Gallery of items

Katdesignsnyc's Magazine

I just joined this great etsy app tool to make your own etsy gallery magazine! Check it out!

Low cost advertising with perks!

I just found this site called IndieSmiles and I love it because it is so affordable. I don't have a huge budget for outside advertising, so finding a site that not only is not expensive there are perks to it! So I submitted my information and my link and picture was approved. Great, so now what? I've advertised in Craftopolis and CraftCult but never knew how many people were actually checking out my site. I have google analytics but I don't always depend on that.

So I received an email from indiesmiles that showed a link to see my how my ad was doing? The other sites certainly didn't do this. Not only that but the ads were more expensive and therefore not for me. When I saw that a two week ad would cost only $12, I couldn't believe it! A one month ad would cost only $20! I thought it was a trick or something so I entered in my information and went to paypal and paid. It was fast and easy and best of all, in my price range. I decided to join up and be an affiliate and help out others by offering 5% discount when you sign up under me and buy an ad.

Just click the link above marked indiesmiles and sign up today for low cost advertising! In case that link does not work try this one:

http://www.indiesmiles.com/?ref=9

Black Friday Sale!!

Starting midnight Thursday, Katdesignsnyc will have Free Worldwide shipping until Monday November 30!! That's right anywhere in the world will be free shipping no matter how much you order! There will not be a need for a code because all the listings will be set to 0 for the shipping charge. This is a great opportunity to pick up some items for yourself and for others just in time for Christmas. Check out my shop:

Katdesignsnyc Jewelry

New York City

I am super lucky to have a pretty view from my apartment. I love that I can see central park, well partially and I can see the big beautiful buildings like Times Square and the GE building. Since most of you are in other states thought it would be kewl too see a picture!

As you can see, I have a pretty great view and that's often difficult in New York unless you live super high up. Of course, I have this view because I'm on the 18th floor!

In other news, lol I was reading Vogue Magazine trying to keep up with trends. The only things that caught my eye besides the shoes, is how green eyeshadow is now the new black. As much as I like fashion (because I make jewelry I have to know something lol) it's as though we can never really be ourselves unless we continually reinvent our look. I'll admit it, I'm a jeans and t-shirt type of girl so wearing name brand anything is not on the top of my list. However, I love it when they start speaking about big and chunky. I like big clunky jewelry because they are not only kewl, but it's a statement all on its own. Wearing anything chunky looks horrible with too many pieces depending on how wide it is.  Three bangles not so wide look great together,  thin necklace connecting to a large wide pendant.  Big chunky smooth sophisticated rings are the thing for winter!  Read about that here:   http://www.vogue.com/voguedaily/2009/06/1912/  and check out the amazing photo gallery for a tremendous amount of inspiration.

Here is my little bit on big and chunky. Silvertone three stand bracelet with a toggle clasp.

Some other new pieces.....

Labradorite and Honey Necklace

Amethyst and Yellow Jade

Color Symbolism

What do colors mean to you? I was always a big fan of wearing black mostly because it goes with everything and simple to put together. I've never been able to just mix and match different colors together so I've been learning about that! Anyway, purple is my favorite color because it evokes a sense of calm and relaxation. My walls are light purple which everyone says makes them fall asleep quickly. They say that wearing certain colors does things to you like wearing blue makes you feel relaxed and blue symbolizes meditation. Red is for fiery people and usually makes the wearer hyper.  Orange symbolizes creativity and best worn by those who love to craft? Isn't that everyone in the world?? Yellow is for communication, which is great for getting information from people or if you want to get someone speaking to you. So what color is your favorite and why? While your thinking about that check out some new pieces I made!

Amethyst Wire Wrapped Pendant and Chain

Labradorite Wire Wrapped Pendant and Chain

Green Aventurine Wire Wrapped Pendant and Chain

For those who wanna see my mixed up dog!

Max my half chihuahua and half rottweiler

Just Born

Two years Old

New Earrings Added!

I have so much fun making jewelry, most importantly earrings. I've always believed that if you have to make a statement with jewelry, make it with earring. Earrings can take the place of necklaces and ultimately take your outfit to the next level. Especially when your hair is tussled or tied up, a bold pair of earrings lenghtens your outfit and face.

Here are some new pieces! Click on the name to take you straight to the shop!

Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Briolettes

The Raven, Nevermore.......

AAA Amethyst Wire Wrapped Briolette in Sterling Silver

14K Gold Filled Emerald Isle Briolette

Quick, easy, and healthy dish!

I work during the day for an accounting firm and from time to time I have to stay late. So my kids 12 and 13 come home super hungry. So it's now 6pm and they are driving me nuts for food! So I couldn't figure what the heck to make. Luckily I had some chicken breasts, whole wheat pasta, and canned garlic tomatoes. So here is my super quick 30 minute recipe.

Feeds 4 maybe 5       15 minutes prep 20 cook time

1box whole wheat penne pasta
1 1/2 lbs of chicken breast sliced thinly
1can diced tomato, garlic, and onion
2 tbs olive oil

Prepare water with salt and olive oil put the top on pot so it boils faster.  While the water is boiling, thinly slice the chicken. Slicing thinly helps the chicken cook quicker. I like to clean my meats with apple cider vinegar just a few dashes. After a few minutes, wash the acv off the chicken and set in a bowl. You can use whatever herbs you prefer for the chicken however, I like to sprinkle basil, garlic, and some pepper for a kick!  After you do that add the box of pasta in the pot, take your spoon or whatever and swirl the pasta around in the pot. Put the top back on. Put the flame on high and add 2tbs of oil, add the chicken and cook until no longer pink. Open the can of tomatoes and pour into the pan when the chicken is cooked all the way through.  Allow the mixture to simmer so put the flame to low and cover. Turn the fire off the pasta when soft enough but not too soft. Pour the pasta into a collander and wash with cold water.  Set this aside and check on chicken mixture.  After five minutes pour the pasta into the same pan as chicken and toss together.
Voila!

My kids loved this dish and it's even better when you make some garlic bread.  If you try out this dish let me know how it goes!

What do you do when.....?

When you have all your materials (whatever you craft) and you just can't think of something to make? I was feeling this way the other day and it drove me nuts. For some reason I had no idea what I wanted to make, and the one idea I got didn't come out so good? So I have another hobby that came before jewelry, bath and body. I've gotten quite a few orders Moonstruckmagic Bath & Body so I've been busy doing body sprays and even thought up some new ideas for scents. I try here and there to make customized scents depending on what scents I have. So since that is done and the orders have been shipped, I can concentrate on what I'm going to make this week once my order comes. Be sure to check out KatDesignsnyc shop for new pieces being added for all the November babies. Citrine pieces will be added as well as bridal items.

Very busy time...

Well how are you all doing? Me i'm good just trying to advertise my butt off!  Of course everyone knows it's not enought to have a good product, making sure your pictures are pristine. Nope you need to advertise like hell! Well because I love what I do that is exactly what I've been doing. I found some really great places and some even cheap! Right now I've been working on some gold fille pieces and sterling silver pieces! I've even sold a few which is awesome of course!!

Right now I would love for all of you to check out my Greenhouse Effect Treasury

Visit Greenhouse Effect Treasury

New Pendants and Colors!

I was browsing threw some bead shops here in NYC. They are almost always more expensive and therefore I prefer to shop on Etsy. I found these beautiful beads and just imagined all the wire wrapping I could possibly do with it! I know I need help LOL! So when I got home, my best friend said you know that would look great as a pendant. It would be so eye catching and so here it is.

I just love the colors in the pieces they really do just pop! I've also dabbled in mixing colors such as pink and green, pink and purples. Here are the beautiful pendants below.

So please check out my shop to see the pieces and maybe buy one for a friend or keep it for yourself!

http://katdesignsnyc.etsy.com/

Some Major Exciting News!!!

I'm sure all of you know about Etsy and just how wonderful it is! I'm also quite sure that you get their emails (if subscribed) and see the featured sellers for a particular weekend deal or special. Well I'm happy to say that I've been picked to be in the extended Labor Day weekend deals!! Here is a post from mary mary!

"I'm writing to inform you that this item has been selected to highlight your shop and promotion in our upcoming extended Labor Day Weekend Deals article to publish this Friday. There will be two editions of Weekend Deals publishing for the holiday weekend and yours will be featured in the Friday edition."

Check out my shop!    KatDesignsnyc

You cannot understand just how excited I am and how much I screamed along with my kids lol. I know those who have made it on the frontpage or was featured in the emails may not have been as excited. But, I am because my shop is pretty new as I've only started selling Jewelry since July.  Just so you know, my upcoming weekend deal is September 3-7. Get 10% off your order excluding shipping.  Just put weekend deals in the notes to seller and your done!

I've got the "Blues"......... September blues!

This month is dedicated to the September babies. This month is special to me since my kids were born in this month. I decided to ask some etsy sellers to showcase their  items for September babies. Please take a moment to comment on their many wonderful items! If you know someone expecting next month these selections will make terrific gifts!

Modernemotive

BOYS RULE!


Know someone that’s having a baby boy? Send this modern card to the mom-to-be. Available in two colors.

:: s u m m a r y ::
- listing is for 1 card + envelope
- measures approximately 4.25” (W) x 5.5” (H) folded
- printed on 100lb FSC certified 100% PCW cover stock in cool white*
- partnered with a complimentary envelope (A2)**
- blank on the inside, hand cut and scored
- protected in a plant-based bio-degradable and compostable cello sleeve
For this and more great items on clearance:
Visit Modernemotive's Shop

EclecticabyJan

Baby Blue  Crocheted Blanket
Custom orders welcome - what colors would you like?


Soft shades of blue, accented with crisp white and a touch of lavender, make this a comfy blanket for any baby. It is made using the same color-block method as in my signature afghans and throws.

I use a favorite stitch pattern that produces a light, almost fluffy texture, reminiscent of your favorite thermal jammies. And just like the thermals, it will keep baby warm without weight.

Best of all, the worsted-weight acrylic yarn is hypoallergenic, washable, colorfast, and durable. The care couldn't be easier: Machine wash and dry.
Dimensions are approximately 28" wide by 29.5" long. That's about 71 cm by 75 cm in metric.
For this and more terrific items:
Visit EclecticabyJan



KraftyLadyKreations

Organic Light Blue Baby High Top  Sneaker Bootie's

These booties are made with Natures' Choice Organic Cotton yarn by Lion Brand Yarn. Nature's Choice is grown and spun without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals. The dyes used to create the beautiful colors are certified organic. Hand wash only, lay flat to dry.
For this and more wonderful items:
Visit KraftyladyKreations

Kitty's Korner Shop

Roll Brim Baby Hat

This roll brim hat is adorable and perfect for the little boy or girl in your life. Knit with black and blue 100% acrylic yarn - makes it soft, stretchy, and durable. It unrolls to fit baby's growing head for many months.


Great for baby's first hat or as a baby shower gift.

Size: birth to 6 months
Circumference: 14" relaxed to 17" stretched.
Machine wash warm and tumble dry medium
If you need me to ship outside USA, please convo me so that I can get a shipping quote
For this and more great items please visit:
Visit Kitty'sKornerShop


If you would like to view more items please click the link below!
Etsy's got the blues for September!

Daisy Earrings

You all know I have a fascination for flowers.  Well I've decided to make those great flower pendants into earrings. I made a pair just for myself but I'm selling these.

Amethyst Daisy Flower Earrings

Gorgeous and simply breathtaking. Wire wrapped briolettes will get you noticed no matter what your wearing.

Amethyst Briolette Wire Wrapped Earrings

Amethyst & Honey Briolette Daisy Earrings

Amethyst & Honey Wire Wrapped Briolettes

Dodecanese Flower Pendant

I was so happy yesterday! I sold my favorite flower pendant to one of my friends. He purchased it for his girlfriend and I hope she will be happy with it. It was an offline purchase but still a purchase. I need to pick up some more montana blue brios to make some more as they are my favorite. The blue color with the gold just made it gorgeous. Hope everyone is doing well. I need to get ready for september. Both my kids were born in september and two days apart LOL. Besides that I was hoping to feature some blue items especially for the month of September.

Tips for buying chains

Most often when selecting any piece of jewelry, you figure you know your size for rings, bracelets and such. Chains and pendants however are different. The size of the chain and or pendant affects your look, and overall style. I am no expert nor have a certain style LOL but I have however been reading up quite a bit.

Chokers   14-16 inches
These are best worn with open collars and boatneck tops.
This size chain wraps closely to the neck

Princess    16-18 inches
This size is best worn with a button down blouse with two buttons open.
Great for the office
This size stays close to the neck. If a pendant is attached it will hang above the breast bone depending on the size of the pendant.

17-20 inches
Meets at the top of the breast bone

Matinee    20-24 inches
Wear this size under a collar shirt or turtleneck
 Wear big bold layered or  a multistrand necklace
This size meets at the top of the bust line

Opera     30-36 inches
This size is more for formal, semi formal dresses
Best benefit of this size is that it can be doubled.

Learning about this has helped me a lot and hopefully will do the same for you! Leave me some comments and let me know what you think.

Smell the pretty flowers!

I've had this passion for making briolette flowers because they are just gorgeous! I've been working on combinations of colors and sizes. So far my favorite is the blue one (Dodecanese) and Amethyst. I just love purple and I mean purple anything! My obsession goes so far, that my walls are purple. Light purple walls I'm not that crazy? So please show some love and check out my creations.

I love flowers so naturally I couldn't resist making a pendant out of one! This one is beautiful with six amethyst briolettes wire wrapped with silver wire. In the middle are five wire wrapped purple (ab) swarovski beads. I used some goldtone wire for a different look. On top of that is a swarovski crystal clear faceted bead. The wire used to make the bail is silver artistic wire. The chain is measures about 24 inches in length. The pendant is about 2 inches in lenth.

I love flowers so naturally I couldn't resist making a pendant out of one! This one is beautifully wire wrapped with pearlescent round beads. In between the round beads are beautiful blue blossoms on top and all around the pendant. I used silver artistic wire for the bottom beads. In the middle displays three nugget pacific blue colored beads wire wrapped with goldtone wire. The wire used to make the bail is silver artistic wire. The chain is measures about 24 inches in length. The pendant is about 2-2 1/2 inches in lenth.

Beautiful Raspberry Jade Briolette Flower

Visit My Etsy Shop

How important is jewelry?

Chains, bracelets, rings, and earrings are more than just pieces of jewelry. They are an extension of who we are and it can describe the type of person who wears it. I love jewelry that is simple and not too flashy. I love gold but alternate with silver. If i'm really in love with a piece of jewelry I will definitely mix it up.  I don't mind following up with color trends but, I don't like wearing what everyone else is wearing. I've never been one to follow the crowd so my styles vary depending on whatever catches my eye. Color is another important part of jewelry. I wear colors that are probably more suited for winter meaning darker colors. That also includes my clothing!

Here are a few of my favorite pieces!
This one is titled Dodecanese. Dodecanese is a group of islands in southeastern Greece in the aegean sea. Although Dodeca means 12 (petals) islands, the group actually consists of 50 islands and islets. This pendant is so pretty and reminiscent of beautiful blue waters. Montana Glass briolettes and Aqua Blue Teardrops wire wrapped with goldtone wire make this pendant/chain just gorgeous!

The Grapes of Wrath
These earrings will captivate and delight your pretty ears! Beautiful colors perfectly mixed for summer days and summer nights! Beautiful amethyst briolettes perfectly mixed with lite green beads wire wrapped together. The ear wires are gold plated and the components are goldtone.