Green for Spring

I was happy to see this post titled "Green is trending for Spring" as anyone who knows me, knows I love the color green. I especially love the green trench coat Angie featured on Nordstrom website priced at $128. There is a red one featured on the same page that caught my eye because red is my all time favorite!

I'll never forget a night a neighbor stopped by to purchase a gift, naturally I had all my jewelry on display in the dining room (the life of a WAHM selling her wares from her house). After Janie (not her real name), perused the jewelry, she commented with a giggle "You really like the color green". I cracked up, walked over and sure enough, I had many one of a kind jewelry pieces in various shades of green. Not everyone likes green.

When we moved back to Atlanta, I decided on a fresh grass green, Baize Green from Sherwin Williams, for my 2-story foyer, up the stairs and down the hallway. In this dining room I went with a slightly darker shade aptly named Great Green, above the chair rail and a darker shade, Leapfrog, below the chair rail. I love it and will probably never tire of it. My husband, not so much. After 20 months, he's never said he likes it. He's more of a blue guy!

You can find many shades of green in my handmade jewelry at Dee-Zigns. One of my favorites is the Josie Necklace shown below.

Goody bags at birthday parties.

This has bugged me for years, what insane mother started giving goody bags to their child's birthday guest when they leave the birthday party? Are you kidding me? This has never made sense to me. The birthday child is the guest of honor. The children invited to the party should not be given gifts for attending a friend's birthday party. The "gift" of friendship should be enough. Are we teaching our kids they should for friendship? Think about it.

I especially don't like the junk that is typically in a goody bag. Usually plastic trinkets and candy that probably cost the parents a small fortune. How, pray tell, do I know filling goody bags can cost a small fortune? Because I have been there, done that! I have purchased little crap from the party companies and taken great pain choosing neat stuff and have spent upwards of $15 per bag. Kid's birthday parties are so outrageously expensive (read - over the top) why spend additional money when it isn't unnecessary.

Why did I do this? Because everybody does it and I didn't want anyone thinking less of me for not doing it. Well now I say, forget about it! And if you are going to think less of me, so be it. You and I probably wouldn't have been BFF anyway.

So enough with the goody bags! Kids are already on a sugar high when they leave the party, they don't need extra candy from the goody bag. The children may play with the plastic trinket for a minute, or less, then the parents are left picking up plastic trinkets from the car floor or pulling them out of the vacuum.

Okay, I'm finished with my rant, what do you think?

Snow storm and jewelry market in Atlanta.

Last Sunday, I participated in Spruill Center for the Arts 1st Annual Jewelry Market (Dunwoody, GA) and offered my new Metals collection. The day began cold and rainy with the weather people predicting snow, severe winter weather, they called it. Yeah, sure, the day before it was almost 70! But as we finished setting up our space, we saw a few snow flakes. Nice.

Atlantans go nuts when they hear the word snow, so the organizers and the participants at Spruill's jewelry market were not expecting many shoppers. Boy, were we wrong! Surprisingly, people began flowing in doning galoshes, snow boots, hats, gloves, scarves and umbrellas! I looked outside and saw that it was snowing heavily. It wasn't keeping them away. In fact, people were excited about the weather and didn't want to stay home as recommended by the weather people. They had been anticipating Spruill's jewelry market and wanted to see the many artist displaying their handcrafted jewelry. A lot of gorgeous jewelry went home to happy people through-out Atlanta. It turned out to be a wonderful event and a successful one at that.

It's organic!

For the last several quarters, I've been taking metalsmithing classes at Spruill Art Center. I've always wanted to learn more about jewelry making, so having the time and opportunity to take classes, is a dream come true.

"It's organic" is one of the many humorous comments my instructor, Kristin Wilder, says while examining students' projects. It always cracks me up! Oh my gosh! Everything I create is organic. I don't believe I could produce two identical items if my life depended on it and, that's okay. I prefer one of a kind. People are one of a kind whether they realize it or not.




These photos contain my first projects in metalsmithing. Please let me know your thoughts and feelings about the organic jewelry designs in these photos.

In the next couple of days, I will be adding this new line of jewelry to my website, Dee-Zigns Handcrafted Jewelry & Accessories.

New creations for your favorite Valentine.

Here are the latest one of a kind necklaces and earrings found only at Dee-Zigns Handcrafted Jewelry & Accessories.

Guys, this Valentine's Day, don't rely on chocolate and flowers, handmade jewelry will last a lifetime. Your loved ones will appreciate a gift that won't add pounds and die after a few days.










I'll be creating new items, so check back often!

Happy New Year, finally!

Happy new year everyone! I know, I know, it's been a while since I last posted. We spent 10 days in AZ for the holidays. It was wonderful being with family for so long and the weather was fabulous. Coming back to Atlanta and reality was difficult. The weather was gloomy and overcast for about 8 days, so that got me down and I was finding it hard to get motivated.

We missed our dog and cat very much so it was great coming home to them! Going through mail, emails and getting back into the routine of school (and all that entails) was painful.

Fortunately, the sun returned and we're back into our routines. Life is good.

Now on to something fun... getting ready for Valentine's Day with new jewelry creations at Dee-Zigns Handcrafted Jewelry & Accessories.

Be sure to visit Purplepinkandorange.com and their Valentine's Day Gift Guide for unique gift ideas. You'll discover some of the finest independent designers selling handmade goodness, including Dee-Zigns.

Last giveaway at Modish

Jena at Modish is offering 3 days of giveaways. Dee-Zigns' Bree Earrings are listed as one of the gifts. You really must enter to win one of these 3 giveaways - there are tons of wonderful gifts for yourself and for others on your holiday gift list - each giveaway is worth over $700 dollars! Deadline to enter is tomorrow, so hurry on over!

Shopping online makes sense!

As I sit at the computer, drinking my coffee, I am compelled to write about the "Countdown to Christmas" I put on my blog. Part of me loves it because I can see the exact time to prepare without having to look at the calendar. The other part of me is freaked out by it, because I see time ticking away and I have so much to do!

My shopping is almost completed - woo-hoo! I love shopping online. For those of you still undecided, here are just a few reasons why I shop online.

1. Easier - No parking issues or aggravation searching from store to store. Easier to do comparison shopping.
   
2. Safer - No worries that someone may be lurking in the parking lot, ready to rob you, or worse.
3. Comfortable - No make-up, hair can be messy and you can be in your pajamas!
4. Convenient - You can shop 24 hours a day - have a real lunch instead of shopping on your lunch hour.
5. Save money - You save on gas, find lower prices, and many deals and promotions from your favorite merchants.
   
6. Less Stressful - You avoid crowds! A lot of smaller, independent designers offer free gift wrapping - we do at Dee-Zigns Handcrafted Jewelry & Accessories.
   

Read this article about shopping online.

CYBER MONDAY

In honor of Cyber Monday, get free shipping and a free gift by using coupon code HOLIDAY at checkout only at Dee-Zigns Handcrafted Jewelry and Accessories.

Support small, independent designers of handmade wares and purchase one of a kind gifts for your family and friends. The big box stores cannot compete with our attentive customer service and handmade items.

Here is another wonderful gift guide from Wishlistworthy. Check out the handmade goodness!

Free Shipping - today only!

Happy election day everyone. If you haven't already, please exercise your right to vote. I'm heading to the polls in a bit so I wanted to offer free shipping to anywhere in the United States today only at Dee-Zigns Handcrafted Jewelry & Accessories.

There is no better time to shop for sales and be sure to check out our Items under $25.

At checkout enter coupon code ELECTION and receive free priority mail shipping anywhere in the United States.

Gift Guides Galore!

Dee-Zigns Handcrafted Jewelry & Accessories is listed in a few other holiday gift guides. Personally I find while browsing these gift guides it helps me focus on my shopping list and within a few clicks I have found unique gifts that I know I wouldn't have discovered at any big box retailer. And generally, I get better customer service and and friendlier shopping experience.

The Indie Collective Holiday Shopping Guide has a wide array of unique handcrafted items from innovative indie designers in a magazine-inspired format. Indie Collective boasts they provide one of the hippest resources for today's savvy shopper to discover the best of indie fashion & style. Look for incredible savings on shipping and discounts at each of the shops.

The Holiday Gift Guide at PurplePinkandOrange is available and contains over 30 indie designers and artists offering discounts and special savings to make shopping this holiday season a little easier.

The new website!

In the last few weeks I have been updating and refreshing the website with a fresh new look! The last few days were a bit stressful because my site was down off and on. That just about drove me nuts! It couldn't be helped, but this is a busy time of year for shopping.

So if anyone tried to shop at Dee-Zigns Handcrafted Jewelry & Accessories and had problems, I am truly sorry and I hope you'll give it another try. You can always email me toni@deezignsjewelry.com and let me know you're having trouble and I will be happy to assist you!

I'm participating in a weekly giveaway at Styleforfree.com to win a pair of Harper earrings. They'll be giving away one pair of Harper earrings every day for the next 7 days. I had to compromise a bit and offer the same style but in different colors so they would still be unique.

Please visit this cool website and enter to win the Dee-Zigns giveaway and the other fabulous giveaways up for grabs. You'll find wonderful coupons in many places you already shop and other new designers and stores you should check out.

Christmas Countdown

Oh my goodness, I just added this Countdown to Christmas on my blog and now I'm panicking at the time ticking away until Christmas. 8 weeks and 1 day! Yikes, I have so much to do because my family will be traveling to Arizona for Christmas. That will put a different spin on things. My kids keep asking if Santa will find them there. Of course he will, he's Santa!

I've already started my holiday shopping. I'm determined to start early so its not so stressful come December.

Which brings me to holiday gift guides. Dee-Zigns will be featured in several Holiday Gift Guides this season and Mixed Plate is the first one. Please take a peek and discover plenty of indie artists and designers showcasing many different gift ideas for friends and family members, including the furry ones! Every shop is offering a coupon code from free shipping to percentages off your order. So visit them today and start shopping.

Random Giveaway Winner

Rachael I. was the lucky winner of Dee-Zigns Random Giveaway and won a $50 gift certificate at Dee-Zigns Handcrafted Jewelry & Accessories.

Rachael's name was randomly chosen from Dee-Zigns's newsletter subscribers. If you would like to be eligible to win the next Random Giveaway, be sure to sign up for Dee-Zigns email newsletter and you will automatically be entered. By signing up, you will receive 25% off your first purchase at Dee-Zigns.

Check this blog and the Dee-Zigns website regularly for the next Random Giveaway. You never know when we'll have it, that's why its random!

End of Season Sale at Dee-Zigns

Hey all, there's huge savings on many sale items at Dee-Zigns. I've marked down lots of one of a kind necklaces, earrings, and bracelets at Dee-Zigns Handcrafted Jewelry & Accessories.

Shop now and get started on your holiday shopping list or pick up a birthday present for a friend or family member. Gift wrapping is always free and I'm happy to enclose a gift card and ship it directly to the recipient.

Oh, happy day!

It's been a happy day. To my surprise this morning, I opened an email to find that my interview was published on Stylelist.com's blog. My Faith Necklace caught my eye immediately when I clicked on the main page. It's also filed under "Must Haves".

Mallory Whitfield interviews indie designers so you can read interesting facts about all the talented artists that you want to know and some you should know.

If you've never been on the Stylelist website, you're in for a treat.

Socially busy!

There is a valid reason why I have not posted lately, alright 8 days to be exact. I've become a twittermom and meeting many moms that have a lot going for themselves. Besides running a home, being a wife and mom, they are running fascinating businesses and blogs and many doing both. It's a great community of busy and productive women supporting one another with a lot of humor thrown in.

I tweet on twitter, stumbling cool sites on stumbleupon, posting new photos on facebook and flickr and answering many emails.

So when do I have time to make jewelry? Funny, haven't lately. I have quite a few designs that I need to complete. I would love to copy myself like that movie with Michael Keaton, 'Multiplicity" Anybody remember seeing it? The plot: A man who never has enough time for the things he wants to do is offered the opportunity to have himself duplicated. Yep, I would do it, short term.

It could get messy, as it did in the movie, but I would love to try that out for a few days. I wonder if anyone would notice the difference in work Toni, mommy Toni, wife Toni, friend Toni.
To be continued...

Win a $50 Gift Certificate - randomly

While making coffee this morning, I had an epiphany. A random giveaway at Dee-Zigns. Everyone loves contests and giveaways, right? Why not offer one on my website, but randomly.

In other words - whenever it moves me! Could be once a month, once a quarter, once a year! That's why it's random. I'll announce each Random Giveaway in the email newsletter, on this blog and you'll see it on Dee-Zigns website at the top of the page. So add us to your favorites!

To enter, sign up for Dee-Zigns email newsletter. By joining you will automatically be entered to win a $50 gift certificate at Dee-Zigns Handcrafted Jewelry & Accessories. You'll also receive 25% off your first order by joining the email newsletter. Rest assured your email will not be shared with anyone or used in any other way.

Join now! The first Dee-Zigns Random Giveaway ends midnight, EST on October 17th. The winner will be notified via email. Good luck to everyone!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is breast cancer awareness month and Wishlistworthy.com is sponsoring Pink October with the purpose being to support breast cancer awareness and contributing to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Dee-Zigns Handcrafted jewelry & Accessories has donated the Katherine Bracelet for Wishlistworthy's first giveaway for Pink October. The giveaway for Dee-Zigns' Katherine bracelet ends October 8th at 9pm but they will have giveaways all month long, so be sure to visit the site.

Fall is in Atlanta, hooray!

If you live in the South, you are probably enjoying the crisp, clear mornings we're experiencing. Seems as if Fall has arrived. The leaves are changing - possibly due to the drought in Georgia - or the approaching Winter season. Whatever the reason, I for one am in heaven!

A change in temperature, a change in color, clothing and accessories, makes me tingle all over.

Although Dee-Zigns Fall 2008 Collection is focused on black and white jewelry and bold, juicy colorful jewelry pieces, the cooler temperatures inspired the Tamryn necklace, bracelet and earrings. The stars of this one of a kind set is amazonite, laboradorite and Peruvian opal gemstones. An elegant combinations of cool colors and chunky sterling silver beads. This fine handcrafted jewelry set is one of a kind, so head over to Dee-Zigns now and buy them before someone else does.

Wear your teal and support Ovarian Cancer Awareness

Cancer, in any form, is a horrible disease, but there is one form of cancer, Ovarian that is called the silent killer for a reason. There are no screening tests and no obvious symptoms. Hence, the importance of cancer research funding and spreading awareness.

Women need to be aware of their bodies, not shy away from looking and examining and asking their doctor questions. For more information, go to www.ovarian.org.

I want to do my part, to help raise money for Ovarian Cancer research. That is why my small company, Dee-Zigns Handcrafted Jewelry and Accessories is contributing 15% of our sales to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. I have adopted the NOCC to help spread the word, break the silence and support Ovarian Cancer research. You may help by purchasing items from Dee-Zigns online boutique.

I have created several teal jewelry items and will be donating 50% of the sales of the Joy necklace, the Marianna bracelet, and the Charlie bracelet to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.

Wear your teal, talk to your friends, family and talk to your doctor. Let's break the silence for good.

Remembering 9/11

Seven years has gone by and I don't think anyone will forget where they were and what they were doing when we first heard about the attacks on the World Trade Centers. So surreal.

I was getting ready to meet a few other moms with our kiddos for coffee and conversation. I was pregnant with my second child and feeling sick. Not from the pregnancy.

While our children played, we sat there, stunned, confused, frightened, sad, worried, not sure what to do. Was there anything we could do? Pray, that's what we could do. Pray for the families that were being affected at that moment. Pray for our country.

We will always remember, we will never forget.

Dee-Zigns Fall 2008-09 Collection

Dee-Zigns Handcrafted Jewelry & Accessories has introduced its Fall 2008-09 collection. You'll discover black and whites, purples, oranges and golden yellows.

In the south, it hasn't begun feeling like fall, but I'm ready for the cooler temps. They invigorate me and I look forward to new clothes and new colors. Here are just a few of the new colors you'll find at Dee-Zigns.

Free Shipping at Dee-Zigns

I'm celebrating the long Labor Day weekend with free shipping on everything at Dee-Zigns Handcrafted Jewelry & Accessories. Just enter coupon code laborday at checkout! No minimum order! This offer is good through Monday, September 1st.

If you haven't already done so, please sign up for Dee-Zigns email newsletter, you'll receive 25% off your first purchase at Dee-Zigns. After signing up, I'll send you an email with a special coupon code to use at checkout. Easy, peasy.

Atlanta Craft Mafia

Whenever I tell someone that I am part of the Atlanta Craft Mafia, they laugh. Cannot imagine why!

Last night, I finally made it to a meeting. Christy and Shannon from the Indie Craft Experience (ICE) were there sharing information about press kits and other public relations information. I arrived late, but received valuable information and handouts. I really appreciated hearing their thoughts and ideas. Thank you girls.

Sunshine is back!

We are finally seeing the sun in Atlanta. After nearly a week of rain, which we desperately needed, we have sun again. I am very thankful for the rain, but I am also very thankful for the sun. I tend to get SAD (seasonal affective disorder) if we have too many cloudy days and/or rain.

The sunshine definitely inspires me in more ways than one. Check out this beautiful, one of a kind necklace and earring set. It says "happy" to me and that's how you'll feel wearing it. Catch it later today at Dee-Zigns Handcrafted Jewelry & Accessories.

School started - woo hoo!

I love my kids but I was happy when school started this week. And better yet, they were happy.

My daughter was especially excited when I created this knotted necklace for her. She came home that afternoon with many compliments from friends and teachers. Look for designs like this one in my Young at Heart collection.

So back to our routines, but that is a good thing for me, because I love my jewelry business and creating new pieces. Here are a few I'm currently working on. Okay, I admit I love green. Various shades of green. The green and smoky brown go well together in this knotted necklace (left) and compliments the silver foiled glass pendant. In the necklace to the right, again fresh grass green coin shells mix cohesively with purplish-blue coin shells. The paua shell pendant was the inspiration to bring these two colors together.

Check back in a couple of days to see these finished and available at Dee-Zigns Handcrafted Jewelry & Accessories.

I've been updating my website and choosing quite of few new items to put on sale! So buy now for the best selection. In addition, get free shipping by using coupon code bship at checkout. There is no minimum purchase. This coupon code will expire August 31, 2008.

Toughtime in summertime.

I don't know about you, but I have a really tough time working on my website or blog or anything related to "me" while my kids are home for summer vacation. Don't get me wrong, I love having them here and summer vacation seems way too short as it is.

But - there are times when I need to focus and not be interrupted with "can I have a popsicle?" or "I'm bored" or "can you help me set-up for painting" and my favorite "when are we going to the pool?". Yes, have the popsicle it's 98 degrees outside. You're bored, go fold the 3 stacks of laundry upstairs. Painting is cool, just remember to change your clothes and put the "painting cloth" (vinyl cloth) on top of the table. The pool, oh yes, that sounds great! I can at least write another to-do list and prioritize what I need to do when I get home. Yes, swim, swim, swim! Tire your little selves out!

If this sounds familiar, then you feel my pain... or pleasure! I love summer and being around my kids, being carefree and not having a schedule. Life is good. Then August will roll around, we will complain that summer has flown by, but excited for a regular schedule again once school begins. Hence, the cycle of a WAHM and indie artist.

Go hug your kids, enjoy them while you have them, summer is too short!

May flowers brings new jewelry designs.

We are having beautiful weather in the south. Unseasonably cool for this time of year. The flowers are blooming and the birds are feasting.

I love having fresh flowers inside and out. The sunflowers are my favorite - they are so darn happy! The yellow drop crystal earrings put a smile on my face.


And I just picked up this vibrant basket of petunias for my deck. The fun drop earrings with the Bali silver stars pick up the color in the petunias

Other beauties using turquoise and riverstone. The smooth texture of these flat round stones feel nice and cool against your neck.





Inspired by the garden and the outdoors, the new designs will leave you wanting more bright, happy color and cool, soothing color. Find these one of a kind jewelry items and many others at Dee-Zigns.

Custom orders are completed.

Just finished up this gorgeous freshwater pearl necklace and earring set for a custom order. The blister pearl heart shaped pendant detaches to give two different looks. This college graduate is going to be thrilled to receive such a beautiful gift.

The bracelet below is another custom order for Mother's Day.

I really enjoy creating versatile jewelry. I will be thinking of many other designs that are versatile. Check back often as I am adding new pieces all the time at Dee-Zigns.

Had a wonderful open house recently. Lovely ladies, lots of laughs and great sales. What more could I ask for?

We have a winner!

Congratulations to Mary W. of Charlotte, NC for winning the $50 gift certificate to Dee-Zigns Handcrafted Jewelry & Accessories.

During our 5th Year Anniversary Sale every person that placed an order between April 15th-30th, was automatically entered into a drawing on May 1st. Mary's name was drawn randomly as the lucky winner.

Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to receive emails about special events, sales and new merchandise.

Back to work on Mother's Day orders. It's only 8 days away!