ready, set, #putaringcozyonit

Ring Cozy on Kickstarter Today is an exciting day. A day when I take a big leap of faith and launch Ring Cozy on one of my favorite websites, Kickstarter!

It's been months and months (okay, nearly one year) in the making and I feel nervous, anxious, scared but most of all, excited. Beyond announcing my new venture here on the the blog I haven't really made a big public push. I've been working on manufacturing and fulfillment details and now that those things are set, I'm ready to really put Ring Cozy out there!

In case you're new to the blog, or missed this post, Ring Cozy is an activewear accessory that I designed after realizing that I was damaging my engagement ring's band while working out at the gym. I love my ring and since I never wanted to be without it I had to find a way to keep it on while comfortably protecting it during my activities.

If you're not familiar with Kickstarter, it's a crowdfunding website that helps creative projects get funded by supporters in exchange for rewards (ie. being the first to receive the actual product they're helping to fund).  In my case, the Project is getting multiple sizes and colors for Ring Cozy's first-run production.  I chose to launch via Kickstarter for obvious reasons (manufacturing ain't cheap!) but mainly because as a supporter of past projects, I believe that the entrepreneurial and creative spirit of the website is amazing.

Since Kickstarter operates on an all-or-nothing system for raising funds from supporters - and the project's duration is only 22 days - I need help in getting the word out early to make this launch a success!

This is where and how you, my awesome readers and internet pals, can help: share the heck out of the project via your social media accounts and personal emails to your personal and professional contacts who might be interested in getting a Ring Cozy of their own. Any shares, likes, follows, and emails will be forever appreciated!

You can find Ring Cozy on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and use the campaign hashtag #putaringcozyonit

I really believe in Ring Cozy and the potential that it has to become an everyday activewear accessory for ring wearers who want to keep their rings on while enjoying their active lifestyles. Thanks for the support so far and many many many thanks for being with me for the journey ahead!

Cheers to making things happen!

PS  - a huge THANK YOU is due to Michelle Mizner of Field Work Media for the awesome video! She is one talented lady.

Pick of the Week Returns with New "Behind the Seams"

After a long hiatus, the oh so loved Pick of the Week is back! Why was it gone for so long? It was kind of like working out - you do it consistently then you miss one day and boom, done until.... well, whenever you get around to it again.

I did miss it dearly so I'm happy to have the mojo for it back.

First up for 2010 is the Metallic Muse II Envelope Clutch...

This one is part of a little series I was able to do since the shawl used was so big! This brocade piece has metallic stripes that I placed perpendicular to each other for some added interest. I'm a big fan of mixed metal colors so a brass pyramid stud was added to each corner as fun and edgy dressings.

This is a hot one!

Behind the seams...

If you follow this blog then you know that I make it a point to seek out local vintage goodies wherever I am. In this case it was Cape Town, South Africa where a cramped and dusty shop on Long Street caught my attention.

This place was packed yet I somehow managed to find this great shawl to make some glitzy bags with! The shop's owner was super sweet and happily told me about the cabinetry behind the register; the location used to be an old pharmacy and the custom carpentry was left intact throughout the years.

Here I am putting down my Rands ...

The lining in Metallic Muse II is made from an old Indian sari purchased in Durban, South Africa. Now THIS thing is big! Many bags to come from this baby...