Christina Kober Designs

christina kober supports japan + i'm moving

2011-03-22T11:48:00.004-04:00

through the month of march, 5% of all sales on christina kober designs website and etsy store will be donated toward emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies to Japan via ShelterBox USA.

i'm moving, my new blog address is... christinakober.tumblr.com

02.10.2011

2011-02-10T13:00:00.000-05:00

i recall saying "it's going to be a big year"

well so far this has rung true...

today is dan and my 3 year anniversary.

we have been engaged for 2 weeks now.

we went to biltmore to celebrate our anniversary.

he asked me to be mrs. dan.

i said yes.

01.25.2011

2011-01-25T13:34:00.003-05:00

I decided to take a class this year to hone my skills in a new direction... drawing. Honestly, the only art classes I ever took were in elementary and middle school. So I have no structured art background, except for my jewelry training.

When I have tried to render custom designs, the series of lines and weird chicken scratches leave my customers scratching their heads and me to say... "I'll just make a model in metal. Then you can see what I'm talking about."

Long story short, I started taking a drawing class last Monday. Last night was our first night to DRAW! I got to class and I was nervous, so much so my hands were sweating. And then I started to rethink my seat, as I am in the front row and didn't want anyone sitting behind me to think... "wow that girl can't draw!"

But once I got started I was so engrossed in my shading, smearing, and erasing. The next thing I knew I had a drawing. That I drew.

I'm as proud as a peacock of my picture. I want to hang it on the refrigerator.

2011-01-06T17:00:00.000-05:00

goodbye 2010.

what a year... ultimately i must say thank you for all the wonderful things that came my way, both personally and with my business. it's now time to look forward with excitement of what's to come.

hello 2011.

i love the idea of a new year. i always feel fresh and new. a new bundle of 365 days. a time make goals and strive to reach them.

2011 is going to be a big year. i feel it in my bones.

{image frank chimero}

12 days of Christmas

2010-12-01T00:01:00.004-05:00

A ho ho holiday sale: receive 10% off all orders for 12 days!
Use the coupon code at check out: 10SNOW

christinakober.etsy.com

christinakoberdesigns.com

offer is valid from December 1, 2010 until December 12.

make sure you check out order deadlines to be sure you do get your order in time.

2010-08-24T18:00:00.001-04:00

christina kober designs
invites you to

Get out of the stale air-conditioning
to enjoy the cooling shade of century old trees in Grant Park.

Saturday, August 28, 2010 10a.m. until 7p.m.
Sunday, August 29, 2010 10a.m. until 7p.m.
for more location information please visit
http://gpconservancy.org/node/25

The festival is located along the shaded pedestrian roadways of historic Grant Park, Atlanta's oldest public park. The weekend is filled with a variety of featured events including the Artist Market, food vendors, 5K run for the park, live music and a children's fun center. And, don't forget Corks & Forks - A Fine Food & Wine Event featuring top chefs/restaurants each day and some of the coolest wines/ales to hit the market.

2010-06-02T18:38:00.001-04:00

Christina Kober Designs

invites you to

Celebrating 27 years of
art, food, & fun

Saturday, June 5, 2010, 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Artist Market closes at 6:30 p.m.)
Sunday, June 6, 2010, 10:00 am to 6:00 p.m.
for more location information please visit:
www.vahi.org/summerfest.html

Visitors to Summerfest can celebrate the beginning of summer by shopping for original art in a variety of media - and by enjoying great food and an exceptional array of live music presented by radio station parbrer 929 davetm(92.9 FM). This year's event also features a 5K race on Saturday moming along with activities designed for children in the KidsFest area in John Howell Park, adjacent to Arcadia.

Summerfest takes place along tree-lined Virginia Avenue, in the heart of the historic and charming Virginia-Highland neighborhood.

I hope to see y'all there!

www.christinakoberdesigns.com

a photo shoot

2010-05-21T15:31:00.003-04:00

a couple weeks ago I had a photo shoot with a friend from high school, Alicia Holman. it's something I have been meaning to do. I have no pictures of me, professionally taken that aren't from my dancing days.

Alicia came over on a Saturday morning and she began clicking away. Alicia brought her little assistant, her beautiful daughter, who was such a joy to be around and provided the entertainment for the morning.

I will say I felt really silly most of the time, having all that attention focused on me, not my jewelry. And I really wasn't quite sure what to do with my facial expressions. Alicia finally said, "you CAN smile, you enjoy making jewelry don't you?" Which made me laugh and relax.

So here are the photos... I love them! Thank you, Alicia!

Soldering.

Alicia asked me what my favorite tool was... definitely my old refinished rolling mill my Dad gave me.

Forming a 22K gold bezel. The stone is an amazonite. {I really should have had a manicure for this}

Look what a maniac I am with that hammer!

preparing wire to be a ring shank. I promise I do enjoy making jewelry... my face just doesn't show it!

This is a shot of my new studio. I love the color of the walls... matches the aqua blue I use in my logo and packaging.

A few head shots with my favorite tool.

This was the photo I was most excited about. But my fortune cookies look so small compared to my large noggin!

studio 05.01.2010

2010-05-01T18:52:00.002-04:00

holy stones... I got in spring cleaning mode this morning and finally organized all my stones (those few that I have to set...HA!) Looks like I have a lot of work ahead of me!

Inman Park Festival

2010-04-21T12:31:00.003-04:00

I keep saying that I'm going to start writing more, and it's an empty promise. I apologize. My excuse is a good one though...I've tied up making jewelry and getting ready for all these upcoming Spring Shows!

I'm excited to invite y'all to my first BIG show! Inman Park Festival this weekend, April 24 & 25.

Atlanta, GA 30307

April 24 & 25

11am - 6pm

for more location information please visit:
www.inmanparkfestival.org

Come out to this fun festival in this great eclectic part of town and bring your friends and family! I will be releasing some new designs for Mother's Day & some new special edition pieces that will only be available for a short time!

Don't forget to take Marta, it drops you right at the show!

I hope to see y'all there!

The Beehive Grand Opening Friday, April 16

2010-04-14T12:01:00.001-04:00

Who: The Beehive Atlanta

What: The Grand Opening Party of our new location at the Edgewood Shopping Center

When: Friday, April 16 from 6pm-10pm

Where: 1250 Caroline St, Ste C120
Atlanta, GA 30307

Why: Meet & Mingle with all the designers + 15% off all purchases. And all the cool people are doing it!

2010-04-07T01:05:00.003-04:00

I'm kicking off the Spring Show season this Saturday, April 10 at the Suzuki School's Artist Market.

Come by and check it out!

formspring.me

2010-03-03T17:51:00.001-05:00

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/christinakober

it's march already?

2010-03-02T19:58:00.005-05:00

it has been nearly 2 months since my last post. I wanted to say hello, I haven't forgotten about you, my dears. I actually think about you often and have been missing you.

I am hoping that in the next few weeks my life will finally slow down and I will be writing again. I am really starting to feel, in my bones, the fatigue from working 12+ hours a day.

just a little update for you :

new jewelry is coming soon. i promise! A little something for Mother's Day and a little something for Fathers on their day too.
some of you may already know, but the Beehive in Atlanta is moving!
I have been taking a jewelry class on Mondays. I have missed learning.
Dan and I are moving... into a house! It's a rental, in Decatur and we are moving March 20. And if you were curious...I have insisted that there will be no house buying until there is a ring on my finger... from Dan that is.
I hired the new bookkeeper at JFF (which is funny considering I have never been formally interviewed myself!)

I must get back to work. Trying to get my taxes prepared...and West Side Story is on TMC!

settling in

2010-01-13T09:48:00.004-05:00

Do you ever have those days (days, weeks, or even months) when you feel like you are running to catch up? That is what my life has been this past month.

Our secretary at my day job (JFF Jeweler Supply) was diagnosed with cancer. It was all very sudden, she knew something was wrong, she went to the doctor and they told her she had multiple meyloma. She began treatment immediately. She is a wonderful woman and definitely a fighter.

In the meantime it has left a huge gaping hole at JFF. Not only because we are missing a working member of the business (our secretary/bookkeeper), but she is a life-long friend (as she was our neighbor when I was growing up). In the meantime, I have been working longer hours at JFF to get all the work done then move to work in my studio.

But I can't dwell on the negative. We must push forward. So here are the things I am working on in my studio in the next few weeks :
I am working on a men's line.
I am sending my jewelry to Beehive New York. (which will be for sale beginning Feb 1)
I am making some new rings.
I am working on making a main web page.

In personal life news, Dan and I will be celebrating our 2 year anniversary February 10. Things have been wonderful with us and I'm super excited because we have a reservation at Craft to celebrate!

Also, Dan and I are taking another trip up to New York/New Jersey, February 12-14. I know it's going to be SUPER cold but I am excited for the trip. We are going primarily to celebrate Dan's father's 75th birthday. But we have also scheduled in time to visit the Beehive New York store! I am so excited to go check it out! We will also sneak in a quick visit with Dan's friends, who I now consider my friends as well. :)

You never can expect the bumps in the road. But I think I'm finally settling into 2010.

sweet talk

2010-01-07T11:00:00.006-05:00

What is your favorite part of Valentine's Day?

Is it the heart shaped boxes filled with chocolates? A romantic evening to spend with your special someone? The love filled cards? The cozy, romantic restaurants? Or the excuse to send your secret crush a valentine?

Personally, my favorite part of Valentine's Day isn't romantic at all. My favorite are the little conversation hearts, you know the ones, the candy shaped hearts with the cutesy phrases on them like "be mine," "i love you," or "text me."

Last year, just after Valentine's Day passed, I had the idea to make a necklace with little silver conversation hearts on them... just like the candy. Immediately, I stopped what I was doing (eating candy hearts no less) and began working. Nearly a year later, I finally get to spill the beans!

These little sterling silver conversation hearts are just as sweet as the real thing, but no calories! They are $74 for the plain heart without the stone, the heart with the emulated garnet is $84. The conversation hearts are only available for a limited time in my etsy & big cartel studios, and available on the beehive co-op website. So hurry before they are all gone!

I really think I have a thing for "food" jewelry... fortune cookies and now conversation hearts?!

2010, a new decade?

2009-12-30T14:13:00.005-05:00

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 ...

2009-12-26T18:00:00.005-05:00

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

2009-12-24T00:01:00.001-05:00

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

2009-12-22T12:30:00.000-05:00

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

2009-12-22T00:01:00.000-05:00

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 ...

2009-12-21T15:30:00.000-05:00

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

2009-12-21T00:01:00.000-05:00

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

2009-12-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

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

2009-12-19T00:01:00.001-05:00

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

2009-12-18T00:01:00.000-05:00

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

2009-12-17T13:00:00.000-05:00

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

2009-12-17T00:01:00.000-05:00

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

2009-12-16T00:01:00.001-05:00

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

2009-12-15T00:01:00.000-05:00

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

2009-12-14T00:01:00.000-05:00

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

2009-12-13T00:01:00.000-05:00

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

2009-12-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

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 ...

2009-12-11T14:00:00.000-05:00

... 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

2009-12-11T00:01:00.000-05:00

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

2009-12-10T00:01:00.001-05:00

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

2009-12-09T21:00:00.001-05:00

'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

2009-12-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

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...

2009-12-08T14:00:00.001-05:00

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

2009-12-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

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

2009-12-07T00:01:00.002-05:00

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

2009-12-06T10:43:00.003-05:00

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

2009-12-05T00:01:00.000-05:00

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

2009-12-04T00:01:00.000-05:00

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

2009-12-03T14:45:00.001-05:00

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

2009-12-03T00:01:00.001-05:00

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

2009-12-02T15:00:00.001-05:00

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 ...

2009-12-02T10:22:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-12-02T00:01:00.002-05:00

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

2009-12-01T17:00:00.001-05:00

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!

2009-12-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

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!

my vacation in photos

2009-11-24T20:22:00.004-05:00

I'm in Palm Springs this week for Thanksgiving with Dan's family. We are staying at the La Quinta Resort in a cute little villa called Casablanca...I bet you can't guess how it's decorated?! Oh yes, old photographs from black and white movies, mostly Casablanca, of course! The views and architecture is like nothing I have EVER seen!

the hugest, biggest christina kober designs sale EVER!

2009-11-20T14:22:00.007-05:00

Ok...so I can't hold it in any longer! I'm SOO excited to share this idea! I tried to wait, I tried, but I can't do it!

I love advent calendars. I grew up so excited for the next day to find the little door for the day and and have my precious piece of chocolate. {Until I realized that there was nothing stopping me from opening all the little doors and eating all the chocolate in one sitting. Then proceeding to hide the evidence by closing the doors back up so my parents would be "never know"} This year, I decided it would be fun to celebrate the holiday season with an advent calendar of sales!

Beginning on December 1, I will reveal the sale and promotional code for the day on here (my blog) and via email (don't forget to sign up!). Each day will be a new sale and a new promo code for you to use on my etsy shop! How exciting right?! And the more people that participate, the better the final surprise on Christmas Day! WOO-HOO!

hello, i love you

2009-11-18T11:06:00.003-05:00

Holy cow, I can't believe it's already Wednesday! This week is slipping by...and then I'll be in Palm Springs. (tonight I'm going to get my suitcase out and begin the packing process)

I have been dying for some herringbone tights. I think herringbone is the epitome of winter & what better way to wear it than as tights!
1. j. crew dream tori ruffle cardigan: this cardigan has been on my list of things to buy. but unfortunately if you follow the link it has sold out. and it doesn't look like they'll have anymore! what a BUMMER!

2. christina kober designs fortune cookie lariat: ok seriously, who doesn't love getting a fortune cookie at the end of your meal at a chinese restaurant. these little fortune cookies are hand formed and each fortune is hand stamped by myself. you can get pre-made fortunes or create your own! (this one says "you are going to have some new clothes." yes, i really did get that on a fortune.)

3. gap essential featherweight cami: i buy all of my camis, tanks, and tees from gap. they have great quality, they are super soft, last through more than one washing without shrinking and you can usually get great deals (buy 2 get 1 free, 2 for $20, etc).

4. via spiga suri bootie: at first i was very leary of the "bootie." but I have found that they, this style especially, really make your legs look long and shapely.

5. kate spade sparkle herringbone tights: i have yet to find kate spade to do anything wrong? i love the slight sparkle these tights have, great for a holiday party.

6. j. crew wool flannel shorts: why not wear shorts in the winter?

7. i think red lips would really top off this look!

are you part of an and?

2009-11-17T11:59:00.005-05:00

me: "I am."

you: "What does this mean?"

me: "I am part of an and: Christina & Dan. The concept being that the 'and' connects Dan and myself. The 'and' representing love, friendship, commitment, a relationship."

you: "This tiny three letter word represents ALL of that?"

me: "Yep, and so does the ampersand symbol (&)."

you: "Well, why do you bring this up now?"

me: "That's a funny story let me share, hopefully it makes sense!
As many of you know, I have a line of initial pendants called the block letter necklaces (formerly mommy & me initial necklaces). The design was inspired by the little alphabet magnets my mom would keep on the refrigerator to help me learn spelling (clearly not grammar). My idea, which is still coming to fruition, is that the letters are given to a mother or grandmother, each letter representing the first initial of the child's name. So as there are more children added to the family, there are more initials added to the necklace.

In addition to wearing multiple letters, you can also add the birthstone of the child to the bottom right hand corner of each initial (more on that in another post)."

you: "Oh, very cool. But what does this have to do with the ampersand?"

me: "Well, I also had the idea that a couple (dating, married, etc) could have their initials on a necklace. But without an '&' symbol it just looked like a jumble of letters. And I felt that the addition of the '&' was really important to the symbolism. Then I started thinking more about it, maybe I shouldn't be so literal. The & makes the relationship, it is what connects the two people, maybe have the & stand alone. VOILA, the idea was born! (plus it just looks cool!)

So I present to you the sterling silver block ampersand, now for sale in my etsy studio!"

happy friday

2009-11-13T12:52:00.006-05:00

Wow, I can't believe it! I hit 200 sales on my etsy site today! (and about a week ago I hit 1000 people who "hearts me")

I feel like I've really hit a huge etsy milestone and I just wanted to share with you my excitement! I will have to do some sort of giveaway in celebration! So stay tuned you will be hearing about it soon!

Speaking of giveaway, don't forget to head over to Sara Plays House and enter to win a Sterling Silver Fortune Cookie Necklace with your own custom fortune! You only have one more week until the drawing!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. I will be taking it easy this weekend & working in my studio!

ps: here is a little preview of one of the options I'm working with on my logo!

hello, i love you

2009-11-11T09:36:00.007-05:00

Every year since I can remember, my parents and I drive down to Florida for the Thanksgiving holiday (yes, I spend 8 hours in the car with my parents). My Grandparents had 4 daughters and all 4 families come together to celebrate, eat, exchange Christmas presents, be thankful, and eat. My cousin and I have also started our own mini tradition of shopping until we drop on Black Friday. It is definitely my favorite holiday.

This year is going to be different because I'm going to spend Turkey day with Dan's family in Palm Springs, CA. While I'm REALLY excited, there are other parts of me that are nervous and sad. Nervous because well, who wouldn't be nervous to spend an entire week with your boyfriend's family! Sad because I am going to be missing my family something fierce. For me to agree whole-heartedly to this trip Dan had to promise that we will be spending New Years in Florida with my family AND we will go to Thanksgiving with my family next year.

Well getting back to the excited part, of course my mind automatically thinks of what should I wear?! Can I just say that the weather will be in the high 70s!!! So, today's Hello, I love you is something to pack for Palm Springs.
1. j. crew cashmere-silk splendid cardigan - I chose this because even though it's going to be warm in Palm Springs, I will be cold!

2. forever 21 soft knit striped tank - going for the nautical look in the desert.

3. christina kober designs 18K bubble necklace - I think gold looks amazing on tanned skin (which I will hopefully have). This necklace can be made custom in sterling silver or a mix of sterling silver and gold, different lengths...the options are endless.

4. anthropologie grand proportions belt - I love the look of a wide belt slung across your hips. Something about it is sexy to me.

5. dvf armor pants in white - even though it's after labor day, I wear white wide-leg pants. I am actually wearing some today! And can I just say...DVF, swoon!

6. kate spade bamboo espadrilles - I love these shoes. I have them in white and wore them so much I broke them and immediately replaced them. So comfortable. I love this color too!

7. calviree extra large poppy tote - I love the jute webbing and canvas handles. It looks like a super sturdy bag for travel. I just discovered CalviRee on Etsy earlier this week. Patty has some great designs. If you haven't already noticed, I love handmade bags.

playing catch up.

2009-11-10T14:45:00.005-05:00

I apologize for my absence. I have been running around playing catch up since my being sick 2 weeks ago. I'm ALMOST all caught up, although I'm sure something will pop up that I have pushed to the back recesses of my mind.

I barely realized Halloween past and it was November. Shame on me! And in my rush these past few days I haven't even taken photos of what I have been doing...but I'm going to share anyway!

A few custom fortune cookie orders to complete. One in particular I love! As a special birthday present for his wife, a man asked me to make a fortune with her favorite quote: "I'll eat you up - I love you so" If you aren't sure what this is a quote from, its Where the Wild Things Are. (I am DYING to see this movie)
While working on the custom fortune cookies, I have redesigned them. There were some problems with the Fortune Cookie Lariat in particular and I'm really excited to re-post these in the next few days with the "NEW" same but different design.
I am reworking my logo and packaging to have a more consistent style. I hope to unveil all of this before the holiday rush.
I had a small trunk show at my friend, Miranda's house. Thank you to Miranda for hosting and all the lovely ladies that came by!
I am participating in the Whimsical Wares Show this Wednesday through Sunday. I dropped off all my initials and new Fortune Cookies on Monday. Let me tell you if you are in the Atlanta area (Marietta to be exact) this weekend, you should DEFINITELY check this show out. There are tons of great goodies there, including of course my jewelry! ;) But it is also in the most amazing house.
I had a custom order for a vermeil mommy and me initial pendant. For those of you who don't know, vermeil is sterling silver with a thin coating of 18K gold on the outside. So it keeps the cost down while also giving you the look of 18K gold. downside: it's not permanent.
Because I work at a jeweler supply store, and my dad is pretty awesome, he let me experiment with a plating machine and vermeil some of my peices. It was WAY too much fun and I'm looking forward to making a line of vermeil initials!
Last I want to tell you guys about a giveaway I'm doing on a blog that I follow. Sara Plays House is a great blog that is about Sara and her family. She has two adorable daughters, who keep her busy and writing entertaining posts, like her Saturday Night Art Show. Definitely a great read! So hop on over to Sara's blog and check it out, and while your there enter to win a CUSTOM FORTUNE COOKIE NECKLACE!!!

san francisco...finally

2009-11-03T18:17:00.005-05:00

Wow! This trip has been long awaited and so was this post. All last week I was dying to post about our trip. Oh, I loved this city! I can't wait to go back and explore more.

I first want to explain that for my birthday all I wanted was a new camera. A digital SLR camera. Dan bought the camera for me and I received it a week before our trip! I knew it was going to be an adjustment from my 3 year old cannon elph...but wow I learned that I have no idea how to use an SLR. But I had a lot of fun taking photos anyway!

We had one day to spend in San Francisco and I had a list of things I wanted to do...

Golden Gate Bridge
Fisherman's Wharf
Walk Lombard Street
Ride on a Trolley

Dan was such a trooper (he was sick the whole time), he planned the day so we could check off the things on my list, he posed for pictures, and he was willing to explore each and every little corner and street I wanted to turn down.

The day began with the Golden Gate Bridge. It was amazing. The haze was just lifting over the city. The weather was perfect. Warm in the sun with a great breeze, but not enough to need a sweater.

After exploring around and picking up a post card to send my Grandma, we headed over to Fisherman's Wharf where we would park our car and leave it to explore the city. When we got to Fisherman's Wharf (Pier 39), I quickly got the impression it was not the "San Francisco experience" I was looking for. So we headed to Lombard Street. All the while, I was snapping photos of everything.

At the top of Lombard Street there was a Trolley stop so we hopped on. Only to have our trolley stall and we had to have a truck come push us down a hill! We finally made it down to Union Square for lunch. Where we stopped at Hubert Keller's Burger Bar.

I was really excited to go to find Burger Bar because I love Top Chef & Top Chef Masters. Hubert Keller was a guest judge for Top Chef and a finalist on Top Chef Masters (and in my opinion should have won the show). So we go into the restaurant and let me tell you the menu was amazing; kobe beef, buffalo, oyster mushrooms, shaved truffles, pan seared foie gras, proscuitto, grilled half lobster, avocado...I mean really, talk about a good burger!

So as we are ordering Dan taps me on the shoulder, "Turn around...you won't believe this!" Oh, yes, Hubert Keller was THERE!!! We talked the entire delicious meal about grabbing his attention and taking a photo, which of course I completely lost my nerve and eventually had to have the waitress bring him over. And what do I say when he comes to our table... something to the tune of "it was a really good burger, Chef Keller." REALLY?! THAT WAS ALL I COULD GET OUT!? But none the less we got our photo! (oh and look at that burger! buffalo with oyster mushrooms & carmelized onions)

After my embarrassing lack of conversation with Hubert Keller, Dan and I hit the pavement again. We explored the streets, walking in stores (if you are ever in San Francisco you should definitely check out Saks Fifth Ave ceiling...it's gorgeous!), walking through Nob Hill, Chinatown, the Financial District and then ending up at the Ferry Building.

This is where I completely fell in love with San Francisco. I can't even explain exactly what it was about this area. The Ferry Building is a Marketplace with local produce, wine, breads, ice cream and gelato, cute housewares and restaurants. The shops are inside but there is a backside of the building overlooking the bay bridge and the Ferries. As the sun is setting, (on the opposite side of the city) the shadow is cast over you creating this beautiful, romantic setting. I was so overwhelmed I didn't even take any photos!

We walked down further and found Pier 7. It was like a movie with the lamps and the wood walkway.

For dinner we walked back to the Ferry Building and ate at the Hog Island Oyster Co. One of Dan's former co-workers met us for dinner & drinks. We sat at the bar and watched our oysters get shucked (which we ate 48!) and had the most delicious clam chowder.

sick.

2009-10-29T10:37:00.003-04:00

so i know everyone is waiting with baited breath to find out about my california trip. unfortunately since I have been back I have been sick. I have even stayed home all week, not been to work or my studio, once. I went to the doctor on Tuesday and I don't have the flu...thank goodness.

I feel like I have been absolutely worthless, but all the while stressing about all the things I need to do. I have jump ring orders to complete, necklaces to send out, the JFF newsletter to send out, blog about my trip, among other things.

I haven't done a single one of these things. I apologize if you are waiting for me to ship an order. I am hoping to be better by tomorrow (although I have said that everyday this week).

hello, i love you

2009-10-22T10:55:00.005-04:00

it's a big day. Today, well tonight, Dan and I will be flying to San Francisco. As I mentioned before this is my FIRST trip to San Francisco. And has been much anticipated.

I barely slept last night; today, time is passing slow, I mean literally creeping by. I can't wait. And of course I keep repacking my suitcase in my head. So the inspiration for "hello, i love you" today is what I would pack for a night out.

1. anthropologie sprinkled chiffon top
2. christina kober designs rose by another name necklace
3. anthropologie wheatfield belt
4. j. crew toothpick jeans in twilight
5. moop market bag in sage & olive
6. born "sosie" tall riding boot

number 15

2009-10-20T11:53:00.004-04:00

Reach my lifetime goal... for those of you who don't know I'm on weight watchers. I was nervous to say this on my blog as it is meant to focus more on my jewelry and I think this is a very personal thing to be sharing. However, I'm struggling and I think I can use all the support I can get.

I started weight watchers January 2008. I lost 10 lbs in my first 6 months and have since hovered at this same weight for a year. So I'm good a maintaining this weight, but I am still not happy with where I am.

So plan is to start at the beginning, and writing down what I eat. I also think it is important to not deprive myself, but just not eat 3 slices of cake when all you really need is a bite. Whole foods are also important, I don't like the way processed "easy" foods make me feel so I'm going to try to focus on that again as well.

it's the whole alphabet (minus "u")

2009-10-19T12:45:00.004-04:00

I have big news! My handwritten initial alphabet is FINISHED and for sale in my etsy site, at Beehive Co-op and in St Louis at Charm Boutique!

The chains are now adjustable at the back to be either 16" or 18". Which ever your heart desires. (I'm also working on having a 18" or 20" chain available also)

Well actually if you look closely you will notice there is no "u." So technically I'm not really finished...

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Also, if you have been following me on facebook & twitter (and if you were paying close attention above), you have noticed me talking about a new boutique. I'm happy to let you know that I'm now in my second store: Charm Boutique in St. Louis!!!!!

hello, i love you wednesday (a little belated)

2009-10-15T11:35:00.002-04:00

ahh, I love shopping. I can't express how much I love it. It brightens my day when I purchase something new. It might be a little troublesome at times for my wallet, but it really is like an addiction.

So here I am beginning a weekly post of some of my favorite items, ones that I covet and ones that I may have just purchased. So today I begin with something easy, my outfit I am wearing. (except for the made by hank clutch).

1. carnation cluster tee from j. crew

2. steel, gold & silver tension ring from christina kober designs

3. supersoft layering crewneck t from gap

4. vintage-destructed boyfriend jeans from gap

5. made by hank clutch-- ok, let me just say I love these bags {the one I have listed has sold}. Katie {ie hank} is a very talented little lady and hand makes all of these bags. So far I only have one of her tough ruffles clutches in purple, but I hope to be adding to my collection soon. I have rss'ed her shop and I can never seem to catch one of her bags. They seem to fly out as soon as she posts a new listing.

6. "michelle" caged high-heel sandal

2009-10-12T21:44:00.005-04:00

These are a few photos from my trip to New York. It was a wonderful weekend, even though we didn't make it to the Brooklyn Bridge. The weekend was full of photos, drinks and delicious food.

The weekend started off with my flight landing early...I didn't know what happens anymore?! So Sue and I were able to make it out. We hit Whiskey Town where I felt right at home...they gave us koozies with our beers & played awesome 80s music.

On Saturday morning Sue and I woke up and headed to a bar to watch the Clemson game...on the way we went to a bagel shop for breakfast. We walked around Columbus Circle, Central Park, and the Museum of Natural History. The bar, Gin Mill, was tons of fun, our bartender was actually from Laurens, South Carolina. A bunch of Sue and Dan's friends met us there to watch the game too.

After the game and the rain had stopped we headed to Greenwich Village. We walked around and walked over to this cool pier. And took the subway back up to midtown where we stopped for some heaven, otherwise known as cupcakes.

We went to dinner at an Italian restaurant for dinner, I had pumpkin ravioli with a pesto sauce and tiramisu. The restaurant was awesome, they seated us outside with this ivy overhang. And when you looked up all you could see was tall buildings. We headed to a birthday party for the rest of the evening.

On Sunday we went to brunch at a Brazilian restaurant. I had french toast with caramelized bananas. DELICIOUS!

happy weekend

2009-10-09T15:39:00.006-04:00

The weather doesn't look very promising for my show on Saturday. But by the looks of the sky right now I'm really hopefully the radar is just wrong! :)

Things to come next week on my blog:

Monday or Tuesday: photos from my trip to NY...a little belated

Wednesday: because I love shopping so much I thought it would be fun to have a weekly blog post where I pick out an outfit I either own or wish to own. this way I am not spending the money on something new but I am sharing the outfit with others... and I can rediscover things in my closet! Brilliant!

Thursday: I will be posting some new items on my etsy shop the next few weeks. I have finished my handwritten initial and am finally ready to share! And I also have some new designs that are coming to fruition.

Friday: an update on my 28 resolutions

(i'm hopeful I will stay on schedule!)

Oakhurst Artist Market

2009-10-06T19:57:00.000-04:00

Look it's me! {under the jewelry category}

I will be participating in the Oakhurst Arts and Music Festival October 10. It is a one day festival from 10am until 7pm.

If you are in the Atlanta area, you should come by! Great music, beautiful art, and a great time!

a happy day

2009-10-05T21:01:00.004-04:00

today, Dan started his job. I haven't blogged about this but Dan graduated in May with an MBA. Unfortunately, with our tough economic situation he had a hard time finding a job.

It began with a tough bit of news the day after graduation that the job we all thought he had in the bag. He got a call that things fell through and they chose not to hire anyone. He began patrolling all of the job postings and networking like crazy. He kept pushing and wasn't going to settle for any job, he knew what he wanted and spoke with as many people as he could to figure out what the best route was to take.

While it was frustrating at times he stayed persistent. September 18, just about 4 months after graduation, he was offered a job. Even though it's been a tough journey for the both of us, this job is exactly where he should be and we are through it, together.

Congratulations Dan, I love you.

New York, New York

2009-09-30T13:25:00.005-04:00

Wow, I can't believe it's the last day of September! Time is really flying by, I remember when I was younger and I would plead with the clock for time to go by faster. What happened between then and now that I am now pleading with the clock to go slower?

October is a busy month, beginning with a trip this weekend to see my friend & {sorority} big sister, Sue, in New York. I am so excited to see her! Usually when I'm up north anymore it's with Dan and I only get a small snippet of time with Sue. So finally we are having a girl's weekend! {Fun fact: Sue actually introduced me to Dan, she went to middle and high school with him}

{image via brooklyn bridge park.org}

We had planned to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge after watching the Tigers play, but of course the weather isn't supposed to be that great. I'm packing my galoshes in hopes that they will scare away the rain!

number 14

2009-09-29T09:48:00.004-04:00

This past weekend I began work on my first item on my 28 to-do list; number 14 organize my studio.

My studio has always been in my apartment, beginning in the kitchen of my studio apartment, then moving to the 2nd bedroom of a 2 bedroom apartment, then the dining room of a 1 bedroom apartment, and now in the hallway of my 1 bedroom apartment. I am very unhappy with the location of my studio as I have no room and I end up spreading out to the dining room, kitchen and living room, much to Dan's dismay.

I thought the space issue would be over because Dan and I were moving out of our apartment at the end of September into a house. But alas the stars did not align and to save our sanity we chose to renew our lease for another 6 months. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel...my Dad offered to let me to set up my studio in an unused storage room at work.

So this past weekend I thought it was the perfect time to move because Dan was out of town for a bachelor party. {I am one of those annoyingly independent people who thinks they can do anything, including lifting heavy objects, with no help at all} I had hoped to be all settled into my new space by yesterday and as you can well imagine, not a one box is unpacked but things are starting to look a little promising...hopefully!

my to do list

2009-09-24T12:56:00.003-04:00

I have been thinking REALLY hard about my 28 to do list that I will make this year. And on Tuesday night, I completed the list! It seems a little daunting, but I'm hoping I can do it!

1. take a beach vacation

2. design a website

3. run a half marathon

4. finish my picture collage

5. organize my desk

6. join a book club

7. practice yoga

8. try a new recipe a month

9. use my passport

10. learn to take better photos

11. keep up with my blog

12. learn how to use my mom's sewing machine

13. apply for Inman Park Art Festival

14. organize my studio

15. reach my lifetime goal

16. make a shoe shelf

17. send my grandma a letter once a month

18. use less plastic

19. go camping

20. apply for Virginia Highlands Summerfest

21. start an herb garden

22. drive less, use marta & my feet more

23. take more photos

24. organize my closet

25. once a month plan a date exploring one of Atlanta's attractions

26. watch less television

27. take a day off once a month

28. document this list

East Atlanta Strut

2009-09-23T10:50:00.007-04:00

I have been burning the midnight oil preparing for my shows this fall. This past weekend was my second art festival, East Atlanta Strut.
As many of you have heard the rain has been awful in Atlanta; however, we pushed through 9 hours and had a pretty good day! A lot of great feedback and exposure!

Here is a collage of photos of my booth. {you can see my trooper of a boyfriend holding down the fort on the lower photo}
There was some entertainment? We also saw some Elvis impersonators, a woman walking on stilts, a garbage man {literally, a dude dressed up in moss and garbage}, and a lot of other interesting sights.

I also had a great surprise! I won the merit award!

so excited...

2009-09-22T15:56:00.005-04:00

Dan and I are planning a short trip to Northern California in October. This is a trip that I have been dreaming about since...well I can't remember when I first wanted to go.

We are spending one day in San Francisco, which I have to say I'm very excited about. Among other things I want to ride on a trolley, walk across {if you are allowed} the Golden Gate Bridge, check out Fisherman's Wharf and stumble down Lombard Street.

Although this day of sight seeing in San Francisco will be amazing, I can't help but be excited about the wedding we are going to. It is on a vineyard in Carmel. I have been looking for the perfect dress to wear to the wedding and on Sunday I found it! {thank you, j. crew}

I'm still deciding on my shoes and what necklace I will make to add to this look. If you have any suggestions for accessories or where else we should visit in SF let me know!

the cotton cady Erica dress in azalea, skinny patent leather belt in black, cashmere crew neck cardigan in black

2009-09-22T13:47:00.000-04:00

my weekend in photos {part 3}

2009-09-21T09:32:00.012-04:00

This past week has been a blur. In my normal day job, our secretary has been out sick with the flu while Dallas has been on vacation. So in a company of 4, things have been hectic. Meanwhile I have been preparing for fall shows (one in particular was on Saturday). Needless to say, my blogs have been not so great and very behind, so I apologize. I know you all have been dying to hear more about my birthday!

So today's blog is the last in the series about my birthday weekend. And I promise...after today I'll be done blogging about my birthday. Maybe...

The main festivity for my birthday was for 3 of my girlfriends and I to head to Dahlonega in north GA to do a tour de winery and stay in a bed and breakfast.

We started out the day with lunch and our first wine tasting at Wolf Mountain. This place was gorgeous and the food and wine were delicious. But all we could talk about was how amazing a wedding would be here.
For safety precautions we hired a transportation service to take us around to the different wineries. No drinking and driving in this bunch! This was our ride...
Our second stop was Frogtown Winery. It's a cute house in the midst of a gorgeous vineyard. Unfortunately, there was a wedding being held in the house so we weren't able to go inside. However, the tasting was outside overlooking the vineyard. So we were cool with that.
Our ride, then picked us up and drove us to the neighboring winery: Three Sisters. This winery might have been our favorite. Maybe it was because the gave us a complimentary wine glass, or they gave us chocolate with not just one but two wines, or maybe it was the Cheetos they gave us with a wine pairing, or it was our 3rd wine tasting and we were really feeling happy.
After purchasing our bottles of wine and snacks, we realized we had a missed call from our safe ride. She said she had another booking and had to get us another form of transportation. So we walk outside and we find a black limo waiting for us! Talk about traveling in style! {unfortunately, the photo the limo driver took of us was actually a video and try as I might my computer wouldn't let me reformat it into a photo, so all I have are photos from inside the limo}
Last but not least, we hit our 4th winery on our tour de winery; Blackstock. This last tasting was probably the most fun. We had two great guys serving us and were clearly used to dealing with 4 silly girls giving them a hard time. One of the coolest parts of this tasting was a desert wine that was served in a miniature chocolate cup, it tasted just like a chocolate covered cherry! Yum!
We hopped into our limo and ended the evening with dinner...which is a little blurry. We then headed to Lilly Creek, the bed & breakfast, to drink more wine and hang out in the hot tub. I have to say this was probably the best birthday celebration thus far! Thank you to my girls!

my weekend in photos {part 2}

2009-09-16T14:32:00.007-04:00

On Friday, Dan and I took Betsy to Zoo Atlanta. She LOVES the zoo, and especially the pandas. {she even has a widget on her computer with the pandacam} So, it was necessary to go. I was a little apprehensive because I have heard some pretty terrible things about our zoo...but I was REALLY impressed!

The meerkats were sleeping when we walked over but as soon as we started taking pictures they got VERY playful {read scary}. I have to say we are much cuter meerkats!

We really enjoyed the Gorilla exhibit. We got to it right as one of the trainers was feeding them a snack. There was one Gorilla that was sitting under the rock and wasn't getting any food. He kept huffing and puffing... like "why are you ignoring me?!"
The babies were on the other side and were rolling and tumbling in the grass. If it wasn't for all the fur the would have looked like little children playing.

When we got to the pandas, of course they were sleeping. But when we came back momma was feeding her baby. And when she had enough she would get up and try to walk away and he would just follow. So she would sit down and let him feed a little longer and then push him off. This continued for about 30 minutes. It was rather entertaining. Poppa was on the otherside climbing and sliding down his tree trying to get attention.

Here are a few more of the animals we saw at the zoo. {from top left; clouded leopard, the hungry african elephants, the elegant crane, the chubby bird, the sleeping hog, rhinocerous, kangaroos, tiger, the unhappy giant tortise, the lion who thought we were lunch, the frozen zebra, and the manequin goat}

We finished off the night with friends, margaritas, and cheese dip at Panchos. {and a surprise sombrero and shot of tequila to finish me off}

my weekend in photos {part 1}

2009-09-14T09:11:00.008-04:00

This weekend has been a whirlwind. I was hoping to make at least one post...obviously it's tuesday and here I am.

My weekend began on Thursday night. My good friend, Betsy, flew in from OH...IO. We kicked the weekend off with the Clemson/Georgia Tech Football Game. Although Clemson lost, we had a great time tailgating.

the traffic was insane...even the foot traffic.

Clemson was being represented all over the place...even on beer cans!

up next: Zoo Atlanta & Sombraroes

out of towners

2009-09-10T14:14:00.003-04:00

via {ReTLoP-[p.e.t.e.r]}

My friend and one of the many roomates from college is flying in today for the weekend. We have big plans to cheer on the tigers, shop, go to the zoo, and celebrate my birthday! I will be taking lots of photos and sharing them throughout the weekend on my flickr page and blogging about our fun times.

in the news

2009-09-09T11:35:00.004-04:00

I will admit I never listen/watch to the news...but I overheard this on NPR and had to share:

A group of guys rob a couple in their home. After the couple had filed the police report and things had settled down. The doorbell rang and it was one of the robbers. Asking the female victim ON A DATE!

I can just image the exchange:
"umm so I noticed you checking me out when I was robbing you earlier. And I mean I think you're pretty cute. So, ahhh, would you like to go out to dinner or, umm, drinks sometime. I would totally pay, I just got a great payout from my last job...umm, so what do you think?"

Needless to say, this awesome criminal was arrested shortly thereafter.

a day in my studio

2009-09-09T09:52:00.004-04:00

It's very unusual that I have a full to day spend working in my studio. I had big plans for Monday, I was going to make rings, assemble chains, and maybe work on a new creation or two. Unfortunately I only got through assembling my chains before I had been in my studio for 8 hours.

These are my tags that I solder onto my chains, so that all my jewelry has my logo on it.

lunch {pasta salad}

work shoes {slippers}

getting set up for production. time to solder some teeny-tiny jump rings. {3 per chain to be exact!}

snack time. {cherry creamsicle}

All set up for soldering the hooks on the back of my initial pendants.

My initial pendants. {m, a, e, j, d, m, b, g, k, d}

under the sea

2009-09-08T12:15:00.002-04:00

On Sunday Dan and I completed our "tour of Atlanta" with my cousin with the Georgia Aquarium. While crowded, we had a great time taking photos. I have discovered I really enjoy making these collages of photos on photoshop.

america's favorite past time

2009-09-06T10:16:00.002-04:00

My cousin, Danielle, came into town to visit for the Labor Day weekend. Meaning Dan is meeting more of my family.

While in town, Danielle really wanted to go see a Braves game and go to the Georgia Aquarium. Last night the Braves were playing at 7, so we hopped on Marta (Atlanta's version of the metro/subway). We traveled on the train to the stadium and trecked through Underground Atlanta to Turner Field. This was also Danielle first experience on Marta and in Underground...probably not the highlight of her trip.

Anyway, we bought tickets & went straight to the beer line. Because you can't enjoy America's favorite past time without a pint size can of a frosty beverage. We also ate hotdogs, peanuts, enjoyed the unfortunate she-mullet seated in front of us & watched a scoreless game until the 8th inning when the Braves lost to the Reds. However, in spite of our loss, Turner Field put on a spectacular fireworks display. A great baseball night all in all.

Next up...the Georgia Aquarium.

TGI Labor Day Weekend!

2009-09-04T13:17:00.009-04:00

I am very new to the blogosphere* and am amazed by the amount of wonderful bloggers out there. One that I have found is Elise Blaha :: enJOY it. Along with blogging about her life and planning her wedding, Elise shares a lot of great information about photography, blogging, creating a website and selling handmade products. Which I think is fantastic, because lord knows I need all the help I can get! I was so inspired by a blog post she had written about completing her own website, that I emailed her with questions of how she did it. After emailing back and forth, I have bought a book on HTML and I am going to create my website the old fashioned way (if you can call it that). Other wise not using a site with templates. So far I'm on chapter 3 of my HTML book and I feel like I'm back in school, but that's for another day and another post.

Elise has an etsy store and makes wonderful handmade books and journals & teaches online workshops on how to make your own journals. While searching her blog and website I found she makes are custom birthday books. The idea being that you make a list of resolutions to complete by your next birthday. The number of resolutions is based on your age (although 28 resolutions is a lot to complete in 1 year).

About a week ago I told my good friend, Mer, about these awesome little books and how I'd like to do a journal like this. And then yesterday, I received a package at work: It was my birthday present from Mer...a Custom Birthday Book by Elise! I was so excited to get it, I forgot my birthday wasn't for another 11 days & I opened it. The book is awesome! Here are some photos of my favorite pages in the book!

Thank you, Mer! I can't wait to create my list of 28 resolutions and begin! Any suggestions?!

* I'm not sure if blogosphere is a real "community." But it has a nice ring to it.

Sushi Sunday

2009-09-03T12:43:00.003-04:00

I meant to write this on Monday morning, but Monday mornings always turn into Monday evenings really quickly. And before I know it it's Tuesday morning...

We had Sushi night on Sunday this past week with a good friend. We all tried some new entrees and I had to share these awesome displays of sushi. It's such a fabulous art food. And delicious too! Although the right bottom sushi photo, none of us tried.

thank you.

2009-09-02T11:24:00.006-04:00

This summer I have been making a lot of my mobius rings for wedding sets. I can't explain how amazing it is to create something for a couple that has so much meaning.

These rings will be worn throughout this couples life together. During the first year, when it feels funny to have a ring on your left ring finger and each is adjusting to the changes (big and little) of married life. When the couple has their first child, when they battle over what television show to watch, when they watch their children go to college, when they have family vacations, when they retire, and when the couple becomes grandparents. The ring is always present on their finger, reminding them of the commitment they made many years ago. These rings that experience so much and have such a huge significance are made by little ol' me. And that makes me feel special. Thank you for choosing my mobius ring.

Happy New Month!

2009-09-01T12:21:00.009-04:00

When I was in high school, every new month I would bake cookies or cupcakes and decorate them with some seasonable icing. I would bring them to school and pass them out to my classmates and friends (and the boys I thought were super cute). Wishing everyone a "happy new month." These days the months come and go so quickly I barely get a chance to breathe before it's another "new month." Just in September I have:

4 days until College Football season officially starts for CLEMSON!
14 days until my 28th birthday.
19 days until my second art festival.
And 26 days until I have to be moved out of my apartment!

But I have been a busy bee in preparation. After a lot of procrastinating, last night I almost finished the alphabet for my initial pendants! (I have been saying I will do this for about 1 1/2 years now!) I'm so excited that I can't keep them a secret. Here are my new, and some are improved, initials.

please keep in mind these are a work in progress. So they aren't cleaned up yet! also, i have to make w, x, y & z. a, c, d, j, k, & s are already available on my etsy website.

it's a happy friday...

2009-08-28T14:42:00.000-04:00

It seems that everything in my life is an event. I can't just get something done on my first try, there are fiery hoops I have to jump through to get something done. Needless to say this has been a long time coming. The cards I put my jewelry on in my gift boxes have been a pain in my rear since I came up with the idea. However, I love them.

It is a really long process to make these little cards, I start with the bronze metallic card stock in 8 1/2 x 11 and I cut the paper into 6 - 3 3/8" squares. Then, I use a custom made rubber stamp. Sprinkle gold embossing powder, heat it up and voila beautiful cards! Like the old adage, beauty is pain. It was getting to be rediculous though, I was spending more time making my cards, than actually making jewelry! (I will post pictures later tonight of my card-making process).

I have spent many hours brainstorming other ways to make this easier on me. I have tried printing them myself. But the card stock is so heavy I broke a printer...oops! I have contacted numerous printing companies. But the response has been horrid and truly makes me wonder about customer service:

one company told me they wouldn't work with a small company.
another made a meeting with me and then when i got there she wasn't there.
the third and last company scheduled a meeting, spent 2 hours with me and then never got back to me with a quote. even after numerous emails from me, to which I started to feel like a stalker. hmph!

I found one company, Imagers, that was very helpful and was working with me but they didn't have the capabilities to do thermal printing which was what I really wanted. So, I went to Sam Flax. I ordered my first business cards with them and was super happy with them, plus I have been purchasing the bronze metallic paper from them. The only thing that kept me from going to them first was the cost. I broke down and set up a meeting with the Paperie, which is Sam Flax's wedding invitation and paper department. It was a wonderful experience. I was told with normal printing methods I could not print on the color card stock I had been using, but they offered to help me find something that works better. They brought me paper samples and we figured out something that I was really happy with.

Yesterday, I got an email saying they were ready. hello. i love you.

I have to say these turned out better than I even expected. They are beautiful. I can't wait to ship off the order I am working on with this new packaging!

better late than never

2009-08-27T14:08:00.005-04:00

I love to read. I love getting immersed in the story and imagining what the characters look like.

But between working at JFF Jeweler Supply from 8 am - 5 pm and then working in my studio at night, I really don't have any free time to read. To deal with this, I have started listening to books. I started with the Twilight series in November and have been flying through books ever since. I really didn't realize how much time I spent in my studio until I went through a 20 hour long book in 1 week!

This past Monday I started Julie & Julia. I have been dying to read it, I have had the actual book sitting on my shelf for almost 2 years! So I decided to break down and buy the audio version. It is a really great story so far. I can't wait to finish! And then go see the movie, of course!

Now, my one complaint with listening to audio books is the background music they play sometimes...it's really cheesy. I can't imagine someone was like, "ooh I think this would really make the story." Next thing you know they are going to have books that when you open them, they play music...like the hallmark cards. Speaking of the Hallmark music cards, every time I pick one up and open it, I know music will play, yet I still jump a little. I don't think my brain is quite ready for this technology. I digress.

hello. i love you.

2009-08-26T13:07:00.006-04:00

So I am on a quest to make my bedroom a haven. A beautiful, comforting, vintage- yet contemporary-inspired, cozy room. (I'm sure there are more adjectives I could use, but I will spare you)

It all began with a mirror I spotted at Anthropologie a few years ago. It was a beautiful mirror. Full length, lean against the wall, rich dark wood, framed mirror. Shockingly it had a really reasonable price tag and I was saving for it. I went into Anthro one day and it was gone...I was in mourning over that mirror and mad at my lack of self discipline that I couldn't stop myself from buying another pair of Kate Spade shoes instead of putting that money toward the mirror. So ever since then I have been on a mission to find a similar mirror.

Fast foward to one month ago. I found this fabric at Beehive Co-op that Deborah from Whipstitch carries. "hello. i love you." was my reaction to the fabric.

I heart this Amy Butler fabric. I finally decided to purchase a yard of it to bring home so I can figure out where in my room I want to put it. I have been laying across the bed (should it be a duvet or shams?). Should I make curtains? Should I frame it? I have even wrapped it around myself to see if I should make a skirt or a dress too! I don't know. I love it so much I want to see it everywhere! So in my indecisiveness, I'm still not 100% sure.

hello. l love you. moment #2. I haven't been looking at my usual websites (Pottery Barn & Crate & Barrel) for the mirror recently and yesterday I thought I should do a quick check. I found it! Needless to say, let the saving begin again!

But to make things even more exciting, Boyfriend and I will be moving out of our one bedroom apartment at the end of September. We will be moving, hopefully, into a house. My check list for this house includes:

all hardwood floors
big windows
a room for a studio with access to a sink (I'm tired of my hallway I call my studio with no sick but the kitchen)

on a quick side note...
I reached 900 "hearts me" on my etsy yesterday! When I get to 1000, I think I'll do another give-away!

MOO cards

2009-08-25T10:15:00.005-04:00

In preparation for my next two shows, East Atlanta Strut on Sept 19 & Oakhurst Arts and Music Festival on Oct 10, I have been going back through my notes from my first festival back in May.

I noticed a lot of people would take my business card and on the back of the card jot down the item they liked the most. So I thought if I had some smaller business cards with a photo of my most popular designs with my contact information on the back making it very easy for people to just grab and go. Then two days, weeks or months later when they came back across the card, they had a photograph of the item they really liked to jog their memory.

I ordered these mini cards from www.moo.com. They are so cute and the paper quality is fantastic. As soon as I received them in the mail I ordered some new business cards.

I have also been working on making my packaging a little more gift like. I found this red & white twine from angela liguori. I like it better than regular baker's twine because it's a little heavier. I wrap my gift boxes in some aqua tissue paper, wrap the twine around and tuck a business card and mini moo card...voila!

2009-08-19T14:35:00.009-04:00

every season j. crew has something that i crave. something that i'm not sure if i can live without (although typically my wallet is screaming, "no, no, no.")

this season is no different. these boots are amazing. i already have outfits picked out that would be perfect for these boots. and a little spot in my closet for them.

j. crew, you never cease to amaze me!

hint hint boyfriend...my bday is around the corner!

new(ish) design!

2009-08-18T12:43:00.005-04:00

check out my new(ish) design:
the circle of friends necklace
new design! sterling silver & 18k circle of friends necklace

i designed the original version of this necklace for my good friend, malia. when i first made her this necklace i didn't own a torch & had very minimal tools. i have recently updated the design...check it out!

please note: so far i only have the 18k and sterling version photographed, an all sterling silver version will be on my site in the next few days!

Facebook Giveaway!

2009-08-17T09:41:00.008-04:00

I'm having a Facebook fan giveaway this week - the first of many if this goes well! Become a fan of Christina Kober Designs on Facebook and be automatically entered into my first ever Facebook giveaway! On Friday, August 21, one lucky winner will be chosen from all of my fans to receive a free sterling silver initial necklace! So spread the facebook love!

What a great day!

2009-08-16T14:29:00.011-04:00

This weekend had a lot of potential because I had off work on Saturday. Usually when I'm not working on a Saturday it's because I am going out out of town or have a show. So this was super exciting as I had NO plans!

First on the schedule was to hit up to Morningside F armers Market. This market has local grown organic produce, herbs, flowers, & soaps. My friend, Julia Daniel of Lush Designs, lives in the neighborhood so we walked down to check it out.

The market had a really great vibe. There were a lot of people there, waiting in lines to get fresh tomatoes, rosemary, peppers, you name it! They have demonstrations of how to cook various products also, this week it was using eggplant. I was most excited about the flowers, but I waited too long to get them and ended up only with a photograph! However, I did leave with a huge bag of fresh edamame, rosemary, and some local honey. I have a feeling I'll be going back.

Boyfriend and I spent the afternoon scouting boutiques & then I came home to work in my studio. We decided to go to my favorite mexican restaurant in Atlanta for dinner, Panchos. And I was thrilled to see a mariachi band!

Boyfriend said the fajitas were the best he ever had. Score!

(If you look closely in the photo of me and the mariachi man, you can see a new design I'm perfecting. Hopefully I'll have more information about it later in the week)

We ended the evening at my friend, Miranda's, for her 25th Birthday. I made her a custom fortune cookie lariat. I think she was pretty excited about it! A great day all around!

friday humor

2009-08-14T10:59:00.007-04:00

I just received this forward and I was laughing so hard I had to share. I highlighted my favorites in blue. Please note it is quite long & funny, so becareful you might out yourself on not working!

Random Thoughts for Smart People Like Me...

I wish Google Maps had an "avoid ghetto" routing option.

More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I can think about is that I can't wait for them to finish so that I can tell my own story that's not only better, but also more directly involves me.

Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and sticks when they've invented the lighter?

Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you're going in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you're crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.

That's enough, Nickelback.

I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

The letters T and G are very close to each other on a keyboard. This recently became all too apparent to me and consequently I will never be ending a work email with the phrase "Regards" again.

Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn't work? You take the cartridge out, blow in it and that would magically fix the problem. Every kid in America did that, but how did we all know how to fix the problem? There was no internet or message boards or FAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.

There is a great need for sarcasm font.

Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the fck was going on when I first saw it. (UM, hello Grease?!)

I think everyone has a movie that they love so much, it actually becomes stressful to watch it with other people. I'll end up wasting 90 minutes shiftily glancing around to confirm that everyone's laughing at the right parts, then making sure I laugh just a little bit harder (and a millisecond earlier) to prove that I'm still the only one who really, really gets it.

How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.

A recent study has shown that playing beer pong contributes to the spread of mono and the flu. Yeah, if you suck at it.

Was learning cursive really necessary?

Lol has gone from meaning, "laugh out loud" to "I have nothing else to say".

I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

Answering the same letter three times or more in a row on a Scantron test is absolutely petrifying.

My brother's Municipal League baseball team is named the Stepdads. Seeing as none of the guys on the team are actual stepdads, I inquired about the name. He explained, "Cuz we beat you, and you hate us." Classy, bro."

Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".

How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear what they said?

Every time I have to spell a word over the phone using 'as in' examples, I will undoubtedly draw a blank and sound like a complete idiot. Today I had to spell my boss's last name to an attorney and said "Yes that's G as in...(10 second lapse)..ummm...Goonies"

What would happen if I hired two private investigators to follow each other?

While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and instinctively swerved to avoid it...thanks Mario Kart.

MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.

Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

Bad decisions make good stories.

Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their profile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just got the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don't mind if I do!

Is it just me or do high school girls get sluttier & sluttier every year?

If Carmen San Diego and Waldo ever got together, their offspring would probably just be completely invisible.

Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go around and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly nervous? Like I know my name, I know where I'm from, this shouldn't be a problem....

You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything productive for the rest of the day.

Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't want to have to restart my collection.

There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

"Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this ever.

I hate being the one with the remote in a room full of people watching TV. There's so much pressure. 'I love this show, but will they judge me if I keep it on? I bet everyone is wishing we weren't watching this. It's only a matter of time before they all get up and leave the room. Will we still be friends after this?'

I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Damnit!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

When I meet a new girl, I'm terrified of mentioning something she hasn't already told me but that I have learned from some light internet stalking.

I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle, then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.

Why is a school zone 20 mph? That seems like the optimal cruising speed for pedophiles...

As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.

Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

It should probably be called Unplanned Parenthood.

I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

I think that if, years down the road when I'm trying to have a kid, I find out that I'm sterile, most of my disappointment will stem from the fact that I was not aware of my condition in college.

Even if I knew your social security number, I wouldn't know what do to with it.

Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet my ass everyone can find and push the Snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time every time...

My 4-year old son asked me in the car the other day "Dad what would happen if you ran over a ninja?" How the hell do I respond to that?

It really pisses me off when I want to read a story on CNN.com and the link takes me to a video instead of text.

I wonder if cops ever get pissed off at the fact that everyone they drive behind obeys the speed limit.

I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lites than Kay.

The other night I ordered takeout, and when I looked in the bag, saw they had included four sets of plastic silverware. In other words, someone at the restaurant packed my order, took a second to think about it, and then estimated that there must beat least four people eating to require such a large amount of food. Too bad I was eating by myself. There's nothing like being made to feel like a fat bastard before dinner!

2009-08-12T22:27:00.004-04:00

A couple days ago I was driving home from work and I see this weird colored bus thing, it had an orange rounded top and a yellow bottom...I thought to myself...can it be?!

Oh yes, it's the Oscar Mayer Weiner mobile!

I wish I were an Oscar Mayer Weiner

That is what I truly wish to be
'cause if I were an Oscar Mayer Weiner
Everyone would be in love
Oh everyone would be in love
Everyone would be in love with me

EAST ATLANTA STRUT!!

2009-08-12T10:13:00.006-04:00

I wanted to post a short blog today letting everyone know I have been accepted to my 2nd show! I'm really excited because I have now purchased my own tent and tables! I can't wait to show everything off for the first time!

East Atlanta Strut will be Sept 19 from 10am - 8pm

Come support local Atlanta artists at the East Atlanta Strut. Pre-shop on my website: christinakober.etsy.com

The East Atlanta Strut is a community organized, one-day festival featuring music, art, and events to raise money for neighborhood charities & organizations and support local businesses.

I post a reminder blog post, tweet, facebook message, etc when it's coming up!

I am loving...

2009-08-10T09:04:00.005-04:00

My boyfriend of a year and a half (our 18 mo anniversary is today, actually!) is allergic to dairy and eggs. And since we have started dating, I have stopped baking except for making rice krispy treats...not really baking but honestly what can you bake without eggs and dairy?!

Dan's (that's the bf's name) 30th birthday was last weekend. During the planning phase of his party had mentioned that he would like to have an ice cream cake, because he thought they always looked so yummy.

So my thought was, ok there is soy ice cream, I can handle that...but what about the cake part?! So after discussing my dilemma with my friend Betsy, she told me about Cherrybrook Kitchen. This is a company that makes bake mixes for food allergies. There are cookie, cake, brownie, frosting, and pancake mixes just to name a few that are dairy free, nut free, egg free, some are even gluten and wheat free!

I still couldn't imagine how it would turn out but worse case senario, the cake would be dry and we would be right back in the same place as we were before! I decided to go with a brownie cake bottom and Trader Joe's cherry chocolate chip soy ice cream on top. Like everything else I do in life, I waited until the last minute to make the ice cream cake, leaving limited time for the ice cream to refreeze, so I went with a cupcake version of ice cream cake. I made rice krispy treats as a back up plan. Ugly as the cupcakes turned out...they were seriously DELICIOUS!!!! Mission accomplished!

Beehive Co-op New Display

2009-07-13T09:06:00.009-04:00

So I decided to make some changes to my Beehive display in Atlanta. I was getting a little bored with it and thought it was time to make some changes!

So you'll notice there is a frame hanging on the left wall. This is housing my fortune cookie necklaces and lariats. I added red and white daisies to the display because they are my favorite flower!

The center of the display has my free form initial pendants. And the center has the rose by any other name necklace. The glass display leaning on the right is going to be changed. I will be enclosing a shelf from target that will give some height and show the gum drop rings and champagne earrings better.

I hope you can stop by Beehive to check it out! Let me know what you think!

Sugary Gum Drop Rings

2009-07-06T14:32:00.007-04:00

Goody, goody gum drops! These new rings are a yummy sugar coated confection for your finger. The delicious, bright gum drop colors of stones are set in a handmade sterling silver four prong setting. Gum drops are available in green: chrysoprase, orange: carnelian, blue: aquamarine, pink: pink tourmaline, yellow: citrine and red: garnet. Each stone varies in size and color making each ring a one of a kind!

These rings are my newest design I've been working on.

You can find these at the Beehive Co-Op on Peachtree street www.beehiveco-op.com or on my website: www.christinakober.etsy.com