wait until the last possible moment to shop for Christmas. I wait until the last possible moment to make my Christmas presents, I will be making my presents all day today! And for many people I end up saying "Merry Belated Christmas!"

So today, everything in Christina Kober Designs etsy or big cartel studios are on sale for 10% off (everything except custom orders and pieces including gold).

I'll be back tomorrow with the winner of the giveaway!

a happy accident

One of my friends from Beehive commissioned me to do a feather pendant for her husband. It is something that is pretty far out of my normal realm of design, but I thought it would be fun to play around and try some new techniques.

I began with a little pow-wow session with my dad (he always has great ideas of how to do something that I would have NEVER thought of). I used sterling silver sheet, a saw, half round wire, some steel line tools and a hammer. I am SOOO happy with how this pendant turned out, that I just HAD to share! (please ignore the quality of the photo, it's a scanned image of the necklace since BOTH my camera batteries are dead!)


This feather has inspired me to make a peacock feather and add it to my line of lucky jewelry! (horseshoe and wishbone necklaces)

day 22 : 1/2 price overnight shipping

Holy Christmas! Christmas is so close, that today is the last day to order from Christina Kober Designs and receive your order by Christmas Eve with overnight shipping.

So today's promotion is half priced overnight shipping. It is usually $16, but it is only $8! Just purchase your item from Christina Kober Designs Etsy or Big Cartel shop, use the promo code, and I will send you an invoice for $5 to upgrade your shipping!

happy ho, ho, holidays gift guide : for a mother who ...

loves to entertain and party plan. I hope to one day have her time management skills for such events.
1. kate spade all occasion gift set : a box set of cards for her to send out for any reason. once again kate spade has done it again!

2. anthropologie reef knot mug : for her tea when she relaxes after the hoopla of one of her parties.

3. nordstrom lined leather gloves in iris : every proper lady needs a pair of leather gloves.

4. michael buble crazy love cd : my mom actually introduced me to this sexy crooner... he's coming to atlanta in March... maybe we'll have to go!

5. the chef set page flags to identify recipes : what a great idea. everyone who uses recipe books could use these!

6. snuggie : i had to put a snuggie on at least ONE of my gift guides! especially since the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. my mom also gets cold when it's 80 degrees outside.

7. anthropologie ski cap candle : my mom always have these really cool candles, like one shaped like an artichoke. I thought this one would be really cute for the winter!

day 21 : upgraded gift wrap

day 20 : $20 off when you spend $100 or more

Last night was our annual girls christmas party. we all bring delicious food, drink wine and have a "white elephant" gift exchange. Except the gift exchange has turned into a really nice gift exchange. Every year, I bring handmade jewelry.

This year I thought I would make a new design for earrings that I have tossing around. Kind of "test my market." They were a hit, so I will be making some more and putting them up for sale in the next week or so.

Just to let you guys know, today is the last day to order and receive your jewelry by Christmas Eve, by standard or priority mail. (You have until Tuesday for express mail).
christinakober.etsy.com
christinakoberdesigns.bigcartel.com

day 19: 10% off fortune cookie lariats

Time is flying by. We are at the last weekend before Christmas, it's only 6 DAYS AWAY!

I started writing my holiday cards last night. I'm so excited to send them out. I ordered them from this fabulous shop on etsy called springolive. Olivia is fabulous and the cards are exquisite. I think if I wasn't a jeweler, I would be working with paper

.

Now it's time to reveal the promotion for today :

Today's promotion is for the fortune cookie LARIAT. The lariat, has the fortune slide through the center of the cookie and hang in the front of the necklace. To get 10% off just use the discount code in the message to seller section and I will refund the 10% via paypal. This is only for the sterling silver fortune cookie lariat.

And don't forget two things: {1} you can either purchase from my etsy studio OR my NEW big cartel studio. {2} when you use the promo code for the day, you are entered into the final giveaway on December 25. And trust me, you don't want to miss that!

day 18 : free upgraded shipping to priority anywhere

As the holiday draws nearer, the time to order is dwindling. So I thought I would offer another day of free upgraded shipping as the promotion today at Christina Kober Designs in my etsy studio and my big cartel studio! See the image below for the code!

happy ho ho holiday gift guide : for a little man who

was born with Clemson spirit sprouting from his head. This is a gift guide for one of my best friend's son.
1. converse chuck taylors in red : every stylish little boy should have a pair.

2. gap buffalo plaid trapper hat : this awesome little hat will keep his noggin warm for the winter. i wish they made this in adult sizes!

3. bright clothing owly the best friend owl onesie : oh how i love bright clothing! Carrie and Sara are based out of Atlanta and make wonderful original screen printed children's clothing. They also sell their line in Beehive Co-op!

4. clemson super fan cape : OMG! every clemson fan needs one of these! I think I just admitted how much of a super fan I am!

5. lil' sprout knits oliver the octopus : this plushy toy is hand knit in atlanta. (i'm pushing the local artists, if you couldn't tell!) Lil' sprout also sells at beehive co-op!

6. little tikes cozy coupe ball pit : so I might get killed by my friends if I actually purchased this for the little guy. But it looks like SO much fun. I have such great memories of playing in the ball pit at Chucky Cheese as a kid.

day 17 : wishbone necklace 10% off

I would first like to wish my dad a very happy birthday! He has the day off of work, so I'm sure he's going to spend his day searching for old records and antique radios.

Second, I would like to thank everyone who came to my trunk show to support me! For those of you who weren't able to make it, here are some photos!


Today I am introducing my newest design : a lucky wishbone necklace! I have been wearing this necklace around a lot recently, you know, "testing out the design." I personally love it! It hangs from a 28" fine ball chain and is a great piece for layering OR to wear alone.


This brings me to today's advent calendar promotion!

day 16 : Trunk Show at Beehive Co-op at 6:30 pm

I'm so excited, today, I am having my first trunk show ever! It will be at Beehive Co-op starting at 6:30 pm. This means, not only will I have my usual jewelry at beehive, but I will have other lines. Including my block letter initials, and more of my fortune cookies! I will also be revealing some of my newest pieces for the first time and there will be some hourly sales and even a giveaway! I really hope that you are able to make it!

day 15: one for you one for me at 15% off sale

So I have been sneaking in my holiday shopping in the few minutes I have between working in my studio and getting home. I have been having a lot of good luck this year, it's almost been entertaining. I am going to have to speak in "code" so I won't ruin any surprises.

Everything that I have on my list to purchase, has ended up being the most popular thing and extremely difficult to locate. One item in particular, I was super excited to find all of that "style" to be on sale when I walked into the store. But then I couldn't find the exact one I wanted ANYWHERE. One of the sales people came up and asked if they could help. She searched all over the store then was such a sport and went in the back to help look. She came back with a frown. I was so sad and about to walk out of the store, when she exclaims from across the store... "look there are some back there!" So I run to the back of the store, and we find the LAST ONE! Oh yes, we were both so excited that we were jumping up and down hugging each other.

I was so excited about my find, I had to celebrate and purchase something for myself also. I don't know about you, but whenever I go shopping for Christmas presents I always end up purchasing for myself also. One for you, one for me...or sometimes two (especially if there is a sale involved).

Which brings me to todays promotion :
When you purchase one item at Christina Kober Designs, you get a second of equal or lesser value for 15% off! It doesn't have to be the same item, you could get a fortune cookie necklace for your sister, and maybe a handwritten initial necklace for yourself...

And don't forget when you use the discount code, you are automatically entered into the final giveaway on December 25!

14% of all sales go to the atlanta children's shelter

today's advent is a charity promotion. 14% of ANYTHING sold, whether the code is used or not, will go toward the Atlanta Children's Shelter. The mission of the ACS is to provide loving, high quality child development and support services for homeless families striving for self-sufficiency.

For the holidays, the ACS has two wonderful programs to help these families in need, the adopt a family program and holiday house. Holiday house in particular is really special, unwrapped, new items are donated, and the parents "shop" for gifts on December 18.

So please, help these families, by purchasing either at christinakober.etsy.com OR christinakoberdesigns.bigcartel.com. If you use the promotion code, you will be entered into the final giveaway on December 25.

day 13 : 10% off block letter initial necklaces

It's a big day ... my work Christmas party. I'm SO excited. My mom will cook this amazing spread (my mom is cooking, because my dad is my boss). My mom is an amazing cook and she loves to entertain, so it's always awesome to see what she has in store for us!

December 13 sale is on my block letter initials. These initial pendants are designed after the little magnetic alphabet letters my mom had on the refrigerator when I was younger. They are hand crafted out of 3 mm thick sterling silver and hang from an adjustable 18" and 20" sterling silver chain.

The block letter initial necklace is a great new mother or grandmother gift. The necklace can be worn with one or more initials, representing each child, so she can keep them close to her heart.

day 12 : free upgraded shipping to priority anywhere

Happy weekend!

I have been diligently working in my studio, preparing for my trunk show and filling orders as they come in. Here is what I was working on today...

Today we are half way through the advent. and yesterday was the last day for those of you in Canada, Europe, and Australia to receive your orders in time for Christmas with first class mail. So for the 12th day of advent, the promotion is ...

upgraded priority mail shipped anywhere! Just order as you would on etsy or big cartel, use the discount code, and I will ship your order via priority mail!

Until tomorrow!

happy ho, ho, holidays gift guide for your dog who ...

... loves to run and play but will cuddle with you when you are sad.

1. mr knickerbocker clemson "bobo" plush toy : when i first got chloe, I gave her a "bobo" she has kept it all 3 years of her life, even through her move to my parents house.

2. swanky pet pop dot harness : chloe is a miniature beagle, miniature dauschund mix, she needs the support of a harness. these are super cute!

3. annie's sweatshop eco dog coat in pink and poppy : chloe always needs a new jacket, sweater, or dress for the holidays. with this unusually frigid weather, i thought this coat would be perfect for her! and with the pouf on top she'll look just like a cute present!

4. muttropolis black and white floral print dog bed : one year I made chloe a dog bed out of a large cushy pillow and some fleece. she loved it, but the beagle in her makes her a digger. she dug straight through the pillow. time for a new bed!

5. homeade turkey dinner for dogs : if we get to eat well, then chloe should too! check out the recipe from the link above

day 11 : happy hanukkah free upgraded gift wrap

Today begins the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah. Dan and I will be lighting the first candle in the Menorah tonight. (Dan was raised Jewish and I raised Christian, we will have a Menorah & a Christmas Tree in our home.) Although this is an "advent calendar," I think doing a promotion for Hanukkah is necessary.

So today in honor of Hanukkah, I am offering pretty, sparkly blue upgraded gift wrap! Not only do you get a beautiful piece of jewelry, but no work! Your gift is already wrapped!

Hop on over to either my etsy studio or my big cartel studio and shop, shop away! Oh and Happy Hanukkah!

day 10 : 10% off when you spend $100

First I want to wish Dan a happy 1 year and 10 month anniversary! I have enjoyed every moment. :)

Now for what you are here for... the sale for December 10...which I must say is PRETTY AWESOME!
I think this sale speaks for itself! 10% off when you spend $100 in either of my shops. (no custom order pieces, please) Just use the code and I will refund your money via paypal.

Now don't forget, to use the codes when you shop... not only does that mean you get 10% off BUT you will be entered into the final giveaway on December 25! (which is TOTALLY worth it, I promise!)

hello, i love you

'Tis the season... for the holiday party. I daydream of when I will be invited to a fancy holiday party with champagne and delectable fine cuisine. But until then, I will just plan my outfit!


1. sarahseven tea and crumpets bundle : oh, how i covet this shirt and skirt set. sarah makes all orders to custom to your measurements. right now probably isn't the best time to order as she is backed up about 10 weeks. but gorgeous and definitely worth the wait!

2. christina kober designs champagne earrings : these hollow sterling silver balls dangle freely from 18K gold earwires. all handformed. simply elegant.

3. anthropologie double ruffle trench : can you imagine walking into a party with this coat on? beautiful.

4. jcrew satin limelight clutch in ivory : i have a bad habit of purchasing clutches. i like only having room to carry the necessities. which includes the next item...

5. nars velvet matte lip pencil in dragon girl : red lips make any outfit an occasion.

6. steve madden trinitie pumps in blush : i have a pair of pumps in this color and i love them. they look great for an evening out or with jeans and a white blouse.

day 9 : 10% off sterling silver fortune cookie necklaces

Here we are at December 9th...already. I need to get my holiday shopping done! ASAP!

Oh, yes. A fortune cookie necklace sale! This is only for the fortune cookie necklace, with the fortune hidden in the back at the clasp. Just use the discount code in the message to seller section and I will refund the 10% via paypal.

And don't forget two things: {1} you can either purchase from my etsy studio OR my NEW big cartel studio. {2} when you use the promo code for the day, you are entered into the final giveaway on December 25. And trust me, you don't want to miss that!

i have been inspired...

I have been inspired by Joanna Goddard's blog a cup of jo. Her blog is a daily must read for me. Last week she started her yearly gift guide, which is cool in of itself. But what i loved and was inspired by, is that it is for geared toward the gifts she will be giving to people in her life. So one day she focuses on her mother, the next on her sister, then her husband, I think you get the picture. It really isn't your normal guide. Well, at least I think so, I haven't been around the blogging world that much yet!

So I am going to do the same to help me make a list of gifts {realistic and not} for my family and friends, and maybe it will help you in your holiday shopping as well!

day 8 : 8% of sales goes toward TOYS FOR TOTS

Good morning my lovelies!

As this is the season for giving, today is a day for giving...
Christmas and the holidays is a time of giving, and especially to those in need. This season is also very special for children. And toys for tots is a great organizations that provides Christmas gifts to children who wouldn't normally receive them.

Hop on over to christina kober designs etsy studio or big cartel studio and help those in need while also getting your holiday shopping done!

day 7 : free shipping anywhere in the world

So today completes the first week of advent!

Please remember this code is not only good for my etsy shop but also my big cartel store as well!

day 6 : st nikolaus day

Sorry I'm a little late posting today. I had to watch a terribly riveting ACC football championship game last night. Only to have my team lose :(

have you been naughty or nice? if you put your shoe outside last night and received oranges and candy, then you must have been good. but if you received twigs and coal...better luck next year! I grew up leaving my shoe outside before bed on December 5 to find this out.

St. Nikolaus' Day is a traditional holiday in Germany and Europe, that is celebrated. My father grew up in Germany participating in this holiday tradition, and wanted me to enjoy it as well.

Sooo, for December 6 we are celebrating St. Nikolaus, a little differently. Instead of receiving an orange or coal...you are getting jewelry packaged in a sparkling coal gift box! So you can be a little naughty and still get something nice!

www.christinakober.etsy.com
www.christinakoberdesigns.bigcartel.com

day 5 : 5% off everything in my etsy studio AND in my big cartel studio

happy weekend!

It's the fifth day of the advent and today we have a super exciting sale!!!!


I have opened my big cartel studio for business. So now, if you don't have an etsy account, you don't have to get one. Just hop on over to www.christinakoberdesigns.bigcartel.com

Of course, you can still purchase on my etsy site also!

Don't forget everyone who participates in the sale will be entered for the final sale...which I promise, you don't want to miss out on!

'til tomorrow.
xoxo

day 4 : pom pom or poinsettia bow gift wrapping upgrade

So last year I took a gift wrapping class at the Container Store. It was awesome except that I was so busy with finishing orders that I never got to wrap any of my gifts to friends or family with my new fancy skills.

This year...well it's not going to be that way! I am offering upgraded gift wrap for $3 in my etsy studio. HOWEVER... I have a little surprise for you behind door number 4!!!

trunk show at beehive

get some last minute holiday shopping done at a christina kober designs trunk show at beehive co-op on december 16! the trunk show begins at 6:30 pm. come enjoy some yummy refreshments and beautiful jewelry. there might even be a surprise sale or giveaway!

christina kober designs has the perfect gift ideas to hide under the tree this year... get your mother a block letter initial necklace, your sister a fortune cookie necklace, your best friend a gum drop ring, and while you're at it, get yourself something fun too. maybe one of my new designs that will be revealed to the public for the first time!

take a break from the mall rush, the kids, bring a friend or two, and enjoy a relaxed evening of shopping and fun.

day 3 : 10% off all handwritten initial necklaces

Hello my dears!

Today, on the third day of Advent, we search for the third window in the tree to find out what the surprise is for the day ...Take 10% off of any handwritten initial pendant by mentioning the code "DAY 3" in the message to seller section and continue on with your payment. I will then refund you 10% via paypal.

Hello, I love you

I'm getting so excited for the holidays! Dan and I are having my parents over for dinner on Sunday for an evening of good food, wine, and tree trimming (and maybe some favorite Christmas music)!

This is the first "cold" week we have had here in Atlanta. By cold, I mean a frigid 60 degree high. It's making me get in the mood for my favorite cup of tea, a good book, a big fire, and some comfy clothes.


1. j crew pretty poplin chemise in dusty rose ... i love this casual yet understatedly sexy nightgown. it would even work great with a tank and jeans.

2. christina kober designs sterling silver handwritten initial necklaces ... each of these initials began with my handwriting on a sheet of paper and round sterling silver wire. the wire is then formed, hammered, filed, soldered, hammered, melted, sanded, and polished to make each letter. they simple and beautiful.

3. anthropologie mezzanine wrap ... this wrap is beautiful. it looks so comfortable, i can envision myself wearing this constantly. oh and ps...this is going on my christmas wish list, so dan i hope you're paying attention!

4. bailey doesn't bark dotted mug ... i love tea. herbal, black, green, white, everything except jasmin (a recent unpleasant discovery at a thai restaurant). these porcelain home accessories are beautiful. definitely check out the site. the ants on my mug is a little too real-looking for me to feel comfortable!

5. pottery barn sweater knit throw ... i found this throw in pottery barn a few months ago. i was carrying it around with me in the store trying to pursuade dan that even though it was 80 degrees outside, we needed a knit throw. now i think there is no pursuading neccessary! ps this has just been added to my christmas wish list!

6. gap slipper booties in parchment ... the MOST comfy slippers EVER.

7. clothbound penguin classics wuthering heights ... i love this book. plus this cover is beautiful.

and the winner is ...

Unfortunately Vickie, I don't have your email, so please email me as soon as you can so I can get your address and ship your necklace as soon as possible!

Thank you guys so much for all the lovely comments yesterday! And don't forget to use the codes for purchasing this month because the more people that do, the more exciting the final promotion will be!

Day 2 : Free Shipping ANYWHERE!

hey there!

It's day two of the advent! I first want to say how happy I am with the turn out for the giveaway yesterday. (the results will be shared later on this morning...as I'm sleeping when this is being posted!)

Today for the 2nd day of the Advent Calendar of Promotions we have a day of free shipping worldwide, anywhere! When you make a purchase at my etsy studio, just enter in the code "DAY 2" in the message to seller section and continue on with your payment. I will then refund you the amount of the shipping via paypal.

xoxo

whew

the past few days have been a whirlwind and I think this might just be the beginning...

Saturday: Dan and I drove from Palm Springs to LA. Caught our flight to Atlanta, and got in around 7pm eastern time.

Sunday: Dan purchased a new LCD flat panel tv (his belated graduation present to himself). I spent all day Sunday preparing for the Advent Calendar of Promotions that I have all this month. Running errands, cutting down tissue paper to 9" x 11 1/2" rectangles (can't they make tissue paper for wrapping around small jewelry boxes?!), ironing tissue paper (yes, I iron the fold wrinkles out of tissue paper), taking new photos of my fortune cookie necklaces, planning and designing the promo blogs and emails for the upcoming week and working on my new big cartel site.

Monday: JFF, the jeweler supply store that employs me during the day, reopened. My dad, the owner, was still in Florida enjoying a few more days of the Thanksgiving Holiday. My coworker and I got there at 8am. (I didn't even get a chance to walk into my studio)...and we were so busy we didn't stop working until 6pm! No breakfast, no lunch, no potty breaks...WHEW! I then ran home to meet my friend, Colleen, for our weekly Trashy TV (more on this at a later time).

Tuesday (this morning): Woke up at 5am, got ready, had a huge glass of chocolate milk and checked my email...so excited to see such lovely responses from the first promotion on my Advent Calendar. Got to JFF and in my studio at 6 am and began making jewelry. JFF opened at 9am, closed at 4pm. I drove home, turned on Elf, and am now about to pass out (I have to take a break when I can get it!)!

Day 1 : It's a Happy December Giveaway!

Happy New Month! I am so excited to kick off the Advent Calendar of Promotions today! So what will the first promotion be? ...drumroll please....

A Happy December Giveaway! The giveaway is for my new Ampersand Block Letter Necklace.

To enter please leave a comment on my blog. You have from 12 midnight until 11:59pm Eastern today (december 1) to enter. A winner will be drawn the old fashioned way, from a hat, and announced early tomorrow morning (december 2).

So good luck and stay tuned for the next promotion tomorrow!