"Straight from the Studio" Sale

I am joining up with two talented artists for an exciting "straight from the studio" sale -- just in time for your holiday shopping. If you are in North Carolina, near Greensboro, on November 16 - 18 then please stop by. For more info click here. In addition to my jewelry, there will be fun glass pieces from Sleepin' Dog art glass artist Nancy Brooks and wonderful miniature portriats painted by Dot Wootten Kimelman.

Here are some photos of their work:

Looking toward Fall

With summer as ripe as it is, I start to think about Fall. I design for Fall. I start thinking about shopping for Fall. I look forward to the change. And then I realize it isn't even August yet, and here in the South, summer lasts two plus months more!

Here are a few designs that will be on display for Fall at upcoming shows.

The Artisan Collection by Mason Altman - "the touch of the artisan in every piece"

I am so excited to announce a new line called MASON ALTMAN, which is a collaboration between myself and Wendi Mason of the Indigo Bead Studio. This is an affordable, hand crafted line which we have carefully designed and is being made by artisans in both Bali and the US. Debuting with Fall 2007, The Artisan Collection utilizes hand crafted materials, assembled by hand. This results in jewelry that still has the touch of the artisan in every piece.

The collection is a highly coordinated collection featuring hand forged brass, turquoise, red coral, quartz and freshwater pearls. Each piece is designed to work alone, or together in combinations, multiplying the possibilities each day for the woman wearing it!

Texture. Movement. The play of light off the surface. This jewelry has a soul. It is real jewelry for real women! Here is a sneak peek...

If you are a retailer and are interested in this new line, we will be launching at Accessories The Show at the Venetian in Las Vegas, August 27-29. Come and see us in booth 339!

Judith Altman Designs now available to Wholesale Buyers on MyWares.Com

On June 1st Judith Altman Designs will participate in the launch of MyWares.Com -- an online 24/7 tradeshow that provides wholesale buyers access to innovative, high-quality products from women designers.

From their website...

Showcasing top products by women, MyWares is anything but ordinary. We connect creative “small business” owners with qualified wholesale buyers en masse.
Join a distinguished group of buyers who are looking for an effective, time saving resource to find quality products their customers will buy.
Be the first to see hot, new and fresh products you may not see at the tradeshows.
Take advantage of sales, specials and promotions our Wholesalers offer daily via their individual message box.
Easily request product information 24/7 with a simple click of the mouse.
Spend less of your valuable time and money researching the web for new products…we've done it for you.

I will continue to provide information about this exciting new project as it develops. Meanwhile, if you are a qualified wholesale buyer then take a look at joining MyWares.Com and visit the Judith Altman Designs pages!

http://www.mywares.com

Let me know what you think.

Online Sale on Judith Altman Designs Prior Seasons

I get so many people asking me why I don't sell online on my website. For the most part, I am committed to supporting my lovely retailers. They provide beautiful environments and personal help with every purchase, and I am more focused on the design, production and wholesaling. This is still the case, however, over the years I have built up some inventory in my studio from previous seasons. I have decided to make this inventory available, online, at a significant discount (most 50% off retail). I have just started adding items to my store at etsy.com and will be adding pieces daily. Check it out. These pieces are the same quality and are just as lovely as the day they were designed.

I look forward to hearing from you through etsy.com. You can find my store at:

http://www.jalt.etsy.com

The Meaning of Jewelry

Jewelry is one of the oldest forms of self-expression. More than just something sparkly and shiny, jewelry has been imbued with meaning and communication all throughout history. Amulets that protect, rings that indicate marital status, gemstones with healing powers, jet jewelry for mourning. Demonstrations of power, love, status, religion and wealth. Jewelry is a form of personal expression for both the wearer and the artist. Art as communication.

I have always been intrigued by the many jewelry components depicting Buddha, and other eastern symbols of protection and healing. I am drawn to Buddha pendants, Tibetan healing stones, Dharma wheels and Dorje pestles. These “auspicious symbols” seem to speak to me more so these days as horrible stories of war and massacres fill the news. We could all use a little protection these days, an amulet to keep us safe, or to remind us of the good in the world.

Here are some of the pieces that I have been inspired to create, as a meditation on protection, growth, healing and prosperity.

JewelHistory.com and Coutorture.com Talk About Judith Altman Designs

This month two lovely jewelry blogs included Judith Altman Designs in their entries. Check them out at www.JewelHistory.com and www.coutorture.com (click on Accessories).

American Craft Council Show

Just returned from the American Craft Council Fine Craft Wholesale Show in Baltimore. This show is a premiere venue for retailers to connect with American crafts people. Selected through a rigorous peer-review process, the craft exhibitors create unique displays of their work and are present throughout the shows to meet directly with buyers. The hall was filled with extraordinary talent -I met so many wonderful artists. I also met many wonderful, energetic gallery owners. Here are a few of my designs that were exhibited at the show.