Friday, December 14, 2007

The Importance of Handmade

This is really, the only good thing I can think of right now. (see above)
The minute I clear my Thanksgiving plate, the panic set in. The holidays are here! Oh crap, I’ve done nothing as far as shopping for gifts and I hate crowds and, and, wait! I’ve made a pledge to buy handmade, (and make and give handmade gifts this year). So it won’t be so bad. I’m not only a jewelry designer these days, I’ve accumulated many other craft skills along the way. This year there is knitting and crocheting to go on that list. So guys can benefit from my handmade skills as well. Or not. Granted, some of my gift recipients aren’t going to appreciate a handmade gift, so tough on most of them because they may be getting one. And, some recipients, in order to make their handmade gift, I should have started, well 3 years ago. Thank goodness for my local Target and my internet.
So here’s a sampling of what I’ve done, without naming names. And if you read my blog and are in my family, read no further, click your back button and wait until after the holidays to read this. I have not listed all of them, but enough to give a feeling of accomplishment.
So
Don’t
Go
Any
Further
If
You
Are
Family!!!
I’ve knitted this wonderful scarf for one lucky gift getter guy. It’s nice and warm and since he lives where it’s cold and windy, this should be a fabulous gift and he will be forever indebted to me….yeah, like that’s going to happen.


This is a half handmade gift. I bought these amazing little keychains that you can download pictures on. I’ve accumulated pictures from family members and uploaded them onto these nifty contraptions, so the guys in our family will be getting these. Shhhh, don’t tell them.
Then there are the knitted mini-mittens. As a little extra, I’ve knitted these adorable little guys for packages and little extras.
Resin glitter flower rings were a brief obsession and experiment which I have to admit, I’m a little disappointed with. I like the results of the ones that turned out but that was about half of the ones that I made. They aren’t easy and let’s just say, air bubbles are not my friends. I may make more, but it’s very time consuming and messy, because I always find a way to get messy. And this resin doesn’t come off easy when wet. Have you ever silicon sealed your tile? If so, it’s that same feeling. Yucky. Oh, and these rings are for the nieces, plus tanks handmade by Rebe who I found at Felt Club XL Holiday this year. Theirs are a different design and color.
“Fame, I’m going to live forever.” Yes, that’s what keeps playing in my mind because I knitted these legwarmers for my daughter. I used the easy legwarmers pattern from “Last Minute Knitted Gifts” by Joelle Hoverson. The book has some great ideas. I’m also working on a scarf for a friend from this book.

With a feeling of accomplishment as stated above and a continued panic, I’m currently in the middle of required and necessary 4 projects and another of no significance which is costing me a fortune and is so time consuming (that will be another post.)

Friday, December 07, 2007

We have a Beauty Queen

summer


I entered this photo of my girl, Summer in a contest to win a handcrafted pastel dog portrait on Flickr and guess what....she won. Marlena of Smiling Dog Studios does wonderful likenesses of people's doggies from their photos. Please visit her website. Summer has lots of friends that voted for her and she totally appreciates it. I do to! I can't wait to have it hanging on our gallery wall in our entry way. I have a wall of paintings done by my grandmother and also a friend of mine and this one will fit in perfect. It's a special wall and I love that I'll be adding to it.
So Summer thanks her friends, I thank her friends and my family is so thrilled.

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

As Seen on All Things Cupcake

The cupcake rings are back in time for the holidays at Bonnin Designs and who noticed? All Things Cupcake blog did. Thanks to Jess for the mention. Go check out her blog for many adorable and yummy cupcake items.



Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Avoid the Crowds with Free Shipping

Why deal with the crowds this holiday season. Shop Bonnin Designs with most items 30-50% off and get free shipping to the USA.

Free Shipping is a perk we've offered for 8 years, but after this holiday season, free shipping will be no more I am sorry to say. So hurry up and get your jewelry fix in the comfort of your own home. Heck, keep your slippers on. I surely don't mind a bit.

Thursday, November 08, 2007

Kick up your Heels: Jaleo Necklaces are Here

So these are the Jaleo Necklaces that I was alluding to in my last entry. Currently they are only sold online at Bonnin Designs

The passion of Flamenco can be now be worn as day to day jewelry. Four typical phrases of encouragement; “Ole’"(great), “Vamo’ Ya” (let’s go), “Guapo” (good looking), and “Eso Es” (that’s it), that are called out as a flamenco dancer performs are now embodied in a beautiful hand stamped 1 ½ inch long oxidized sterling silver pendant with a ¼ inch diameter red porcelain rose charm adorning it. It comes on an 18 inch long black rubber necklace cord with a sterling silver lobster claw clasp.
No two are exactly alike as they are each individually handcrafted.

Saturday, November 03, 2007

As Seen On Indie Fixx

Jen of Indie Fixx was so sweet to feature the Maria earrings yesterday. Thanks Jen.
This is a little confirmation that flamenco style is mainstream as well. Which is important because I have a little surprise and I can't tell you right now, but I will be soon. Just waiting on a custom shipment of supplies. I'll give you a hint. Flamenco enthusiasts will be able to wear their duende.
What is Duende, you ask?
All through the Flamenco world people speak constantly of duende, and recognize it with unfailing instinct when it appears. "... duende is a power and not a behavior, it is a struggle and not a concept."
"Duende...a mysterious power that everyone feels but that no philosopher has explained". GOETHE