Tag Archives: handmade

Recap: Chicago Sidewalk Sale 2013

Posted in Events by

Last week, See Song Designs was a vendor at the 7th Annual Chicago Sidewalk Sale in Daley Plaza. The weather was perfect, and it was great to meet some of our loyal fans and interact with new customers! I also got to debut our new table set-up which featured a brand new black and white chevron table cloth which was a great compliment to the bold and bright jewelry. The Sidewalk Sale was sponsored by The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and Fashion Focus Chicago, and each day included a fashion show featuring some of the designers selling at the Sidewalk Sale and Factor Models. One of the best parts of doing events is being able to make friends and network with other designers who have a similar passion for fashion and design. My booth neighbor was Megan Lee Designs, and I bought my new favorite t-shirt from her line of super comfy and cute clothing. Be sure to check our Where to Buy page to see where we’ll be selling next and sign up for our email list so you never miss the chance of checking out See Song Designs Jewelry in person. Check out some of the pictures from the Sidewalk Sale below!

Liz and the See Song Designs booth at the 2013 Chicago Sidewalk Sale

The See Song Designs booth at the 2013 Chicago Sidewalk Sale and Liz wearing our Marbled Acrylic Collar Necklace

Chicago Sidewalk Sale 2013 Chicago Sidewalk Sale 2013 Chicago Sidewalk Sale 2013

Chicago Sidewalk Sale 2013

The most adorable models on the runway. Love her little pose!

Chicago Sidewalk Sale 2013 Chicago Sidewalk Sale 2013 Chicago Sidewalk Sale 2013 Chicago Sidewalk Sale 2013

Shop SSD at the Chicago Sidewalk Sale

Posted in Events, Uncategorized by

Shop local this week and support your favorite Chicago designers and small businesses at the 2013 Chicago Sidewalk Sale! See Song Designs along with other local Chicago designers will be selling all things fashion including accessories, clothing, and of course, jewelry. The event will be at the iconic Daley Plaza on July 23 & 24 from 9am-3pm. There will also be a runway show at noon each day styled by Garmental’s Style Director, Suzanne Kopulous. Hope to see you there!Chicago Sidewalk Sale Flyer

Tied with a Bow

Posted in Currently Crafting, Small Business by

I just absolutely love bows. I grew up with bows, and I have always had them incorporated into my life in one way or another. My mom and aunts are professional bow makers (yes, that is a profession) for my godmother’s company Bows Arts. They sell handmade children’s hair bows to retailers like Brooks Brothers and Neiman Marcus. Bows have always been a part of my life, and they’re pretty much a symbol of my family and childhood.

Some of my favorite pieces from the See Song Designs collection are the bow bracelets. My mom and I work together to make these bracelets, so the process of making them is really special to me. It’s great to work with my mom, and it’s fun to see the end result once we’re done. My mom knows a lot about colors and what colors will be in season, so it’s really great to incorporate her knowledge into my jewelry collection. The bow bracelets are one of my best sellers, and it makes me really happy to know that people enjoy something that is a product of our collaborative hard work and creativity. Here are some of my favorite bow pieces for the holidays:

Sparkly glitter bow bracelets are perfect for the holidays and New Year's Eve

Sparkly glitter bow bracelets are perfect for the holidays and New Year’s Eve

You can never go wrong with a basic red bow

You can never go wrong with a basic red bow

Tis the season with festive bright green

Tis the season with festive bright green

You'll be the talk of the party with these red glitter bow earrings... coming soon!

You’ll be the talk of the party with these red glitter bow earrings… coming soon!

Currently Crafting

Posted in Currently Crafting by

I learned to knit and crochet in 2nd grade because my school had a program where the ladies from the nursing home would come during lunch time to teach kids how to knit and crochet once a week. I absolutely loved it. I loved picking all different colors of yarn and just hanging out with the nice old ladies. I also realized I don’t have the patience to make anything worthwhile like blankets or socks, so I put my knitting and crocheting dreams aside for awhile.

One of my favorite mediums for jewelry making is paracord. It’s sturdy, strong, and comes in lots of different colors and patterns. Plus, it sounds pretty badass to say that my jewelry is made of rope that can carry 500 lbs. of weight. I’ve started crocheting paracord and turning it into bracelets and necklaces. I wasn’t sure if I could still do it, but a few google searches and some deep within muscle memory brought my crocheting skills back to life. I love how crocheting the paracord makes everything really chunky, so it’s perfect for statement pieces. Here are a few things I’ve been working on.

Bracelet

Crocheted Paracord Statement Bracelet

Necklace

Crocheted Statement Necklace

Craft Show Season Recap

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This past season was my first time doing street markets and craft fairs. It’s been really hard work but also really rewarding. I’ve met lots of great vendors and it’s great to see so much creativity and entrepreneurship in one place. Being around wonderful vendors and artisans really creates an invigorating and inspirational environment.  Overall, it’s been a great season, and I have learned so much and met such interesting and wonderful people. I only have one show left this year, and it’s Randolph Street’s Holiday Market on December 15th and 16th. Be sure to check it out and get some SSD jewelry without having to pay for shipping 🙂

I’ll have a post next week with more details on the Holiday Market, but for now, check out some pictures from this past season!

Day 2 at RSM... Notice the handmade banner in the background. I've upgraded since then.

My first time being a vendor at the June Randolph Street Market. Notice the handmade banner in the background. I’ve upgraded since then.

My friend Katie helping out at the festival

My friend Katie helping out at the North Coast Music Festival in Chicago… Lots of neon was sold that day.

Taking a break and checking out some of the EDM performers at North Coast

Taking a break and checking out some of the EDM performers at North Coast

Going back to my roots giving back to my old high school district

Craft Show at Prospect High School. It was great to help raise money for my old high school district!

See Song Designs at Prospect High School's Snowbird Craft Fair

See Song Designs at Prospect High School's Snowbird Craft Fair

This was a crazy and really fun street market in Boystown

Me at North Halsted Market Days. This was a crazy and really fun street market in Boystown.

Only at Market Days...

Only at Market Days…

See Song Designs at Lambs' Farm Holiday Lights Gift and Craft Show

At Arlington Park for Lambs’ Farm Holiday Lights Gift and Craft Show. It was by far the largest show I’ve done with 3 floors and over 500 vendors!

See Song Designs at Lambs' Farm Holiday Lights Gift and Craft Show

See Song Designs at Lambs' Farm Holiday Lights Gift and Craft Show

See Song Designs at Lambs' Farm Holiday Lights Gift and Craft Show

New Look!

Posted in Small Business by

Welcome to the new See Song Designs blog! I want to share my journey in this creative endeavor of running a handmade jewelry business as well as any inspirations that come along the way. I started See Song Designs in April 2012, and it has grown so much from just being a hobby. I’m really excited to grow my business and see what opportunities come in the future, and I thank all of you for the love and support. I hope this blog will provide you with a nice break from your daily duties and give you inspiration to do what you love and follow your dreams.

-Liz