Just So! - Impeccable By Design

Trunk Show at Little Luxuries!

2011-08-24T09:12:00.001-07:00

Little Luxuries of Mackinac Island will be hosting a trunk show feauturing jewelry by Just So! In addition to the line of Lilac Turtle pieces we design exclusively for Little Luxuries, a wide range of our popular Victorian*Charms designs will be on hand. Stop by and say "hello" to Nicole, the inspired owner and founder of Little Luxuries. Their site is at: www.LittleLuxuriesofMackinac.com.

A perfect Labor Day weekend destination!

Lilac Turtles at Little Luxuries

2011-04-21T18:27:00.000-07:00

For the 2011 season, Just So! designed an exclusive jewelry collection for Little Luxuries on Mackinac Island. Little Luxuries is a wonderful boutique focusing on charming handmade and specialty items. Our line for Little Luxuries is called "The Lilac Turtle" and is named both for Mackinac Island's annual Lilac Festival as well as the Native American name for the island (which means "Great Turtle," a reference to the Island's shape). Shown here are sterling silver charm necklaces created from impressions of a rustic Latin American wax seal featuring a sea turtle. These large charms are accented with oval freshwater pearls and hung on Italian-made black leather cords. Handmade in Michigan with elements from around the world, these wear-with-anything necklaces are a mix of old and new with special Island meaning!

Gold Seals

2011-04-14T18:10:00.000-07:00

Pictured here are two of my favorite Victorian Charm designs in 14K gold. The Forget-Me-Not charm is shown on the right with a pearl accent. My favorite design of all is the Philosophy charm. The large Philosophy charm is shown on the right with a .20 diamond bezel-set accent and a beautiful open link gold chain. It's a privilege to work with the wonderful 19th century wax letter seals and transform them into designs that are fresh and meaningful for today!

In the News: Editor's Choice!

2011-01-29T10:47:00.000-08:00

I have a subscription to Gift Shop magazine (a trade magazine aimed at small retailers and boutiques). Imagine my surprise last week when browsing the new issue and seeing THIS photo! In an editorial piece on the trend in charm jewelry, Victorian*Charms from Just So! were featured along side two other jewelry lines I admire: Waxing Poetic and Grandmother's Buttons. We had no inkling at all that Just So! had been selected for this article. We are grateful to be chosen along side these wonderful national jewelry lines .... and for the wonderful wave of wholeseale requests that had starting coming in a faster-than-usual pace. Mystery solved ... and what a nice surprise!

Kathleen's Cookies: Impeccable Cookies and Giftware

2010-12-23T19:30:00.000-08:00

On December 12th, Kathleen's Cookies celebrated its Grand Opening. This beautiful European cookie boutique is destined for great things. Kathleen McKay, the dazzling owner, is pictured here in her lovely store front and in the commercial kitchen (with me and my son, J.P.). The charming cookie boutique features a chic giftware selection, in an aptly named area of the store called "Let's Dish."

Kathleen's Cookies got it start as a internet store (http://www.kathleens-cookies.com/) and successful corporate gifting business. Kathleen was a participant in the FastTrac entrepreneurship course (a wonderful program offered through the Kauffman Foundation and the MI-SBTDC). I thoroughly enjoyed the invitation to be a business coach in the FastTrac program this year and, especially, meeting Kathleen (a real dynamo) and the truly amazing group of up-and-coming entrepreneurs in the Livingston County area.

Extending Our Stay on Mackinac Island!

2010-08-30T11:27:00.000-07:00

Our Victorian*Charms trunk show has been extended through mid-September at Little Luxuries of Mackinac Island.

Located on Main Street by the Lilac Hotel, this treasure of a boutique provides a truly charming experience, with its focus on quality, handmade, natural and artisanal items for the home and for gifts.

Now at Auriel!

2010-08-28T11:22:00.000-07:00

We are proud to announce that Victorian*Charms are now available at Auriel Fine Jewelers in South Lyon, MI. Visit Auriel and jeweler J. Joseph Repanshek for our most popular designs as well as Joe's breathtaking custom work in gold, diamonds and platinum.

For more information and hours contact:

AURIEL
108 North Lafayette Street
South Lyon, MI 48178-1929
Phone: (248) 446-0408

New Summer Trunk Show - Mackinac Island, MI

2010-08-04T11:54:00.000-07:00

We are delighted to announce a return engagement at Little Luxuries of Mackinac Island. Designs from Just So! will be featured from August 7th until August 22nd. Time to plan a visit to the Island!

Announcements for Spring 2010

2010-03-27T21:31:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce our first two trunk show dates have been scheduled for summer 2010.

June 8-June 15th The Grand Hotel (Mackinac Island, MI)

June 28-July 6th Little Luxuries (Mackinac Island, MI)

Additional trunk shows will be posted soon!

Just So! on PBS' Beads, Baubles & Jewels

2009-10-15T06:26:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-11T10:19:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-02T11:15:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-29T11:08:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-06T12:23:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-17T07:28:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-02T20:11:00.000-07:00

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.

Sisters Always

2009-03-01T09:52:00.000-08:00

A special gift for the bride from her sister - custom order:

Double strand small rolo chain bracelet - "apart but always sisters" and a bit of blue lapis for good luck.

Charming Guys

2009-02-01T08:34:00.000-08:00

Just to prove we really haven't forgotten the guys, here are two men's necklaces we created for the Christmas 2008 season. The necklace on the left is a a "dog tag" style necklace with a classic monogram -- the twist is that wax seal charm (a peace symbol) is layered about the polished pendant. The piece on the left is a 19th century wax seal impression in sterling that reads: God Bless You." It may also be engraved (on the back).

Inspiration for Mother's and Birthstone Jewelry

2009-01-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

Here's another design we created for a special mom (whose children have citrines and garnets as birthstones). She already owned a spectacular citrine briolette pendant and her husband designed these earrings to complement the pendant and incorporate the new baby's birthstone.

Mother's Jewelry

2009-01-12T04:51:00.000-08:00

Here's a stylish and personal take on Mother's jewelry. This TreasureDropTM necklace was specially designed to include a special wax seal charm ("God Gives Us [Abundance]") accented by a raspberry pink rhodolite garnet and two tiny rubies - both children's birthstones. A "hip and historic" design with exceptional meaning.

Inspired Design

2008-12-20T18:06:00.000-08:00

Among our many custom orders this season, was this very personal necklace. The customer specifically chose the chalcedony briolette as the recipient loves blue. The charm, white quartz faceted gemstone and white pearl were all selected for their beauty and meaning. This double-strand design was designed to be a beautiful surprise for someone very special on Christmas morning.

Pretty, Personal

2008-12-16T19:33:00.000-08:00

So mom speaks her mind....and loves tailored classics. Here are some custom wax seal earrings that are as pretty as they are personal. The wax seal designs feature a rooster and say "While I Live, I'll Crow." (We all have a song in our hearts, don't we? So that's what the world SHOULD hear.) The sterling earrings are accented by tiny dangling "rain drops" of faceted white quartz.

Merry Christmas to a lucky mom!

Just So! Modern & Just So! Vintage

2008-12-11T10:41:00.000-08:00

See what we've been up too? We have created our own unique "spill proof" bracelets that are compatible with Pandora and Troll Beads -- but result in a look and feel that is completely at home with our own vintage wax seal charm motifs.

Out of Pandora's Box

2008-12-10T09:35:00.000-08:00

We have had so many customers ask about whether we made wax seal charms that would fit their Pandora and Troll Bead bracelets. I knew we could do something beautiful and unique -- that added a timeless perspective to these often "industrial" looking bracelets.

I think our new TreasureDrops do the trick. They are authentic castings from antique wax seals. They have personality and charm and a little "fun" gem accent. Most of all, they look perfectly at home next to the modern glass, sterling and gold charms.

The Art of the Seal

2008-10-28T12:47:00.000-07:00

Here they are! This is the new display, showing all of our current Victorian Charms wax seal designs, their individual illustrations and an impression from each antique seal beside it. Now that we're already well into the next collection, it won't be long before there's a companion to frame!

StyleMax in Chicago

2008-10-28T06:02:00.000-07:00

Why the long absences from this blog? Well, we've been working with our wonderful new representatives and attending trade shows and trunk shows. I had the privilege of spending Friday at Our Gallery, in the completely adorable resort town Pentwater, Michigan. The prior weekend, Cindy Quigley (of CindyGert fame) and I had a wonderful weekend at the StyleMax Show in Chicago. (Here we are in front of my favorite kitchen showroom in the Merchandise Mart.) We also had a wonderful time strolling along Michigan Avenue and exploring the Wicker Park area. Fun and inspiring!

Such is the Good Life

2008-10-12T08:26:00.000-07:00

Here is another custom design we recently created using our Victorian*Charms. The charm on this necklace depicts a ship tossed on the seas and reads "Such is Life". (It was created from our private collection of antique Victorian-era British wax seals.) The charm is suspended on a very nice petite cable chain along side a freshwater pearl charm. This was created for a customer as a gift for a loved one who had weather a number of storms in life and always created happy outcomes for herself and those around her. That is the spirit indeed!

Custom Creations

2008-10-11T20:56:00.000-07:00

We have been busily working on our first full wholesale line while also creating a number of custom pieces for our clients. These two necklaces are custom versions of our Do! Drops designs -- one in kyanite (a gemstone that resembles blue sapphire) and the other in green topaz. Both pendants feature the "Forget Me Not" motif from our Victorian*Charms line, based on impressions from antique wax seals.

The colors of these gemstone were dazzling and added extra interest to such meaningful birthday gifts. It's always a pleasure to work on a project like this. We thought they were terrific!

Sending the Perfect Message

2008-09-11T12:41:00.000-07:00

As my collection of antique wax seals grows, I am finding them to be endlessly inspiring -- and popular -- for our jewelry designs. I am always attracted to how much beauty, charm and humor these tiny treasure can pack within the space of about a centimeter. Two of our most popular motifs are the "Bee" Silent and Forget Me Not designs. They are conversations pieces as simple charms and are surprisingly modern when paired with bead chains and briolettes.

Messages From The Past

2008-08-28T10:15:00.000-07:00

Make Perfect Presents!

Our Victorian*Charms collection is based on my own collection of antique wax seals. Most of these seals were created in England and France in the 1800s. I especially love how Victorian correspondents personalized their letters with beautiful, meaningful and often witty seals with charming motifs -- and sometimes cheeky remarks and mottos.

I have been working on various displays to let customers easily view the interesting seal designs that are the basis for so many of our jewelry pieces. Since the seals themselves are "the mirror image" of the stamped wax impression, viewing the seals themselves is not very useful (though it is a fascinating glimpse into history). This framed shadow box design provided a great inspiration. While our own displays will be accompanied by the specific illustrations and mottos corresponding to our own wax seals, this wall hanging shows how inspiring the seal impressions themselves can be.

Bracelets That Tell a Story

2008-08-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

When we're in the midst of designing something special as a gift, it is always exciting for us. We are eager to hear that the gift-giver and the recipient loved their custom design. Here are two pieces created to celebrate special occasions:

This bracelet was created to celebrate an inspiring friend who meant the "moon and stars" to this gift-giver:

How about genuine emeralds to celebrate the birth of an Irish lass (whose birthstone happened to be emerald):

Rock Candy: The Sweetest Thing

2008-07-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

Celebrating life's best moments IS the sweetest thing.

When we began designing these dainty earrings with so many delicious gemstone choices and colors, one of our team members, Monica, said they look like "rock candy." We all agreed. When I was visiting Mackinac Island for my annual trunk show at the Grand Hotel in June, I saw a jar of beautiful rock candies displayed in an old-fashioned candy store. Then, I KNEW, our earrings were the perfect "rock candy" treats. Now, they are available in over a dozen "flavors" -- and we'll be adding a few new ones soon (because we just need more pink options!).

We are very proud of our new Rock Candy Collection. Not only is each pair of beautiful gemstone earrings impeccably boxed, but we are delighting our customers by providing a complimentary rock candy treat with each purchase. Our customers are telling us that Rock Candy designs are the impeccable small gift they have been looking for.

When are customers are delighted, we smile from ear to ear. That is what Just So! is all about: celebrating life's best moments.

Chic New Bags: Vintage and "Green"

2008-06-17T07:23:00.000-07:00

We are very proud to carry a new line of handbags from CindyGert, a talented designer who is on to something very good. The designer, Cindy Quigley, is a local resident whose bags began gaining success with local sales as well as national sales through Etsy.com and CindyGert.com. When I first met Cindy, I immediately felt that she had both genuine design talent but also a very cool and interesting story to tell. (She's also just very perceptive about details --- and extremely nice too!) Each of her bags is made from "recycled" and vintage materials, many of them with designer pedigrees. Her bags incorporate materials like chic, historic fabrics in limited editions, Coach belts, vintage buttons and trims -- and each one of her bags is accompanied by a handmade book that tells the story of each (numbered) purse and its materials. Each of her bags also bears her charming label. Her product is handmade in Michigan, chic, Bohemian, "green", vintage and modern ... all at once.

We are delighted to work with Cindy and expect to inspire and delight all Just So! enthusiasts with an ever-changing selection of bags from her amazing collection. Welcome, CindyGert! We do indeed think you're Just So!

Off to Mackinac Island!

2008-06-09T04:01:00.000-07:00

This will be an exciting week! I have the privilege of spending some time later this week at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, where our trunk show will be taking place until June 15th. It is such beautiful environment. It is a privilege to spend time at the Grand Hotel & Co. fine jewelry boutique.....enjoying not only the wonderful staff but the elegance of the experience they provide for their guests. It is always fun to be a part of what is going on on the Island. I'll report back on my time there soon.

Beautiful Story Bracelet

2008-06-02T07:22:00.000-07:00

A customer brought in a favorite bracelet her grandmother had given her. It was especially meaningful, as the beads' color and progress signified the life of Christ. She loved the bracelet, but didn't care for the fact that it was mainly plastic and simple glass beads. She wondered if we could reproduce her simple stretch bracelet into a toggle bracelet of gemstones and natural materials (with a few tiny Swarovski crystals just where needed for color). Indeed we could. There was a trick. She had tiny little book that told the story behind the bracelet -- in Spanish. Once translated, we could better grasp the significance of each bead station. Here is her "Beautiful Story" bracelet and the translation:

The World’s Most Beautiful Story

This book and this bracelet will show you the story of someone who loved s so much that he was willing to give his life for us. This is the story of Jesus, the most beautiful story ever told.

The explanation and the beads of the bracelet will guide you in telling it. When you have learned it, you will be able to tell it using just the bracelet.

(1) Once, the Star in the East (star)
(2) Guided three men (3 beads),
(3) Who brought gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh (gold and 2 natural beads)
(4) To the birthplace of a new king. (silver bead)
(5) When he grew up he became a carpenter (wooden bead)
(6) And a fisherman of men and souls. (fish charm)
(7) He had 12 disciples (12 colored beads)
(8) Who preached His truth (clear bead)
(9) He was crucified (cross)
(10) And his blood was spilled. (red bead)
(11) After three black days (black beads)
(12) He arose to purify us (clear bead)
(13) And now He is in Heaven (blue bead)
(14) Seated next to the Father and the Holy Spirit (3 clear beads), and
(15) He did it all for love. (heart)

This was a fun and very rewarding project!

Clearly a Match

2008-05-27T07:55:00.000-07:00

Once again, a customer comes in looking for something she can't find anywhere else, and we find we can create exactly what she is looking for. This new necklace is a perfect example.

Our customer already owns a Swarovski crystal bracelet that she loves to wear with a pair of custom earrings (from us) of White Quartz and Swarovski crystals and rondelles. She was interested in finding a necklace that would bring together the design elements of her bracelet and her earrings. Starting with a beautiful large teardrop briolette of faceted white quartz to complement the earrings, we then created a Connectables necklace strand that reflected the design elements of her bracelet. Now, she has a stunning new necklace that perfectly complements her existing collection....and, of course, she provided us with the privilege of creating a design that will inspire and delight others!

Just So! Stories -Mothers Day - Sisters' Story

2008-05-19T08:17:00.000-07:00

One of the most rewarding things we do at Just So! is being involved in celebrating the nicest moments of our customers' lives: from the most spectacular ones to the touching, quirkier ones. It is exciting -- and a huge privilege -- to be a part of the best moments in life.

These necklace and earrings sets have a sweet story. One of our customers came in looking for a special gift for his wife -- and for her sister. He told us that both his wife and her sister were fabulous moms. This year, they surprised everyone by saying the thing they would like for Mother's Day is to have a week together just being sisters, hanging out and being "girls" for a week at their vacation home on the South-East coast. Because they always put their families before themselves, everyone was thrilled they actually were just going to have a fun time together, just being sisters.

To celebrate Mother's Day and see them off with a surprise, our customer commissioned a GemStrand necklace for both "girls" (pink tourmaline for his wife and peridot for her sister) with complementary mother-of-pearl flower pendants and earrings. His plan was to have one of our gift bags ready for each of them to open as he drove them to the airport. He smiled ear to ear every time he talked about how they are always doing things for their families and how much fun he knew they would have on this trip. You could just see that HE was having fun with the idea of surprising them with an unexpected gift.

At Just So!, we like to say that we "help guys be heroes" with the gifts they create and select here. What's usually true is that they were heroes to begin with, and we just helped them show off a little. It's nothing short of terrific to be a part of moments like these. THAT is what we love about what we do at Just So!

Now, we can't wait until he drops by again to tell us his own Just So! Story about how the girls reacted to their surprise "goody bags".

Just So! Stories -Mothers' Day Bouquet

2008-05-12T07:07:00.000-07:00

Around Valentine's Day, I featured a post with a photo of four beautiful shell flower necklaces, which one of our customers asked us to create for each of her four daughters. Each necklace featured a large flower TreasureDrop pendant with a gemstone briolette TreasureDrop dangling beside each flower on a heavier sterling bead chain. (A photo of those necklaces is below.)

For Mother's Day, the same customer gave each of her daughters a pair of our Perfect Petal Earrings, customized to match each of their original necklaces. We packaged each pair of earrings in our lovely enclosure card boxes with a sweet color-coded ribbon: lavender for the amethyst earrings, yellow for the citrines, antique beige for the smoky quartz. (We also popped a little candy in each box too.) It is important to us that the process of opening a gift from Just So! is an experience that is a part of the charm in itself!

With the shades of yellow and purple predominating, I wondered how to photograph these beautiful earrings and really capture their appeal. I just wasn't sure what to do with the purple and the yellow. I then looked at the beautiful pansies growing in the urns outside our door, and the color scheme suddenly seemed obvious. As we often say, our customers often inspire our best designs -- and, although you can never predict how and when that inspiration will strike, it seems to happen all the time at Just So!. It just all comes together ... and is part of celebrating the best things in life.

Voila! The Results.

Photo of the TreasureDrop Flower Necklaces from Valentine's Day

Confetti for the Party

2008-05-06T08:51:00.000-07:00

My favorite cut of gemstone is the briolette: those beautiful teardrop-shaped gems that allow the light to sparkle through from all angles. This "Confetti Princess" neckace consists almost entirely of briolettes: White quartz, amethyst, blue topaz, pink tourmaline, citrine and peridot (with a few white pearls). This is definitely a "special event" piece -- but can be worn with styles ranging from a Chanel-style suit, to a sundress to a ballgown. Earrings may be sparkly and dangly (like these blue topaz or white quartz briolette earrings) or something more traditional, like the pearls (on our sterling Connectables bases). From basic black dresses, to white linen to a colorful dress, this festive design can provide the "showstopping" element to the otherwise simple and clean lines of great party attire.

Rosy Outlook

2008-04-30T07:42:00.000-07:00

This photo, taken for a post card for Just So!, seems to be one many people are drawn to.

I think the tones of pink on pink toile, plus Monica's charming silver spoon, set the stage beautifully. Plus it does a great job of illustrating our theme of "Impeccable by Design." For a mom, daughter, graduate or bridal party where pink is the color of choice, this image illustrates how our special charms and gemstone designs adapt so easily to everyone's favorite color palette.

Timeless, Modern, Truly Personalized

2008-04-22T11:58:00.000-07:00

A bride's palette and her wedding themes are a wonderful starting point for truly one-of-a-kind gifts for attendants and flower girls. Inspiration for our custom bridal jewelry designs often starts with a color or motif that reflects the celebration itself: Fresh shades of green, sweet posies, traditional elegance, timeless pearls and crystal. No matter what the color palette or the theme, these charming details add up to a meaningful message that expresses the couple's gratitude for the participants in their celebration. When a custom jewelry item is then monogrammed or engraved, the result is a true heirloom.

The photos in the large picture are based on themes of Forget-Me-Nots (with sterling jewelry made from a Victorian wax seal), delicate floral motifs, and the colors white and green. The peridot briolette pendant and earrings shown above were created as a special variation of one of our Victorian*Charms designs. For a bridesmaid's gift that is both timelessly classic and absolutely on trend, another variation of our Victorian*Charms designs is shown below, this time using sparkling briolettes of white quartz:

Who's Sooooo "Just So!"?

2008-04-15T11:24:00.000-07:00

Our customers, who else? That is why we created our new blog, Your Just So!. Those of you have shopped in our boutique, know that we proudly display customers' photos. When we do a beautiful custom design for a customer's wedding, special event or special outfit, we love to show it off. With the new blog, Your Just So!, we are able to share glimpses of the best moments of our customers' lives. It's a privilege to be a part of it!

A permanent link to the "Your Just So!" blog is on the left. We'll be adding new photos soon too. Enjoy!

LEFT:Peggi's Wedding, Deland, FL

LEFT: Lori and her family at the Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, MI

Just So! Savannah

2008-04-08T23:30:00.000-07:00

We spent the Easter break in Hilton Head Island -- far away from the last of the Michigan snow storms. Our family spent almost every waking moment biking, walking and eating meals outside in the wonderful, comfortable sunshine. It was super.

We also took a day trip to another one of our favorite spots, Savannah, GA, which is just an hour's car ride (or a nice boat trip) from Hilton Head. Savannah is not only historic and graceful but it is considered one of the best "Walking Cities" in the U.S. During our walk around town, my husband, Mark, spotted an intriguing store, The Paris Market. Boy was he right. The Paris Market is truly a "Just So! Destination." The Paris Market is really a world into itself -- a chic mix of modern and vintage items. Almost everything in the store is either seriously cool or exudes vintage elegance. Almost everything in its two floors would make an impeccable gift or home accent -- all guaranteed to be a great conversation-starters for years to come. They really stole my heart with the gorgeous corner coffee bar and enormous glass jars full of candies, including my all-time favorites: Lemon Heads.

The store is a testatment to the design eye of it's owner, Paula Danyluk, who bouyantly chatted with admiring customers in her beautiful shop while we were there. (Amazingly, Mark and I were watching The Big Idea program on television a few days later, and we saw Paula again -- she was a guest evaluating products on a program segment involving Savannah, Paula Deen and the Deen brothers.) Enjoy Mark's photos and don't miss The Paris Market if you plan on visiting Savannah. You're sure to be inspired and delighted.

Interchangeable Jewelry for Travel

2008-04-01T08:16:00.000-07:00

For a beachside vacation, I love how a handful of picture jasper Connectables strands can mix and match. For all of the beiges and blacks in your travel wardrobe, the picture jasper provides a sophisticated neutral accent. Once you are at your destination and ready to have have fun, just add some strands of exuberant color (like this pink and green turquoise). This tropical combination broadcasts that you are ready to relax and soak up some sun:

But what about earrings? Yes, I love earrings just as much as necklaces. With my own Connectables earrings (which I wear every day), I can pack one or two sterling (or gold) bases for a classic look with any clothes. Then, all I do is pack a tiny pouch with a few neutral and colorful GemDrops, I have the perfect earrings for any event:

Just having returned from vacation this weekend, the only April Fool's joke here in Michigan is that we might have some snow again today! Back to turtlenecks for another week or two until Spring makes it way to our area!

Pink and Green for Easter

2008-03-25T11:15:00.000-07:00

Whether you're celebrating Easter by seaside or getting ready for a beach trip later this summer, I can't think of a more cheerful hue for fun times than sunny pinks and greens. I'll be packing my favorite neutral Picture Jasper necklace with some colorful accents to add some glamour to simple prints:

The Wearing of the Green

2008-03-17T06:51:00.000-07:00

In honor of both St. Patrick's Day and Spring, I seem to be attracted to rich, bright greens worn with neutrals:

These dresses and suits are from Bannana Republic, J Jill and J Crew's current catalogs. I mixed a single strand with green turquoise accents with my neutral Picture Jasper Princess necklace. Now, with the addition of the green stones, this once-neutral necklace collection takes on a Bohemian-Preppy chic look. My peridot GemStrand with a sporty pendant would work beautifully with either the dress or the safari jackets.

Happy St. Pat's!

On Safari With a Princess

2008-03-12T08:10:00.000-07:00

My last post featured my favorite Picture Jasper necklace. Its gold pearls, silver hardware and neutral tones make it a perfect "go with everything" necklace set for Spring through Fall (and year-round in warmer climates).

Here it is again:

While I often wear my own Picture Jasper necklace set with casual clothes and skirts with simple sweaters and white blouses, it provides a perfect complement for chic Safari jackets, which are so "in" right now. Here are two inspiring safari jackets from this season.

The first is an impeccably polished tailored safari jacket from Doncaster. The second is actually a knit jacket from J. Jill, but it still looks shapely and it would instantly pull together softer clothes with its belted jacket:

Here are the four interchangeable Connectables™ strands that comprise the complete Picture Jasper Princess Necklace set, when worn together:

Whether you wear a safari jacket accented with white, black, animal prints, or a splash of color, the picture jasper allows you to mix & match strands to add an accent color. Add (or remove) the flower pendant to enjoy a very paired-down or high-volume polished safari look.

Picture Jasper "Princess" Necklace

2008-03-05T08:40:00.000-08:00

This is a photo of me and my family from last Autumn, having a fun time at the birthday party for my friend, Liz. In this picture, I am wearing my favorite "Three Season" necklace. I designed it 5 or 6 years ago, and have been mixing and matching it with neutral and colorful strands ever since. Customers have been asking about this necklace for years and, finally, we are able to reproduce it for the Spring/Summer 2008 season. This handy little collection of neutrals gets so much use because, with only a few strands and pendants, it is great with all those shades of black, tan, brown, khaki, cream and white that we all tend to wear from Spring through Fall.

My Picture Jasper "Princess" necklace consists of four "Basic Strands" and a shell flower pendant. One of the strands features white tones, one features blackish-dark brown tones and the other features light brown/tan shades. It's one of my favorite pieces and it is amazingly versatile on its own as well as in unexpected combinations with bright semi-precious gemstones.

How a Shoe Became Two Necklaces: Part III

2008-02-29T08:08:00.000-08:00

Voila!....Designing for the Long Term

Cathy's shoes are amazing and her colorful necklace and earring ensemble seemed to be exactly the style, shape and color Cathy wanted. Still, what about that little black dress? The basic structure of Cathy's necklace just cried out to be a modern day version of the "Breakfast at Tiffany" look....but the colorful gemstone elements would get in the way of that classic look. Well, the colorful elements WOULD get in the way if this Necklace has been built in one "fixed" style like the Neiman Marcus piece. But that isn't the Just So! way, is it. Of course not, we designed the colorful "Y" portion of the necklace to be detachable. We also created two extra pairs of simple GemDrop earrings- one with petite White Quartz briolettes and one with very significant White Quartz briolettes. Now, Cathy (who already was a fairy tale princess in our minds) can live happily ever after, creating a spark at events that that still doesn't hold a candle to the sparks Cathy sets off all on her own!

Cathy and her family on the day of the Christening!

How a Shoe Became a Necklace: Part II

2008-02-27T14:11:00.000-08:00

The Inspiration

Voila! .... the Results

This one really seemed be worth a little suspense before unveiling! Here is Cathy's finished necklace. As you can see, the center "Y" portion features small briolettes of blue chalcedony, peridot and citrine -- picking up the motif and color of the delicate embroidery from Cathy's shoes. Whether a sleek shift dress, cool white linen or the perfect tee-shirt and jeans separate the necklace and the shoes, the shoes and jewelry will be in balance and work as a team. The coordinating colorful briolette dangle earrings repeat the pattern and color.

How A Shoe Became A Necklace: Part I

2008-02-26T14:36:00.000-08:00

Cathy, a customer who truly became a part of the Just So! family, came to me with a request: What jewelry could we design as the perfect counterpoint to these amazing shoes?

Custom Design to Suit a Shoe
Cathy wore these shoes to her son's Christening last summer. (I saw the photos: she was a picture-perfect proud new mom, wearing a white eyelet dress and her hair up -- and smiling ear to ear beside her wonderful husband as they beamed at one of the world's most beautiful baby boys.)

Cathy's vision was to pair the shoes with exquisitely classic clothes (everything from the eyelet dress to jeans and a white shirt) and she was hoping to find the perfect jewelry to pull the whole look off. I had an idea of what would complement Cathy's style and she selected this gold and gemstone necklace from Neiman Marcus as having both the volume and "look" she liked.

Struck with inspiration based on the shoes and the Cathy's wishes, it was time to get to work on something that would suit a chic and savvy modern-day Cinderella.

Starting with heavy polished silver chain, rock crystal and white chalcedony, Cathy's necklace began to take shape......

Aisle-to-Isle-to-Rock Concert Style

2008-02-22T11:57:00.000-08:00

From the moment my aunt told her (true) story of meeting "Mr. Bono" in Chicago, I became quite fascinated by the notion of a rock star who would seem to be as happy to strike up a conversation with the nice lady crossing the street as to lobby world leaders to fight world poverty and disease -- oh, in between sold-out rock concerts. What a way to live, huh?

Inspiration can come from anywhere. Who'd have thought that our family trip to "U23D" (at the Henry Ford, very nice!) would inspire sparkly jewelry? As U2 fans know, the "CoeXisT" symbol plays a starring role (from light displays to headbands to fan's banners). I know, I know. I should have thought, "What a cool symbol of unity and tolerance". (OK. I did that.) But leave it to me to think: "Wow, what cool TreasureDrops those would make......" (That's just how I'm wired, I guess.)

While I haven't made my final choice and had that "Voila!" moment yet, I am playing around with various designs. Here's a peak at my first few attempts. I'll be wearing one version soon. So, which rock will win out?

Aisle-to-Isle-to-Office Style

2008-02-21T08:27:00.000-08:00

Aisle-to-Isle Style:

Office Too!

I have been having so much fun with my GemStrands and illustrating how I envision them complementing everything from denim to party dresses! The pendant is usually the focal point: gemstone briolettes sometimes send a "dressy" message and sterling charms often send a "casual" message. But as today's pretty pairings just go to show, there are no hard and fast rules: when you start with elegantly simple components, your options are always unlimited.

The Inspiration:

Two new outfits in soft blue and navy from my friends, Betsy & Sue's, 2008 Doncaster collection.

The Challenge:

Combine GemStrands and TreasureDrops to strike the perfect balance to accent office & "business casual" clothing looks.

Voila!....The Results

Although sparkly blue topaz often seems so formal, paired with a simple baby bead chain or a chic sterling and lapis pendant, the soft blue is feminine, not too dainty, and every bit as polished as the clothing it complements.

Isle Style

2008-02-15T10:18:00.000-08:00

This is why I love working with interchangeable necklace strands!

The same GemStrands™ that are as appropriate for denim as formal party dresses, also combine with feminine flower pendants to become the perfect accent for a tropical trip or a breezy summer print. It's so pretty it almost looks edible. Yum!

Not So Dressy

2008-02-11T08:30:00.000-08:00

Easy Style

My last post on "Aisle Style" showed pretty party dresses from Talbot's with our sparkly gemstone strands and gemstone briolettes. (Didn't they look yummy!) The look was very dressy: perfect for proms, weddings and cocktail parties. But, let's face of it, most of us spend our time in easy, comfy, work-a-day clothes. I spent a lot more time in jeans and black skirts and pants than pastel silks (no matter how pretty). I love how the very same GemStrands and briolettes can be mixed and matched with more rugged sterling charms for funky/sophisticated jewelry that is right at home with a denim jacket:

Spring Inspiration

2008-02-10T13:45:00.000-08:00

Aisle-to-Isle Style - The Inspiration

I received a new Talbot's catalog and noticed a line of pretty new event dresses. Like J Crew and Ann Taylor, Talbot's has introduced a line of design-you-own dresses (where the customer selects the length, the neckline, a wrap or jacket, etc.). While the choices are not unlimited, I love the idea of women being able to order a dress with just the elements they want. It's very "Just So!", isn't it?

Voila!... The Results

Just last week, I was designing and photographing our new design-your-own GemStrand collection -- which Monica is turning into beautiful web pages to be posted soon. I couldn't help but see an almost perfect, personalized match between the new Talbot's party dresses and our sparking GemStrands -- especially when paired with gemstone briolette TreasureDrops for special events.

A Gem Of A Day

2008-02-07T12:17:00.000-08:00

The Challenge: Winter Weather Wear

Earlier this week, I had a brief court appearance on a snowy, slushy winter day. After that, I knew I would spend the day working at the shop: I needed to be able to look polished for the morning but be able to roll my sleeves up and still be comfortable for the rest of the workday.

The Solution
I pulled on a favorite long black skirt and boots. Instead of my usual tailored jacket for court, I opted for a green sweater-jacket with princess seams. For jewelry, I grabbed one of my black leather cord necklaces and added TreasureDrops in sterling (an antique wax seal centerpiece with a cherub and lion along with a leaf and an ivy charm on the sides). To bring in the green, I added one single gemstone briolette TreasureDrop in peridot. I was out the door in a flash, comfy and ready to take on the day. That little sparkle of green helped bring a little hit of spring and cheer to a very gray winter morning.

Flowers AND Jewelry for Valentine's Day

2008-02-06T23:20:00.000-08:00

We say it all the time. Creating custom designs "on the spot" here at Just So! is a little like "Iron Chef" ("Iron Jewelry Designer"). In creating custom designs for our customers, we often hit upon our next new products. Our customers inspire US all the time!

The Mission

On Monday, a lovely customer wanted something special for each of her four daughters for Valentine's Day. She was attracted to our new carved shell flower pendants. She didn't want the pendants to hang on leather cords or gemstone strands (as we were showing them), but she did like the heavier sterling bead chain. She also liked the way the gemstone briolettes danced off the shell flower pendants on our display.

Voila! The Results.

We put together something special for each her daughters. This ensemble shows how personalized each flower necklace can be. Each gemstone briolette mini TreasureDrop brings a completely different personality to each piece.

Making Impeccable Handmade Jewelry - Why We Do It

2008-02-04T04:56:00.000-08:00

For those of us who simply love jewelry making, part of the attraction is that we just enjoy "doing something creative". I also have met a lot of jewelry makers who, like me, enjoy beading because of the almost instant gratification. With so many designs, you can wear your new necklace, bracelet or earrings the same day you start the project. When inspiration seizes hold of you and you create a great-looking new design, you can proudly reply to all those compliments: "Thanks! I made it myself." Now, that's fun!

Then there's the "bargain" aspect. While it's true that most of us can walk into a bead store and spend more than we would spend to buy run-of-the-mill mass-produced jewelry, it is hard to match the thrill of the true bargain. Forget the big sales at the mall after Christmas. My favorite bargain is when you create a handmade jewelry piece that looks like "a million bucks" and you hardly spent a thing. For me, the knowledge that I could produce designs that looked like I purchased them at Neiman Marcus or some high end boutique started an obsession: not only did I want to keep on producing pieces that looked every bit as nice as the pricey ones from upscale magazines and catalogs -- but I wanted to make my own designs part of an interchangeable system.

I hope this blog will help inspire other jewelry enthusiasts and jewelry makers to begin creating their own interchangeable collections. Piece by piece, each new purchase or project will add up to a jewelry wardrobe that gives you unlimited options every day ... and the fun of creativity that doesn't end when you leave the craft table.

Why Connectable Jewelry is Soooo Much Fun!

2008-01-30T10:23:00.000-08:00

Once I had my first "connectable" necklace sets, I simply couldn't resist the thought that almost every necklace design would be a lot better if it was designed to be an interchangeable piece in the first place. Even if you don't intend to mix and match your new pearl necklace when you purchase it... somehow time, fashion trends and wedding invitiations have a way of making us all wish we could have a cool and "different" look -- without having to purchase expensive new jewelry ensembles for every new outfit. Wouldn't it just be better to invest in quality pieces that could be combined with fun pieces... and grow your collection of options one by one?

Today, I am thinking about Spring 2008 and have begun to plan for the pretty and pastel looks we often design for bridal parties and special events. Here a just a few looks where pearl strands from my "Jackie" necklace became part of other, beautiful interchangeable designs:

What's a "Connectable"?

2008-01-29T12:45:00.000-08:00

After my "Out of the Blue" post, Monica gently reminded me that I hadn't explained what "Connectables" necklaces are ... and why I feel so strongly about creating jewelry that is designed to be interchangeable from the very beginning. I love beautiful, classic jewelry that is both modern and traditional and is always easy-to-wear. I also love jewelry that just "looks cool" and that , sometimes, has a punch of color. Basically, I enjoy having handy jewelry that lets me create the perfect look for anything I'm wearing, any day...quickly. Jewelry should be the "icing on the cake" of getting dressed each morning. It should be fun and easy.

So, here's an illustration using one of the first two interchangeable necklaces I created for myself:

The Inspiration

My husband had given me a beautiful triple-strand pearl necklace. I loved the "Jackie Kennedy" look. I didn't love the fact that the design was permanently "stuck" in the Jackie look. If I needed a single strand of pearls, I had to go out and buy another necklace. If I wanted a double-strand, ditto. If I wanted a longer, matinee length, I would need to go out and buy that too. I knew one triple-strand pearl necklace, if designed right, should be able to provide all those four classic looks.

The Mission

To design a triple-strand necklace set with a special clasp that allowed every strand to be worn on its own or mixed-and-matched with any other strand.

Voila! ... The Results

I ripped apart my "Jackie Kennedy" necklace (sorry, Mark) and created three separate pearl strands, each with clasps on both ends. (Yeah, it worked!) When I could never find a really good "interchangeable necklace clasp," several years ago, I made it a New Year's resolution to design the perfect interchangeable clasp for myself. (By that autumn, I had them!) Using the pearls from my conventional "Jackie" necklace, now I could wear one, two or three strands at a time. Everything layered perfectly and it was easy to take on and off. It was easy to use a chain extender and wear the long strand as a matinee length necklace...or add an enhancer to any strand. This was just the tip of the iceberg, but I knew that, from then on, I would be making lots of connectables...if only just for me.

These photos show WHY I wanted a "connectable" pearl necklace but, if you'd like to see a little bit about how it works, here's a link to a diagram or video from the Just So! site: How It Works

Get The Look

Whether you purchase custom-made pearl strands or are a jewelry-maker who wants to create her own interchangeable necklaces, here are the 5 simple pieces required to create a "Connectable" Jackie necklace:

Out of the Blue

2008-01-25T13:55:00.000-08:00

For Christmas, Monica (my right hand person at Just So!) gave me six beautiful gemstone briolettes: 3 lapis lazuli and 3 golden topaz (more about the topaz later!)

The Mission:

To get the maximum beauty and "wearability" out of these beautiful stones. With their gorgeous (almost electric) blue color, the lapis briolettes could worn with everything from rugged denim and leather, to feminine china-blue prints to polished suits.

Voila! ... The Results:

(1) In late 2007, our Victorian*Charms collection had just been launched. I was eager to treat myself to a set of "[Bee] Silent" earrings and a matching TreasureDrop pendant. (2) I created a simple Connectable strand of faceted smoky quartz: a perfect "Sundance" look with jeans. (3) Then, I added two strands of Picture Jasper "princess necklaces" in sardonyx and white/bone beads. This natural look is the perfect complement for my favorite batik-type summer skirt. (4) Finally, with a polished sterling rolo necklace, the lapis really holds its own as the centerpiece for "business" looks.

Three lapis stones: Connectably traveling from Western chic, to the boardroom to the barbecue or beach!

Excited About Getting Started

2008-01-24T09:02:00.001-08:00

In addition to designing jewlery and handling the day-to-day business for Just So!, I still love to create pieces that are "just for me". It is wonderful to create something that is exactly right for your own wardrobe or style, without giving one thought to whether it might sell well or appeal to anyone else. (That's not to say that is isn't incredibly exciting when someone raves about one of your own designs....that is always a huge thrill.)

Very soon I'll be adding photos and descriptions of my own personal design projects as well as projects that will evolve into new designs for Just So! This is going to be a lot of fun, and hope the design ideas with prove inspiring -- and maybe set off some "Aha! moments."

Impeccable - By Definition

2008-01-10T20:02:00.000-08:00

What is "impeccable"?

It describes something that is perfect. "Impeccable" doesn't mean "flawless" or "costly". It describes something that perfectly suits a person, it's a gift that is exactly right for the recipient, it is a message that conveys exactly the right sentiment. This blog is devoted to all things (with a preference for sparkling ones) that celebrate and represent the good things in life.

Enjoy!