Stephanie Hamilton Designs Blog

A Week Early is Better Than….

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Stephanie

I arrived (running in my high wedge boots) at exactly 10:30 in the lobby of the deYoung Museum, scanning, scanning for my friend Pamela. She was to be leading a tour for her docent final and invited me to watch her torture. Yes, she had made to through the grueling, long, horrifying, two year, training program. Well, almost. Today was the final. But I couldn’t find her – finally I asked around and heard that there were some other docents hanging in the contemporary art area. Whew!

As there is no running in the galleries, I flew until I located her group. After listening to another docent talk about an exhibits, I inched over to her and whispered, “It started at 10:30, right?” “It’s next week,” she replied. Dumb, de dumb, dumb.

The good news is I LOVE the deYoung and can spend hours looking just at Ruth Asawa‘s sculptures and Dale Chilhuly‘s glass work.

Ruth Asawa

International sculpture artist and San Francisco Native, Ruth Asawa, is the inspiration behind my knitting with metal.

And glass blower Dale Chihuly‘s amazing color combinations continue to inspire me. It was when I was visiting his show, for the third time, that a very intelligent clerk in the museum’s gift shop said my designs should be in their jewelry cases. This was one of several proverbial straws that broke the back of my resistance to selling my hand-made wearable art.

After wandering about and soaking in more inspiration than I have time to work on, I enjoyed a lovely lunch and did a bunch of email work while gazing out at the amazing lawn art. Maybe I needed to be a week early?

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Be Bold!

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Stephanie

“Plunge boldly into the thick of life and seize it when you will; it is always interesting.” –Johann Wolfgang Van Goethe

Yes, it is the New Year! Time to be BOLD!! Wear bold things – do not be a shrinking violet in 2012. No, you will not be run over. You are YOU. And you know how to show it.

Wonder Woman

Perhaps we shouldn’t all go around with gold plated corsets on a daily basis, but now cuffs – cuffs are audacious pieces that say to the world, “I’m no wimp. I am high-spirited and confident.”

Did you know cuffs have probably been around since the Middle Bronze Age in central Europe, circa 1400 B.C,? That’s what the Metropolitan Museum of Art, tells us, and I trust them more than The New York Times.

Originally inspired by Nordic ornaments, cuff bracelets were also all the rage in Egyptian, Mayan and Incan jewelry. Egyptian jewelry was not just for adornment, but for religious and magical purposes. Gold, the pharaoh’s favorite metal—no surprise–was believed to be the flesh of the sun god Ra, and eternal. Silver was considered a form of white gold from Isis, goddess of the moon. It was often studded with stones, such as lapis, turquoise, and carnelian.

Museum of Craft & Folk Art, model: Tracy Boyd, photographer: Moja Ma'at

And what will you do boldly in 2012? It’s a new year baby.

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Gift Wrapping for Dummies

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Stephanie

Have you noticed the ever-expanding list of Books for Dummies?

Maybe you’ve even purchased a volume or two for yourself or a friend. After all, we can’t all be experts on everything. The Books for Dummies instruct us on everything from Fixing Everything for Dummies to Sex for Dummies and Chewing Gum for Dummies. I kid you not! (Well, a little on the last one.)

But where’s the book some of our spouses, significant others and family members need called Creative Holiday Wrapping for Dummies? Okay, maybe I’m being overly ambitious. How about just Present Wrapping for Dummies – never mind expecting creative? Here’s my start:

Do:

Use appropriate holiday paper, colorful tissue paper or gift bags to wrap your presents. Note to my hubby, the Target bag it came in is NOT wrapping.
Use transparent or holiday-decorated tape to secure your wrapping.
Attach gift labels or tags to each package to identify its recipient. It is embarrassing when Uncle Rob opens the sexy nightie, or depending on Uncle Rob, maybe it’s not.
Plan ahead, making sure you have enough wrapping, tape, gift cards, ribbons, bows and any other materials. And if not, 7-eleven is open late and you can find the nearest one here.
Pay to have gifts professionally wrapped if you’re all thumbs and liable to tape your fingers to each other. There are often non-profits at the mall that would happily help for a donation.
Order at my site – I will provide a card, gift bag and tissue, plus normal shipping is free.

Stephanie Hamilton Designs' Earring Box

Don’t:

Dump the gloves for Aunt Gladys into a plain, brown paper bag left over from junior’s lunch.
Wrap that white silk scarf for your beloved in an old SF Chronicles sports section that will leave a headline or two on the once pristine silk. If you must use newspaper, use the Sunday comics to add some color.
Seal the package with duct or adhesive tape. They have their own uses but not for gifts!
Scribble names of gift recipients with crayon or laundry marker—even if they’re red and green, unless you are under 12.
Resort to using aluminum foil, saran wrap or the paper that held last night’s flounder.

And remember, above all else, it’s the spirit of the holidays and the thought that counts, Dummy!

Please Don't Try This

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Tinsel Yourself

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Stephanie

Whether you’re a Martha Stewart devotee or a minimalist who craves clean lines and simplicity, you’re probably decorating your home for the holidays. If you have a get-to-it personality—also known as Type A—your living space is likely bedecked by now with wreath, tree, lights, ornaments and mistletoe, the works. If you have a more laid-back personality—also known as procrastinator—you’ll probably buy the last tree in the lot just before December 25 and get the decorations up just before Santa wriggles his chubby body down the chimney.

Either way, you’ll dress up your space, right? In our family, we get out the Christmas Moose. Yes, we have a stuffed moose collection with the moose dressed for the holidays. Truly.

Wait! You’re not through. While you “deck your halls with boughs of holly,” don’t forget to adorn yourself with sparkle and glitter, too. Gift yourself with a stunning piece of handcrafted jewelry that will radiate joy at any holiday celebration. I, personally, like to follow the buying pattern of one for you, one for me. This way, I actually get some things I really want.

Midnight Rose Pendant

Imagine a shimmering pendant against that special black dress: Midnight Rose, a circular pendant of rose quartz, knit with black wire; Spindrift Pearl, lovely freshwater pearls knit in a circular pattern; or Sunset, stunning amethyst on silver.

Mixed Metal Cuff

Minimalists, I haven’t forgotten you! Wear a simple, yet smart-looking Mixed Metal Cuff of silver and black to add a bit of dash to your classic look.

So, this holiday season, as you decorate your tree, remember to add some “tinsel” of your own to your holiday attire.

Posted in Cuff, Inspiration, Jewelry, Necklace | Leave a comment

Like a First Kiss – Madrigalli Market

Posted on November 29, 2011 by Stephanie

Some things in life are super important – like your first kiss. I remember mine – playing spin the comb, as we didn’t have a bottle, in the back of the church van coming home from a youth group event. What was Pastor Steve thinking? No, he wasn’t the kisser, but he must have known what was going on back there.

Like my first kiss, this weekend’s Madrigalli Market holds a special place in my heart because it was my first show as a jewelry artist and was such a fabulous experience! That was in 2008. My friend Michelle Madrid-Leal (the Madri in the name) twisted, almost breaking, my arm to participate. I was incredibly nervous, but figured the worst that could happen was I would have holiday presents for my many sisters for years to come, and would be really embarrassed. However, it was fabulous, I had a blast, and I had commissions for weeks. (Sorry, sisters.)

The Madrigalli Market Art and Handcrafts Sale is definitely a do-not-miss event held at the Pedro Point Firehouse, featuring beautiful crafts: ceramics, paintings, jewelry—mine among the most unique and gorgeous, of course–photography and textiles. To add to the festivities, there’s music, wine and nibbles. Admission is free and donations are welcome to update the playground behind the firehouse. This event is a delightful way to spark your holiday spirit and support your community through our local artists.

Madrigalli Market - Art and Handcrafts Sale

Madrigalli Market

Dec. 2, Friday 4-9

Dec. 3, Saturday 10-4

Pedro Point Firehouse

1227 Danmann Avenue

Pacifica, CA

I hope to see you there! And feel free to give me a kiss to celebrate!

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Turkey & the Phoenix

Posted on November 24, 2011 by Stephanie

Today is Thanksgiving, and like the turkey, I am stuffed. However unlike the mythical Phoenix, I do not plan on burning myself up tonight. Although if I were promised to be resurrected with a little less around the middle, I might be talked into it.

Veggie Turkey

While I am celebrating with copious amounts of turkey and vegan-like substitutes (thanks to my in-laws) in California, my family members are mixing it up in Pennsylvania, where I grew up. After speaking with my sister Laurie today, and laughing and laughing, I am definitely missing them. In just a few weeks I can hear in person the stories from today (and oh yes, there will be some good ones) after a long flight, not on a turkey or a Phoenix, but in that large bird with Southwest tattooed on its wing.

In addition to visiting the homestead, I will be playing with fire at the Firebird Festival in Phoenixville, PA in Montgomery County on Saturday, December 10, 2011. I’ll be the featured artist, showing and selling my brilliant, hot jewelry at the Diving Cat Studio and Gallery, 246 Bridge Street in Phoenixville.

Firebird Festival

And if doesn’t offer you enough excitement, the festival includes many craftspeople and musicians selling their wares and performing throughout the day, up and down Bridge Street. In the evening, a pageantry parade, including drummers, dancers and giant puppets leads to the culmination of the festival: the lighting of the large, hand-built Firebird!

Phonexville is less than 30 miles from Philadelphia, so if you’re in the area, come see me at the Diving Cat, and we can go play with fire. Fire, heh, heh, fire.

Burning Phoenix at the Firebird Festival

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November Gold

Posted on November 17, 2011 by Stephanie

November always makes me think of fading sunlight, leaves of gold and tangerine, red and gold crispy apples and its beautiful birthstones, topaz and citrine. I love working with these magical gems and want to share a few little known facts about them.

Topaz

The gemstone, topaz, is named for the Greek Island, Topazios, in the Red Sea, an early source of topaz. The island earned its name, which means “to seek,” because it was often hidden by fog—a familiar visitor to the California coast. Perhaps that thick mist shrouding the island enhanced the mystery of the stone? For centuries, topaz has been credited with magical powers and even worn as an amulet to ward off evil, sadness, ensure beauty, intelligence, fidelity and long life—a critical accessory in every woman’s wardrobe, I’d say!

We usually think of topaz as yellow to golden brown, but you can also find blue, red and green topaz (very rare). The stone is mined in many countries, including Brazil, Nigeria, Australia, Mexico, Madagascar and the United States.

Citrine and Apatite Necklace

Citrine

Citrine is yellow quartz, with color ranging from pale yellow to gold, bright orange to a dark, reddish brown called “Madeira.” Citrine’s yellows are similar to those of yellow topazes but generally brighter and lighter. Like topaz, citrine is associated with magical powers. It is said to banish evil thoughts, bring you into harmony and protect you from the serpent’s venomous bite—And if that’s not enough, citrine is known for its beauty, affordability and durability. This stone sounds like a must-have, too.

Whether you desire magical powers or unique, hand-crafted jewelry, you can’t go wrong with the rich, warm tones and glow of topaz and citrine. Let the magic flow!

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More of Stephanie Hamilton Designs – This Time in MORE Magazine

Posted on October 27, 2011 by Stephanie

More Magazine - October 2011

Have you seen the October issue of MORE? It’s the one with Naomi Watts on the cover, looking awfully gorgeous and glamorous for the mother of sons, aged two and four! That’s what make-up and the right accessories can do! Right.

Speaking of glamour and the right accessories, check out the article, “Grape Escape,” and the fabulous photo of Beth Lemke in the Second Acts section of the magazine, beginning on page 71. Beth is the owner and host of A Grape in the Fog, the popular wine bar off Highway One in Pacifica. The article focuses on Beth’s passage from laid-off techy to successful owner of the sophisticated wine bar. There’s even a quote from yours truly, singing Beth’s praises.

wine bar photo

And the photo! Be sure to look carefully at the photo—drum roll, please–and you’ll see that Beth is wearing Stephanie Hamilton Designs, the perfect accessories for her stunning burgundy dress and the rich woods of the bar.

Draping her neck, Beth wears my starlight copper opera necklace with a strand of copper knit in the round and finished with a copper toggle clasp.

Starlight Copper Opera Necklace

On her wrist, Beth is wearing my silver & gold mixed cuff, formed by knitting gold and silver wires together and finished with a sterling silver tube slide clasp. This unique knit construction allows this cuff to be gently stretched and shaped to fit perfectly.

Silver and Gold Mixed Cuff

I’m delighted to see my designs in MORE Magazine and to see Beth in the spotlight. I do, however, want to assure you that although I’m a patron of A Grape in the Fog and love the atmosphere, I don’t do all my jewelry knitting there! Like Naomi Watts, I have two young sons and a sweet husband at home.

Posted in Cuff, Jewelry, Magazines, Necklace | Leave a comment

Just in Time – November Open Studio

Posted on October 21, 2011 by Stephanie

What are your plans for the weekend of November 11 to 13? If you live anywhere in the Bay Area, make sure they include a visit to my Open Studio! I don’t know about you, but panic usually sets in around mid-November with the holiday gift list still tacked to the refrigerator or crumpled into a ball at the bottom of one of my bags—if I could just remember which one…

Not to worry–Here’s my gift to you: just-in-time, one-stop shopping at my Open Studio for stunning wearable art for the women you love. And there’s still time enough for us to work together on custom-designed bracelets, earrings and necklaces. I love collaborating with you on choosing just the right stones, colors and design to say something special to the person you have in mind.

Open Studio, November 11-13

You’ll find many gorgeous new pieces knitted on strands of gold and silver, including “glittering gems” cuff bracelets and necklaces with citrine, peridot, garnet, amethyst, aquamarine and clear quartz.

So come to my Open Studio and bring a friend. If you’re here during the day, you can enjoy a view of the ocean that inspires many of my unique pieces. If you arrive during evening hours, you may catch a sunset or fog bank—it is Pacifica! You’ll enjoy the company of other delightful Bay Area connoisseurs of jewelry as art, sip on a zesty Beaujolais or Chardonnay (Ok, ok, Beaujolais is French, not California wine, but it rhymes) and munch on tasty hors d’oeuvres. With your free hand, touch, try on and take pleasure in my handcrafted, artisan jewelry. You’re sure to find pieces you love.

Sparkling Wine and Sparkling Company

Stephanie Hamilton Designs Studio
1987 Beach Boulevard
Pacifica, CA 94044

Open Studio Hours:
Friday, November 11: 5pm – 9pm
Saturday, November 12: 12pm – 5pm
Sunday, November 13: 12pm – 5pm
650-922-2418

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Birthstones: What’s your story?

Posted on October 15, 2011 by Stephanie

Throughout modern history, precious stones have been used to represent the month of one’s birth. These are commonly known as birthstones. There are a variety of traditions associated with birthstones; sometimes the stones represent the month of birth, while others use them to signify an astrological sign. In either case, these precious stones are often incorporated into personalized jewelry.

Glittering Gems Cuff

Modern traditions regarding birthstones delegate the following stones to each month:

January: Garnet
February: Amethyst
March: Aquamarine
April: Diamond
May: Emerald
June: Pearl
July: Ruby
August: Peridot
September: Sapphire
October: Opal
November: Topaz
December: Turquoise

The association of birthstones with astrological signs is similar to the stones associated with birth months:

Aquarius: Garnet
Pisces: Amethyst
Aries: Bloodstone
Taurus: Sapphire
Gemini: Agate
Cancer: Emerald
Leo: Onyx
Virgo: Carmelian
Libra: Peridot
Scorpio: Beryl
Sagittarius: Topaz
Capricorn: Ruby

Whether signifying a birth month or an astrological sign, birthstones are an excellent way to make any piece of jewelry more personal and symbolic. Wearing jewelry with your own birthstone in it is a way of acknowledging the importance of your own birth. Yes, that’s right, you’re important too, remember? Incorporating the birthstones of your children or other family members gives your jewelry a way of expressing an important story about those people who are closest to you.

Custom Birthstone Pendant

This past Mothers’ Day, I designed several pieces for special presents. I still think about how the aquamarine and rubies played off each other in the pendant for Nicole’s mom. For Debra’s mom, we created a bracelet with Debra’s and her four siblings’ birthstones. And for Karen’s mother-in-law, we combined the parents,’ children’s and the grandchildren’s birthstones in an amazing multi-colored piece of knit jewelry.

If you could tell a story, what would it be? I’d love to help you design the perfect custom knit pieces with the birthstones of your choosing. Celebrate the lives of the people you cherish most (including you). Handcrafted artisan jewelry becomes even more special when it is customized for you and those you love.

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A Week Early is Better Than….

Be Bold!

Gift Wrapping for Dummies

Tinsel Yourself

Like a First Kiss – Madrigalli Market

Turkey & the Phoenix

November Gold

More of Stephanie Hamilton Designs – This Time in MORE Magazine

Just in Time – November Open Studio

Birthstones: What’s your story?

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