I Wanted The Best, I Got The Best!

Music is such a huge part of my life. From the moment I became a jewelry designer, I knew that a lot of my designs were going to be inspired by Rock 'n' Roll. But never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be designing for the ultimate rock star! I've been inspired by so many artists and have seen so many great bands live in concert, but I have to say that my all time favorite band is Kiss. I have been a Kiss fan since I was 11. In fact, my very first concert was Kiss back in...nevermind, I don't want to give away my age ;) ...because I want to say that I was 12 at the time and even then, I knew this band was "It"! That night is still one of the greatest of my life! Paul Stanley, Kiss' co-founder, guitarist and starry eyed singer/songwriter, has always been my perfect example of what a rock star should be. Over their 30+ years in the business, Kiss has been through ups, downs and several line-up changes and through it all, Paul has never lost sight of his dreams for long range and long-term success. Because he continues to live by his own rules and refuses to let anyone keep him from his goals or succeeding at what he sets out to do, Paul is and will always be one of my biggest inspirations. And in the world of Rock 'n' Roll, to me, he is God.

I was so very fortunate to have been able to personally deliver a necklace I designed for Paul, entitled "Star Child" - named after his Kiss persona. After my very first Kiss concert, this goes down as the next greatest moment in Kisstory!



Jen & Lisa Loeb in NYC

"Tickled Pink" Necklace by Violet & Blue

The fabulous Lucy Woodward backstage in NYC.
Ivory Cabochon Flower Pendant w/ Pearls from Violet & Blue

Sneak Peek at Spring

If you are like me, you've had it with winter and can't wait for longer days, warm sunshine and sipping cocktails under umbrella covered tables at outdoor cafes.  Spring also brings new trends in clothes and accessories - brighter, lighter fabrics and great pieces to complete your look.  As a designer, I've been following the hottest trends for Spring 2011 in jewelry.  I picked my five favorite trends and decided to create my Spring Collection around them.  Here is a sneak preview of what is in store for Violet & Blue come Spring.

Statement Necklaces
From complex, structural geometric patterns to more colorful and summery designs oversized jewelry will take a variety of different forms in the following season.  Necklaces are the perfect way to create a stronger emphasis on the upper part of the body and to make a simple outfit really stand out. 
From Violet & Blue's Spring Collection
Black, multi-strand necklace with bold blasts of fuchsia.

Blue Green
This color combination is going to be hot this coming Spring and Summer.  It's especially going to be a fun year for blue.  Blue topaz, Aquamarie and Turquoise, together with serene shades of green, will lift the spirit and dress
up your favorite t-shirt and jeans. 
From Violet & Blue's Spring Collection
Large green ceramic heart w/ turquoise mesh covered bead on a simple chain with an antique gold finish.

Tassels & Fringe
Tassels & fringe have already appeared on the runways of  Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuitton this year.  Whether they are 70s inspired tassel earrings or overdone necklaces with a little bits of fringe, this is definitely a trend worth trying this Spring.  If you're looking to wear something completely different than what you are used to, try adding some fringe by way of jewelry.
From Violet & Blue's Spring Collection
Fringed flower pendant/brooch necklace.

White on White
Probably the easiest trend to incorporate into your wardrobe, white is now perfectly complimented with....well, white. Top designers have been showing off shades of bright whites with soft ivory accents.  White also appears in another big trend this upcoming season (see below).  Try wearing a white on white necklace with an all black outfit to incorporate two trends in one outfit.
From Violet & Blue's Spring Collection
White seashell and glass bead necklace.

Black & White
This has to be my favorite trend of the season.  This classic combination can be worn in big statement pieces and more simple designs.  Try incorporating black & white with bold colors in your wardrobe like red and yellow.
From Violet & Blue's Spring Collection
Black and white charm bracelet.


All of these designs and the rest of Violet & Blue's Spring Collection 2011 will be available starting next month.  For shopping information, please visit Violet & Blue's website.

Modern Day Betty Crocker

cute designs for clutzes like me :)

The last few Sundays I've had the best time making brunch for friends, but one thing that's inevitable is at some point I ruin another article of clothing from splatters or getting soaked because I somehow can't comprehend the kitchen sink. 

Anyway, I've been saying that I needed to get an apron, even though I thought aprons when out with poodle skirts.  But, I was so happy to find a huge selection of fabulous designs that I would definitely wear proudly!  I searched Etsy and have picked out a few favorites and even purchased a couple.  I love to cook for love ones, but I would like to save some shirts too.  I admit it - I'm not graceful in the kitchen. But I do make a mean waffle. :) 

Shopping Guide
top apron
4 Tier Apron by funandflirty on Etsy
bottom row, left to right
Green Gardens One Hundred Percent Cotton Apron by apronsgonewilde on Etsy
Time to Cook - Retro Clocks Full Adult Chef Apron  by HandmadeWhimzy on Etsy

Beach Dot Classic Reversible Adult Apron by luckyduckydesigns on Etsy

Check Out Them Hooters!



Vintage owl necklace
 from Rhiannon's Garden
www.rhiannonsgarden.etsy.com

Aside from making jewelry, I am an avid collector of vintage jewelry.  In scouring the area for vintage gems and doing some research, a continuous trend I've found to be hot hot hot is owls.  Extra long, antique gold and silver finished chains, adorned with these cute little creatures, are flying (no pun intended) out of the doors of many antique shops and dealers worldwide.  In fact, I've sold several of these critters on my Etsy vintage shop.  Bloggers have taken to the internet reporting about everything from owl clothing to owl wall decals.  I'd much rather focus on the jewelry.  :)  I have to say that I am loving this trend.  What do you guys think?  Give a hoot?

Designing for a Pop Icon

I love creating custom designs, but designing something for one of my childhood idols was an absolutely amazing experience!  Back in December I was fortunate enough to design a necklace for 80's Pop Icon, Tiffany.  Because of our mutual adoration for Stevie Nicks, I named the necklace I created "Gypsy".  It features two tiers of silver chain adorned with black, deep purple and burnt orange Swarovski crystals.


Tiffany & Jen wearing Violet & Blue

All Things Are Possible With Hope

I recently learned that one of my friends from High School was diagnosed with cancer of the appendix (specifically, adenocarcinoma) in 2005. It is a very rare cancer, affecting approximately 1,500 people a year.  Dana is currently undergoing chemotherapy for the third and hopefully, final time.

In honor of Dana's courage and continuous positive attitude, I have designed a special pendant which is currently up for bid on eBay until April 24, 2010.  100% of the final sale price will support Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, a place near and dear to Dana's heart and where she currently receives treatment.  The donation will be made in Dana's honor.

The necklace is a silver plated, mini link chain that measures 18" in length. The glass pendant is handmade and measures 1"x1". The pendant reads "All things are possible with HOPE", a quote that Dana had requested, and features a butterfly - a perfect symbol of hope. The pendant is also adorned with matching wire wrapping, Swarovksi crystals and small silver beads.

I am inspired by Dana's strength and positivity.  We recently met for dinner to catch up on each others lives and four hours later, I was thrilled to learn that at 32, life just keeps getting better for her. 

To bid on this special necklace, please click here. 

We appreciate all of your support. 



Jen & Dana

Violet & Blue's Got a Sister!



After months of hard work, I am happy to announce the opening of V&B's sister store - Rhiannon's Garden!  Do you love vintage?  Then this store is for you!  Rhiannon's Garden is committed to bringing you high quality authentic vintage clothing, accessories and home goods.  I've been having fun frequenting estate sales, auction houses and closets. :)  I'm learning so much about designers, artists and labels.  My passion began when I started creating my Antique Boutique Collection for Violet & Blue.  I like finding old pieces and incorporating them into modern day life.  Speaking of, Rhiannon's Garden also offers some great modern gifts too - items include framed prints from my own photography collection.  In the weeks to come I will be working on some handmade items with a vintage flair.  I am really excited about this new venture.  The response has been overwhelming since it's official opening on March 1st.  I invite you all to visit the online store.  I hope you find something you like!

To visit Rhiannon's Garden online, please click here.

Camp Tomorrow Collection

On Saturday, February 13th, Violet & Blue teamed up with Buffalo Zach's Cafe to bring you the Camp Tomorrow Collection. This collection has been a work in progress and we are so excited that it's actually come to fruition.

Some 2 ½ years ago, with the help of three of the most prestigious New York hospitals, the proprietor of this unique café, Peter Swersey, decided to fulfill a dream of his by building the first Survivorship retreat and sanctuary for Cancer patients in this country, just outside of beautiful Roscoe, NY. It was the profound loss of three of his family members to the horrific disease of Cancer that drew him to this mission.

This very strong commitment of his had him spend over 1 ½ years in the planning stages to launch what will become known as “Camp Tomorrow”, A Place of Hope, Renewal and Healing; so Cancer survivors can remain cancer free for the remaining years of their lives.

The inception of Buffalo Zach’s Café in Roscoe will serve as a support and foundation for the funding of “Camp Tomorrow”. The opening for his retreat is scheduled in the near future and hopefully will be the beginning of many more cancer survival retreats in the country.

Violet & Blue is happy to announce that a portion of the proceeds from this very special collection will go to help "Camp Tomorrow". The response to the collection has been overwhelming since it's debut and we couldn't be more thrilled. More pieces are being created and will be available at Buffalo Zach's Cafe soon! If you would like more information about the "Camp Tomorrow" Collection and/or interested in making a purchase but don't live in the Roscoe, NY area, please email violetandblue@hotmail.com.

Jen and Buffalo Zach's Cafe owner, Peter Swersey

Rockin' Out

I love making custom pieces, but making custom pieces for rock stars is the ultimate! Recently I had the opportunity of creating a custom piece for Jeremy Henshaw, bassist for Tulsa rockers SafetySuit. Jeremy was looking for an antique piece - a necklace - with an old key, specifically. Through the powers of the internet, I came across an actual skeleton key, circa early 1900s, that I thought would be perfect. I added a few modern, silver pieces: a lobster-claw clasp, spacer beads and a bail in order to create a pendant out of the key. I strung everything on a black suede cord and the result was a combination of something old and something new.

I was fortunate enough to catch up with Jeremy as his band made a stop in New York City while currently out on tour. The necklace looks absolutely amazing on him and I was thrilled he was happy with the design.

These guys can rock!

For info. & tour dates, visit:

http://www.safetysuitmusic.com

If you would like more information about Violet & Blue custom orders, please send an email to violetandblue@hotmail.com

Antique Boutique

My boyfriend, Jonathan, is a pro at antiquing (v. to shop for or collect antiques). During one of his recent adventures, he acquired someone's old jewelry box filled with fashion jewelry. Being the kind soul that he is, he handed the box over to me to see what I could make out of it. I introduce to you now, my new collection I like to call Antique Boutique. Made from both vintage and new materials, the pieces in this collection are still one of a kind but now have a little bit of someone else's history attached. Like the example picture above, I took a gold plated charm bracelet that featured charms representing the previous owner's children and made it into a whimsical charm bracelet, adorned with new charms. Now I am on my own mission, with Jonathan's help, to scour the New York area for vintage finds so that I can add to this new collection. This is really exciting!

To check out the current pieces available for purchase in the Antique Boutique Collection, click here.

Joan's Jewelry Box

In August 2005, I had the worst day of my life thus far. My mom, Joan, passed away suddenly. It's been a long road to get to where I am today, and I'm now at a point where I want to celebrate my mom's memory.

AN IDEA IS BORN
My mother had an extensive collection of jewelry. In going through her box of costume jewelry, two things dawned on me. First, as much as I hate to admit it, I wouldn't wear any of the pieces. They are beautiful but not exactly my style. Then, it dawned on me that I could make some really unique pieces out of my mom's old jewelry. Thus the idea of Joan's Jewelry Box was created!

THE COLLECTION
I have created a Limited Edition collection featuring bits and pieces of my mom's jewelry into one of a kind Violet and Blue pieces. Some of the designs can be purchased on the Violet and Blue shop on Etsy. Others will be transformed into custom designs. This collection is only available until December 31, 2009. Order your items now!

SPECIAL MEANING, SPECIAL CAUSE
Part of the proceeds from the sales from the Joan's Jewelry Box collection will be donated to the PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) Foundation. My mom suffered from PKD for the last several years of her life. A month after she passed away, I participated in the PKD Foundation's Annual Walk for PKD, their signature fundraising event. My team, Joan's Butterflies, was the second place fundraising team in the adult division. Nothing would make me happier than to make another donation to this wonderful Foundation. To learn about the PKD Foundation's mission and find out about their upcoming events, click here.

"I Love Rock and Roll"

Do I ever?! While I like many genres of music, Rock and Roll is my favorite. When I used to daydream about being a rock star I used to envision myself as a sort of Joan Jett kind of rock star. Tough chick, strong lyrics and great stage presence. Not to mention looking absolutely amazing in black leather pants. These earrings are my Ode to Joan Jett.