Tuesday 30 July 2013

Where to Start: When you don’t know Where to Start



Every so often, people come into the store and look a little lost.  We know this can be an intimidating place with so many choices, and so much to take in. Although exciting for some it can be overwhelming for others. Even both at the same time!

Often we hear that our customer wants to make (insert jewellery item here), but doesn't know where to start. People usually have an idea of the item they want to make (necklace, earrings, bracelet) but don’t know what they want the final result to look like, and don’t know how to put it together.  Trust us - putting it together is the easy part, and we can help with that. It is the choosing and fine-tuning to achieve the look that you want, that is the hard part.

What you need is to search for inspiration.

Sometimes inspiration can be illusive and other times it just won’t stop flowing.  This post is for those you that are having a hard time seeking it out.

Inspiration can be found anywhere.  It you are feeling at a loss, go for a walk, look through a magazine, or sift through pinterest.  Here at the store we subscribe to In Style.  It is always exciting when the new issue arrives and we all madly flip through to see what gorgeous jewellery and clothing has made it pages.  

If you need a specific piece of jewellery for a special outfit or fabulous event, look at the outfit.  Does the outfit need some more colour, do you want to try and bring attention to a specific part of the outfit, what is the piece of jewellery going to bring to the outfit?  

There are a huge number of talented jewellery designers out there, have a look at what they are doing, find something you like and then redesign it to make it your own.

For those of you that struggle with matching colour, here are a few websites for you to look at:
This site looks at colours being worn by people in Paris, Milan, and Antwerp right now
Fashion Trendsetter looks at current fashion, and colour trends.
When all else fails, look at a colour wheel, or play with paint chips!

In the end, a piece of jewellery plays a part of who you are. For that bit of time anyway. So enjoy it, and have fun with it ~ whether it is bold, demure, pretty or sophisticated. It all has it's place.

Thursday 11 July 2013

Khatsilano Days - Sat. July 13th

Who doesn't love a music festival?  Vancouver is a wonderful place all year round despite the rain, but we all know that summer in Van is something special.  Part of what makes this fine city so great is the festival atmosphere that takes over the summer streets.  Our favorite street closing party is right here on 4th, Khatsilano Days!  Look forward to vendors and music! There are more than 50 bands playing an array music and it's all for FREE!  There will be food, art, music, activities and the Sun! What more could we ask for? Maybe I shouldn't say Sun so soon. =)
 
Come down and dance in the streets! Enjoy the color, the noise, the food and the creativity that abounds in this city! We will have some fun projects on the go to keep you bright and colorful through the summer.

Saturday 6 July 2013

July Birthstone! Ruby

Ruby is a stone of passion and courage!  Long prized for it's beauty ruby can help you ground into the Earth and tap into your inner fire.  The color of Ruby ranges from pink to red and even orange.  Let this amazing stone strengthen your love, passion and connection to the Earth.

www.countrybeads.com