serenity now

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

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?

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...

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

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

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

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.