trend watch: forest frenzy

do it yourself rope bracelets

Love, love, love, these.  Cute DIY gift idea, no?

Do It Yourself Rope bracelets designed by Bromeliad

I know DIY's aren't for everyone, but really, this seems like a fun thing to do on the couch while watching back-to-back episodes of your favorite show on a chilly, dark evening.  Just imagine the possibilities using different materials like leather or fuzzy wool. 

Get in on the How-To here. 

photo courtesy, bromeliad blog

we heart design*sponge

If you've been living under a rock (or just working day in and day out with zero breaks, only to crash on the couch the moment you get home X REPEAT EVERY DAY) then this is the first time you've heard of design*sponge, a Brooklyn-based blog penned by Grace Bonney.  

Grace started design*sponge in 2004, and spends her days unearthing, researching, and sharing the coolest of the cool with her readers several times a day.  

I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Bonney recently when she was out in Portland.  She stopped by the grayling studio and showroom and picked up one of our raw agate rings after lunch at Olympic Provisions.

A few days later, I started getting emails from around the country inquiring about the ring she bought.  I was puzzled.  How do people even know about the ring?  They're weren't online yet.  Then I realized.... 

...the grayling raw agate ring was featured on design*sponge!

Some rad earrings from fellow-Portland designer Better Late than Never were also pictured (I first drooled over BLTN pieces at Sara's Crafty Wonderland booth last Spring).  

What an honor!

on design*sponge, scroll down for the ring...

Thanks, Grace!

baubles & bibelot: from bona drag

This time of year we start to go a little crazy. We are so mentally ready for warmer weather that we find ourselves desperate to find ways to pass the time.

We find a good browse of Bona Drag, one of our very favorite online stores, very therapeutic. Naturally, we begin to make wish lists. Here are four of our favorite pieces from their current offerings:

maniamania room 631 brass necklace

karen walker helter skelter sunglasses

maniamania initiation necklace


aesa black freshwater pearl cuff


image credits: all bona drag

baubles & bibelot: blessed jewelry

Ridiculously cool stingray pouch necklaces by BLESSED available at one of my very favorite stores, Naturals.

victoria beckham does shades

By now you may have noticed I have an interest in celebrity-designed jewelry, clothing, and accessories (more here and here and here) . I am fascinated by the way these people (whether known initially for their acting, singing, or even merely their good looks) are able to glide effortlessly from their "specialty" into the field of design.

Every once in a while I come across a CDL (my little moniker for a celebrity-designed line) that I actually really like and/or find interesting. Recently, a collection of sunglasses from none other than Victoria Beckham, kind of blew my mind.

I am a firm believer that sunglasses are one of the ultimate elevation pieces you can own. Alongside a good bag, well-made shoes, and perhaps a great pair of jeans - there is little else you need to show the world you "get it".

View more awesome shades here.

photos courtesy beckham ventures ltd

fringe benefits

Smart-as-a-whip Erica Domesek {writer and creator of the genius DIY blog P.S. -- I Made This} shows us "How to Make a Fringe Scarf from an Old T-Shirt" via this Daily Candy video.

I love this for re-purposing t-shirts into a new accessory (just think - every cat, woman, man, dog and perhaps even doll and teddy bear could use one of these)...

Scissors up!

photo/video courtesy Daily Candy and P.S. I made this

baubles & bibelot: fall fete at narcisse

...featuring new jewelry from my friends brehan todd and jess of paper treasure, plus the fall line of clothing from noa noa.
.

paper treasure

brehan todd


noa noa

{fall fete at narcisse}
saturday september 18 2010
~ 8 to late in the evening ~

1015 sw washington
portland oregon 97205

photos courtesy noa noa, brehan todd, & jess mcccloskey

the latest links: jewelry

emerald, the birthstone for May

These links are worth a click:

Not your typical birthstone jewelry

A young jewelry queen reigns in Queens, NYC

Jewelry designer Philip Crangi and family strive to create a dynasty of design

Bankruptcy for offshoot of Portland, OR institution Carl Greve Jewelers moves ahead



image credit: www.pkbennett.com

celebrity jewelry lines cometh

Kim Kardashian x Loren Jewels

Nicky Hilton x Titan Brands for Endless


Madonna and Lourdes collaborate on Material Girl for Macy's

Photo credit: Thomas Iannaccone, WWD, and Loren Jewels

sailin away

Learn how to make one of these here.

photo credit - etsy

g r a y l i n g: summer lookbook

palms necklace + earrings


palms necklace + earrings


azure necklace


azure necklace


natura necklace - coming soon


natura necklace - coming soon


luminescent necklace + diamond one earrings
coming soon


luminescent necklace + diamond one earrings
coming soon


MORE LOOKBOOK IMAGES HERE

{all images copyright grayling jewelry 2010}

baubles & bibelot: draugsvold jewelry

What do you think about these numbers from Draugsvold? I sort of love how they combine old bits and parts to form an entirely different look (the bottom necklace even looks like it has tiny owls in it).

There are more great finds on their website here. And p.s. if it's good enough for Beyonce it's good enough for me. xx

photos - all draugsvold

baubles & bibelot: engaging rings

Cast your gaze at several unusual and beautiful styles via a recent article from Refinery 29: 20 Engagement Rings You'll Love. It's worth a peek no matter what your relationship status.


And p.s. if you need a ring custom made, John Rink is the ultimate guy-to-turn-to. Contact me for info. He made my ring and I am amazed by it every day!

baubles & bibelot: monique pean x gap

What do you think of this necklace? Too tribal? Or too cool for words?

baubles & bibelot: sahlia michelle

I love the jewelry my friend Sahlia makes. Her designs are tough as nails yet still feminine, a good fit for a tomboy like me who is hard on just about everything.

I recently ordered the necklace on the far left with the oxidized circle, and I picked up some molten drop earrings which you'll find me sporting most days, including today.

Also on the order: stingray skin earrings (sounds gross, looks cool), white turquoise spike earrings (Sara R., if you're reading, you need a pair, too!), and a double silver spike necklace that hangs down to the button of my jeans.

I'm not alone in my obsession with Sahlia's jewelry, read more at Calculated Fashion.

blaze earring

the blaze earring : coming soon to

www.graylingjewelry.com

The blaze earring is from my Metallust Collection - every piece is hand cut, hammered, textured and assembled by yours truly.

right hook

Surface to Air

3 Finger A Slim Profile Ring

$55 at www.tobi.com

Surface to Air

3 Finger A Ring
$77 at www.tobi.com

Don't feel bad if you see these faux knuckle rings and instantly think of the person you'd most want to use them on. It's a natural thought - everyone has their enemies (except me, I love everybody).

Lucky for your foe's face, these are just for looks. You can order one from the nice people over at http://www.tobi.com/. If you need the real thing, just email me, I know a guy...

arielle de pinto

"Enhancing one's charm by pretending not to be aware of it is a gentle art", or at least that's what Oliver Herford once said. Sometimes artists are unaware of the impact of their pieces on people.

I encountered the jewelry of Arielle de Pinto recently, and I was curious about how it was made, so I contacted Arielle to find out. When I asked about her design background, she replied casually:

The pieces are made of crocheted chain, mostly of sterling silver or vermeil. My story? It just happened.

She may downplay her work, but I've seen it in person and it is incredible. She makes necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and gloves, and I want it all.

yank my chain

Alice + Olivia - linen dress

Vince - chain tee

Chanel and Givenchy were the first to debut layered chains on the runway. Not surprisingly, other designers are following suit by incorporating chain into their collections. Vince and Alice + Olivia take it one step further by doing the hard work for you - dresses and tees come with the necklaces attached. Instant glamour. Photos courtesy of Saks.