My blog is MOVING!

In order to take advantage of some additional blogging features and options, I'm MOVING my blog to danasaylordesigns.wordpress.com  - please bookmark the new page and visit often, or subscribe!  I have migrated all my past posts to the new blog.  Thanks for stopping by.

Bold & Graphic

I have been creating new items for my Summer 2008 collection (I know, what's summer?). I've decided to call the collection "Bold & Graphic". Right now, the bright colors of the 80's - agh! - have snuck back into the stores, but also, interestingly enough, they have been combined with graphic prints and geometric shapes reminiscent of the Art Deco period. Art Deco just happens to be my very favorite historical period; I love the fact that women were beginning to define their own freedoms, I love the architecture, and of course, the jewelry. You, my lucky blog reader, are about to get a sneak peek at a few pieces from the new collection...prepare yourself mentally.

Women of Style & Substance

I am launching an exciting new feature today- Women of Style & Substance will pick up where the fashion magazines leave off- we'll learn more about women that I respect and admire, and you will too. They're stylish, sharp and smart, and they're just what we need more of these days! Sometimes, I'll feature a celebrity, like Natalie Maines for my first edition. Other times, you'll get the story on a local woman making her mark. Stay tuned for some great photos and great stories! Now...

Natalie Maines
















She's from Lubbock, Texas, age 33, and as you can see, she is a woman of many styles...and haircolors! Just like me. *Sigh*. She turned the Dixie Chicks into an international hit-producing group when she joined them as the frontwoman. She co-writes many of their songs, and they became especially personal on their latest album, "Taking the Long Way". Her comments about George Bush while at a UK performance caused an uproar among conservative fans in the States, many of whom began boycotting the group and destroying their CDs. However, these events turned into a positive experience for Maines and the "Chicks" because their music began to take on a more personal tone, and Natalie has considered it a form of therapy. Their audience has shifted, and the publicity introduced many new listeners to their sound, who might have dismissed them as "country" before. They have become genuine crossover hits with their Grammy winning album.

Natalie has been selected as the "Woman of Style and Substance" for this edition because she stood up for what she believed in, even when it was unpopular. To do so, and to be in a very public role, must be incredibly difficult. She handled the controversy with grace and guts, and I applaud her. She seems to have gained more self-confidence since "The Incident", and her unique beauty and style are magnified. You go, girl!

Check out the Dixie Chicks' website: www.dixiechicks.com


Photos from IMDB.com and WireImage.com

New Life for Old Jewelry

I have been asked since I began making jewelry, "Can you fix my old broken necklace?", or "What can I do with these loose beads that have been in my jewelry box forever?" And I have responded by evaluating the piece, or the beads, and basically giving a consultation on how it can be remade or revamped. Since this seems to be in high demand, and everyone has an old broken necklace lying around, I am now offering it as one of my main services.

Dana Saylor Designs will now offer a Jewelry Clinic whenever there is a trunk show or event in public. I may even just have an open night where it is the main event. In order to gauge interest, I will be sending out an email to my customer base. Please let me know whether you need something worked on! I am willing to incorporate old (including antique) pieces into new designs, restring a necklace, or fix basic problems. I am unable to solder or weld, or reset stones, but most any other issue can be addressed. Check out my website for more details at: www.danasaylordesigns.com . Thanks!

How Do You Say That Again?

Greetings, friends. I have been back on Etsy.com, the place to buy and sell all things handmade. Last July, I posted about 15 pieces of my jewelry on their site (each vendor has a little "store") and tried to sell, but nothing moved. I have decided, after much research and obsession, to try again. I think I need to be more persistent, and utilize all the marketing and networking tools that Etsy offers its vendors. I posted about 35 items in my store there the other day, and bought a space in the Wedding Showcase for tomorrow, Saturday February 9th. Check it out at:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5098029


Etsy has an amazing community of thousands of artisans and crafters who are talented and passionate. Check out the "hand-picked items" on the main page, as well as the scrolling thumbnails at the bottom, showing just-listed items.

I love to see creativity at work! Support handmade! Thanks....

Shows Galore!

I have been a busy bee, booking jewelry trunk shows at area workplaces, as well as several home parties. I love to do shows because it gives me a chance to showcase my work and meet all sorts of people. Come by and see me when I'm at your work, or book a home party and get free host credit! Here's a list of where I'll be:

Friday, February 1st: St. Luke Health Services, Oswego (10:30am-3pm)

Monday, February 11th: MetLife in Oriskany (9:30am-3pm)

Wednesday, April 2nd: Heritage Healthcare in Utica (9am-2pm)

Monday, May 5th: St. Luke's Home in Utica (8am-3pm)

Wednesday, June 11th: Blue Cross in Utica Business Park (9am-2:30pm)