Monday Funday

Hey there, just popping in for a quick post!  Hopefully, you can sense the sarcasm in my title, lol.  I can't really complain, though because today actually hasn't been bad, as far as Mondays go.  Plus, I still have my metalsmithing class to look forward to tonight.  I'm excited because we're going to start learning how to create steel dies (pics to come)!

Of course, I also have new goods on Etsy to share with you! :)

Remember how I talked about our latest venture in creating our own metal components?  Well, these Green Amethyst 14k gold fill hoop earrings are a wire-wrapped creation of mine.  I must admit that their construction was fairly painstaking, so I have a new-found appreciation for the artists who create even more intricate designs!!

Ok, I'm off to my class now, but check back soon to see the outcome of my steel die (hopefully not disastrous, haha).

Don't forget, you can now follow us on Twitter!
A List Designs on Twitter
Please become a fan on Facebook, too, if you aren't already.
A List Designs on Facebook

Tweet Tweet Tweet

Greetings, haha!  I have much to share today.  First off, we finally caved in and joined the world of Twitter yesterday, so now you can also follow us there: A List Designs on Twitter.  I have to say, though, Twitter sort of just seems like blogging for people with short attention spans, lol.  However, I'm hoping it will serve as another good marketing tool for us.

Yesterday was actually a pretty productive day.  Not only did we set up our Twitter account, but we also listed a couple more items on Etsy!  Just as a quick reminder, you can click on a pic to order that item. :)

Mom designed these Aqua Chalcedony Aquamarine sterling silver cluster earrings.  They're so glamorous looking, and I can definitely see someone wearing them with formal wear.  I also think they'd look amazing on a bride!

Mom likes to call this Golden Honey Chalcedony & Hessonite Garnet sterling silver necklace her "bunny ears" design, haha.  Out of all the necklaces she's made, this is one of my favorites!

Oh yeah, before I forget, our 4th Youtube video is live!

I had an interesting experience posting that one.  It's the first time Youtube sent me a copyright notification regarding the music I used in the video, eek!  The song is Strict Machine by Goldfrapp, which is owned and licensed by WMG and EMI. That's it for now, but I'll be back soon!  In the meantime, please visit us on Etsy and become a fan on Facebook: A List Designs on Etsy A List Designs on Facebook

Time Flies

Happy August!  I can't believe it was this time last year when A List Designs was just starting out.   After setting up our Etsy shop and not having much luck there, we decided to take a chance on showing our pieces to several boutiques around town.  Now, 60+ sales later, I think it's safe to say that was a good decision, haha.  I can only hope that this next year will be just as good to us on Etsy as the past one has been in the boutiques!  Speaking of which, we have new goodies on Etsy!  If you see something you like, click on the pic to order:

This is a pair of Amethyst, Rhodolite Garnet & Pink Quartz sterling silver cluster earrings that mom designed. I also want to point out the Fleur De Lis-style leverback earhooks that she used.  Not only are they super cute, but they also make it impossible to lose the earrings!

This Sapphire Blue Quartz sterling silver necklace is another one of mom's awesome designs!  The stone is wire-wrapped (mom's specialty) and dangles from a neat, textured triangle.  The necklace also includes a box-chain.

A few months ago, mom and I made a random prediction that Y necklaces would be making a comeback, so I came up with this Amber Chalcedony & graduating gemstones sterling silver design.  Turns out, our prediction was right on the mark!  Now, it seems like every time I turn around, I see Y necklaces on TV and in ads, lol.

I like to call this design the Sterling Silver Swiss Cheese bracelet, and it's one of my creations as a metal-smith.  Sizing is never an issue because each one is custom-made!  I also provide the option of adding a texture to prevent the appearance of scratches in the metal.

Well, that's all I have for today, but check back in a day or two because we'll be listing more pretty pieces soon!  Oh and if you haven't already, please become a fan of ours on Facebook:
A List Designs on Facebook

Thanks for reading!

Busy Little Bee

I'm back, and I have been a busy little bee since my last (or first) post, haha.   As mentioned in our profile, A List Designs jewelry is currently being carried by a couple of local shops, Edenside Gallery and Les Filles Boutique.  Sales at both places have been amazing, too!  However, our Etsy shop is a different story, so I've been attempting to become an online-marketing/social media guru, lol.  In fact, I spent today working on our 3rd Youtube video since we were long overdue for a new one:

It may not seem like it, but a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into making that video, haha (yay for iMovie issues).  Hopefully, my efforts will pay off soon, though, and give our Etsy sales a much-needed kick in the pants.  Oh yeah, in case you were wondering, the song I used in the video is Deeply Moving (So Right) by Emmy Rossum. Before I wrap up this post, I just wanted to share our latest addition on Etsy:

They're genuine Ruby (swoon) 14k gold-filled earrings from mom's Harp Collection.  I think every girl should have at least one pair of Ruby earrings in her wardrobe. :)  If you're in the mood to treat yourself, just click on the pic!

Thanks for checking out our blog, and, of course, don't forget to visit us on Etsy and become a fan on Facebook:

A List Designs on Etsy

A List Designs on Facebook

Taking It to the Next Level

Hello!  Before I start rambling, I'd like to introduce myself, lol.  I'm Alea, and I'm the daughter side of our team.  Thank you for reading our very first blog post!  Hopefully, I won't bore you to tears, haha.

Anyway, as you may know from our profile, we've been designing jewelry for several years.  I remember starting out with very minimal tools and the most basic materials.  Over time, that has certainly changed in a major way!  See exhibit A, haha:

 I'm finally beginning to set up my own little studio!  Now for exhibit B:

Last Christmas, my dad upgraded mom to that awesome rolling bead tote because she had outgrown her previous case.  We just keep acquiring more and more tools and materials.  It never ends, haha.

I'm also proud to say that the quality of our materials has vastly improved!  Gone are the days of seed beads and crystals, lol...bring on the faceted, sometimes even AAA, precious and semi-precious gemstones (drool)!!  We're moving on up, haha.

Our materials aren't the only improvement we've made, though.  We're constantly working to improve upon our techniques, as well.  For instance, I began taking metalsmithing classes a little over 2 yrs ago.  Now we have custom-made silver pieces, in addition to our beadwork.  Then, there's our latest venture, which I'm super excited about!!  We've starting to create our own hammered and wire-wrapped metal components to incorporate into our pieces, which will make them completely unique!  Just to show you a little example of what I mean, check out this pair of 14k gold-filled, green amethyst earrings from mom's Harp Collection:

Gorgeous, huh?  It might sound cheesy, but I love stretching the boundaries of my imagination, when it comes to our designs!

Anyhow, I guess I've talked your ears (or eyes) off enough for today, haha.  If you'd like to see some of our other designs, please visit our Facebook page (and, of course, become a fan, lol):
A List Designs on Facebook
If you see anything you like, head on over to our Etsy shop:
A List Designs on Etsy
If the item you want isn't already for sale, feel free to send us a convo, as we may be able to create a custom order for you!

Thanks again for reading our blog!  Come back again soon because I promise to start posting more often, haha. :)