This has been a very hot summer in Georgia. Yes, I know, summer is always hot in the US South. This one has set records, though!! I have to admit that I enjoy summer weather and summer activities, but when fall starts setting in, I’m usually ready for it.

Even though the thermometer is still hovering around 98-100 degrees in my little corner of the world, I’m thinking about what the next season holds for jewelry. My sources tell me that fall and winter jewelry will be big and bold, full of sterling silver, and bracelets are all the rage!

Color this fall will be creative and combinations of color in handcrafted pieces will go far in complementing the fashions you’ll be wearing this fall. Purples, blues, and browns will be big this coming fall season. Pantone is the bottom line on color and here is what they say about the upcoming season: “Complex and exotic describe the intriguingly unusual and inviting color palette for fall ’07. The traditional neutral shades expected for autumn have been replaced this season with rich, nuanced hues, offering more opportunity for creativity with interesting and unexpected color combinations.” Take a look at the Pantone Fall Color Forecast.

This Amethyst and Olive Jade ID Style Bracelet found in my Etsy shop is an example of interesting color combinations that will be perfect for fall.

Be on the lookout for all kinds of trendy, fashion-friendly handcrafted jewelry but always be true to yourself. If bold and chunky is the trend but that’s not really you, find something more classically styled in the colors of the season. Don’t dispair if you can’t find what you want right off the rack or on your favorite website. Never disregard the special order option you almost always have with handcrafted jewelry. Contact us if you want to discuss a custom design!

Enjoy the quest to find the perfect new fall and winter pieces for you!!!

Hopefully, many of you have had a chance to see what Etsy looks like. There are so many wonderful handcrafters with shops full of terrific items here! The handcrafters who use Etsy as their online location come in many forms - full time craft business owners, stay at home moms with part time businesses, people selling their hobby wares to feed their habit, and many combinations of these scenarios.

I am very happy to be one of the shops open for business on Etsy. To buy from any shop on the Etsy site, you’ll need to sign up for an account. That account gives you the ability move from shop to shop and also write your opinions in the forums if you want to.

One of the shops on Etsy I really love is Kreative KarryAlls. Heather takes coordinating ribbons and sturdy fabric to create her wonderful bags. Visit Heather’s shop at Kreative KarryAlls.

I have a brown and pink sling bag from Kreative KarryAlls that I just love!! It’s the perfect size for me - not too big or small - and all my stuff fits just the way I want it to. Here’s a picture.

Hi everyone! This is my first blogging experience and I think I’m gonna love it!

To get things off on the right foot, I thought I’d let you all know that TCS shipping policy has changed. Any purchase through our website or Ruby Lane will be shipped at no extra charge - US or international. I’m in the process of changing the shipping policy on Etsy to free shipping. In the meantime, if you purchase something on Etsy, shipping charges will be refunded. Hopefully, the changes to Etsy listings will be complete in the next week or so.

I’m looking forward to sharing interesting tips and news through my blog. I hope you’ll enjoy reading and gain some good info in the process.

Kelly