urban bloom

Love and Labor

2007-09-03T14:21:00.000-07:00

Urban Bloom has a 10% off coupon with code: "muaxo." The store is stocked but everything is limited edition or one-of-a-kind so now is the time to shop.

Everywhere brown

2007-09-03T14:15:00.000-07:00

What you can find at Urban Bloom this fall will be a major focus on chocolate browns paired with deep plums, brass earrings in a million shapes, lots of genuine leaf necklaces. The styles are all very versatile.

Falling into a new season

2007-09-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

Urban Bloom says goodbye to summer and introduces fall with a major site update of new earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Within the shop and the fashion world at large, the romantic look and leaf motif will continue to be strong this Fall.

Look Shop List

2007-08-29T08:12:00.000-07:00

Urban Bloom will feature some select styles for sale at Look Shop List.It's in the beginning stages but you for those who can't deal with watching auctions, you can find clothes from other shops, sellers, and independent sellers here. You can view all listings on Look Shop List: For Sale

Kaia necklaces back in stock!

2007-08-23T17:44:00.000-07:00

Back by popular demand are the Kaia necklaces. I promise to restock all the colors shortly!

Indie Jackpot

2007-08-21T17:56:00.000-07:00

Enter to win a basketful of indie designer goods including a custom design by Urban Bloom simply by visiting the Modish blog, visiting one of the contributing shops, and posting a comment on something you've discovered. I'm a sucker for reading great reviews and here are some of the lovely comments people have made about their favorite Urban Bloom's designs:

Lily necklace: "...this one from Urban Bloom really caught my attention. It's simple, but really beautiful!"
Camille earrings: "I love these earrings"
Wavy circle bracelet: "Love Urban Bloom's wavy circle bracelet. It would add some nice flash for when you're out waving your arms in the air like you just don't care. :)" and "Thought this bracelet was great. Love those circles. Very unique!" AND "How pretty is this bracelet from urban bloom."
Perennial Beauty no. 26: "Me gusta mucho."
Gold leaf necklaces: "The Gold Leaf necklaces at Urban Bloom look amazing! Wouldn't they be just gorgeous for fall?"
Sterling silver leaf necklaces: "Gimme gimme gimme! Manners go to heck when in sight of the prettiness."
Betsy: "I love gold, and I love simple post earrings (although it hurts when I talk on the phone and type at the same time)."
Cameron: "these earrings are so simple and pretty..."
Lucy Belle necklace: "This necklace from Urban Bloom is precious!"
Lucy Belle necklace: "Urban Bloom has the most beautiful and sweet necklace, Lucy Belle necklace. Check out the rest of the jewelry as well, there are quite a few pieces that are both simple and unique."
Luce leaves: "Browsing the Urban Bloom website, I fell in love with this beautiful necklace with leaves."

Mapping your Bauble and Chain

2007-08-21T07:06:00.000-07:00

Perhaps Find By Click could tell the exact location of every Starbucks in Manhattan and Cory Archangel could provide you with the exact latitude and longtitude points, but only Leslie of Bauble and Chain can navigate you to the finest "bauble and chain" (read: jewelry) throughout Brooklyn. As a former Brooklynite and hardcore jewelry shopper, I contacted Leslie about her mapping of Brooklyn jewelry shops on Google maps, and she posted about the Gwendolyn and Lily necklaces from the Urban Bloom shop. [Thanks, Leslie!]

i've got a sweet tooth for art by susan belle

2007-08-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the The Land of Cake and the phenomenal work of artist Susan Belle. Urban Bloom's shop is currently featuring a slice of the enchanting piece "She desires the gold but it is within her" (August 2007; full view above) but you can click here and here to delight in more delicacies by Susan. [Thanks, Susan!]

New look: Business cards

2007-08-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

Instead of putting an image of my jewelry on my card, I'd like to opt for something floral, something sophisticated, something chic but still organic. Using courier for site's address font face as well as underlining of my URL adds a bit of irony and makes me think classic, indie, and URBAN.

New Series

2007-08-14T17:03:00.000-07:00

Since a lot of Urban Bloom pieces found a new home (in a store in New Zealand), there's room for these new lovelies in my shop. I'm excited to offer the Lucy Belle neclace in a variety of colors - blue, green, peach/orange.

In the press: Urban Bloom is the Product of the Day

2007-08-08T07:34:00.000-07:00

Jen, the blogger behind Products of the Day and internet window shopper extraordinaire, has declared the Luce with leaves necklace (above), Robin locket, and Golden Means earrings as "irresistible." Sweet!

I Love Thee Collection

2007-08-07T17:40:00.000-07:00

The Bridal Wish List, a blog which scours the internet for all the modern brides' wants and needs, chose pieces from Urban Bloom's shop as today's must-have item. I'll let her tell you:

For me, one of the most important accessories for a bride is her jewelry. It definitely makes/breaks the look. You really have to pick the right style for your dress or else it will overpower your entire look. Enter Urban Bloom NYC. Urban Bloom is a New York City boutique that creates the perfect earrings to compliment your look. Visit their site to choose the perfect pair. Here are a few of my favorites:

The layered look

2007-08-04T20:09:00.000-07:00

The chains can be worn separately or combined as pictured. The lavender is a lovely shade of purple with just a bit of sparkle.

Designer's favorite

2007-08-04T20:06:00.000-07:00

The crystal is cut in the most intricate shape and when worn, the leaf rests perfectly on top. A true favorite of mine.

Fall into Winter

2007-08-04T20:03:00.000-07:00

As I promised, I've restocked the leaves that everyone loved from last season. Available in silver and gold.

Put something cute on

2007-08-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

I'm stocking my site with brand new pieces for fall and some Urban Bloom favorites. There are also one of a kind pieces on their way to my consignors and new consignment applications have gone out... stay tuned.

A Hella Good Spree

2007-07-27T06:45:00.000-07:00

Did you hear? Recently, Hella Good, the creator of the most scrumptuous bath products, has opened a one-stop shop of handmade wearables featuring new jewelry styles by Urban Bloom.

Dainty blooms

2007-07-27T06:22:00.000-07:00

These little flowers are so sweet and versatile. As it turns out, they've become my favorite accessory and both my sister and I are wearing them nonstop!

Shop update: Fine print

2007-05-16T14:38:00.000-07:00

The USPS shipping rates were raised effective May 14, 2007 and I've had to adjust my shipping charges in the Urban Bloom shop. The new USPS Priority Mail rate for US shipping addresses is $6.25. This includes an online delivery confirmation, insurance up to $50, and a speedy delivery time making it entirely worth the few extra bucks! If you're placing an international order, please contact me at urbanbloomnyc AT yahoo.com for a shipping estimate. I'll continue to offer free shipping on domestic retail orders $75+. Please read my FAQ's for more exciting details.

Thanks and happy shopping!

New additions to the shop: Spring 2007 cont'd

2007-05-04T07:13:00.000-07:00

Are you enjoying Spring? My last Spring update sold out so quickly that I decided not to wait to summer to showcase the most beautiful floral lockets. Newly created pieces include: Chica, Liza, and Beatrice. They look great paired over a long tunic dress or other solid blouse. Add leggings, primary colored flats, and you're good to go.

Also not to be overlooked are the recent addition to the Perennial Beauty collection - PB. no.22, PB. no.25, PB. no. 26. What could possibly be more elegant than one of these delicate creations paired with a strapless dress? Remember each of the beads are handpainted and there are no two alike.

I want this!

I want this!

I want this!

I want this!

I want this!

New additions at Hannah Zakari

2007-04-24T02:35:00.000-07:00

Hannah Zakari has the latest pieces from Urban Bloom's spring collection. Stop by and check out some of these beauties pictured above.

Sneak Peak: New Additions to UrbanBloomnyc.com

2007-04-06T06:26:00.000-07:00

I want this!

I want this!

I want this!

Meet Naima, Thalia, and Chica - a few accessories that I'll be adding to the shop and one other online store. Most are one of a kind so you can only access them by clicking the links below. Enjoy!

New additions for Spring at Little Paper Planes

2007-04-05T03:51:00.000-07:00

Little Paper Planes has a new stock of Urban Bloom's spring designs including this leaf necklace. I love the varying hues. I want this!

Other highlights:

New additions at Shop Orange Button

2007-03-26T02:05:00.000-07:00

Orange Button recently launched a selection of Urban Bloom favorites in addition to super sweet one of a kind styles. The owner Wendy has such a fantastic eye for selecting top quality pieces for her shop. Delighted to see more?

Here are some other Urban Bloom beauties:

I want this!

I want this!

We have a winner

2007-03-24T03:04:00.000-07:00

Rubber Sol won a gigantic basket of indie goodies including Urban Bloom's Be Elizabethan Creme Cameo necklace (pictured above) through the Creature Comforts giveaway. Rubber Sol has sweet reviews of all the other goodies she won including this one about her Urban Bloom necklace:

Cameos. Oh Cameos. I love them so!

Urban Bloom has become on of my favorite places to lurk around, and I've repeatedly found myself coveting this Perennial Beauty No 12 piece. It's gorgeous as is my new cameo necklace!

New additions at My My

2007-03-20T02:36:00.000-07:00

Full of zines, jewelry, and plush creatures, there are all sorts of indie gems for sale in this awesome artist-owned shop known as MY MY. Select from handmade pieces online or check her news page to find her at a craft fair. Urban Bloom updates MY MY with new pieces every few monthes so be on the lookout.

Stockist: Emerging Thoughts

2007-03-20T02:24:00.000-07:00

Emerging Thoughts is one to watch. This new site emerges as one of the best online communities for independent artists where you'll find everything from jewelry and reconstructured vintage clothing to indie music and film reviews.

A great selection of Urban Bloom's designer favorites are featured in the shop.

Press: Inside Seventeen magazine cont'd

2007-03-19T02:15:00.000-07:00

Seventeen magazine asked My Bonnie and Clyde to submit products for their April 2007 contest. Urban Bloom's triple strand vermeil and crystal earrings were selected by the fashion editors at the magazine as a must-have accessory for prom go-ers. Thanks to Caroline, owner of Bonnie and Clyde, for the tremendous opportunity. The earrings will be available in a variety of colors starting later this Spring.

inSPiRING: sneak peak spring 2007

2007-03-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

ETA a much larger photo and this explanation:
Well, here they are. There's a lot of new amazing stock coming to the shop for Spring 2007. The collection has been photographed and the pages designed but the thumbnails need to be created and linked from each of the categories (earrings, necklaces, etc).

I'm not the only one who has favorites from the bunch as I've already gotten requests for orders. Stay tuned.

Press: Seventeen Magazine, April 2007

2007-03-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

Urban Bloom designed a pair of earrings for a Seventeen magazine "Prom Night" giveaway. They're featured on page 12 of the April 2007 issue under day 25. Visit their site on April 25th to win these beauties.

Stockist: Orange Button

2007-03-16T02:15:00.000-07:00

Urban Bloom's Spring collection is going to be featured at Orange Button. This beloved online shop caters to all budgets and is known for its superior jewelry selection. Pieces are expected to be available in late March 2007.

New additions: Hannah Zakari's shop

2007-03-15T08:23:00.000-07:00

Hannah Zakari is UK-based shop and ships internationally. Urban Bloom's Spring collection -- custom made for Hannah! -- has nearly sold out but there are still some awesome pieces available. The next update to her shop is likely to be in late March/early April so stay tuned.

I love the metro but I'd bike everywhere if I had my choice. Handmade in NYC, the Pedal Pusher bracelet is a sterling silver chain and clasp with 3/4" bike charm. I want this!

For fashionable computer geeks and internet lovers only. The Cyber bracelet is handmade in NYC and features a gold tone chain and clasp along with a 3/4" computer charm. I want this!

Unlike any other. Delicate pink leaf charm makes a beautiful pendant. Handmade in NYC, the Syrup necklace features 24 inch 14K gold filled chain and clasp with pink tourmaline and white freshwater pearl. The centerpiece is a 1" leaf charm. I want this!

In the Plum Bird necklace, purple crystals accent a brass laurel pendant. A delicate bird charm hangs below. Limited edition. Handmade in NYC. Gold tone components with 14K gold filled chain and clasp. 16" L chain and 3/4" L bird charm. I want this!

This one of a kind necklace appropriately named Satiate, is handmade in NYC and will satisfy your accessory wishes and make others green with envy. Hunter green Swarovski pearls are clustered on gold tone components and chain 19" L chain and 3/4" L dyed green jade stone. I want this!

Be sure to add this delicate necklace to your collection for the ultimate feminine touch. Part of the Perennial Beauty collection, this one of a kind necklace no. 19 is handmade in NYC. Imported from Russia, there is a delicate floral design painted on a luminous mother of pearl oval bead. 14K goldfilled chain and components, 17"L chain, 1"L pendant. I want this!

New additions: My Bonnie and Clyde

2007-03-15T07:34:00.000-07:00

Feminimity at it's finest! Express your girly side with these handmade locket & bow earrings. Juliana earrings are handmade in NYC and feature gold toned heart lockets dangling from gold toned bows on vermeil earwires. Approx. 1" in length.
I want this!

Add intricacy and intrigue with these silver filigrees that make for an easy mix & match accessory. Future Classic earrings are handmade in NYC and showcase silver plated filigrees on sterling silver earwires and all sterling silver hardware. Approx. 2" in length. I want this!

SOLD: My Bonnie and Clyde

This precious little necklace gives the perfect feminine touch to any attire! Isn't it plenty lovely? The Plenty lovely necklace is handmade in NYC and is a cluster of charms and stones including a sterling silver heart charm, aquamarine stone, smoky quartz stone, and pink chalcedony stone on sterling silver chain. Approx. 16" in length. SOLD

Haven't you noticed how popular birds have become lately? Join the hipsters obsessed with the flying friends... Habitat necklace is handmade in NYC with 14k gold filled chain & hardware, gold tone bird charms. Approx. 16" in length. SOLD

New additions: My Bonnie and Clyde shop

2007-03-15T03:52:00.000-07:00

My Bonnie and Clyde features Urban Bloom jewelry in their jewels shop. Sweetie earrings are handmade in NYC and feature gold toned charms, vermeil earwire. Approx. 1" in length. Every day is Valentine's! Kissing kids charms in gold tone make a "sweet" statement... I want this!

Who holds the key? earrings are handmade in NYC and feature a gold toned broken heart charm and gold toned key charm on 14K gold fill chain with 14K gold fill clasp & components. Chain measures approx. 18" in length. The heart reads: "He who holds the key can unlock my heart." So, who holds the key to your heart? I want this!

Bette earrings are handmade in NYC and feature silver toned filigrees with magenta and burgundy Swarovski crystals hung on sterling silver earwires. Approx. 1 1/2" in length. We "bette" you'll love these beautiful handmade earrings. I want this!

A touch of elegance, anyone? You're going to love these beautiful handmade filigree earrings! Camille earrings are handmade in NYC and feature gold toned filigrees in a heart/fan shape with 14K gold fill earwires. Approx. 1" in length. I want this!

New additions: Little Paper Planes shop

2007-03-15T03:18:00.000-07:00

Little Paper Planes stocks new designs by Urban Bloom. These Capri earrings are handmade in NYC and feature a gold tone filligree, Swarovski crystal in burgundy or light topaz and Vermeil ear wires. Dangle measures 1" L. They're perfect for spring. I want this!

This lovely is handmade in NYC and features sterling silver chain, charm, clasp and beads, fresh water pearls. Chain measures 20" L, Pendant measures 1" diameter I want this!

Limoncello earrings are handmade in NYC and feature gold tone hoops, 14KGF findings, lemon lime Czech crystal, and delicate gold tone and forrest green chain. Hoops measure 1 1/2"D. I want this!

New pieces January 2007

2007-01-10T04:25:00.000-08:00

An enamel butterfly charm is layered with a gorgeous lavender crystal. One of a kind. I want this!

Gold tone padlock and key charms make an adorable combination. I want this!

Business cards December 2006

2006-12-17T07:35:00.000-08:00

2006-12-10T18:10:00.000-08:00

Avators

2006-11-26T11:35:00.000-08:00

New additions

2006-11-24T15:36:00.000-08:00

My my love

2006-11-06T03:19:00.000-08:00

A delicate and lovely necklace. 14KGF chain and clasp with red enamel heart pendant.

Holiday Giveaway

2006-11-02T14:34:00.000-08:00

Urban Bloom is participating in a holiday giveaway contest and the lucky winner could receive one of my necklaces as well as other handmade goodies from shops like Juniper Designs. If you comment on a post at Creature Comforts with your email address, you could win. BIG. Make sure you also look at her new shop Wren Eleven.

Fall/Winter '06

2006-10-28T11:43:00.000-07:00

Perennial Beauty collection cont'd

2006-10-26T05:01:00.000-07:00

Additions to the winter collection

2006-10-24T18:57:00.000-07:00

Perennial Beauty collection

2006-10-24T18:37:00.000-07:00

Additions to the shop

2006-10-22T11:50:00.000-07:00

recognition

2006-10-19T19:33:00.000-07:00

I was inspired to do a mock version of the Urban Outfitter's campaign "Pattern Recognition" to introduce my Winter 2006 collection.

2006-10-19T18:15:00.000-07:00

More from Winter 2006

2006-10-19T17:45:00.000-07:00

New styles...

2006-10-19T17:40:00.000-07:00

In store for winter...

2006-10-17T02:33:00.000-07:00

Fall into Winter

2006-10-15T07:04:00.000-07:00

Filling the shop for Winter 06-07

2006-10-15T05:43:00.000-07:00

Top: Cluster of Swarovski crystal, pearl, dyed jade with gold plated leaf charm
Bottom: Silver plated rhinestone star, pink mother of pearl stone, sterling silver chain and clasp

New locket for winter 2006-07

2006-10-15T03:34:00.000-07:00

Etched gold plated heart locket on pink crystal chain, 14K gold filled chain, gold plated clasp

Momento

2006-10-15T03:32:00.000-07:00

Brass or black metal intricate patterns on sterling silver or 14K gold filled chain

New for winter 2006

2006-10-15T03:26:00.000-07:00

Brass insect charm on vintage plastic gemstone, 14K gold filled chain

Subtle silver in Winter 06-07

2006-10-15T03:21:00.000-07:00

Top: Silver plated leaf, cloudy white moonstone, tiny pearls, sterling silver chain and components

Bottom: Sterling silver chain and components, vintage glass flower (also available in pale pink or pale blue)

Bursting with gems at Bonnin Designs

2006-10-03T15:34:00.000-07:00

Shari Bonnin is a woman who much like myself suffered from the attitude "I should be able to do that" whenever she shopped. Lucky for us, Shari turned that attitude into a fantastic jewelry collection. Shari's shop has fantastic earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings that have been featured in shops and on celebs. Her blog, Thifty Boutique. recently featured Urban Bloom's Be Elizabethan necklace in sage as as the pick of the day. The beauty at top left is my pick from her site.

Welcome October

2006-09-30T16:06:00.000-07:00

I heart

2006-09-30T07:04:00.000-07:00

My father gave my mother a gold heart locket on their first wedding anniversary. Inside was a tiny piece of paper cut into a heart with the handwritten words "I Love You." If I'm not mistaken there was also an inscription on the back. I remember opening up the locket when I was a kid and reacting with the same excitement and surprise each time I saw the note - kinda like jack in the box. Years later he gave her a diamond heart necklace while was open in the center.

This Love me tender locket necklace is quite different than either of those heirloom pieces but has the key charms in fashion today - a heart, lock, and key all in one.

More for Fall '06

2006-09-29T04:45:00.000-07:00

I have so many new designs coming to the shop and I'm excited to preview them on the blog. The silver pod necklace is one of my favorites because it's all sterling silver and great for work and weekends.

I was talking to a coworker yesterday and she was shocked that I make jewelry because I never wear any myself. I suppose it's like a fashion designer who wears all black. This necklace is the exception - I think I need one for myself!

This sterling silver bracelet is also part of the new silver collection I'll be adding to the shop. It has mother of pearl beads on a gorgeous chain. It's a bit tough to capture the elegance and luminosity of the stone and metal here but hopefully you can see it's beauty. Oh! It's also not heavy at all - none of my jewelry ever is.

On its way to the shop...

2006-09-28T05:44:00.000-07:00

On its way to the shop...

2006-09-28T05:41:00.000-07:00

Cool hunting with delightful blogs

2006-09-19T16:36:00.000-07:00

Coolhunting and blog watching has become a great way for the shopping obsessed to learn the best trends before they even hit the fashion mags. For indie designers, too, there's no better way to connect with their audiences. I love the idea that customers can visit my blog or someone else's and see my designs. Plus they get an inside look on what's happening in my shop. Take a few minutes to browse for links on shopping blogs like
Charles and Marie,
She Finds,
Out Blush,
Style Bytes,
Mighty Goods,
Indie Shopping,
and Ned and Shell's Weekly Dose

and you'll see that most add checky commentary and have great style tips the way a traditional fashion magazine would. Most of these bloggers aren't fashion editors but the best ones can weed through online shops so you don't have to. The gap between reading a magazine and then searching for the product online just ceased to exist. And just one of these link links to a trillion! One click! Here are just a couple more examples: This Next, Far Too Cute and Modish.

But, if search engines are more your style, there are handy-dandy directories sorted by popular topic like Technorati. But the newest, sharpest one with an indie edge is Delightful blogs where blogs are screened and handpicked (I'm still waiting for my approval - but I'll sit patiently!).

I've bookmarked a bunch on my computer and I'll expand my shop's links section but a fabulous way to see what others link to is Style Hive or check out my account on Delicious.

Happy hunting.

Technorati Profile

Indie Handmade Xchange

2006-09-19T04:37:00.001-07:00

The Indie Handmade Exchange is a brilliant idea. I've put my banner up on the managing site and it's displayed on someone else's site. In exchange, I'm displaying theirs. Check out the banner I received:

Welcome to my space

2006-09-17T18:52:00.000-07:00

Find me and friend me on myspace! I'm having so much fun meeting other crafters. I'm still working on customizing my profile and I'd love people to let me know what sites to check out for template suggestions.

Today I prepared a huge order of pieces for sale. I'm super excited about a series of handpainted floral beads that completely bring together what I'm trying to do with creating a signature style for Urban Bloom.

Card business

2006-09-16T05:53:00.000-07:00

Business cards are definitely my next print project. I'm toying with some of these designs. A good business card clearly states the vitals but I want to design something that people will want to hold on to. Do any of these hit the spot?

Fall is here. All ready?

2006-09-16T05:40:00.000-07:00

now available (international)

2006-09-13T03:27:00.000-07:00

Shop Urban Bloom at Hannah Zakari's online store! It's bursting with bold pieces by indie designers around the world.

now available

2006-09-12T04:26:00.000-07:00

Miss Misa is one of the greatest online shops for accessories and now you can buy Urban Bloom there too!

now available (international)

2006-09-11T05:03:00.000-07:00

added to the shop

2006-09-11T04:31:00.000-07:00

More birds and lockets and lockets that have birds are appearing at Urban Bloom. I am so excited for you to see the latest additions to the shop: Lovebirds necklace, Black blossom necklace, and Ovation hoop earrings.

Impressed: Review on Mixed Plate Blog

2006-09-06T04:42:00.000-07:00

Urban Bloom's Fall 2006 collection "Charmed to meet you!" gets rave reviews on the Mixed Plate blog.

Mixed Plate is a blog that reviews a wide range of designer goods. It's run by Liana, the talented owner of On a Friday, a shop of handmade jewelry, paper goods, and more fun gifts from Hawaii.

A designers dream: Now Available

2006-09-02T04:05:00.000-07:00

Urban Bloom is now available at the fantastic independent shop Purple Pink and Orange! There are 9 pieces in all including a locket from the Keepsake Collection, Too Mod to Be True earrings, and a bunch of newbies. Is raving about my own necklace like a comedian laughing at her own joke? Well, maybe I do have a right to brag about my favorite piece because it's so cute. It's a heart locket at the center of a gold chain with a two smaller brass charms of a heart shaped lock and key to the left and right. It has hard giving it up for sale.

Purple Pink and Orange is run by a great girl named Amy and features popular indie designers like Miss Misa and Kailo Chic.

To two 2 today

2006-08-28T03:04:00.000-07:00

A rainy day but a fine day for a blogger update. I'm sending out two orders to stores today to two really fabulous stores which means that my international customers will be able to get styling for Fall by Urban Bloom.

Now that I'm building my own website the Etsy shop hasn't been as much of a focus lately though I did upload some new photos to the store for the Golden means and Rain droplet earrings. Here's an updated photo of the magical Once upon a time necklace which is available on Etsy.
There's a good chance I'll open that shop to sell my beads and pieces of my supplies that I don't have a use for.

The web shop will be opening within the next two weeks and I'm while I'm building the links page I'm sure I'll post a couple here as well.

Good charma

2006-08-24T03:42:00.000-07:00

Photography has been the most frustrating obstacle to getting my website up and running. Thanks to a number of great online photo tutorials and the help of my friend Gary I've been able to finally get a glimpse of what great photoshop skills can bring to the design of my website.

My favorite trends so far this season have been long necklaces with chunky pendants and delicate boho florals for a romantic look, and a huge array of skulls, cameos, and lockets.

PPO logo

2006-08-23T05:02:00.000-07:00

Two very exciting consignment opportunities are keeping me busy. I'm working on promo materials and came up with this logo. I'm going to play around a bit more and see what else I can stir up.

I'm smitten

2006-08-19T05:35:00.000-07:00

The shop is on the way and includes necklaces like the one above.

Mellow yellow

2006-08-18T15:25:00.000-07:00

Today was a mellowed out vacation day with plenty of bright spots.

Mock site #1

2006-08-15T16:52:00.000-07:00

Here's the site when it first loads...

...and after the boxes at bottom have been rolled over...

...and after a catagory has been clicked on, items will be displayed.

Workflow in color

2006-08-15T03:07:00.000-07:00

I've been away from the blog since I purchased my domain name and hosting. Coming Fall '06, I'll have my own shop for your viewing and spending pleasure at UrbanBloomnyc.com. I'm a learn-as-I-go type and building a website takes a whole lot of manpower so I'm going slowly. I'm spending a lot of time determining the color scheme and working on what will compliment my pieces, appeal to visitors, and also reflect Fall's palette. Color trends and forecasts on the Pantone site are helpful. I've browsed around their site before because they also have lots of free articles on the psychology of color which totally fascinates me.

When there's time to play - and there's always time for creative fun - this is an awesome, hilarious project about advertising and the unexpected combinations of text and image.

The Look

2006-08-11T03:38:00.000-07:00

I put a new banner up on Etsy and it's been so much fun to play with the new image for Urban Bloom. Is it trendy or kitschy? Elegant and luxurious? I'm drawing closer to defining the company's image since I'm hoping to launch the website fairly soon. I've read some great articles on design and typography at HOW magazine's site but I still have more experimenting to do before I decide.

Lockets and the like

2006-08-11T02:32:00.000-07:00

Sun delights

2006-08-08T18:20:00.000-07:00

Vivid colors all year round at Urban Bloom...

Mod for you

2006-08-08T02:21:00.000-07:00

Custom orders are always welcome. They force me out of my (design) comfort zone. I take into consideration the person's personal style, body type, coloring, and how often they wear accessories. My biggest challenge to date was making a set of earrings and necklace for a woman who never wears jewelry and doesn't have pierced ears. Difficult as that might sound, the results were really quite lovely. Anna, my coworker, has placed a few custom orders (thanks, Anna!) and each of the resulting designs are definitely part of my core collection.

This current order is for my sister's friend who's very stylish and has modern taste. The shells I choose have the geometry and simplicity my sister asked for. I created one with a dangling silver leaf and another with a thin MOP small circle. Unfortunately she really liked the silver leaf but the irridescence of the shell (eh-hem! i love pink) is a bit too much. I'm under a tight deadline so it's back to the pliers for me!

It's an Etsy day:
There's nothing quite cuter than this charm of two lovebirds kissing. The pale blue briolette hangs down the center of 14K goldfilled chain with a gold plated charm to one side and on the other are three small briolettes (in pale blue and peachy pink).

Happenstance

2006-08-06T15:36:00.000-07:00

my shop on etsy is growing at a rate of 2 pieces/day and the site visits are increasing but sales are nil. i know bc i'm checking my email every 2 minutes! word about the etsy forums is that it's a slow for everyone this time of the year. i feel like the shop is a great way to get experience. if anything it forced me to sharpen some of my photoshop skills in the process bc product photography needs to be as professional as possible and, in my case, without paying a professional. eventually i'd like to have my own site but until then i'd like to sell the pieces on etsy and others' stores. there's something so exciting about having my own jewelry collection with a running list of stockists. so, i contacted a shop owner of an awesome store that sells indie goods and she was interested! good news considering her awesome reputation and customer base. silver sells better in her store which and i came up with a bunch of styles in the hopes of consigning them to her boutique. a sneak peak of my proposal to her is above.

so, for now, urban bloom can be found at: my space, flickr, the bust directory, and delicious.

weekend updates including adding "golden means" and "blush" to the etsy shop but also include a link to copacetique(an awesome boutique who's name says it all) and santamistura's blog(an endless resource for awesome links and inspiration). thanks to janice and patricia for linking back to urban bloom!

xo.

Golden means

2006-08-05T15:15:00.000-07:00

2006-08-05T04:38:00.000-07:00

Buy Blush

Buy the Secret Garden.

2006-08-05T00:55:00.000-07:00

Skull necklace with crystal on 14K gold filled chain available on Etsy.

Rain droplets

2006-08-04T14:29:00.000-07:00

These remind me of morning dew. Available at UrbanBloom's shop

It's the Etsy things in life

2006-08-04T02:39:00.000-07:00

My shop on Etsy is open for business. Don't know what Etsy is? Imagine an Ebay type site devoted entirely to handcrafted, fresh, and hip designs. You're about to discover a whole new world of crafty indies selling their wares where you can search for items based on color hues and saturation. I've got a wish list a mile long including paper goods from Pressure Letterpress, Port 2 Port, Magic Jelly Emporium, and housewares by Joom. Browse below to see my shop's goods and stayed tuned to the flow for what's on its way. xo.

2006-08-01T04:14:00.000-07:00

Available for purchase online

2006-07-31T17:43:00.000-07:00

Available online in UB's Etsy shop.

Welcome to Urban Bloom

2005-11-16T04:54:00.000-08:00

Urban Bloom features handmade accessories by yours truly. You'll find unique designs that are inspired by season's trends and colors, ranging from the sophisticated to flirty, from subtle to bold. Usually any jewelry that looks this good has a huge price tag but I just love designing so these pieces are priced to sell. Most of the styles are one-of-a-kind and the inventory is updated weekly... custom orders are possible so do inquire. Browse through the selection (click each image for a photo detail) and treat yourself to something that sparkles. Purchases can be made via Paypal by emailing urbanbloomnyc@yahoo.com or shopping at UB's Etsy shop.

Happy shopping!

xo,
L

Teal Crystal Channel with Gold Locket Necklace

2005-11-13T04:46:00.000-08:00

Sweet necklaces are the best accessory for open collar shirts. Gold plated locket is displayed on teal crystal channel chain.

Teal and gold locket double strand necklace

2005-11-13T04:35:00.000-08:00

Layering necklaces and romantic pendants are the current trends this fall and this duo has both. Designing as a set, one strand hits at your collarbone and is entirely teal crystal channels and the other falls right below with a darling gold plated locket. SOLD but email me to request a restock!

Circles of pink and green drop earrings, $16

2005-11-12T04:27:00.000-08:00

These earrings are delicate and femme. Light rose crystal, dyed quartz, and various other stones including a pale green quartz brio are handwrapped on 14K gold filled chain and suspended from a 14K gold filled earring finding.

Peruvian Calcite Teardrop Earrings

2005-11-11T18:52:00.000-08:00

Classic and unique, these silver teardrop shapes are finished with luminous Peruvian Calcite drops. Earring posts and wire are sterling silver. Other colors available. Available at Plain Mabel

Foliage Necklace

2005-11-10T18:03:00.000-08:00

Beautiful briollettes in all the colors of foliage drop in Y from strands of copper chain. Faceted glass stone in smoky quartz is the bold centerpiece. SOLD