BYE BUYS! Online Sale Room Open

I usually try to avoid New Year's Resolutions.  Although I could benefit from a diet, better exercise routine, etc. I rarely articulate these specific personal goals this time of year.  Just too famously disappointing as these types of things usually go unfulfilled in the long run.

But this year I did set a business goal to clean out my studio.  As you can see on the side bar to the right, I already sell off extra jewelry making supplies in an etsy store (if you make jewelry, check it out - I sell items pretty much at what I paid for them, or less, just to clear them out and create a little cash for buying new stuff!).  But that only partially addresses the amount of stuff I have in my studio.  So I have set up an online sale room where you can buy items from almost all my collections for mostly 50% - 60% off!  Click here to check it out.


So, please, help me with my New Year's Resolution, and by doing so you will reap some real benefits.  Beautiful jewelry at great prices!


Thanks.

Fur and Jewelry

Over the holiday season I did a few trunk shows with my friend David Kriegsman, who owns and operates Kriegsman Furs and Luxury Outerwear.  David runs the oldest and most respected furrier in North Carolina.  Kriegsman Furs was established in 1928 by David's father and the family tradition reaches back to the 1870s where David's family were prominent Austrian furriers.  

For one customer, David designed some fox muffs as gifts for the customer's daughters.  She bought two of my vintage collage brooches to add to the gift.  Here are photos of the finished products - testimony to the wonderful fit between fur and jewelry!

David is a hard-working and creative businessman, and talented designer.  And he has impeccable taste! He sells outerwear fashion from big name designers and designs and produces his own wonderful designs.  For many years he has remodeled and repaired furs and leather outerwear for his customers.  Combining this in-house sewing capability with his innate sense of fashion and design, he produces limited edition items of his own.  Notably, he has designed some fabulous capes using the best Italian cashmere - some are trimmed with fur and some with intricate leather appliques.

The Kriegsman website says "come visit our retail store, trying them on is so much fun".  And I have to admit after spending days selling my jewelry along-side all these luscious furs no statement could be more true!  You can't help but touch, stroke and, yes, slip into one of his gorgeous coats just for the fun of it.

Judith Altman Designs on the Blogs

You may have noticed the photo credit on my website home page -- Debbie Hayes of Faux Design Studio.  Debbie is an extraordinary artist who does faux finishes of practically anything on practically anything.  You want wood to look like stone?  You want your ceiling to look like the tiles of a palace in Marrakesh? You want something new to look old, or something old to look new?  Debbie is your person.

Silver-leaf wall treatment by Debbie Hayes

One other thing about Debbie is that she always has her camera nearby and her artistic eye instructs what and how she shoots.  We were together last spring at a trunk show and during a quiet time we played with her finishes, my jewelry, a particularly nice slant of light and her camera.  That resulted in some beautiful photos.  To see them on her blog click here.

Tibetan Bracelets photographed by Debbie Hayes

Then last month the exotic and sophisticated design blog Artnlight wrote about Debbie and about our collaborative photo shoot.  Artnlight is the blog of Vineeta Nair, and ex-advertising and art director in Mumbai, India who now writes about design, decor and India.

She has been featured in Elle Decor and it is no wonder.  Her blog is beautiful and interesting and the products she designs are lovely.  I feel a trip to India in my future (I always imagine travel to wonderful places!) and I will certainly be looking her up when I do get there.  Meanwhile, click here to read her lovely blog entry.  Be sure to scroll down through all of the stunning images of Debbie's work to the images from our joint photo shoot.  Then click on her link for her work and see the beautiful items she makes.  Here is one:

One of Vineeta Nair's beautiful boxes

Online Store Re-Opens and You Get 30% Off

Just completed a stretch of shows - lots of days meeting people, selling jewelry, seeing how pieces work for women.  While back-to-back shows can be tiring, I get a lot of energy from meeting people and sharing stories about my work.  Because I had so many pieces with me I shut down the online store while I was on the road.

Now that I am back - for a while at least - I have reopened the store and started to load up new pieces.  In honor of this Grand Re-opening, I am holding a special sale for blog readers, Twitter and Facebook friends.  Use the discount code WEREBACK at checkout between now and Sunday, Nov 7 at 5pm and you will receive 30% off your purchase!  Click here to start shopping and saving now.

Thanks everyone for all your support!

Online Store Closed While We Are On The Road

So sorry, but we have packed up and taken all of our jewelry with us on the road to a couple of shows and thus had to close down the online store for a while.  We will be back and online again in early November.

If you have an urgent need for jewelry that just cannot wait (we understand!) please email us at info (at) judithaltman (dot) com or call 336-209-7277 and we will do our best to help!

All Creative Work is Derivative

By using photographs of archeological artifacts from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, this video makes the point that all creative acts are done in the context of society, other ideas and all that came before.  We might enjoy the idea that we are uniquely creative, coming up with entirely new ideas, but in reality we are the result of our life experiences and our exposure to the creative product of all of society.  Our work extends that which came before and provides influence on others around us and in the future.  That is enough for me!
Enjoy!

Look at this gorgeous table

This wonderful table is from P. Chrisley International and features the hardware that I designed for them.  So exciting to see it come to fruition.  Check them out by clicking here.

highpointMARKET, just around the corner

Twice a year I fill my showroom in High Point with loads of goodies for the highpointMARKET.  This is a 6-day market, previously known as the International Home Furnishings Market.  I look forward to this market every time.  And this season I have developed a great collection.  Lots of new Signature Collection pieces, and some new collections as well.  


So if you attend highpointMARKET, stop by and take a break from your hectic pace.  Pick up some hand-made artisan jewelry.  If you have a store it will be a perfect complement for what you are scouting in the High Point showrooms, and if you just need a treat for yourself (we know you deserve it) we can help with that as well.


We are still in the Suites at Market Square on the mezzanine level (that's one floor up from ground level).  Although everything was remodeled last year, we are essentially in the same area as before, down the aisle from Panera Bread.


We look forward to seeing you in High Point!

September's Stone - Blue Sapphire or Lapis

A maiden born when autumn leaves

Are rustling in September’s breeze,

A sapphire on her brow should bind;

To bring her joy and peace of mind.

-Gregorian Birthstone Poem

Happy Birthday September babies. The leaves are going to start changing soon (or not so soon for those of us living in North Carolina), and the rich colors of fall are a fantastic background for a special birthday celebration! In case you or someone who loves you wants to give a special birthday gift this year, I highly suggest a gift with your gorgeous birthstone, Blue Sapphire. 

Blue Sapphire is truly a stone fit for a queen (and why shouldn’t you be treated like a queen on your birthday?).  This gem is very prominent among the British Crown jewels and was even the engagement stone from Prince Charles to Princess Diana. 

Far before the British Crown jewels, Blue Sapphire was considered a special gem.  Ancient civilizations thought the whole world was set on a giant sapphire that painted the sky with its reflection. Some people believe that the Ten Commandments were actually written on tablets made of sapphire. 

It was also believed that Sapphire would protect against jealousy and poisoning.  When ground into a powder, Blue Sapphire was thought to cure colic, rheumatism, mental illness, and to strengthen eyesight. 

The deep blue stone is a symbol of wisdom and purity.  As a gift it represents sincerity and faithfulness. 

Happy birthday September! I hope you have a great one filled with special people (and hopefully special gifts)! 

August is Peridot!

Wear a peridot or for thee,

No conjugal fidelity,

The August born without this stone,

‘Tis said, must live unloved; alone.

-Gregorian Birthstone Poem

Happy Birthday August!  As school starts up again and it is back to the normal routine, it is just so easy to get caught up in the stress of everyday life and forget to value nature.  What better way to remind yourself than with your very own birthstone, Peridot?

Historically, Peridot has always been viewed as a way to connect with nature.  Egyptian priests drank a stimulating drink called Soma from cups made of Peridot because they thought it would help bring them closer to their goddess of nature. 

Peridot and Rose Quartz 

The gem itself is formed as a result of volcanic activity—a fantastic remembrance of the awesomeness of nature.  Peridot was found on the black sand beaches of Hawaii where natives believed that they were tears of the volcano goddess, Pele. 

 Ancients believed that Peridot would protect against evil and had many uses in medicine.  When set in gold was it was thought to be especially helpful in preventing night terrors.  It was also thought of as a remedy for asthma and a cure for thirst when ground into a powder. 

As a gift, Peridot is a symbol of vitality and signifies strength and the promise of new growth in years ahead.  It is a fantastic gift to remind someone special of the endless possibilities of the future! 

By Guest Blogger, Jenny Kaplan

Travel Diary: New Mexico

I just returned from a five day jaunt to New Mexico.  While I stayed in the desert between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, I spent most of my days in Santa Fe.  I had never been there before and had always wondered about this town that had a funky, artsy reputation.  It lived up to that reputation, in a big way!

While it is somewhat true that this is where “old hippies” live, I found it to be a diverse and dynamic town.  It is the oldest state capital in the country, celebrating its 400th anniversary this year and is in the high desert mountains at an altitude of 7,000 feet (as in, expect a headache and becoming easily winded the first day unless you live at this kind of altitude normally).  A summer visit means heat, but dry heat, despite the afternoon thunderstorms.  The architecture is old and new, but all consistently western, adobe-style buildings.  

Santa Fe Architecture

I was fortunate enough to stay at the Tamaya Resort in Bernalillo, 20-some-odd miles outside of Albuquerque, pretty much in the desert.  The hotel, adobe style in the middle of undeveloped land, felt like a sanctuary.  Owned by Native Americans (but managed by Hyatt) the resort is on a reservation with expansive views of desert-scapes and looming distant mountains.  Sitting on the balcony of our room, or the hotel veranda meant listening to the sound of the wind across the desert, or the scurrying of wildlife - it is *that* quiet here!  It was peaceful, meditative and refreshing - especially the morning that a Native American musician gave an outdoor flute concert and the mellow tones floated across the landscape putting me into a trance.  

Sunset from the veranda at the Tamaya Resort

Days in Santa Fe did involve a 45 minute freeway drive so if you really want to be in Santa Fe, stay in Santa Fe.  But I found this desert oasis to be worth the driving.  Santa Fe is a tourist town, and the first day there I visited galleries, shops and eateries on the Plaza, along with all the other tourists.  Lots of interesting things to see, but quite "touristy" I thought.  The further off the Plaza I wandered, the more interesting it got.  

Even the statues wear jewelry in Santa Fe!

I discovered two incredible photographers in galleries whose work spoke directly to my soul.  First the work of Lisa Kristine, on display at her own gallery on West San Francisco Street.  Lisa Kristine travels, lives among and photographs the indigenous peoples on multiple continents.  Her images are stunning and startlingly authentic.  The second was the work of Jeffrey Becom on display at Verve Gallery of Photography on East Marcy Street.  He is a writer, designer and “visual anthropologist” and similarly, his work results in his keen eye catching extraordinary beauty in ordinary places. .

Day two included a visit to the workshop of Sherry Stein who makes fantastic bags inspired by old carpenter bags and doctor bags.  Her bags are all made from materials made in the US, by local workers who take great pride and a sense of ownership over what they make.  I couldn’t help myself and I ordered this bag, which is being made to order for me.  I am happily anticipating its arrival in a few weeks.

Site Case from Sherry Stein - mine will be in darker brown leather and a black base!

My third day there was a Saturday and I spent the first few hours of it at the Santa Fe Farmers Market.  One of the top 10 Farmers Markets in the country, it was fabulous.  There were many local, organic farmers selling squash blossoms, beets, sunflowers and lavender.  I was immensely frustrated that I did not have a kitchen available to me, so all I could do was look and buy items I could consume in the next couple days.  But the people watching was fabulous.  Santa Fe Farmers Market style includes Keen sandals, a straw hat, long hair (even if it is gray) and lots of turquoise jewelry!  So many people were dressed this way that I wondered if they had some kind of city-wide dress code!  I did buy a cookbook named “One Taste; Vegetarian Home Cooking from around the World” by a Santa Fe resident Sharon Louise Crayton.  It is about nourishing both the body and the spirit when cooking and provides meditations you can practice in the kitchen while you prepare the dishes.

The area around the Farmers Market, known as the Railyard, was filled with many interesting galleries and shops as well.  Less commercial, less tourist-driven it was a pleasure to spend a day exploring this newer area, which also had some wonderful places to eat.  I used the City Guide from design*sponge, which they recently updated.  So if you go (and you should!) check it out for lots of listings of restaurants, galleries, shops and museums.

Something amusing...

Tibetan Silver

Any one who knows me and my jewelry knows how much I love Tibetan silver.  The skill and craftsmanship that go into each piece, using age old techniques passed across the generations, is truly something to be treasured. 


Unfortunately, not only is the skill being lost as the younger generation is less interested, it is being copied and knocked-off using machines and stamping techniques that mimic the look but cannot replicate it.  The real deal pieces are exquisite and collectible.  When I get some of them, I make them available to my customers.  Right now I still have a few bracelets available online.  Some day these won't be available anymore.  Meanwhile, you can own one for yourself and enjoy the artisanship and design of these hand-made wonders.

Rubies are Red

The gleaming ruby should adorn,

All those who in July are born,

For thus they’ll be exempt and free,

From lover’s doubts and anxiety.

-Gregorian Birthstone Poem

Ruby and Gold Vermeil Earrings 

Happy Birthday July! It sure is hot out there—maybe a nice pool party would be just the right way to celebrate your birthday this year! It is almost too appropriate that your birthstone, Ruby, allegedly has an internal flame that can’t be extinguished in this seemingly never-ending heat. 

With its alleged internal flame, the ruby represents love and passion.  Just like all you July birthdays, the Ruby has been considered extra special throughout the ages! It was called “Rajnapura” or “King of Gems” by ancient Hindus and was thought to have magical powers.  Worn by ancient royalty as a talisman against evil, these royals believed that the Ruby would grow darker when the wearer was in danger and return to its original color when the danger had passed.  On a more violent note, Ancient tribes actually used Rubies as bullets for blowguns (what a waste of all those precious gems!).

Rubies also represent heat and power.  Folklore says that a pot of water will boil instantly if a Ruby is tossed into it.  When ground into a powder and placed on the tongue Ruby was also said to cure indigestion (not recommended!).  As a gift, Rubies symbolize everlasting love and make a gorgeous gift to someone really special.  Ancient legend even says that when worn on the left hand, the Ruby will bring good luck to its wearer.  


Happy birthday to July babies - Judith Altman included!

Happy Fourth!

Enjoy your holiday weekend, everyone!

Photo via Martha Stewart

Living Life

"Life is made up of moments, small pieces of glittering mica in a long stretch of gray cement.  It would be wonderful if they came to us unsummoned, but particularly in lives as busy as the ones most of us lead now, that won't happen.  We have to teach ourselves how to make room for them, to love them, and to live, really live."

"You are the only person alive who has sole custody of your life.  Not just your life at a desk, or your life on the bus, or in the car, or at the computer.  Not just the life of your mind, but the life of your heart. Not just your bank account, but your soul."


"People don't talk about the soul very much any more.  It is much easier to write a resume than to craft a spirit.  But a resume is a cold comfort on a winter night, or when you are sad, or broke..." 


These quotations are from a little book I recently came across, published in 2000, called "A Short Guide to a Happy Life" by Anna Quindlen.  I heard her speak last year and was so impressed, that I had to pick up this used book when I saw it.  And now it is a cherished little morsel of inspiration for me.  That is why I wanted to share some with you.

How to Wear It

I am starting a new series of blog posts I'm calling "How to Wear It".  I hope that these posts help you think of ways to incorporate a fabulous piece of Judith Altman Designs into your wardrobe everyday.  Many of my designs make a statement but that doesn't mean you have to save them for special occasions.  You should feel confident and stylish every day - so here is some help.

Starting with a really nice way to wear this red coral necklace from Judith Altman Designs. A great summer outfit - chic, cool and comfortable.  You can find it in the online store by clicking here.

Pearls and Moonstones for June Birthdays

By her who in June was born

No gem save pearls shall be worn

They will ensure her constancy

True friendship and fidelity.

-Gregorian Birthstone Poem

Happy birthday June babies!  I hope you have exciting plans for celebrating.  As promised, here is some information about your birthstones: Pearl, Moonstone, and Alexandrite. 

Your traditional birthstone is unique (just like you!) in that it is the only birthstone that is organic, made from a natural, living material.  Pearls are formed when an irritant, like a grain of sand, enters an oyster, mussel, or clam.  In an attempt to stop the irritation, the mollusk creates a protective substance called “nacre”.  Over time layers of nacre coat the irritant and create a pearl.

Scientists explain the existence of pearls with nacre, but ancient civilizations had much more creative, and entertaining, explanations. The ancient Greeks thought pearls were created from the hardened tears of joy shaken from the eyes of the goddess of love when she was born from the sea.  Arab legend says that pearls were formed from oysters that were lured from the very depths of the ocean by the moon.  Supposedly the oysters swallowed moonlit dewdrops and so pearls were formed.  Ancient Chinese beliefs stated that pearls originated from the brains of dragons. 

Said to be a favorite gem of Cleopatra, worn by nobility throughout the ages, and a symbol of femininity and grace, June you are truly lucky to have such a special birthstone!

Moonstone is also a birthstone of June.  It gets its very appropriate name from its amazing resemblance to the sheen of the moon.  Moonstone’s color varies from clear to bluish white to peach.  Ancient civilizations believed the stone was sacred and gave the wearer great spiritual understanding.  Some ancient people even believed that moonstone could make the wearer invisible! As a gift (and what a great gift idea it is!), moonstone symbolizes health and longevity.

Just in case pearls or moonstone aren’t your style, those of you with June birthdays have one more chance to love your birthstone with Alexandrite.  Alexandrite is yellow or brownish green.  It actually changes color when exposed to a glowing light source (like candlelight) to a red color (how cool!).  As a gift, Alexandrite symbolizes joy and good fortune. 

Once again happy birthday to all of you this month! I hope it’s a great one and maybe someone will be thoughtful enough to give you a gift with your birthstone in it!

Why do we love the beach?

I am fortunate to have spent the last week on a serene and beautiful beach in South Carolina.  It is my family's 14th year visiting this particular beach.  We stay in a lovely beachy house, directly on the beach separated from the surf only by natural dunes.  This is not a very populated beach and when the tide is out it is wide and flat.  The sand is fine and the surf is warm and gentle.


The minute I arrive I feel a relaxation come over me.  And every year I find myself wondering - what is it about the beach that is so compelling?  Why is it that just standing on the water's edge, gazing out to the horizon, is so renewing?  

I have heard that the percentage of salt in the ocean is exactly the same as the percentage of salt in our blood.  I wonder if there is some primordial draw to the ocean.  An evolutionary memory?  It is also a uniquely broad expanse of space.  There aren't too many other places on the globe where we can feel so connected to the vastness of nature - a similar feeling to a wide, clear night sky sprinkled with stars, or expansive views from mountain tops.  These are moments when we can gain some perspective and context for our existence in this universe. 


And then there are the mysteries of what exists below the surface.  We collect shells that give us little hints of the life teaming in the sea.  We get excited when we spot porpoises coming up for air as they parallel the shore, when we see schools of fish jumping up from the surface, or watch pelicans skim the surface and then dive for their meal.

The lighting at different times of day is another fascination for me - the silvery tones of the early morning, the sharp contrasts of high noon, and the softness of the evening sky. Water reflecting sky, sometimes the horizon disappears and everything can be seen as a continuum. 


Whatever it is - the freedom and renewal, the relaxation and contemplation, bare feet and minimal clothing - for me, the week at the beach is a pilgrimage.  A pilgrimage to beauty, nature and peacefulness.

And the seasons they go round and round

Most days I try to walk with my friend Terri and her adorable pooch Bella.  We are fortunate to live in a beautiful part of the country that fully experiences all four seasons.  While the winters are mild (yay!) and the summers are hot and humid (argh!) both spring and fall are spectacular here in North Carolina.  I usually take a photo or two when the image strikes and I rely on these images for peaceful inspiration back in the studio.
 
As I mentioned a post back, I got new photo editing software and I have been busy playing with it.  So here is my homage to the seasons as seen on my neighborhood walks, and as edited by me.  Enjoy!

winter

spring

summer

fall