Haden Designs

new look

2011-10-13T11:48:00.001-04:00

October so far has been, well, a bit busy. Thanks to the feature in Country Living Magazine I have been kept very occupied making *chalkboard* necklaces. Along with all of that I have been working on new designs for the holidays. Right now Im into the cuff bracelet...the perfect addition to any fall or winter look.

leather wrapped brass cuffs

one year anniversary

2011-09-13T14:18:00.002-04:00

This weekends events at SparkCon will mark the 1yr anniversary of the *chalkboard necklace*!!! Thats right, I introduced it at last years SparkCon here in down town Raleigh NC. What started as a fun experiment and kind of a quirky play on SparkCons street chalk drawing event actually turned into something. Little did I know what would come of these little bits of personalized jewelry, but it's been a great year for them! They will be making a return appearance this year at bazaarSPARK.

Come join all the festivities and check out Haden Designs at bazaarSPARK.
Saturday Sept 17th 10-6pm
Sunday Sept 18th 11-4pm
The bazaar will be right in the thick of it on Fayetteville st and Davies st, here in downtown Raleigh.

Hope to see you there!

What Fall has to bring...

2011-09-08T21:26:00.001-04:00

I must say, Fall is by far the best time of year. Looking forward to cozy clothes and boots, harvest soups, and of course a trip to the local Starbucks to get a Pumpkin Spice Latte-I cant wait! October is going to be a huge month for Haden Designs and its all starting with one of my Chalkboard Necklaces being featured in Country Living magazine! Its a really great feature on personalized jewelry-and what better way to do so but with a mini chalkboard!

Check out my Etsy shop for the one featured and for lots more!

keeping secrets

2011-08-19T14:12:00.006-04:00

Recently I had a request for a locket necklace. I am always collecting lockets to use in my designs. Here are a few I came up with...

summer styles

2011-07-21T09:23:00.005-04:00

Here are some of the new earrings I've been working on. You can also view more of the jewelry in my portfolio--link is in the left column.

Enjoy!

Durham love and 15 min of fame

2011-07-20T12:08:00.007-04:00

I've always had a love for Durham, though admittedly I don't get there as often as I'd like to take advantage of the yummie eats and eclectic shopping opportunities. Well, now is my chance! Durham's new visitors guide is out with the cities best places to check out and events to attend. It also features a picture of yours truly selling Haden Designs jewelry at last years Rock&Shop Market held at Motorco and Fullsteam Brewery!

feather light

2011-06-21T21:16:00.005-04:00

I have gone full steam ahead with these earrings. They have been my go to style for the summer because you can wear them with anything!

Choo Choo...

2011-06-21T19:50:00.006-04:00

Im on my way to Chattanooga this weekend with my friend Oami of Judah Ross for the Chatty Crafty event! Cant wait!!! I have been busy coming up with new designs to reveal at the show. Here's a glimpse...This is repurposed leather that has been block printed and screen printed. These necklaces are perfect for summer-nice and light weight.

Ill be posting to Etsy shop next week when Im back so stay tuned!

its no joke

2011-04-01T20:14:00.004-04:00

Its April first and no foolin', a Haden Designs *chalkboard necklace* is featured in BRIDES magazine! Check it out on page 84. They are on sale in my Etsy store.

bracelet, or necklace? How about both.

2011-03-21T10:21:00.007-04:00

I have been on a kick lately with this leather thing and I have been combining it more with chain and semiprecious, or gold beads. I really like wearing the bracelets, they add just the right amount of accessory to any outfit. Recently I discovered that my tripple wrap bracelets were just the right length to wear as a necklace too! And, because I love to layer, they look great paired with another necklace-I usually wear it with a *Chalkboard* necklace.

BRIDES magazine

2011-03-02T16:50:00.017-05:00

I have my first jewelry debut in a magazine, or should I say my *chalkboard* necklace has its first debut! A few months ago I was contacted by BRIDES magazine asking if I would be interested in sending a few pieces to get photographed for the April 2011 issue. What?!?! So, I sent a couple of my *chalkboard* necklaces and the round locket with the gold chain made it! Since this is my first experience I have NO idea what to expect. I have been working on making more product...a lot more product just incase, right? Anywho, be on the look out for the April issue of BRIDES magazine and we'll see if the necklace made it!

lots of sanding...

then comes the priming and painting...

(did I mention I have a lot of these?)

testing, testing...

2011-01-10T13:09:00.016-05:00

After several rounds of tests...'by George I think Ive got it!'

Near the end of 2010 I came up with a new design for Haden Designs, the *chalkboard necklace* was born. But, with any new design comes a period of trial and error. I introduced about a dozen necklaces at a show and I soon found out how popular they could be when I sold out of them within the first couple of hours. I went straight into production mode. I had never painted on metal before so I began to do some tests. I started off with different techniques of prepping the surface for paint, then came the importance of drying time, a different type of charcoal pencil and the sharpness of the tip...Ill spare you the rest of my experiments. Unfortunately, there were a few pieces that slipped through the cracks and didn't hold up. Torn paint was the problem. It would occur if the paint was still wet from wiping off the chalk and then writing on it immediately following, or the pencil tip was too sharp. Thankfully people contacted me and I was able to get them a new necklace. When making a new product that is what you hope for, that people will give you a second chance to make it right. So, if you havent contacted me and you had a problem, please do liz@hadendesigns.com. I would love to have the opportunity to replace it.

Over the holidays I delved deep into researching and experimenting painting on metal. I now have a new way of making the *chalkboard necklace*. So far, I have had no problems with this new technique...Hooray! (and I have put them through the ringer!) Now that that is fixed, I am going to expand some of the designs, so be on the look out.

inspiration...leather?

2010-12-28T14:29:00.010-05:00

Wow! It has been nothing short of crazy around these parts the past couple of months. The year is coming to a close and it feels like it went by in a blink. Just recently I have gone off on a design tangent and I cant get enough of it...leather. Anyone who knows me would think that they just read that wrong seeing as I was a vegetarian for almost 20 yrs. I have never worked with leather, or ever thought I would be working with it, but I really enjoy what can be done. Its so versatile-You can cut it into shapes like working with a sheet of metal or you can use it like strands of chain, oh the possibilities! I love combining textures in my pieces so this was one more to throw into the mix.

Sometimes inspiration is hard to come by. Luckily, this new design inspiration came at the perfect time. I have my very talented friend Oami to thank for it! She is the creator of a clothing and accessories line, Judah Ross. I have been a huge fan of hers from the moment we met and we decided to trade our wares. My first Judah Ross piece was a mono print market bag (this was just the beginning of my collection). Recently we were both at a show where she brought me a bag of leather scraps-the same leather which she had used for some of her market bags. When she asked if I wanted it, I accepted not having any clue at the time what I could use it for. As soon as I started working with it, my mind blew up and I couldn't stop coming up with designs. As a creator you love coming across this kind of inspiration. So, thank you Oami, and I hope everyone likes the direction Haden Designs is headed!

its finally time

2010-11-30T14:43:00.006-05:00

Thanksgiving is over and now its finally appropriate for me to listen to my Christmas music. I could probably listen to it year round. Its also time for holiday shopping and decorating. I am busy getting ready for one of my favorite shows The Rock&Shop Market. This year it looks like it is shaping up to be a pretty amazing event! It has grown so much since I started participating in it a couple of years ago. This year they have turned it into a block party!!! Heres the skinny... and Ill leave it up to them to explain...

"Shop local this Holiday season. Mark your calendars for the 11th Rock & Shop Market/Block Party this Saturday December 4th from 12-6pm at two venues in Durham: Motorco Music Hall & Fullsteam Brewery across the street. The venues are located at 723 & 726 Rigsbee Ave. Durham, NC 27701.

There will be food trucks (Only Burger, Klausies Pizza, DaisyCakes, Slippin Slidders), 60 designers selling their wares, a fashion show and the bands The Ox Magnolia and Onward, Soldiers! Admission is $5. First 50 attendees receive a free shopping tote. For directions and a list of all the designers visit www.rockandshopmarket.com. Plenty of free parking is available. More details on our facebook invitation."

So, make sure you plan for the event! I have lots of new chalkboard necklaces, holiday earrings for those party frocks and some new necklace designs-I hope to see you there!

troika craft show

2010-11-01T08:30:00.005-04:00

"Now in its second year, the 2010 CraftShow is happening Saturday, Nov. 6 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Trotter Building, located at 410 W. Geer Street in Durham (just a block north of the Scrap Exchange and a block east of Fullsteam Brewery and MotorCo). The family-friendly CraftShow is a unique marketplace for handmade goods and art from some the Triangle’s most talented designers"

Haden Designs will be there and I have a ton of new stuff to show...even some sterling for you die hard silver wearers. So come on out on Saturday from 1-5--say hello, listen to some great music-Local bands Phil Cook + His Feat and the Oreganos, and peruse the CraftShow.

the first day of autumn

2010-09-23T11:11:00.007-04:00

Its on my calendar today, but here in Raleigh NC it is anything but. That doesn't mean I haven't already geared up for it though. I have started to get that cozy feeling, wanting to pull out the sweaters and boots, listening to fall favorites and wondering what type of accessory will go with this years fall frock. Ive recently gotten into using red brass and pairing it with its yellow counterpart and some oxidized chain. It just looks like fall. Im also using some of the larger stones that I got while I was in NYC in the Spring. Thought Id share some that Ive come up with lately.

bazaarSPARK and of course chalk

2010-09-17T11:13:00.012-04:00

SPARKcon is here again and this time I am a part of it! Ill be hanging out at bazaarSPARK Saturday (10-5) and Sunday (11-3) selling Haden designs. This year is going to be a great one for SPARKcon, lots of new events and some pretty amazing talent.

Because SPARKcon is all about creativity, I wanted to add something new and different to Haden Designs for bazaarSPARK so...I came up with chalkboard necklaces. It sounds crazy and this is something very different for me, but they are a lot of fun! The necklace is a brass pendant that I have turned into a mini chalkboard that you can write on with a white charcoal pencil. Draw a picture, write your honey's name or just your initial--then, erase it and do something different!

LoPop Shop

2010-09-03T14:17:00.004-04:00

Thats right, its FRIDAY night, and First Friday to boot!!! Ill be at the LoPop Shop located in Artspace selling my jewels tonight. I have a lot of new fun fall looks so you should come check them out...

trunk show at ESCAZU

2010-08-27T15:03:00.003-04:00

If you are looking for something to do tomorrow evening, I have the perfect thing! Escazu located at 936 N. Blount st. will be hosting a trunk show from 5-9pm where I will be selling my jewelry among three other talented local designers. So, I highly recommend coming to check out the show, grab some fancy delicious chocolates, (I went today and picked up a few, one of which was a chocolate, rosemary, bacon, sea salt combo...mmmmmmmm), then head next door to Market. I tried their crack fries and they are addictive! Sounds like a pretty good evening to me! Hope to see you tomorrow night!

celebrate!

2010-08-16T08:26:00.003-04:00

I just found out that I am a featured vendor at Heather Garrett HOME! And what a great time to be featured! They are having a sale in celebration of their feature in ELLE DECOR press, new inventory, and their newly renovated, additional floorspace! Plus they will have drinks and catering by Toast (a favorite of mine) on Saturday, and lots of floor samples on sale.

*Plus, enter a raffle to win accessories, design services, and gift certificates!*

The sale will run Saturday, August 21 from 11-5 and Sunday, August 22 from 12-4.

So make sure to check out her beautiful store and take a look at some Haden Designs jewelry!

new picts...

2010-08-03T21:02:00.002-04:00

Took lots of new pictures over the weekend. Working now to get them listed on to my Etsy shop. Stay tuned and keep checking back. If there was something that you may have seen at a recent show and its not listed yet, let me know and I'll get it up for you pronto!

some upcoming events...

2010-08-01T12:28:00.006-04:00

The next couple months will be busy for Haden Designs. Here is where you can find me...

August 6th: IndieNC First Friday Event The indieNC First Friday Market is held every First Friday of the month indoors at 131 S. Wilmington Street in downtown Raleigh (two doors down from Gravy restaurant). The event is from 6-10pm.

August 12th: Duke Art Show and Silent Auction The Duke Center for Eating Disorders is hosting a silent auction and art show from 5-9pm at the West End Wine Bar. Tickets are $15 at the door (cash only).

August 28th: Trunk show @ Escazu Escazu Artisan Chocolates is a Bean to Bar chocolate maker. Retail shop and factory is located at 936 North Blount St. Trunk show will be from 5-9pm.

September 18th: Bazaar Spark bazaarSPARK is a collection of artisans, food, fashion, friends and surprise joining together along with their wares as an outdoor shopping event. More info to come...

what an event

2010-08-01T12:03:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I participated in Raleigh Wide Open 5! Its an amazing event that really brings in quite the crowd. Despite a few sprinkles here and there, it was a success. Since it was outside under a tent I thought Id try a new set up. We hung a large piece of wood with tacks so I could hang product--it ended up working well to showcase the long asymmetrical necklaces. I also decided to introduce my newly acquired mannequin--got her for a steal when a local store went out of business. She did a great job displaying (and selling!) the larger necklaces.

first time

2010-07-28T20:10:00.005-04:00

This weekend is my first experience with being a vendor at Raleigh Wide Open. It is an ALL day event with fire works to finish it off! Ill be there selling some new wears from Haden Designs. Hope to see you there...if you should happen to stop by one of the many artisan food vendors and would like to pick something up to share-Lets just say I wouldn't be opposed to it! Cant wait to see what Saturdays festivities will be like.

a little love on Etsy

2010-07-23T13:55:00.005-04:00

Just found out I was part of a treasury on Etsy! They chose one of my favorite pieces 'mon petite pois'. Well, this has given me the inspiration I need to start listing more on Etsy-be on the look out for new designs!

serenity now

2010-06-14T07:58:00.007-04:00

Took a trip to Durham this weekend and while I was there I stopped into Heather Garrett Designs. Heather has the most beautiful and serene design store you have ever seen. She is so fantastic that her store is being featured in the 'What's Hot/Shops' section of the July/August issue of Elle Decor! As soon as you walk through the door you are drawn in by the calm colors and cozy interior collections she has placed. Creatively displayed amongst all of this is a line of Haden Designs. That's right, my jewelry is a small piece of this magnificent store. So, when in Durham, make sure you stop in and experience her creativity and all the local designers and artists she has featured!

RebusFest 4

2010-06-11T12:09:00.009-04:00

Getting ready for my first RebusFest 4 event! Looking forward to some oppressively hot NC summer weather, great music and yummie food (I will be spending all of my profits on Locopops).

I have some new things in the works for this show-along with some summer asymmetrical necklaces. Recently I've been working with some thicker chain-I fell in love with the way it feels when you wear it--its such a smooth polished chain that's bold and substantial, but light enough to be comfortable...Not to mention it makes a great statement with those summer frocks!

could this be a new shtick?

2010-04-07T22:06:00.009-04:00

I have recently had several people ask me to do bridal jewelry for them. This could be interesting--An opportunity to experiment with different materials and new designs. I picked up some sterling silver chain and some fantastic clear glass beads. I'm forcing myself to keep it simple. My first instinct is to try to use everything all at once. (I have a tendency to get over excited when I have a new project and new materials-who wouldn't right?) I think Ive gone to the extreme and they are too simplistic. So, I'll keep working to find the perfect balance. I'm loving the look of the rough brass with the vintage Japanese glass drops. Now I just need to work in that sterling silver some how.

Spring has arrived...

2010-04-07T20:59:00.007-04:00

Actually, it came a few weeks ago, but I wasn't ready quite yet with new designs for the season. There is nothing more motivating than Spring-except for a trip to NYC! I just got back from a visit with friends and while I was there I had the opportunity to hit up a few favorite shops of mine to get some new supplies---lots of inspiration! I was really drawn to the larger stones, each one is its own piece of jewelry. Really going to have to pace myself and not use them all up at once.

happy thanksgiving

2009-11-26T11:53:00.002-05:00

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Thanksgiving. This year Im avoiding the chaos of holiday shopping. For now, I am inspired to make gifts for everyone. If I dont make the gifts, then at least I would like to buy hand made. Im hoping to find some gifts at my next show that Im attending, The Designers Downtown Market. It is a great alternative to holiday shopping at the malls...plus Ill be there selling jewelry, which is always a nice present to give.

The market will be held in the parking lot of Ornamentea and surrounding area at 509 N. West st, Downtown Raleigh from 9am to 3pm

listen closely

2009-11-19T14:18:00.000-05:00

Its all about the earrings this holiday season, at least in my world. I love making earrings. Even more, I love wearing them. I have been making a lot of new styles, and have modified some of my old favorites. Im seeing a trend in my newer designs towards smokey gray and platinum colors mixed with the yellow brass and black oxidized chains. I am always a fan of the long dangles, but now I seem to be simplifying the stones and adding more chain. And, if you havent noticed already I love to mix the chains.

new designs

2009-11-11T19:31:00.010-05:00

Since I am frantically working on making enough jewelry to take to shows and sell for the holiday season, and since I have a problem making the same thing twice, a lot of new designs are coming out. Here are a few new earring designs. All are long and lean and would be an amazing complement to a holiday frock.

Rock, Paper, Scissors

2009-10-31T15:37:00.003-04:00

Its time for another show! Im busy making jewelry and only have one week left. Rock, Paper, Scissors is new to the Troika Music Festival this year, and I am super excited to be a part of it. It happens next weekend Saturday, November 7th, 2009 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Trotter Building.

The market will be filled with some really great vendors and three amazing local NC bands will be playing-Three Days in Vegas, Tin Star and Mt. Moriah. The whole festival takes place over three days (Friday, November 6th-Sunday, November 8th) and the music line up is a good one!

success!

2009-10-21T22:36:00.009-04:00

originally uploaded by (mint).

I participated in The Rock and Shop Vintage Market last weekend. It was lots of fun and a huge success! The jewelry looked great on the new displays and with the business cards and packaging it really came together.

originally uploaded by(mint)

Since I was busy behind the booth, I didn't get time to go check out the other vendors or take pictures of my own booth--as a vendor, huge mistake not taking pictures! Luckily, other vendors have posted pictures of the show and even posted pictures of my booth. I follow the blog Mint, and was quite surprised to see my booth in the blog posting! Thanks Hello Tenfold and Bigwig&Silver for taking such great photos. They both have an amazing collection of photography, custom stationary, note cards and post cards.

Thanks for the pictures!

ta-da!

2009-10-12T15:46:00.000-04:00

Its finally coming together...

Im going into the selling season with a whole new look! The new look is compliments of many, but the designers working on putting it together were Adrienne and Islam.

Adrienne took the photographs that were used for the business cards and had wonderful design input. You can see some of her photos on her blog Adrienneats.

Islam was the guy who made it all happen, made the whole look come to life. I now have amazing business cards, packaging, and marketing materials. Soooo sophisticated.

Thanks to everyone who helped!

tres excited

2009-10-06T20:16:00.000-04:00

I love participating in The Rock & Shop Markets and I Just found out I was accepted into The Rock & Shop Vintage Market! This one is going to be super exciting, new location, all vintage and up-cycled items and live bands Lonnie Walker and Mount Weather.

"It is a one-of-a-kind shopping experience; vintage furniture, fashion, art & music flea market featuring independent local and national designers plus live music by local performers--all at the Triangle's hottest new all-inclusive venue, The Cotton Room at Golden Belt.

Because its the Vintage Market, all of the jewelry that I will be bringing to the show has elements of upcycled chain, vintage beads and parts of other jewelry that I have deconstructed--half the fun of making this jewelry was finding the chain and vintage beads. Cant wait to see what you think. So, make sure you mark your calendars for Oct. 17th to come check out the new Rock & Shop Vintage Market!

***This is one of the necklaces with vintage brass, faceted glass and pearl beads.

Organikx

2009-10-02T11:04:00.000-04:00

I just came across some fantastic sterling silver jewelry on Etsy. Organikx is the name of the shop, and the pieces are made by Bridget Fauser. She has a very eclectic shop of hand forged silver, high polished silver, a mix of sterling and gold, and my absolute favorites are the large intricate natural stones she uses with the metal. Her stone choices are amazing!!!

I am a huge sucker for interesting large natural stones showcased in silver that has been a little distressed and oxidized. Seeing her work makes me want to get back into the studio behind a torch working with sterling silver again.

a day with out Jack

2009-09-26T02:51:00.000-04:00

All day without mon petit pois (my little pea). Since Nana is in town, I no longer exist in my sons eyes. So, I have decided to take advantage of the help and buckle down.

I cant even begin to describe how much I got done! Those of you who know what its like to stay at home with a little one, 18 months to be exact, know that there isn't a lot of productivity taking place during the day. Well, today was filled with what felt like luxuries-- Making jewelry, taking pictures of new pieces, blogging, applying to craft shows, and more craft shows, reading all the great info on Etsy...it was fabulous.

This is one of many necklaces I was able to make. Its part of my collection where I incorperate upcycled items. The yellow brass rope chain is from a necklace that I cut apart and the beads are antique Japanese glass.

I will call it...mon petit pois.

a little upcycled update

2009-09-23T16:20:00.000-04:00

Here's one of the pieces I made with the upcycled chain I got from last weekend. When I started out to make this necklace it wasnt my intention to make a piece of such contrast. But, somehow it evolved into that and it works. The chain is an upcycled heavy brass cable chain which compliments the thin, delicate oxidized brass chain. The smooth high polished round white quartz and metal grey beads set off the faceted smokey grey glass and milky white quartz. I think Ill try this style with some other types of chain and beads. Its a great length and goes with just about anything.

new treasures

2009-09-21T15:34:00.000-04:00

I set out this past weekend to find old costume jewelry and brass chain to use in my new 'up-cycled' designs. I hit up the local Raleigh flea market, garage sales and The Salvation Army. Hopefully its enough to keep me busy for a while.

a little PSL and a new line

2009-09-15T19:21:00.000-04:00

Today it happened. Internally it just felt right. So, I got it.

Im of course talking about my first Pumpkin Spice Latte and the feeling of Fall aproaching. Living in the South its very hard to judge because there are no signs, no cool crisp Autumn breeze. In fact I think it was in the upper 80's today. But, up North its happening and I know it-I can feel it! Years of growing up with Fall starting in September and Winter starting as early as October. I remember as a kid having to wear my winter coat and long johns under my costume because it was snowing for Halloween, it has conditioned me. My northern upbringing has tought me well to love the cold weather. I am a fanatic when it comes to this season. I pretty much wait all year for it and then get even more excited when it starts to snow--but, that is an entirely seperate post for another time.

In the spirit of Fall, I have created a fall line of jewelry. The look is big and bold with a lot of long layered chains this season. The colors are earth tones and bright oranges and yellows. Just in time for fall foliage! Im still into the yellow brass look so, there is alot of that too along with some oxidized copper and brass. Looking forward to the change in season and the change in wardrobe. I cant wait to pair it with a chunky sweater and boots. Did I mention I love Fall?

Metalliferous motivation

2009-09-09T13:21:00.000-04:00

Nothing is more motivating and inspiring than shopping for supplies! Also, nothing is as therapeutic as buying something--its a cure all. I just placed an order with Metalliferous and I cant wait for the goodies to come so I can start designing and making jewelry!

Hands down the most amazing place for jewelry supplies. Metalliferous used to be a favorite hang out of mine when I was working in NYC. Actually, it was quite dangerous financially . It wasn't unusual for me to walk just right around the corner from my office (thats how close it was) and spend an entire lunch hour looking at beads, fun findings or whatever crazy new tool they had. I of course couldn't leave empty handed. Not as satisfying to buy from them on line, but still just as fun when you get the new product. The store is a help yourself kind of place so, the whole excitement of going to the shop is to search, scrounge and get covered in metal dirt (definitely not the cleanest place in the world) looking for just the right item.

Cant wait for a NYC trip so I can go visit my favorite store and spend several hours searching for my next inspiration!

on display...

2009-09-08T14:16:00.000-04:00

Finally went to check out the IndieNC window today. There are a few of my necklaces displayed there and the whole display looks fantastic! I'm really excited that I could be a part of it. What a great idea using an empty store front to showcase local artists.

Michelle Smith is the driving force behind IndieNC. I first met Michelle when I participated in the shopping event she produces called The Rock and Shop market.

For those of you living in Raleigh the window is located at 230 Fayetteville Street in Raleigh (between the Mahler Gallery and Port City Java). Check it out--and keep a look out for more displays from other local NC artists!