Weekly Update 3/15/2014

Weekly Update:

Im going to try and post weekly updates, I take lots of photos throughout the week and share on various social medias.  I thought it would be fun to pile them all together and write a little blurb each week on what is going on behind the scenes in MeShe.  Both personally and professionally.

 The middle ring is a beaded band with a recycled brass ball soldered for detail, I made this in a thicker version.  I will be adding this style to my shop soon.  The smaller version is available, click on the photo for more information.

A quick video of me using my flexshaft to sand my Onyx Bezel set earrings which are shown below.  My customer wanted 6mm onyx bezel set earrings, I don't have these on my website but they are available for a custom purchase. Retailing at 39.00 plus shipping.

 Above are the onyx posts set in sterling all finished ready to ship.

I was playing around with brass, made this fun hammered circle with a turquoise drop.  Later decided to make it in vintage brass and patina the metal as shown below.

Found these adorable Cynthia Rowley flats at TJ Maxx for $29.00!! Love the minty green makes me happy spring is around the corner.

So above I decided on the brass rings with turquoise charms and other various stones and components.  This is a sneak peak at my tibetan collection.  I will have a video posted soon and all pieces will be launched in the next two weeks.

My new elephant wire wrapped quartz pendant. Love this vintage little elephant! Available for purchase click photo to be redirected to my webpage.

More shots of the Tibetan collection being made

I really love these pieces, perfect for everyday wear and will be great summer necklace. Turquoise, suede, vintage beads, moonstone and peridot.

Went to the drug store today and picked up the highly talked about Luminoso from Milani and the lipstick in Sangria which is shown in my photo below. I also am wearing the liquid illuminator from NYX, the lipstick is a bit of a purple wine. And the illuminator would be great for a night out lovely glow but has a hint of sparkle so daytime use may be overkill. 

Above is the Lipstick and highlighter and my newest purchase which I am obsessing over! This lovely vintage evening bag made by Whiting and Davis. I purchased this at a local vintage boutique where I got the pleasure of meeting the owner who was very knowledgable and sweet.  Click photo for her Etsy shop. I also purchased a vintage dress from the 70's which I am having altered and will be picked up tomorrow. 

Another shot of this darling bag.

That is all for my weekly update! Hope you enjoy and have a great weekend.  Any questions feel free to email meshedesigns@yahoo.com!

CJS Sales NYC Review

A Vintage Lovers Dream

A few months ago I needed to make a trip into NYC, I sifted climbed and dug for 5 plus hours at CJS Sales.  It’s all for the love of MeShe Designs, so I hopped on the train....

It was raining a bit on the way in, by the time I reached Penn I was starving.  First stop  something quick and easy Hale and Hearty, soups and salads.  First off I have a huge obsession with shrimp chowder so when I saw that soup my heart skipped a beat.  And ginger-ale seems to be the second love in my life.

Getting down to business I marched my way to a vintage warehouse in Manhattan for some exclusive one of a kind treasures.  The smile on my face riding up the elevator summed up my love for jewelry; irreplaceable, fulfilling, and everlasting.  I felt like a kid on Christmas awaiting undiscovered treasures of vintage findings and beads.

First Impression: 

Everything I thought it would be and a whole lot more.  When you walk out of the elevator the chaos of amazing boxes of vintage beads begin.  I was faced with a large room full of treasures piled in boxes.  I was then greeted by the owner Carl he was kind enough to give me a tour of there warehouse.  There is so much to take in as you tour their facility, there are about 5 or 6 rooms filled with various jewelry and findings ranging from pearls, wood, shells, glass, cabochons, and finished jewelry.

Selection:

 There is endless selection from floor to ceiling this place is organized by room.  Swarovski flatbacks, pressed glass, finished jewelry, chain, wood, shells and with a whole lot mixed in between.  Organized in a chaotic matter, but one that I prefer, you could spend a week in here and not fully go through all there inventory.  It is like nothing I have ever seen.  You will find one of a kind treasures from around the world that are not found in retail or wholesale shops.  

Shopping Experience:

  Absolutely wonderful, this is a vintage lovers dream.  Your mind will run wild, I literally have dreamed of going back.  One thing I must say is this is for experienced buyers, I had read as much information as possible before visiting CJS.  I knew what to expect and how plan my shopping trip.  The owners recommend experience buyers for a reason.  You need to know what materials you are looking at, and you cannot purchase just a few beads.  You buy the whole lot whether that be a box of lockets or 3 strands of glass pearls.  You must have a tax id to shop here!

Be prepared to dig as shown in the tundra of beads their can be 8 or 9 boxes stacked you really need to dig to find the components that fit your line, or supply shop.  And if you see something you like buy it, there can be no guarantee it will be there next time or you will ever find it next time;) Carl and his assistant where pleasant and accommodating when I had any questions.

Findings I purchased:  After almost 6 hours of digging with my love we had deciding on just to name a few:  Swarovski Flat Back Aura Borealis Domes Cabs, Lockets, Various Brass Findings, Lots of Czech Stones, Gemstones, and cloisonne just to name a few!

Pricing:

  I would recommend on writing a list of things your looking for and try and stay focused.  It is very easy to get sidetracked and overspend.  Most everything goes by weight 10.00LB 15.00LB and up, other treasures such as lockets or cabs can be sold by the bag and or piece.

 

Overall: 

If you are a jewelry maker of any kind this is absolutely worth the trip, you will be dazzled with the selection.   Again be prepared for the overwhelming floor to ceiling boxes of beads, be prepared to dig and get dirty.  Try to stay within the esthetics of your line and not venture off, come with a budget and a general list of what you are looking for.  You don't find these types of supply shops just anywhere, enjoy and have fun:)