From A Busy Studio

I have been delighting in a long stretch of uninterrupted studio time. Flush with loads of new materials, and having completed a move into a new, larger studio space, I have been creating many new pieces for spring. As usual, themes have developed. I have become interested in ethnic pieces incorporating ornamentative components from indigenous cultures. I have also been exploring some new structures for necklaces and bracelets. Here are some recent pieces.

Artisan Collection Available at Soft Surroundings

We are so pleased that our Artisan Collection is highlighted in the current catalog from Soft Surroundings and is available online at softsurroundings.com. While we call it The Artisan Collection, they are calling it the Nile Collection. Like the designs of ancient Egypt...they say that this "style could have been worn by someone gazing on the Nile River. While the design is simple, its elegance is beyond reproach." Take a look...

Inspiration

I am so often asked where I get my inspiration. First I would have to say that I am inspired by the beauty of forms and shapes in nature. The stones inspire me. Ethnic traditions and cultures are major sources of inspiration for my designs. Architecture and structural design is a fascination to me. Current design and fashion are inevitable influences. I try to avoid trends and consider my designs trend-sensitive rather than trend-centered. Inspiration is all around and for me design is an intuitive process, a process of discovery.

"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.

Happy New Year!

Here is a sneak peek at some new designs for 2007. I continue to be very interested in pendants, vintage components and longer silhouettes. I make each pendant individually by making a "collage" of various vintage components and gemstones. I then hang them from either vintage chain or gemstones, or both.

Collage Pendant of Jade and Vintage Components on a Vintage Bronze Chain:
Collage Pendant of Jasper and Vintage Components with Bronzite and Smokey Topaz:
Collage Pendant of Carnelian and Turquoise with Freshwater Pearls:

Collage Pendant of Vintage Components on Agate and Freshwater Pearls:

Envy Maker

InStore Magazine, the glossy Magazine for the American Jewelry Store Owner, selected Judith Altman Designs Signature Collection for their INFRONT column in the December issue. Titled "New Arrivals - Envy Makers", it features a Bronzite and Freshwater Pearl necklace which "reflects the current trend for all things brown."

Water Wear for the Holidays

We are delighted that the November issue of NC Boating Lifestyles is running a feature called "Water Wear" highlighting signature pieces from Judith Altman Designs, suggesting them as great holiday gifts for "women who appreciate nature's treasures being transformed into art." Pictured is a multistrand necklace of white freshwater pearls with watery blue chalcedony, and another made of white freshwater pearls with red coral frangia.

A Passion for Pendants

Recently I have been inspired by some gorgeous pendants. These pieces are truly unique, each one highlighting a very special centerpiece with beautiful gemstones and precious metals. Here are a few examples of this recent "mini-collection."

Turquoise and High Karat Gold Vermeil

Afghan Pendant with Lapis, Coral, Amber and Brass

Blue Topaz and Sterling Silver Pendant with Aquamarine and Amazonite

Carved Agate and Sterling Silver

Labradorite, Sterling Silver, Carved Jade, Serpentine

Moonstone and Sterling Silver Pendant with Watermelon Tourmaline

New Fine Silver Pendants

I have recently added some beautiful, hand-made pendants to the collection. I have created these out of fine silver (.999 silver) and they are hung on sterling silver chain. I especially enjoy creating these pieces - each one is individually crafted and is one-of-a-kind.

Here are few of the designs:

Fashiontribes.com proclaims the Patina Collection is Rockin'

Fashiontribes.com is an online daily fashion and style site keeping track of what is new and hot. The October 16 daily featured the new Patina Collection from Judith Altman Designs and Fashiontribe proclaimed it "a rockin' collection".

See for yourself:

http://fashiontribes.typepad.com/main/2006/10/vintage_europea.html

International Home Furnishings Market a Big Success

Sales of Judith Altman Designs were brisk in High Point at the Suites at Market Square during the International Home Furnishings Market which ended this past Sunday. Although overall Market traffic was down, there was a lot of activity at the Judith Altman Designs space. The Signature Collection sold well, and the new Patina Collection, appealing to hip boutiques and buyers, was a big hit. It was great to see my regular customers, and to meet new ones.

Here is some local press about Judith Altman Designs at the seven day show (From the High Point Enterprise):

Press Release - Announcing the Patina Collection!

Contact: Pam Goldberg
Goldberg Marketing Group
336 855 5391
gmktg@triad.rr.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Judith Altman Designs Introduces Vintage Collection at High Point Market

The discovery of a cache of naturally aged vintage chains, originally used by the famous European fashion designers of the ‘60’s and ‘70’s, was a powerful inspiration for North Carolina jewelry designer, Judith Altman. A serendipitous contact made at a jewelry supply show resulted in a collection of vintage-accented copper, brass and gold chains and pendants to be introduced at the Fall High Point Market as The Patina Collection.

“When I found these chains and learned of their provenance, I wanted to create fashion-forward designs that enhanced their vintage appeal. I have embellished them with swinging tassels and semi-precious gems and pearls creating long, layered silhouettes in tune with today’s hottest look. The response has been overwhelming, and I anticipate that this Collection will quickly sell out at Market.” Altman added that as a result of some early press about the collection, one woman dispatched her assistant post-haste to acquire a highlighted Patina Collection necklace.

Judith Altman Designs returns for the third time to Suites at Market Square in a new space, I-733. Her signature collection has been expanded to include many new designs with a more delicate appeal, in addition to the boldly dramatic pieces that have become her trademark. “There are many life occasions when the subtlety of a softer statement is desired, so I have evolved the scope of my collection to include a choice of smaller, understated pieces.”

Sasanqua Spa at Kiawah Island, SC and the newly opened Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village, California are among the latest galleries, boutiques and museums across the country offering this distinctive collection. Visit www.judithalthman.com or contact Judith Altman Designs at 336 209 7277 for more information.

Fall 2006 Silhouettes

Fall 2006 continues to include bold multi-strand necklaces and unique pendants for which the Signature collection has become known. Earrings range from long linear designs to chandeliers and clusters. Bracelets include dramatic cuff styles, with multi-strands. Central to most designs is a beautiful clasp, often the focal point of the bracelet or necklace.

The newest additions to the collection are a unique line of gemstone cufflinks, highlighting beautifully cut singular gemstones, as well as cluster and flower arrangements of gemstones and freshwater pearls.

Also added this Fall is the very exciting Patina Collection with its long, layered silhouettes, vintage accents, pendants with swinging tassels and glints of copper, brass and gold.