Kathryn Designs Artifact Amulet to appear on "The Vampire Diaries"

     On my birthday, I got an amazing phone call! A few months back, I had submitted a piece of my jewelry to the stylist for the hit CW show "The Vampire Diaries" via The Artisan Group.  It turns out they want to use my necklace on the show!  My Artifact Amulet Necklace is scheduled to be worn on the show on episode 12, season 5, which will air in December.

Artifact Amulet Necklace by Kathryn Designs

     I was inspired to create an "elegant dagger" design, using Goldie Bronze metal clay and a lovely faceted smoky quartz stone. The result is a unique piece of art jewelry that combines old world design with a modern sensibility.

     Click HERE to read all about it! I will post updates once the show airs in December.

Kathryn Designs Jewelry: Gifted on The Wendy Williams Show

Once again, The Artisan Group has opened up a huge door for Kathryn Designs!
My { No Time For} Fool's Gold necklace will be making the trip to The Wendy Williams Show for a special segment and Oscars Swag giveaway episode on February 22nd.

If you have a Pinterest addiction, like me, you will probably love The Artisan Group's board of all the amazing handcrafted creations that will be gifted on the show!  You will find everything from bath and body products, jewelry, stationery, scarves, hair accessories, and even a gorgeous clutch handbag.

Inspired by the gold faceted polymer beads I created last month, I decided to make some beautiful bling-ed out statement necklaces using small and large versions of the beads, crystal beads, and crystal rondelles.  I hope Wendy loves the necklace!

{No Time For} Fool's Gold Necklace

Be a wrap star this holiday season: Beaded wrap bracelet tutorial

A preview of my bracelet tutorial, as featured in the upcoming November/ December issue of the Maryland Women's Journal, Montgomery County Edition.

We all know the holiday season can become stressful and hectic. Based on my background as an Art Therapist, I cherish the process of creating as a way to relax, recharge, and restore a sense of playfulness to my life.  As a full time jewelry designer, I fell in love with these chic and easy to create wrap bracelets.  Try this simple project to add a little rejuvenating sparkle to your holidays.  Memory wire makes these bracelets versatile, as they will adjust to fit any wrist.  

Tools and Supplies:

• Heavy duty wire clippers (do not use delicate jewelry clippers with memory wire)
• Round nose or chain nose pliers
• One package bracelet sized memory wire
• An assortment of beads.  Use beads of the same color family in different shades and styles for a fun Boho-Chic look.  
• (Optional) Hollow rubber or velour tubing, cut into various lengths. 

To assemble the bracelet:

• Decide how wide you want your bracelet.  For the pieces pictured, I used between 5 and 8 loops of coiled memory wire. Cut the wire slightly longer than the finished piece will be.
• Use the pliers to curl or loop back one end of the bracelet.  Hold the wire firmly in one hand, and use the pliers to curl back the tip of the wire, against the direction of the curve in the wire.
• Start beading the wire, using either a repeated pattern, or have fun using random placement.  For one bracelet, I used various lengths of velour tubing with crystal and turquoise beads in symmetrical groupings.  For the next two, I used a random selection of blue or black and gray beads.
• To avoid tangles in the coiled memory wire, hold the wire perpendicular at the end that is not looped, and allow the beads to travel down the coil to the looped end.
• When you have completed beading the bracelet, cut the wire just short of 1/2" from the last bead.  Make sure the beads are pushed tightly together, then create another wire loop.
• Voila! Your bracelet is complete.  If you are like me, you will want to create another! 
• Add some beaded dangles and charms to the end loops for some added punch :)

Note: Wear protective goggles when cutting memory wire, as small pieces of cut wire could cause injury. 

Use pliers to curl back the tip of the wire by going against the direction of the curve in the wire.

Wrap bracelets and rings now available in my shop too..http://www.kathryndesignsjewelry.com

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Vacation in Naples, Florida and a necklace for Vanessa Lachey!

I'm slowly getting back into the groove after a lovely, pampering, totally indulgent trip to the amazing Ritz Carlton in Naples, Florida..  If you are ever looking for a place to be treated like a queen, it is the place to be! The service is just unparalleled.  The beach is gorgeous, the restaurants are fabulous, and I did not want to leave!

Ritz Carlton Naples

Yes, that is me under one of those umbrellas :)

When I got home, I finished up a necklace that is being sent to Vanessa Lachey, via The Artisan Group.

Sunset Necklace with Fire Opal

I am also working on some new designs that are completely different than anything I've done before- unisex designs in faux ivory, metal clay, and polymer clay.  Stay tuned for photos!  

A gift for Tyra Banks and a new website for me

There are many good things brewing here at Kathryn Designs!

I have once again been given a great opportunity via The Artisan Group.  I recently sent this gemstone and mixed media necklace for a special gift bag for lovely Tyra Banks.

I used a gorgeous champagne CZ and added a vintage inspired beaded chain.  I hope she likes it! 

Today, I launched my new website,kathryndesignsjewelry.com, which will replace my Artfire shop.  I have loved being a part of the Artfire community, but I decided it was time fly from the nest.  For the time being, if you visit my old shop, you will see a link to my new site.  I took all new photos for my shop, so it was quite a project!  I am happy to be back in the studio today, creating some new pieces.  

Here is a sample of one of my new photos:

Mixed media pendant, champagne CZ, garnets, polymer clay, and resin

I hope everyone is having a great summer and staying safe and cool! 

<3