Grenadine – Pantone Fashion Color For Fall 2017

Contributor post by Michelle of EviesToolEmporium

Color trends are a wonderful way to celebrate the seasons!

According to Pantone one of the top colors for Fall 2017 is Grenadine.

PANTONE 17-1558 Grenadine

A powerful, evocative, dynamic red, Grenadine is a confident and self-assured attention-getter.

Laurie Pressman
Vice-President of the Pantone Color Institute

PantoneFashion Color Report Fall 2017

Members of the Etsy Christmas In July Team have been inspired by the color Grenadine. They have created items in their shops reflecting this inspiration! Here are a few!

 friedasophie from friedasophie says:

Grenadine reminds me of mellow beautiful summers!

friedasophie

Carol Braden-Williams from SilverTrove says:

I love the red crystal briolettes I used for these earrings because the facets reflect several shades of red, including grenadine. My inspiration was the romantic architecture of Italy and France which I translated into a modern style.

SilverTrove

 

Dawn Whitehand from DeeDeeDeesigns says:

This bangle is made from upcycled guitar strings and vintage grenadine buttons, making it an ideal gift for people who are passionate about recycling, music or being vegetarian or vegan. The handmade gift pouch it is presented in is also grenadine in colour and is made from faux felt, so again is great for vegetarians and vegans.

DeeDeeDeesigns

Dawn Whitehand from DeeDeeSupplies says:

These seed beads are a stunning grenadine colour and are great for threading and sewing and are fantastic for adding a splash of glitter to your jewellery and craft projects.

DeeDeeSupplies

Sue Kenny from SusySewandSew says:

My headbands can be fun to wear while keeping the sweat out of your eyes while you work-out. Who says you can’t look good when you sweat.

SusySewandSew

Diana from joliefemmebydiana says:

Ready for Christmas in July and Christmas with this bright red tote! Great sale price too! Can be used as decoration or as a re-usable gift tote too!

joliefemmebydiana

Jessica Mancuso from GusandOllie:

Please meet my gorgeous Grenadine Sock Monkey Lucio.

He loves being the center of attention – and can handle all the cuddles you’re willing to give him.

I simply loved the print on these socks and imagined them as a monkey immediately. They are the ideal injection of Spring/Summer into my 2017 collection. He’s also perfect to celebrate Independence Day.

GusandOllie

Jeanne from TheSandlapperShop says:

I love the flocking on some vintage hankies like this one. Call it Grenadine or Christmas Red. I repurposed a vintage Christmas card to make a lovely folder for presenting the hankie.

TheSandlapperShop

Cindy Humphrey from Cynhumphrey says:

There is nothing like adding a little Grenadine to your holiday decorations! It gives you just the POP you need!

Cynhumphrey

Emma Kaufmann from StudioEmmaKaufmann says:

I moved from the UK to Baltimore USA seventeen years and was surprised at how much bigger the robins are her:e. This artwork done in acrylic inks was done in nostalgia. I was remembering how back in the UK the tiny little robins would fluff themselves up against the cold. Their vivid red feathers stand out against the snow reminding me of home.

Later the painting was printed onto an acrylic block making this the perfect decoration for the Christmas season propped up on the mantelpiece above a roaring fire.

StudioEmmaKaufmann

Sheila from hollyhillwreaths says:

Grenadine skiing Santa felt jacket and poinsettias. I loved this shade of red on the rustic Santa with his wooden skis. This rustic Christmas wreath along with the red plaid Christmas ribbon will provide a warm, cozy feel displayed in a family room above a fireplace.

hollyhillwreaths

Dana Martin from IllCallYouFromParis says:

Crocuses are often called the first sign of spring, but in fact they’re such early bloomers that they can pop up in the snow months before spring has actually arrived. I think of them as a Christmas flower in that they are a resilient symbol of hope even when the world is still in the grip of winter.

IllCallYouFromParis

If you are on Pinterest here is the Grenadine board!

While you’re on Pinterest please follow the Etsy Christmas In July team!

Thank You For Coming To #CIJPopUpMarket #4 2017

Contributor post by Michelle of EviesToolEmporium

Good night everyone! Thank you for joining us today for #CIJPopUpMarket #4 2017 here on the Christmas In July blog! It was a really fun day!

It was a party in the streets of our blog! The streets were shut down and their tents were up and ready to showcase their unique items for you.

We had a fantastic line up of Christmas In July team member shops for you to get to know. These shops were here for you and they are loved interacting with you here on our blog!

Each shop at our #CIJPopUpMarket #4 2017 was individually introduced so please look in their tent, get to know them and shop!

Christmas In July Team

Now let’s shop!

1. Emily / QuirkyEleganceEm / Singapore, SG / #CIJPopUpMarket Tent

2. Antonia / SueEllenDreamland / Athens, GR / #CIJPopUpMarket Tent

3. Roberta / FarfallaDorata / Florence, IT / #CIJPopUpMarket Tent

4. Jessica / GusandOllie / Hamburg, DE / #CIJPopUpMarket Tent

5. Julie / EveryoneLovesGifts0 / Sheffield, UK / #CIJPopUpMarket Tent

6. Gail / kensingtonminiatures / New York, USA / #CIJPopUpMarket Tent

7. Cindy / Cynhumphrey / Virgina, USA / #CIJPopUpMarket Tent

8. Cerena / CerenaLevene / Florida, USA / #CIJPopUpMarket Tent

9. Leah / UniquelyWiredBeads / Ohio, USA / #CIJPopUpMarket Tent

10. Donna / TreasuresFromTheLake / Ohio, USA / #CIJPopUpMarket Tent

11. Carol / SilverTrove / Missouri, USA / #CIJPopUpMarket Tent

12. Tara / BlueWorldTreasures / Grande Prarie, CA / #CIJPopUpMarket Tent

Please use #CIJPopUpMarket on social media!

Thank you so much for joining us at our #CIJPopUpMarket #4 2017!

#CIJPopUpMarket #4 2017 – SilverTrove

Contributor post by Michelle of EviesToolEmporium

#CIJPopUpMarket #4 Shop – Carol from SilverTrove

SilverTrove

1. What is the name of your shop and where do you look for inspiration?

My shop name is SilverTrove and my inspiration comes from art, nature, architecture and other jewelry artist, past and present.

2. How has your shop evolved over time?

My shop is always changing based on my inspiration, the gemstones I work with and, most of all, the desires of my customers. I have always included premade pieces but most of my work now comes from custom orders, which I love.

3. What do you love most about your work?

I love working with my hands and pouring in a little of my heart to make each piece special and unique. Wire jewelry was my first love, but I’m also a silversmith and I really like combining the two. I also use leather, glass and other materials.

4. What motivating music do you listen to? Share your playlist that gets and keeps you going!        

I listen to mostly Christian rock, especially bands like Project 86, Red, Crowder and Decyfer Down. I also listen to other music and my current favorite is Kaleo!

5. What book are you reading right now and where is your favorite place to read?

I read The Bible every day but I’m also reading a book called ‘Translating God’ by Shawn Bolz. I usually read at my computer desk, which is also where I do a lot of the hand work for my jewelry pieces.

6. What are your social media sites?

Facebook: silvertrovedesigns

Instagram: silvertrove

Pinterest: SilverTroveDesigns

Twitter: Carol BradenWilliams

Blog: My Silver Trove

Welcome To #CIJPopUpMarket #4 2017

Contributor post by Michelle of EviesToolEmporium

We are thrilled about our third annual #CIJPopUpMarket #4 2017!! A party in the streets of our blog! The streets are shut down and your tents are up and ready to showcase your unique items for you.

We have a fantastic line up of Christmas In July team member shops for you to get to know. These shops are here for you and they are looking to interact with you here on our blog!

Each shop at our #CIJPopUpMarket #4 2017 will be individually introduced so please check in throughout the day to look in their tent, get to know them and shop!

Christmas In July Team

Now let’s shop!

1. Emily / QuirkyEleganceEm / Singapore, SG / #CIJPopUpMarket Tent

2. Antonia / SueEllenDreamland / Athens, GR / #CIJPopUpMarket Tent

3. Roberta / FarfallaDorata / Florence, IT / #CIJPopUpMarket Tent

4. Jessica / GusandOllie / Hamburg, DE / #CIJPopUpMarket Tent

5. Julie / EveryoneLovesGifts0 / Sheffield, UK / #CIJPopUpMarket Tent

6. Gail / kensingtonminiatures / New York, USA / #CIJPopUpMarket Tent

7. Cindy / Cynhumphrey / Virgina, USA / #CIJPopUpMarket Tent

8. Cerena / CerenaLevene / Florida, USA / #CIJPopUpMarket Tent

9. Leah / UniquelyWiredBeads / Ohio, USA / #CIJPopUpMarket Tent

10. Donna / TreasuresFromTheLake / Ohio, USA / #CIJPopUpMarket Tent

11. Carol / SilverTrove / Missouri, USA / #CIJPopUpMarket Tent

12. Tara / BlueWorldTreasures / Grande Prarie, CA / #CIJPopUpMarket Tent

 

Please use #CIJPopUpMarket on social media as you visit all the fabulous shops today!

Thank you so much for joining us at our #CIJPopUpMarket #4 2017!

Christmas Wish List – #CIJParty 2017

Contributor post by Alicia from AliciasFindings

Remember when we were young and we made up a list of all we wanted for Christmas? As we’ve gotten older, we still have at least a few items that are on the top of our list (so to speak).

For the #CIJParty tell us what is on your Wish List. You can tell us why you want these items and anything else relevant.

Stock Lane Studio from StockLaneStudio says when my youngest daughter was growing up, there was always one thing mentioned in her letters to Santa: a dog. I kid you not, I’ve gone back and read them and every letter mentions a dog or has a picture of one. Well now we finally have our dog and everybody’s fine. Our GSD likes to sleep on a cold floor, so dog blankets and pillows are just tossed aside. We are not a family that dresses up our dog and he certainly doesn’t need it in the Upstate NY winters – he loves the snow. But he does have a passion for chewing up everything he can find, so a few dog chew toys would be welcome please Santa. I have seen a few of these here on Etsy. . .

Children’s printable decor

Jennie from FromBasementToArt said a trip to Montana is what would thrill me this Christmas. I spent a lot of time there during a five-year relationship years ago. It has been on my bucket list since 2000!

Mini Daniel Boone playing cards

Donna from TreasuresFromTheLake states I would love a trip to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida for Christmas. Growing up, I spend many Christmas’ there. Then when I had a family of my own, my parents, me, husband and daughter would go there too. This was a family tradition until my dad passed away and I would love to go back there.

Flamingo bookmark

Gillian from Gillisflowers discusses that my daughter has ME, severe endometriosis and is now being tested for a bladder problem. My wish would be for her to get the treatment she needs to be able to fully enjoy life.

Vintage style rose choker

Carol from SilverTrove says recently I’ve been hearing many stories of people around the world meeting Jesus. Muslims, Jews, Buddhist and even Satanists are converting to Christianity. My Christmas wish is for more of God’s children to come closer to him through Jesus Christ, who is, after all, the reason we celebrate Christmas!
I’m praying for your daughter’s complete healing, Gilliam Haqqani.

Sterling silver Reborn necklace

Patty from PupcakesBowWowtique said I too have a GSD and I can say chew toys have saved us a lot on furniture, etc. I hope Santa comes through for your pup!
Gillian,
I hope your Christmas wish happens for your daughter. My thoughts are with you both!

I would like to spend Christmas in a mountain cabin. A few days of real winter weather for the holidays would be a welcome change from the Florida heat.

Reflective safety light collar

Alicia from AliciasFindings states that I would love for all my team mates to receive their “Christmas Wish” and for my rheumatoid arthritis(and other problems) to reach a point where all is fairly stable and all problems mainly controlled.

Dark blue dotted pattern bracelet and earring set

Cristal from DesignsbyCristal says my Christmas wish is to have a special Christmas with my family in New York just so that we can see the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and just enjoy some of New York’s sights.

I LOVE Christmas and don’t even have to see not one present!!! Since our 2 children have started their journey in college and in just 1 year our oldest is graduating college and will be moving out of the state so this would especially be a time I’d value so much.

VW Bug dog collar

Here is hoping all of the #EtsyCIJ teamies receive many wonderful Christmas gifts this year!

Holiday Jewelry – #CIJParty 2017

Contributor Post by Sheila and Shannon from BeadyEyedBird 

Holidays in the winter season, including Christmas, can be an opportunity for such happy times. And those of us who like to decorate ourselves as well as our homes and trees often do this with special jewelry. We asked our teamies to share their favorites in this regard, so we can draw inspiration from their holiday jewelry celebrations!

Marijean from MariMartiDesigns said:

For all those “little black dress” occasions around the holidays, I love to throw on a long, graceful statement necklace that adds a festive, swingy pop of color and sparkle to the clean look of the little black dress! This one pairs FABULOUSLY with a pencil shaped black dress to add a swingy, slimming line of shimmer in festive greens and golds! The tassel screams party while still maintaining a polished and put-together look!

Green Beaded Fringe Necklace with Tassel, Jewelry Long Necklace Lucky Green Tassel Necklace Gold Green Tassel, Sari silk tassel jewelry

Elisabeth Perez from LizPOriginals said:

How about some ” fire and ice ” earrings for the holidays with creamy crystals and wonderful red tassels in leather:

Red faux leather tassel gold tone earrings – creamy crystals dangles – light weight – classic design – 2 inch long – vacation -resort wear

Annie from DesignedbyAnneliese said:

I love Christmas (it is summer at Christmas for me!). These drop bead earrings are great to wear out to parties!

Blue bead earrings, two tone dangle earrings, green, Birthday gift idea, pierced earrings, hook earrings

Dawn Whitehand from DeeDeeDeesigns said:

I love to decorate myself at Christmas as well as my house/tree, and green is my favourite Christmas colour. These earrings made with upcycled buttons and beads are a great festive accessory, and can be custom made in different colours.

Earrings Green and Silver Upcycled Dangle – Button Jewellery – Christmas Jewellery – St Patricks Jewelry – Vegan Jewellery

friedasophie from friedasophie said:

Christmas for me is about shiny & sparkling things, like golden glitter in the x-mas tree or sparkly decorations on the table. This piece from my store is the most sparkly of all and it makes a lovely Christmas gift!

SALE Spirit Quartz Druzy Gold Dipped Necklace

Gillian Haqqani from Gillisflowers said:

I love Christmas carols and I always love to listen to the Carol service from Kings College. I used to sing in a choir and one year had the priviledge of doing the solo first verse of Once in Royal David’s City so it has to be these musical angel earrings.

Musical christmas angel earrings, angel earrings, guardian angel, origami angel earrings, recycled paper, vintage sheet music, Christmas

Natalia from KMalinkaVintage said:

It would be a wonderful Christmas Gift for women these gorgeous Vintage 40s crystal neckalce and bracelet set.

Vintage 1940s Necklace and Bracelet Set Crystal and Ruby Art Deco Wediing Jewelry

Carol Braden-Williams from SilverTrove said:

How about a renaissance style ruby statement ring for all those holiday parties and gatherings!

Renaissance Style Lab Ruby Ring, Sterling Silver Ruby Ring, Size 6 Ring, Ornate Gemstone Ring, Ruby Engagement Ring, July Birthstone Ring

Desert Dabbler from DesertDabbler said:

To celebrate CIJ I made two holiday bracelets. I used Kumihimo, a Japanese braiding technique, and seed beads. Here’s one of them:

Christmas Bracelet – CIJ – Kumihimo Braided Bracelet – Red Gold Green Bracelet – Holiday Jewelry – Christmas in July – Long Bracelet

Batul from GalantaJewels said:

I would choose this elegant green onyx necklace. I think it’s both fun and glamorous and is a perfect compliment to the season!

Green Onyx Necklace, Statement Necklace, Green and Gold, Mother of the Bride Gift, Emerald Green Necklace, Gemstone Necklace, Gift for Mom

willowvalleyvintage from WillowValleyVintage said:

Well, this pin isn’t for everyone, but we think it’s funny! (Don’t wear it to Grandma’s house!)

Vintage Suggestive Pinback Button Metal “Wanna Make Me Merry?” Funny Gag Gift Unisex Holiday Jewelry Retro Pin

Connie Lee from Bungalow42 said:

The perfect earrings for that little black holiday dress!

Vintage Black Aluminum Snake Skin Hoop Earrings

JO from alustrousjewellery said:

I love angels, there is some thing reassuring about them, one of my favourite songs is Amy Grant, Angels watching over me.

Angel, Sterling Silver Angel Necklace, Sterling Silver Christmas Necklace, Sterling Silver Angel Heart Necklace, Gold Angel Necklace

Until next time,

Sheila

The Twelve Days of Christmas – #CIJParty 2017

Contributor post by Dawn from DeeDeeDeesigns

We have a wide variety of Etsy sellers in our Christmas in July team, and this means we have a great range of handmade and vintage products to choose from for the 12 Days of Christmas.

I asked team members if they have an item in their shop that relates to the 12 days of Christmas? And here we go:

And here are the 12 days of Christmas!

Twelve Drummers Drumming

patontheback from patontheback says

I love Christmas in July because we’re expecting 110° plus, and I can go on a virtual holiday thinking about cool items outside my hot desert!
Twelve drummers drumming- I’ve always been a percussion instrument fan, and this fabric makes me think of not only the twelve days of Christmas, but a little drummer. Happy holidays!

Eleven Pipers Piping

Miller from TheMillersHouse says

How about these lovely vintage carolers singing the 12 Days of Christmas?

Ten Lords a Leaping

Nine Ladies Dancing

Dawn Whitehand from DeeDeeSupplies says

The ninth of Christmas – nine ladies dancing! These colourful dancing charms are great for jewellery design, card making, gift wrapping, bunting and a wide range of craft projects.

KATERINA ILIAKI from OnceUponJewelsCo says

Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit-Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.​ This necklace also symbolizes the joy of love and freedom. Dance is an expression and combination of all of these sentiments.

OnceUponJewelsCo

Susan-Sharon Passmore from MsPDesignsUSA says

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me– nine ladies dancing. Well, we actually have 13 ladies dancing the ballet on this fun nursery quilt, but who’s counting?

Eight Maids a Milking

Sue Kenny from SusySewandSew says

Eight maids a milking – need to have some modesty and comfort in these slip shorts worn under their frocks while milking the cows… I love CIJ as it makes so much sense as an Australian Etsy seller to enjoy all the delicious Christmas foods while we are in our winter.. pudding, nom!

Stock Lane Studio from StockLaneStudio says

Well, it’s a bit of a stretch, but here’s my number 8 in the night sky – if you look closely you can see the Milky Way!

Seven Swans a Swimming

Shelly from ShellysSelectSalvage says

This pretty swan has her baby next to her and a child. The cream and gold colors remind me of an elegant Christmas.

Six Geese a Laying

Five Golden Rings

KATERINA ILIAKI from OnceUponJewelsCo says

The five golden rings represents the great love of God in sending a Savior. It is a very powerful day for me as I adore Christmas and Christmas time. It is a unique opportunity to remind ourselves to love each other, to help and respect everything that has life in it.

Kira from TrellisLaneVintage says

Five golden rings. 5 glasses, each has with a gold ring at the top.

Four Calling Birds

Emma Kaufmann from StudioEmmaKaufmann says

I love watching cute little robins chattering outside my window and all excited for Christmas against a stunning snowing background. This artwork was done in acrylic inks and is now available as a print to complete a festive look.

I love celebrating Christmas in July…I live in Baltimore where summers are sweltering so having a Christmas in July pool party certainly helps beat the heat!

Three French Hens

pam colangelo from PearlsVintagebyPam says

I love this Christmas song. I have a wire basket hen to go with the song.

This hen is an egg picking  asket and can be used to display Christams ornaments, flowers, wooden eggs and the like.

Two Turtle Doves

Gillian Haqqani from Gillisflowers says

One dove in each ear makes a pair of turtle doves

Sheila from hollyhillwreaths says

Two antique gold Raz Doves featured on a Christmas wreath.

and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

Linda from LazyYVintage says

On the first day of Christmas My True Love Gave To Me….a partridge in a pear tree!

This is first in the 12 Days of Christmas series for Precious Moments. I love Christmas in July team and event. The team is a fun and motivating way to market our shops while checking out other members’ shops. I love the event as a way to up the ante in marketing during a usually slow period for vintage buying. Always helps in recognition and in sales!

Jewel from CaliforniaCrownJewel says

Not exactly a partridge in a pear tree, but how about this “in style” galvanized bucket planter with a vintage inspired pear fruit label.

Carol Braden-Williams from SilverTrove says

This may be a stretch, but it kinda looks like a partridge.

Claudia Marie from ClaudiaMarieFelt says

Partridge same family as dove

Memories Of Our Jewelry Artists – #CIJJewelryTrunkShow

Contributor post by Michelle of EviesToolEmporium

We spent the month of August strolling the virtual Christmas In July Jewelry Trunk Show! Since the CIJ team is worldwide we held a virtual #CIJJewelryTrunkShow right here on our blog!

The CIJ virtual Jewelry Trunk Show opened on Wednesday – August 17th, 2016 and closed on Friday – September 2nd, 2016. As I mentioned the team is international and we featured artists from many countries!

We wanted to include as many of our talented team members as possible! The participation was fantastic! Our team members are creative artists!

Each artist shared with us their jewelry, as well as a little bit about themselves. Please join me as we close our CIJ Jewelry Trunk Show! Watch for new opportunities in the future!

Here are the featured artists:

1. August 17th – MaribelleCampa / MaribelleCampa / Virtual Jewelry Trunk Show
2. August 18th – Sheila and Shannon / BeadyEyedBird / Virtual Jewelry Trunk Show
3. August 19th – Amanda / TheRedLotusDesigns / Virtual Jewelry Trunk Show
4. August 23rd – Diana Sian Crafts / DianaSianCrafts / Virtual Jewelry Trunk Show
5. August 24th – Anisa Daud / QuiddityGifts / Virtual Jewelry Trunk Show
6. August 25th – Carol Braden-Williams / SilverTrove / Virtual Jewelry Trunk Show
7. August 26th – Donna Schindler / TreasuresFromTheLake / Virtual Jewelry Trunk Show
8. August 30th – Dawn Whitehand / DeeDeeDeesigns / Virtual Jewelry Trunk Show
9. August 31st – Holistichem / holistichem / Virtual Jewelry Trunk Show
10. Septenber 1st – Linda B. / LinorStore / Virtual Jewelry Trunk Show
11. September 2nd – Katrina Beck / DonBiuSilver / Virtual Jewelry Trunk Show

A special thank you to the blog contributors who were the hosts of the CIJ virtual Jewelry Trunk Show!

Alicia of AliciasFindings
Catherine of DesignsByCnC
Dawn of DeeDeeDeesigns
Michelle of EviesToolEmporium
Opal of ApronStringsOwlLady
Sheila of BeadyEyedBird

Please use #CIJJewelryTrunkShow on social media as you visit our virtual Jewelry Trunk Show!

Thank you so much for joining us on our #CIJJewelryTrunkShow!

SilverTrove – #CIJJewelryTrunkShow

Contributor post by Sheila of BeadyEyedBird

Virtual Jewelry Trunk Show – Carol from SilverTrove

SilverTrove

1. Please introduce yourself! What is the name of your shop? What city and country do you live in?

Hi, my name is Carol Braden-Williams and I live in Independence, MO, USA. My shop is SilverTrove.

2. Tell us the story of your work – what inspires you?

I’ve always loved silver jewelry, so after doing bead work, it was a natural progression to working with sterling silver, fine silver and Argentium wire. After becoming successful with wire jewelry, I became a full-bench silversmith. Now I incorporate both wire techniques and silversmithing techniques in my work. I’m inspired by nature (especially beautiful gemstones!), art, history and faith. I also love looking at other jewelry artists’ work.

3. What is your creative process?

My creative process varies depending on the piece I’m designing. Sometimes it begins with a beautiful stone. In that case, I design the piece to show off the stone in it’s best light. Other times, it starts with an idea that I’ve drawn on paper and many times I just play with the materials I have at hand. My favorite way to design jewelry is through my customers. They see something in my shop and contact me with a variation they would like to have made. That always helps me stretch my creative muscles! Sometimes they just have an idea of their own. I work with them to come up with the piece they are longing to wear.

Here’s a work in progress – I’m attaching an amethyst stone to a wire wrapped ring.

4. Where do your materials come from?

Every piece of SilverTrove jewelry is creatively designed and forged with love from partially recycled materials. In my studio, I follow strict environmental standards and recycle all possible materials and bi-products. I actively seek metals and materials that are responsibly sourced. I am concerned about the environmental and social impact of silver, gold and gemstone mining and I recycle the silver I work with, but no metalsmith can be sure that all the metals they work with have been ethically obtained. Did you know that producing enough ‘new’ gold for one ring generates 20 tons of mine waste that is being dumped into or rivers, lakes and streams? I hope we will someday have verified source information on all suppliers of jewelry metals and gemstones with the help of organizations like Earthworks. I am an active member of Earthworks and I urge everyone to sign the “No Dirty Gold Pledge” because gold, silver and gemstones are all obtained from the same mines. Earthworks exposes plans to open mines that would pollute natural resources and destroy wildlife and habitat and they work hard to stop them. They also expose mines with unsafe working conditions, unfair wages and underage employees and have been very successful in stopping these unethical practices. Go to: www.earthworksaction.org/ for more information including a link to the “No Dirty Gold Pledge”. Their work is important because they expose unethical mining practices and are working to establish mining standards. Someday I hope all metalsmiths will know the source of the metals and gemstones they purchase. I hope we can all honor the earth first above our desire for aesthetic beauty.

5. Do you take custom orders?

N/A

6. What do you want us to know about you that is unique and innovative?

I created new, innovative techniques for wire name and word jewelry to give it the look of calligraphy script writing. Many other wire writers have heralded my wire name and word jewelry as the best they’ve ever seen. Soon I hope to create video tutorials on my wire writing techniques so I can ‘pass the torch’ on to other artists.

7. What are your social media sites?

Etsy – etsy.com/silvertrove
Facebook – facebook.com/silvertrovedesigns
Twitter – twitter.com/CBradenWilliams
Pinterest – pinterest.com/silvertrove
Blog – mysilvertrove.blogspot.com
Instagram – instagram.com/silvertrove

Christmas In July Jewelry Trunk Show – #CIJJewelryTrunkShow

Contributor post by Michelle of EviesToolEmporium

We are getting excited for the Christmas In July Jewelry Trunk Show! Since the CIJ team is worldwide we are going to host a virtual Jewelry Trunk Show right here on our blog!

The virtual Jewelry Trunk Show begins on Wednesday – August 17th. As I mentioned the team is international and we are excited to share with you many talented artists from all over the world!

As a member of the CIJ team there is a way for you to get involved today before the fun begins on Wednesday. Please go to the CIJ forums and there is a thread that explains all the specifics! We want to include as many of our talented team members as possible! So far the following artists have submitted their work: MaribelleCampa, Sheila and Shannon, Amanda, Diana Sian Crafts, Anisa Daud, Carol Braden-Williams, Donna Schlinder, Dawn Whitehand, Holistichem, Linda B. and Katrina Beck. We’re looking for additional artists to join the jewelry trunk show!

If you are not a member of the team please feel free to join the team today! Otherwise you will have to wait until tomorrow to see what we have planned!

Please use #CIJJewelryTrunkShow on social media as you enjoy the virtual trunk show with us!

Want a sneak peek of one of the artists who is going to be featured? Maribelle Campa from MaribelleCampa lives in Puerto Rico! Come meet Maribelle tomorrow! Thank you Maribelle for participating!

MaribelleCampa

So mark your calendars, invite your friends, and get ready to participate in a virtual Jewelry Trunk Show! A #CIJJewelryTrunkShow!