Just So! on PBS' Beads, Baubles & Jewels

A program note: the program that includes my segment on Vintage/Recycled Jewelry Design is Episode 12 of this season on Beads, Baubles & Jewels. This program should air in late November or December of 2009, depending on local station schedules.

Some of the printed program notes list my name as "Denise Coulter." (Thanks a lot, Ann!). So, if you happen to search the program segment online or using Tivo, please type the query as both "Denise Couling" or "Denise Coulter."

Just So! on PBS

Last July, I had the honor of being invited to appear for a segment of the PBS series, Beads, Baubles and Jewels. It was a wonderful opportunity to see the "behind the scenes" workings of this popular show -- which was celebrating its 10th season. The host, Katina Forte, is a truly polished professional. It was amazing to meet other designers as well as leading jewelry and craft industry publishers, including Marlene Blessing, Editor in Chief of Beadwork magazine and Leslie Rogalski, Editor in Chief of Step-by-Step Beads.

This segment is expected to air on the second week of the season -- around the end of September. As they say, "check local listings!"

Beautiful View

This is a photo our colleague Connie took. We wanted a fresh, new perspective on our Victorian*Charms. We LOVED this shot! So inspiring. Thank you, Connie. You do have a great eye.

Perfect Pairings

We recently designed simple and elegant earrings for one of our bridal customers -- whose bridesmaids were wearing chic J Crew dresses. These beautifully faceted Swarovski crystal briolette were the perfect, modern complement for the simple silhouettes. A wonderfully thoughtful bridesmaids' gift!

Upcycling!

Our customer, Betsy, wears a custom re-creation. Her oversized, wooden bead necklace needed some work -- and sat in a drawer for years. Now, with a custom restringing and a fabulous new turquoise center piece, it's a stunner that suits Betsy's style to a "t."

"Recycling for Mom" Workshops

BEFORE: A locket I received from my grandmother; old pendants & beads from broken jewelry.




Recycling is in. Even better, "up-cycling" happens when you transform trash into treasure.

To celebrate Mother's day, Just So! will be hosting a workshop event on both Saturday, May 2nd and May 9th entitled “Recycling for Mom.” Participants will learn how to take old and broken jewelry items and “up-cycle” them into stylish, modern designs with vintage appeal. The lesson also will show how to create your own charms to fit popular “Euro” bracelets and necklaces. This free workshop is for both experienced jewelry-makers as well as beginners interested in learning about jewelry-making.

Each workshop runs from noon to 2 p.m. A brief demonstration will be followed by questions and answers and individualized design time. Space is limited and registration is encouraged. Please call (810) 225-7440 or e-mail info@JustSo.us.


AFTER: Above and below are finished “Euro” style bracelets using
new charms made from vintage and broken components.

Spring Colors

Gemstones and, especially, briolettes of all colors are particularly inspiring. Now that it's Spring, it is time to add those wonderful touches of color again.