Summer is in full swing and things are hoppin' at Jennifer Ishimoto Designs.  My Etsy store is going gangbusters and I am busy working on a simply "eclectic"  new line. I've also  just recently joined Loft 204 in their gallery in Claremont, CA.  Friday, July 6th, I'll be participating in the Claremont Village Art Walk. 

I facilitated a fun kids birthday party recently.  I think we had around 20 busy girls all excited to make JEWELRY.  To find out more about my completely unique Birthday Parties read below or visit: Parties

Imagine your daughter’s face when it lights up into a proud smile because she has created her own work of art…  Jennifer is available to join your child’s birthday to celebrate with her, hold her attention and gently guide her and her guests through the magical world of beginning jewelry-making.

Jennifer begins each party with a show of the tools needed for jewelry-making and the basics of “patterning”. 

She identifies what colors each child finds irresistible, and helps them select their own sparkling beads to complete their project.  She assists the girls with stringing while placing the emphasis on their individual design.  Samples are brought in for inspiration or help, however each child creates her own idea as to what is meaningful to her.

The children are shown how to use a bead board and stringing strategies that will make the process easier and more enjoyable.  Talking, giggling and the changing of minds on design are all fostered and encouraged.  The beading time is intended for fun, exploration and self-expression.  The girls will amaze the parents with what they craft.

After finishing their bracelets the children join together for a group picture which will be emailed to the parent.  The birthday girl also receives a complimentary toe or finger ring that she will help design as well (keep this a secret so that it is a nice surprise).

The confidence derived from creating a beautiful masterpiece is an unrivaled experience, and everyone learns the basics of what may turn into a lifelong love of beading (even the parents). The parties are age-appropriate beginning at the age of eight, going through and including teenagers and adults

If you haven't stopped by in a while visit Jennifer Ishimoto Designs today!

Do you know how to care and store your precious Vintage Jewelry pieces?

You have taken years to accumulate an impressive and expansive vintage jewelry collection.  You want to pass it on to future generations. You don’t know how the heck to store and take care of these treasured pieces….

Okay, so I want to take care of my vintage jewelry but how do I store it?

Water beware!  Make sure there is no moisture when storing jewelry.  Dampness can contribute to and speed up rust damage.  There is nothing more frustrating than pulling out a favorite piece of incredible jewelry to find that is has been ruined due to a preventable problem like moisture.

No touching allowed!  Don’t let your precious vintage pieces lie next to each other and accidentally get scratched.  Prevent scratching by storing in a small zip lock bag or a special pouch

Lay down the beads!  Is your vintage jewelry beaded?  If it is lay flat.  The wire or string can bend out of shape causing the piece not to lie correctly when worn.  Also be careful when storing your pieces strung on silk.  It can stretch over time causing the vintage piece to lose its shape.

Dust flurries be gone!  Using proper storage methods (bagging it) will help eliminate dust from settling into your jewelry and causing harm by marring the metals and dulling the stones.

Yes, my jewelry is stored properly, but I have no idea how to keep it shiny and pretty, help!

Beware of cleaning!  Sometimes the piece retains a higher value if it is not deep cleaned.  Take for example sterling silver Native American jewelry…If you remove the “tarnish” your piece will significantly drop in value.  I learned this the hard way.  After meticulously cleaning and polishing a necklace I had acquired I brought it in to be appraised only to find out it was worth very little because of the cleaning.

Tidy housekeepers note!  Love to wear your jewelry while cleaning, DON’T!  The harsh cleaning chemicals can ruin is delicate or even a not so delicate piece.

Clean, Clean, Clean!  You can use jewelry cleaner however; make sure the cleaner is appropriate for the piece.  Put aside cleaners with alcohol, ammonia or acids and only use cleaner that is designed for the type of jewelry you are cleaning.  Never use sterling silver dips, even for sterling.  It will most likely remove the beautiful patina and the oxidation that was placed on the vintage piece during production.  It can also give silver a dull look.

Not just for windows anymore!   Windex is your friend!  If you want to bypass the jewelry dips then place a small amount of Windex on a soft cloth and wipe down the piece you are working on.  Please don’t put away your jewelry damp or wet as this is an open invitation to rust.

A brighter future!  Polishing cloths due well with vintage pieces.  “Sunshine” polishing cloth is a good one (and cheap too!) Use a good quality cloth and lightly polish the pieces, handling your vintage piece with care.  I can get you a polishing cloth if you can’t find a good one; just let me know (888-378-1888).

Enjoy your spa day!  Don’t ever wear your jewelry in the pool at the spa.  Chlorine wrecks havoc on jewelry.  The chlorine is corrosive and minerals found at the spas can also damage your vintage jewelry.

Stop, fix, go!  Repair your pieces as needed.  If it is not something you are skilled at, hire a professional so that your pieces can be passed to future generations!  If your piece is beaded consider to have it re-strung every few years.  This is an inexpensive way to keep your precious vintage jewelry in top shape.  I restring a lot of pieces that I didn’t design, see http://www.jenniferishimoto.com/Jewelry_Care.html  for details.

These tips are based on my experiences only and I am not commenting on your specific piece so please adapt these suggestions as appropriate…  With proper care, a little preventative maintenance and proper storage those pieces you love will live prosperously and beautifully to pass on to future generations.  For additional tips visit www.jenniferishimoto.com or call me @ 888-378-1888.

Thanks much!    Jennifer

Gatherings are a fun way to connect and get together with friends

What are people saying?

“My “Gathering” was fantastic, entertaining and effortless.   My friends and I had a blast!   The orders were filled speedily.   On- hand was an impressive selection of jewelry. I loved using my Jewelry Dollars. Thank you! Next time I’d like to try an on-line gathering and raise money for my church. I’ll definitely be in touch.”          

-Amanda R.

 "Thank you so much for coming to my home for a party (Gathering).  We all had fun and I absolutely love your designs”

-Beth P.

 “Our fundraising was an easy way to raise money for our team.  We almost paid for our new uniforms with the money we received! It was convenient and simple.  I also think it is so cool that I got discounted jewelry (by 35%), 5 half-off items and now I have a discount for a year just because I am the one that suggested this opportunity!”

-Mary P

 “So at first I thought the idea of having a “Guy Only” party was pretty lame, but my wife encouraged me, printed out suggestions of what she likes and Mother’s Day was all taken care of with special, from the heart gifts.  My friends had a similar experience and of course the Hockey game played as our background music the whole time.  I think I want to do this every year.  My wife loved her gifts and the fact that I had input into the final product.”

Steve Z.

  

FAQ’s

 Where can a Gathering take place? Anywhere really (home, work, a website gathering, non-profit, church, school…).
Can I host an "on-line" Gathering?  Yep, it is fun and easy and you don't even need to clean your house. :-)
Can I use the Gathering as a fundraiser for my group?  Absolutely, and you still get great benefits too!

What is this all about?

When you host a Gathering or Fundraiser with Jennifer Ishimoto Designs in person or on-line you and your guests will enjoy a world of artfully-crafted, original jewelry.

All pieces are hand-crafted and many of them are ordered to your specifications during a personal one-on-one consultation with Jennifer.   Plus, with the “in-person” Gathering you and your guests will have a first peek at everything that is new or will soon be released to the general public.   

Hosting is fun and easy, too!   Jennifer will help you with invitations, wording, party ideas and whatever else you need to make your gathering success! It’s rewarding! As a hostess, you never pay full  price for the jewelry of your choice.  
In addition, you receive 10% off for a year on regular priced jewelry (custom designs included!). Also, you will receive FREE shipping on the order from your Gathering.

What are the details?  How much jewelry will I receive?

For example, if sales at your Gathering are $1000, you receive $250 in  Jewelry Dollars to use toward any products of  your choice. You will also receive four products at half-price and you save 35% on anything else you choose to purchase or have designed for you. 

In this same scenario if we were hosting a Fundraiser for your organization, the Jewelry Dollars of $250 would be issued as a check to the organization, and all of the other benefits would be awarded to you as our way of saying "Thank You"!  

History has shown us that many Fundraiser’s and Gatherings generate several thousand dollars in sales.  We do not cap the amount you can earn either as an individual or as an organization, and Gift Cards always count toward your sales totals.   In another example...if your Fundraiser or Gathering has $4000 in sales your donation or Gift Card would be $1400!   That is some serious money for very little time and effort.

 The fine print…For every $100 in Gathering Sales over $1000 add $35 in Jewelry Dollars.  Add one half price item for each gathering scheduled, for both the hostess and the guest! 

Gathering sales exclude shipping, handling and tax. Jewelry Dollars cannot be applied to any discounted product, including but not limited to half-price items, hostess discounts, other specials offered.   Jewelry Dollars cannot be applied to sales tax.

Please contact Jennifer for a breakdown for the schedule of awards for gatherings under $1000 jennifer@jenniferishimoto or 888-378-1888.  Schedule a Gathering today!

 

Great Day!

Yesterday I sent out a bunch of flier's about the Grand Opening of www.jenniferishimoto.com wondering if anyone would remember me.  I can't believe it has been something like 6 years since I began my respite.  Sure enough people did remember.  I received quite a few super nice emails from old clients.  Their children have grown, their lives have progressed and they were still happy to hear from ME!  I am so excited to be back in my "jewelry" world.  I hope everyone is having a spectacular night!

We are getting close!

     Jennifer Ishimoto Designs is officially up!  Check us out at www.jenniferishimoto.com. The website is a bit rough yet.  We are in the process of setting three new pages, as well as trying to figure out how we could integrate a shopping cart.  I think what I need to do is make friends with an IT guy who wants to swap services...  Any takers?
     Our three new pages will be filled with delightful sterling silver "Cluster" Rings, simplistic Hand-Stamped Charms and interchangeable European Charms Bracelets.  Our goal is to  make each day a little brighter by carrying memories of both your life and the lives of those close to you in jewelry that is both functional and personalized.
     Make it a great day!

 Jennifer

Twitter, facebook, blogs and making it all interconnect...Help!

I am just beginning to really get in to social media and networking, but does it have to be so confusing?  I'm trying to link everything to my website (target "live" date 3/1/11) while trying to keep it simple as well.  I just found out my twitter (just started) can be connected to my facebook as well.  At this time I have no idea how to link this silly blog to the website...uh oh 10 days and counting to going "live".  I've got to figure it out quickly!

Jennifer Ishimoto Designs webstore open soon!

Opening date is 3/1/11 for the new Jennifer Ishimoto Designs website.  www.jenniferishimoto.com
Stop by and see us then or check us out on facebook and twitter.  Thanks to all my friends and family for their support in getting the site up!