Custom jewelry orders make me happy!

SO I'm sure you've all been on the edges of your seats wondering what's going on with TKO since we moved to PDX ... well ... here's some tidbits:

Hubby is working diligently on a TKO site redesign which will be more dynamic and showcase the latest and greatest stuff from TKO. In addition - this fabulous new site will allow me to easily add new pieces and won't require him doing a complete site overhaul just to add a collection or two. Hopefully ... this will all be done by the holidays ... but with us both working f/t jobs you can't be too sure.

I've been working on some fun custom orders ... and slowly building out new collection pieces (probably will be revealed in the Spring). Looks for fun blues (montana and sapphire) as well as purples and reds. As always -- you can see pics of the stuff I've been playing with on my flickr page.

My friend Thea ordered a couple of green necklaces from me for Thanksgiving ... as seen here and above I created several options for her. These two were her faves!!

and for Cate -- who has a passion for Orange ...

I'm totally loving the custom stuff ... it's very inspiring and helps me keep my creative juices flowing ... AND I'm using some of the fun and inspirational one-of-a-kind pendants and beads that I've been "hoarding" like they're too valuable to use. What a waste -- truly -- they should be used for jewelry ... to be worn by those I love and adore ... not stored in a bag - in a box - in my living room.

Other than that ... getting ready for the holidays and settling into our new home.

Life is good

Pre Holiday Sale now on!!

In honor of the upcoming holidays – and as an incentive for those of you who like to plan ahead

I'M OFFERING FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS INCLUDING CUSTOM ORDERS - PLACED BEFORE NOVEMBER 15TH!!

Now’s the time to buy that necklace or earrings you’ve been LUSTING after!! HURRY – these kinds of things don’t happen every day!!

GO – SHOP – WEAR!! TKO!!

Back to beading ...

Well -- it's been a while since I've made jewelry ... and after much rearranging of our little apt and spme orders from my loyal ladies out there ... and a little gentle nudging by hubby ... I finally got off my duff and made some stuff. You can always see what I'm working on by checking out my Latest & Greatest.

So first, my good friend Debbie in St. Louis ordered the Christine Ear Chain Drop earrings from my site ... she's been such a patient and loyal supporter of my endeavor ... much love darling!!

In addition I got two requests for custom orders. One from my Cousin Karen in Minnesota who wanted to give her mother-in-law Gloria a matching set of TK Originals earrings and necklace. She really liked the Rose Cluster Necklace and earrings -- but thought with Gloria's coloring and an October Birthday -- perhaps lighter on the pinks and heavier on the fall colors.

Here's what I came up with ...
perhaps the start of my Fall/Winter collection: Gloria.
Thanks for the inspiration Karen!!

The other from my good friend Thea in San Francisco also placed a custom necklace order. She was heading to New York to chill with her girlfriends and wanted a necklace with some coral pieces. She was looking for an asian/exotic/bold look ... and said "I trust your creativity!!"

Inspired ... this is what I came up with ... and she loved it!!

Custom orders keep me inspired ... now that I'm set up ... please feel free to get in touch with me about your "dream" jewelry!

XO
tab

YELP!!

OK I officially have a favorite thing to do ... YELP!!

You can go online and rate restaurants, stores, everything ... so I figured ... why not get TK Originals on there!!

Please go and express yourself ... here's my page ... tell me what you really think :)

And feel free to add me as a friend - I'm under Tabitha R "finicky about service" if your search for me ... I'd love to hear you yelp!!

heh.

Tabitha

Well ... no progress ... but the orders are rolling in

It's a very sad day ... I've been working long hours at my "real" job ... which leaves me with pathetic little energy at the end of the day. I need to work on that. Perhaps eating better? Hmmm something to think about .

Anywho -- I'm (un)happy to report that I've made NO progress on my studio ... and have orders coming in (three to be specific). I really need to get motivated.

Don't misunderstand ... we've been SLOWLY unpacking ... we bought and repainted a used dresser last weekend ... and I did check out a bead store here in Portland (I give it a 6.5).

So ... we're S L O W L Y settling in.

I must say to all of you out there who read my blog and want my creations - please do not think if you place an order that your merchandise won't ship within the promised 10 days ... it MOST DEFINITELY will!!

I do wonder if anyone reads these silly posts ... if they do ... and are looking for some 411 on the TKO jewelry ... my most sincere apologies. Within the week (I PROMISE) I will be back to jewelry making ...

please feel free to post comments and let me know you're out there ...

xo

Lea's wedding ... a beautiful day

So ... she's married ... and yes - of COURSE we're all so very happy and excited, not only that the day was all they dreamed of ... but that they're hitched!!

The event was absolutely GORGEOUS -- down to the last detail. That girl knows what she wants and knows how to put on an amazing event!!

I've posted pictures on my flickr account if you'd like to see all the debauchery ... but here's a couple good shots of the jewelry ... it was GORGEOUS and GLAMOROUS ... and I'm glad I was able to not only create it but wear it!

And the bride looked beautiful ... of course!!

The day was so well planned out and thought out ... and most importantly -- we got her married off!! Just kidding. Lea & Gene are wonderful for each other ... a match made in heaven ... and it's clear that their partnership was one that was meant to be!!

Ok, enough of the cliche's ... I'm so happy for Lea & Gene ... and I was honored to have been part of their beautiful day!!

Jonesing for beading ...

So ... with our hectic schedules ... let's just say there's been no time for beading lately. I'm really feeling the "need to bead!" ha ha ... yes I'm a dork in more ways than just having lots and lots of beads.

Studio will hopefully be set up next week -- this weekend is back to San Francisco for Lea & Gene's wedding ... which I'm excited about -- not about rising at 3 am to go the airport (sans liquids) ... but definitely about the big day!!

So. Cal Wedding Jewels

I just sent off the bridesmaid's jewelry for my friend Jeannie's wedding ... which will be September 16th ...

Here are a few of the pieces


Hope she likes 'em !!

TKO arrival in Portland

Well ... we made it ...

It was a very VERY long trip - and BOY do we have a lot more stuff than I thought!! I will say that about an hour ago I was TRULY ready to throw all my beads out the window ...

but I'm happy to report that I did NOT!!

So ... once the studio is set up ... TKO will be back up and running.

In the meantime ... here's our new home ... Cat calls it the Blueberry ... I can live with that :)

xo

TK Originals moves to Portland

Well ... it's official ... we're moving to Portland. Today is our last Friday and now the fun task of packing the truck and hauling our stuff outta here comes.

I have lots and lots of beads ... wish I had less ... they're taking forever to pack!!

Oh well ... more news later ... from our new digs!!

Beadissimo PJ Party

The Beadmo PJ party was a roaring success ... we wore PJs with monkeys, bunnies, happy bunnies and spongebob. But by far Kate & Christine's matching was the cutest!!

There was eating ... and shopping ... and creating .. and LOTS AND LOTS of hugging ... sassiness

Overall ... a great time ... though it was also my last day working there (MUCH SADNESS!!).

We are moving to Portland, OR -- for affordable housing and rainy days. I have learned so very very much while at Beadissimo ... the experience was invaluable. I only wish it could have been longer. I'm going to visit often and perhaps try to advance my teaching skills to come back and join the team in the future as a teacher. Who knows what Portland holds in terms of Bead Stores ... but they have a BIG set of shoes to fill ... I have very high expectations ... I've never seen a place where you can feel so comfortable, with such a diverse staff and customer base, and the most continuously interesting set of classes I've ever seen. I've been beading for almost 5 years now -- and there's always at least 3-4 classes I want to take every semester ... hmm an excuse to come visit perhaps?

Well ladies ... I love you all dearly ... am so very glad we've gotten to know each other over the past few months while I've been here ... and I will miss you sorely when I'm gone.

My door is always open for visitors ... I certainly hope you'll come visit us in our new home ... and I'll DEFINITELY be back for classes soon!!

MWAH!!

Breathe ... Just Breathe Bracelet for Kirsti Dyer

What a pleasant surprise ...

I got a comment on my flickr from a lovely lady who saw my "Say it on your wrist bracelet" pictures I'd posted for Daphney in Austin ... and she ordered her own custom piece ... actually inspired by my original "breathe" bracelet I made in the class I took from Lisa Niven Kelly a few years ago.

She actually wanted a "breathe" bracelet that said "Breathe ... Just Breathe" ... a good reminder. She requested calming beads that had a nice clear quality. I found this beautiful green opalite beads at Beadissimo ... and knew they were perfect.

Bracelet to the left is the finished project.

For more information on ordering your own personalized bracelet -- just email me!

TKO out

What's going on in my bead world ...

I've been making a lot of custom orders lately ... and of course helping Casey get the summer collection up so that we can send out a newsletter ... all very exciting stuff. I have been so busy lately I'm not even sure really where to start ...

That said -- I've decided to keep a set on my Flickr account called "Latest & Greatest" which we will also link to through the tkoriginals.com site. If you'd like to check it out now ... you can go here.

I'll be updating it frequently with new pieces I'm working on ...

thanks for reading!

Portland or Bust!!

So ... big news in our world. I've accepted a transfer position with Fleishman Hillard in Portland. I'll be returning to the account side of things and making PR my full time job. We're very excited. This is a wonderful opportunity for me and Casey and I are very much looking forward to having a house with a backyard and escaping the crowds of San Francisco.

I'm sure everyone is wondering what will happen with TK Originals -- and Beadissimo. WELL -- obviously I have to sacrifice my position at Beadissimo ... which I'm extremely sad about. I've learned so much and enjoyed my time there more than words can express. However I'm confident that I will stay in touch with everyone there as I believe I've developed some strong friendships ... and am looking forward to staying in touch!

So with all the changes -- we're happy to report that TK Originals is ALIVE & KICKING!! We're fervently working on getting the summer collection up and hopefully will be sending out a newsletter early next week.

My jewelry passion will continue for sure ... just operating out of a fabulous studio in Portland, OR instead. In addition I will be planning trips all over the country for TKO Parties, and hopefully getting my designs into a couple of boutiques here in SF before we leave town.

Our timeline is mid-August. I'll be writing more as the day approaches, so come back often for updates ...

Summer Collection is DONE

ok all the pieces for are done ... but the site's not updated yet.

Casey is fervently working on updating it ... we're hoping for it to be up and tested by the last week in July ... only a month late ... not bad for two folks with F/T jobs!!

There are two new collections -- Christi (beautiful blue/green/teals) and Divine (champagne colors) -- and lots of additions to Christine, Wendy, Darlene and Catherine.

Newsletter going out soon ...

Sign up to receive my newsletter by email

TAXES!!

Today I went to "Sales Tax" seminar at the Board of Equalization ... yes ... as a real official business in San Francisco ... I have to pay sales tax.

I must stay it actually wasn't that bad ... I learned a lot and most of what it comes down to is keeping REALLY good records!!

Now -- income taxes ... those I'm going to need help with.

Anyone have a good tax person?

hee hee

say it on your wrist bracelets ...

Kitty say it on your wrist bracelet

So this weekend I was pleasantly surprised with an email from Austin, TX. When was there last year my friend Laura hostessed a jewelry party and I made a custom bracelet for one of the ladies with the names of her three sons. Well ... one of her girlfriends saw the bracelet and loved it ... and emailed me that she was interested in purchasing a few for herself.

So today ... I worked and worked and created samples for her to check out ... I'm a dork -- this one is of my two kitties names ... the paw prints are "0" and ... man am I creative!!

If you're interested in something like this for yourself ... here are the basics on options:

- I can change the color/shape of the beaded accents.
- The links are made with very thick heavy gauge wire that I stamp with the letters.
- I can put whatever words you'd like to see on the links.

Click here to see some samples ... more to come soon!!

At this time I don't have options for the shapes of the links or the font I'm using ... but if I get a lot of interest in the future I can look into purchasing other sets of letters in other fonts ... very fun!!

"Nuptial Design" emerging ... photo montage added to our resume

After our wedding, my husband Casey put together a beautiful montage of photos from our wedding set to music. It was beautiful and we have shown it to our friends and family several times.

So when my friend Christine wanted to give a special gift to her friends at their wedding -- photos of them growing up and together set to music -- of course Casey was who she came to.

Casey worked with her to incorporate digital and actual photos (which he scanned) and the songs she chose to create a 12 minute photo montage to which the groom told her "you made me cry and you made me laugh" ... overall the exact effect we were going for!!

After the wedding jewelry business I'm building, the shower invites I created for Lea's wedding and the photo montage abilities we are contemplating starting a business ... Nuptial Designs is what we've come up with so far ... any other ideas?

Stay tuned ...and email us if you're personally interested in photo montage help ... our prices are very reasonable!!

Lea's Wedding Jewelry is finished!

So when my friend Lea got engaged we were all so happy for her!! She's found the man of her dreams ... and they're going to have her dream wedding!

I was of course honored when she asked me to be a bridesmaid ... but almost moreso when she asked me to make the jewelry for the bridal party!! I was so excited to be trusted with such a special task ... and I was ready!!

We started with some ideas for what she wanted for herself using pearls, crystals and Moonstone - simple dangling pieces on sterling silver chain.

Then we talked about the colors she was thinking of for her bridesmaids. She had her heart set on beautiful "Tiffany" blue and dark and rich espresso brown. A very beautiful combination and something I had the perfect stone in mind for -- pacific opals.
The final product is quite beautiful if I do say so myself. It really is fun to play with pearls and crystals ... and what a great way to help a bride feel gorgeous and glamorous on her big day!

So I have been working very hard over the last month or so to make earrings and necklaces for 8 bridesmaids, a Jr. bridesmaid and the bride herself ...
and tonite I FINISHED IT ALL!! It was a lot of work ... but totally worth it and I think it will look beautiful with the dresses we're all wearing -- which are tea length chocolate brown with a aqua blue sash and organza accent at the bottom.

I'll post pics of the event in September.

In the meatime ... I'm going to have a glass of wine now ...

Wedding jewelry for an long time girlfriend

In line with all of the fabulous wedding jewelry I have been creating lately ... I got in touch with long time girlfriend of mine who is getting married in September. We spent some time catching up -- and I got all the details of her special day -- then we talked JEWELRY!!

Back in November she emailed me that she was interested in checking out my bridal stuff ... of course I've been a total slacker on updating the site with bridal pics and/or information. However -- I've discovered Flickr and LOVE it cuz I can take pics and put them up right away and send them to my peeps so they can see what's what.

So Jeannie told me that she was interested in having me make the jewelry for her bridesmaids and sent me the link to the dress as well as the color. I asked her to check out some of the designs on my site and see if there were any styles that she liked ... as that would be a great jumping off point to get started. She told me she really liked the "Darlene" collection style -- so I went to work right away.

I found some beautiful garnet chips and already had some lovely small garnet faceted rondelles. Here's what I came up with options for her.





She also wanted to have something slightly different for the Maid of Honor so I adapted the single drop style and came up with this style -- which I'm going to incorporate into my long anticipated Summer collection.

Anywho -- that's the latest with that. Look for more on TK Bridal coming soon ...

Instructor training at Beadissimo?

Yes it's true ... I'm officially "in training" to teach the Basic Stringing class as Beadissimo this Fall. I'm VERY excited ... and want EVERYONE I know to come and take the class from me :)

So officially I will observe two classes ... then I will team teach with Kate (owner of Beadissimo and allaround expert on all things jewelry/beading/etc) two classes ... then I'll be let loose.

More info on classes at Beadissimo.

Belated Mothers Day ...

A very belated Mothers day for TK Originals. I actually made all of the jewelry but since I was a slacker on taking the photos I didn't get them sent out until early June ... oh well ... better late than never right?
I first saw these beautiful handpainted wooden pendants at Beadissimo ... and thought they were GORGEOUS!! So imagine my excitement when I found them at a bead show ... I bought about 6 of them ... knowing I would be able to make something beautiful for my Mothers for Mom's day ... . Using pearls, shell and dyed aventurine I think these came out nicely and from what I've heard the "Mom's" are quite excited.

I also found the beautiful porcelain pieces -- which I combined with Swarovski and freshwater pearls for my Grandma. It's a combined belated birthday present and "Grandma's day" present ...
We share Amethyst as our birthstone so making Purple pieces for her is a joy.

Making jewelry for those I love is one of the biggest reasons I continue ... I truly enjoy giving a little piece of me away ... thus "wearable art from the heart" ...

Visitors ...

Last week my friend Wendy (yes THE Wendy of the Wendy collection on TKO) ... she came to play beads with me at Beadmo ... and was playing with these beautiful petal pearls ... she started creating a necklace while there and got slightly cut off by the store closing ... so I finished off the necklace for her.
The part of this piece that I like the most ... is that it really stretched me artistically. I used a color palette that Wendy chose -- and I really like. It reminds me of the beach ... which can't be a bad thing!!

Anyway ... I made a necklace similar to this at Beadissimo that's on display in the case in front ... I'll try to get a picture of it to put on here ... but it's much better up close in person!!

Champagne wishes and bead dreams

This past Saturday my good friend (and lover of all things TKO) Tracey hostessed a jewelry party at the Rhodes pad.

It was GOOD times for sure ... She showed up - champagne, fruit and fondue in hand - and set up a beautiful spread fit for a queen!!

It was a WONDERFUL turnout -- the best yet I think -- and I think everyone had a good time ... especially those who found their way to my bead room/studio -- discovering creations from years gone by ... as well as lots of fun treasures that I haven't yet had a chance to create with yet.

Cat & Heather enjoyed checking out some of my newer stuff that hasn't been released yet ... it's kind of fun sharing new stuff with the ladies ... like a preview sort of.


Even the kitties came out for a little cuddling with Emily -- but mostly just wanted to stay hidden away from all the ladies ... which is where I'm sure Casey would have liked to be as well ... but he was a good sport about hanging out in a house full of lovely ladies :)

I'm looking forward to more parties again soon ... maybe even I should think about doing an open studio type of event ... something to think about for sure!!

BEADISSIMO!!

So ... during my "sabbatical" I've accomplished a LOT ... but the biggest thing I did was to get a part-time gig at my FAVORITE bead store -- Beadissimo!!

If you haven't been to visit this amazing place ... you HAVE to go. I have been working there officially just over a week ... and am enjoying every minute of it. I'm learning a TON and the best part is the opportunity to work with ladies (and gentlemen) new to jewelry making. I have gained SO much confidence in my jewelry making abilities ... and as much as I love selling the stuff I've made ... it's that much more fun to be around others who are also exploring the joy of beading.

Once I got my feet under me there -- back in the retail world ... HELLO CUSTOMERS -- I started to feel right at home. I get to show new jewelry makers the basics -- which up to now have mostly been reserved for my own home studio. I've gained a new level of confidence in my skill and abilities ... and I have to say ... those four years of making jewelry for friends and taking classes, as well as trying to get my own business off the ground have really paid off.

I will still be working at FH -- but spending two afternoons at the bead store as well as one day a weekend. Please do come visit ... I'll be there every Monday and Thursday from 1:30 to close ... who knows ... perhaps you can join me in the world of jewelry making!!

My bio should be up later this week or early next week ... then it'll all be so very very official!!

Beads in Boise!!

While I was on my 6 week sabbatical ... I went to visit my family in Boise, ID for a week. While I was there my Mom hostessed a TKO Party ...

I really enjoyed meeting catching up with my Aunts and Cousins and meeting my Mom's friends -- there were baseball moms, Bunko babes and friends from her Graduate program.

The Boise market was a totally different experience ... it definitely stretched my comfort zone. I learned a lot ... most of all that I need to improve my selling skills to non-acquaintances.

It was a very good time and I'm glad I did it ... hopefully I'll be invited back again soon :)




and of course the best part was catching up with my brothers and Mom and Dad!!

Jewelry and ... BLUE MARTINI'S?!?!

I think I'm finally getting the hang of these jewelry parties! It seems that every time I have a jewelry party its more fun that the one before ... not to say that any party hostess is better than another ... but I think I am actually getting the hang of these things!

Anywho ... One of my best friends - Lea - hostessed a party this past Saturday and she did it up RIGHT -- she invited her beautiful, friendly lady friends ... served yummy food ... and Tiffany Blue colored martinis that were ... well ... almost TOO good!

She's been a wonderful supporter of my jewelry from the beginning ... she's also getting married this Fall ... and has asked me to do all of her wedding jewelry. But more about that later!


We had a great time at the party ... eating ... drinking ...

trying on jewelry ... posing for pictures ... overall ... just a fun fun time.

Thank you Lea for a great party ... and of course being such a great friend ... all these long years!

TK Originals -- in the Creek!

Well -- this past Saturday marked my 4th official TK Originals Jewelry Party ... hosted by the lovely and talented Liz Seagrave. She's one of my co-workers at FH ... and an avid TK fan ... my FAVORITE!

Liz's sister, Jill, created quite a spread of cheeses, cookies and other wonderful goodies, with her excellent culinary skills!! I must say that the fondue was my favorite ... as were the lemon bars ... and ... the list goes on! But enough about the FOOD ... the shopping was of coure the highlight!

There were about 10 ladies there -- most new to the TK Originals brand. They enjoyed trying on everything and picking out items for themselves and their friends. There was even mention of upcoming weddings and Mothers Day gifts.


I really thought the show was extremely successful! Everyone seemed to have a great time ... AND almost everyone found something they just HAD to have ... which always makes me happy!

As you can see, the girls had fun ... shopping, eating and chatting.

And of course ... jewelry purchasing! My good friend Cat purchased a piece from one of the new Spring Collections - Divine.

I'm looking forward to more parties this spring ... as well as updating the website with new stuff ...

Thanks for reading!

Tab