Working a double

I just realized that I've worked double shifts every day this week! I've got the "real job" from 9-5, then I rush home and design from 6-2 or later. I'm starting to develop those blood-shot eyes, but it's all in the name of UniqueLA! Don't have much time to photograph the new stuff, but here are some shots I took with my blackberry (my new WHITE blackberry mind you since my last one had a cracked screen and I couldn't get it fixed. That dented the wallet).

Brand new banner, completely handmade!
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Satin bow necklaces with salvaged chain
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Mmmmm, I love this one. Found a container filled with
metal carousel horse sculptures at Rags to Riches.
I made a black version of this too without fringe.
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Ode to Russia. How many ways can inform you that I love Russia?
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Come to Unique LA this weekend, I'm at booth # 5016, near the photo booth area!

A look at what's to come

As it always is, this time of year is nothing less than hectic. There have been some pretty tough days after the passing of my loving Papa, as well. I really owe a lot to my family, they are the most wonderful people in my life. My friends are amazing too. I feel closer than ever to all the people that I know and love.

....that being said, I've been completely inspired. What truly makes me happy is using my hands to make things for people, and that's just what I've been doing. With Patchwork Long Beach, UniqueLA, and the Hibbleton Sale (more info soon) coming up, my weekends from now until Christmas are all booked up with projects and shows.

So what's to come? The list goes on, but while my back has been out of commission for the past week, I've been on the couch almost every night with an ice pack and a bejeweled beginning of a knuckle ring. I think I started about 20 last night! I'm anticipating a lot of interest in them at UniqueLA since I can custom-size any ring at my booth, and they range in price from only $10-$25, much more affordable than the metal ones that other vendors will be selling.

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These Lovelies were made using some bric-a-brac
donated to me from the one and only Gen Lewis

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Jewel-toned jewels are my favorite! :)
I'll have plenty of them finished soon, too.



If you're planning on attending any of these holiday craft shows, but sure to let me know (send me an email at MelissaLoschy@gmail.com) so I can tell you which booth number I'll be at! I have a limited number of free-wrist bands as well for UniqueLA so if you contact me soon, I could get you one. Hope everyone has a "Fan-dabi-dozy" weekend. (You can thank my scottish co-workers for that slang).

Holday Preview

You know those nights where you accidentally start drinking coffee at 9pm, and then you freeze your butt off in your studio until 2 am while watching Lara Croft Tomb Raider because you have this incredible burst of creative energy? No, you don't know what I'm talking about?

Well, I had one of those experiences last night. I'm paying for it today, I'm a little loopy. But I have to say, I'm pretty jazzed on my latest edition to my array of handmade treasures. I've tossed around the idea of using metal strips and wire for cuff bracelets before, but I finally made a series, and can I say, I LOVE it. What I've come up with are completely adjustable cuffs that are not for the "costume jewelry faint of heart." Each one is a bold statement piece. Here are just a couple that are almost finished, but expect to see a slew of them at my upcoming craft shows including Handmade Brigade (this sunday), Patchwork, and UniqueLA.

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Skoulture at it's finest. ohmygoodnessilovethisonesomuch!
I'm going to have a hard time ever parting with this one.

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Skoulture cuff: materials include a Sunburst brooch and layers of
vintage buttons and neon orange rhinestones with a diamond-esque cut.

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Skoulture cuff

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Alice couture cuff with a Tim Burton Flair

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Alice couture cuff materials include black lace and
checkered vintage buttons, layered with the collage patch.


and of course I didn't forget....

New Knuckle Rings
including several new "triple threat" 3 finger versions.

NOTE: None of these items are listed yet, so if there's something that strikes your fancy and you would like for me to place it on hold for you, I will be happy to! Otherwise, see them in person this Sunday from 11-5 at The Camp for the Handmade Brigade of OC Indie Craft show.

Happy Halloween, too.

S & 21 & M

I don't know if my latest fascination with the things I bought from forever21.com is because of the whole October Halloween thing, or if I'm channeling a dominatrix....but it sure seems like the latter. Don't worry, it's not the S&M culture I'm interested, it's the the nod to black leather and spikes I'm more interested in! I've been obsessed with these YSL cage shoes ever since they appeared in Elle Magazine. Maybe if I didn't pay rent for 2 months, I could afford them. But Alas, Forever 21 came to the rescue.

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Alessia Cage Pump $26.80

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Also picked up this gem,
Pyramid Studded Belt for a whopping $6.80


Don't you think it will look nice with this?

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Black Pyramid Spike Triple Threat Knuckle Ring from my etsy shop

Hitchcock-esque

When I got home from work yesterday, my streets were filled with crinkly orange leaves and the wind was beyond a doubt eerie... and it directly inspired me to clean up my studio and then work on some seasonally influenced pieces!

I would have to put Alfred in my top 5 favorite filmmakers of all time. Some of my favorites of his films include The Man Who Knew Too Much, Vertigo, and The Trouble With Harry. Fortunately, you can catch dozens of "Hitchcock Presents" shorts on Hulu. (I highly recommend!)

I've added 2 new Hitchcock-esque pieces to my etsy shop and I currently have them as my featured items, along with my favorite Tippie Hedron Necklace. I'm wearing the Brooch today!

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Hitchcock Bronze Brooch - $20

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Hitchcock SIlver Ray Necklace - $20

As if the leaves and the wind weren't reason enough to believe that it is October, while walking to my car this morning, there were Ravens visible from every angle. They're such fascinating creatures. These two were preening each other on the telephone wire directly above my duplex.
Happy October!

Bling Rings

So Fall is here, officially. But in Southern California, we've been having some of our hottest days it seems. All I want to do is reinstate my leggings, boots and cardigans, but it seems like it's going to be a while before that can happen! Fortunately, jewelry doesn't know the difference between hot and cold, so big fall statement jewelry can tie me over until it's not too hot to put my Frye boots back on!

Introducing.....
Bling Rings!
They're all completely hand-sewn to adjustable bronze ring bands.
I'm in the process of loading them to etsy 1 by one. They're affordable too! $12 each
(Great stocking stuffers)

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Caged Magenta Bling Ring

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Royal Blue Lion Bling Ring


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SOLD Elk Lodge Bling Ring



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Horse and Buggy Bling Ring



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SOLD Square Gold Filigree Bling Ring


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Chained Floral Bling Ring


They all measure about 1.5" in diameter.
Holidays are fast approaching, I will be doing my best to flood my online store with plenty of beautiful new creations when I'm not vending at any of the Indie craft fairs.
To see where I'll be next, check out the top of the right hand column where I've listed my shows.

Etsy Picks of the day

Feeling Blue.....
But only in color.
Royal Blue to be specific.

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Lynchburg Blue Cameo Rose Bracelet

I bought the chain for this lovely piece while I was on a trip to Lynchburg, Virginia. I bought it before witnessing the marriage of two people I hold very dear.

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Blue Gem Knuckle Ring

Wouldn't these 2 pieces look lovely together?
I'm already stocking up for Christmas.
I'm starting to think like a retail associate!
Flashback to my Michael's Arts and Crafts days.

I am lucky enough to meet with the people involved in 2 things I love...
Crafting, and playing music.
Dinner and planning meeting with the HBOC
(handmade brigade of Orange County)
and band practice with Good Avery

It's going to be a great day