Aiming High For Business Success

It's a week of meetings this week. Photographer, intern potentials, marketing and graphic designer meetings. I've been flipping between my 'maker hat' and my 'manager hat'. I'm looking at the future direction of the business and creating action plans. Working out where my time is best spent and where I can bring in other people. Getting my head around letting go of some parts of my business, while remaining the designer and creative director of the whole. Anticipating ways I can grow my business while staying true to my vision. My brain is bursting with ideas and excitement!

I am so pleased to be surrounded by such creative and talented women, whom I consider friends. By combining our skills and talents, Christina Lowry Designs is going to become the best jewellery designer, manufacturer and retailer in Australia. 

Watch this space!

xx

'The Wilderness Collection' Release!

The Wilderness Collection

Botanically Inspired Fine Jewellery

 "Reconnect with nature through the botanically inspired 'Wilderness Collection.' Each piece in this range has been created using twigs cast by way of the traditional burn out method. The organic shoots are surrounded with plaster, which is heated until they are completely burnt out and only a hollow in the plaster remains. Molten metal is poured in to these cavities to produced finely detailed replicas of the original twig, meaning no two are alike. Designer and jeweller Christina Lowry then transforms these precious metal pieces in to beautiful, textured jewellery."

View the collection in store now!

Christina xx 

Photos: Trudi Le Brese Photography

Model: Rochelle Vaisanen

Product photos: Christina Lowry

New in the shop - $25 Rings

Can you believe it is the last day of November today? December always creeps up on me, no matter how organised I am! I am so looking forward to the season of celebrations! There are birthdays, holidays, beach escapes and Christmas day to look forward to.

I have a little something else to share with you today - two new rings designs! I've popped them in to the shop today, though I have been wearing them and loving them for the past two weeks, and I know you will love them too.

The 'Ava' ring is a sweet spotty daring and the 'Elsa' ring is equally winsome and wonderful. Both are now available in Sterling Silver for $25 each, with free shipping.

Not sure of your ring size? Add a ring size gauge to your cart for $2, and I will post it out first.

Future Heirlooms

Is there a loose pearl or gem stone sitting in a drawer at your house? A sapphire your Grandfather unearthed up North, a pearl you brought on your travels - like this client, or perhaps an old ring you no longer wear that you'd like redesigned? This is my specialty! Together we can create a unique piece that frees your precious items from the confines of a drawer and allows you to wear them! 

Email me a pic to start the design and quote process. I'd love to create a beautiful, quality piece especially for you. xx

christina-lowry@hotmail.com

Every Piece A Story

'History Class' Signet Rings

Every custom made piece of jewellery has a story. As my client and I discuss the design of a piece, they share that story with me. I believe that connection is the basis of a handmade business like mine. The reason one chooses to work with an artisan over a big box store. To share those stories, connect in recognition of shared experiences and create a piece celebrating that story. My clients appreciate the hand of the artist too.They care about me, my business, what I stand for. Together, with my technical skills and their imaginations, we bring a piece to life. 

Being the sentimental girl that I am, I love being involved in creating meaningful pieces that celebrate milestones, relationships or family. Each of the rings above is a beautiful, sentimental reminder that can be worn everyday in memory and celebration. Handmade and hand engraved using traditional skills, here in Brisbane. Simple and elegant.

Almost every piece of jewellery has a story. Look at the pieces you are wearing now and think about the stories behind them. Perhaps, like my sister, you wear your Great Grandmothers wedding ring? Perhaps your earrings were a birthday gift from someone special to you? Maybe you designed that right hand ring to celebrate an anniversary and there is a special message inside?

Take a moment to share the story of one of your favourite pieces of jewellery in the comments. I would love to hear them. xx

Back In Stock - 'Haiku' Necklaces

The collection of nine simple and interesting 'Haiku' necklaces sold out in the first week that I released them. They are now back in the shop and available for order. Each design is a beautiful addition to any outfit, and makes a wonderful gift. 

Visit the shop to make one yours!

Sneak Peek - 'Follow Your Dreams'

 Hand made Sterling Silver stud drops

I have been working on a new collection of everyday earrings, in a minimalist circle and oval design. Each piece will feature different finishing touches, from polished to hammer finished, brushed to oxidised. I will be releasing these handmade sterling silver earrings to my newsletter subscribers soon, so if you want to find out more, add your email address to the list!

Finished Custom Made Pearl Ring

Some pieces are more difficult to let go of...

Custom Ordered Wedding Rings

I'm celebrating the addition of wedding rings to my online shop, and I would love you to click over and browse through the new collection! 

Click over to the shop to view the range of classic, textured and timeless rings, suitable for men and women.

Each of the nine rings is customisable, so you can add your own creative vision to the creation of your special piece.

To order, choose your design and metal type and add it to your cart. Add a $2 ring sizer to determine your ring size. I'll post the ring gauge out to you and as soon as I have your size I will get started on making your ring. Already know your ring size? Great! Just leave a note at checkout with your size and allow 2-3 weeks for your ring to be made to order and delivered.

If you decide on a listed style in a different width, a different metal type, of the addition of engraving, send me an email and I will provide a quote and list your custom order in the store once you give me the go ahead.

Browse the collection here and email me at christina-lowry@hotmail.com

-

PS. Don't forget to sign up to my newsletter in the bar at the top of the page in order to receive news about each new collection, market and promotion!

A Few Of My Favourite Things

History Club Signet Ring

Edith Ring

Left Bank Portrait Artist Studs

These pieces are a few of my favourite things. Not only because I have made myself one of each of these too! But because I have sold many of them and I get to see people wearing them. I love that. I love seeing them on people. It's such a wonderful thing to know that something you made is out in the world, being used and loved and having layers of meaning added to it over the years. 

Next time you are weraing a piece of Christina Lowry Designs jewellery, don't forget to tag me or hashtag your pic #christinalowrydesigns on Facebook or Instagram! 

Let me see you wearing your pieces and how you have styled them!  

New In The Shop

Travelling Companion Studs with Amethyst or Plain

I added a new earring design to the shop recently - the Travelling Companion studs. I've been wanting to add a vintage inspired little stud to my range for awhile now. I have finally gotten around to combining silver, grain set amethysts and a classic mill grain edge to create some sweet handmade studs to pop in and wear on your travels. 

The design is currently available in plain silver, or silver set with Amethyst. Custom orders in other metals and gemstones are welcome. A gold and Diamond pair for the shop is already on my list of things to do! 

You will love these darling studs to add a minimal vintage style touch to any outfit.

Pop over to the shop for a better look!

Wholesale Catalogue Available - Yay!

Hello lovely readers, how are you?! My cold is passing and I am feeling much more ready to tackle the rest of the week (and catch up on my laundry.) Thank you for your well wishes and may you avoid such sniffles yourselves. I wanted to share a bit of exciting news - my work will soon be available in a few special bricks and mortar stores around Australia. Yay! 

If you have been following my blog for awhile, you will know that these past few years, rather than return to working for someone else in the jewellery industry after having my babies, I set up my own business that I could work on from home, around my children. Using my jewellery training and fine arts degree, I have focused my attention on designing and making collections that make my heart sing. Selling these pieces online and at markets like Finders Keepers has brought me so much satisfaction and joy. Fortunately I have years of experience working behind the counter in retail to draw on. Not to mention the book keeping and touch typing classes I begrudgingly took in high school with my Mother's encouragement, which have come in very handy after all. I have also learnt so much about running a business thanks to books, podcasts, blog posts and interviews, and I find it all fascinating in a way I did not anticipate. Long term, by the time my children are all in school, I plan to have grown my business baby to a level where it supports my dreams and provides my income. 

As such, I have thought for quite awhile about wholesaling in order to expand my business, have a greater reach, attract new clients and allow myself more time for designing and making. I've researched about it, read about it, listened to podcasts about it, created a wholesale line sheet, and still wondered whether or not I was ready to take the leap. When you work alone it can take a lot longer to figure these things out I find. You have no one to bounce the ideas off, or push you when you need pushing. Luckily life often gives me the push I need! In this case a retailer contacted me and asked to stock my pieces. And ta-dah, over-thinking over, wholesale catalogue updated and sent, order placed. Hooray!

I am continually excited about the growth and new directions my business takes. And so pleased to say that my wholesale catalogue is available to bricks and mortar stores that feel we would be a good fit! If that's you, email me at christina-lowry@hotmail.com Or if you are one of my lovely customers, keep your eye out at your favourite stores, as my work may be popping up there soon!

Thank you, as always, for taking the time visit my blog, read my posts, and support my creative endeavours. My gratitude is endless!

Perfect for Winter! New Oxidised Jewellery

'Lois' Hoops

'Edith' Ring

'Maeve' Ring

'Left Bank Portrait Artist' Studs

As the tones in my wardrobe take on a darker hue with the onset of Winter, so too I have been imagining adding a darker twist to some of my favourite jewellery designs. I could resist no longer!

I present to you a selection of earrings and rings that feature the warm black tones of oxidisation. These charcoal beauties are available in my online shop now. Go and grab yourself a Winter treat!

Winter 2015 Look Book

How gradually my little business has evolved. I hadn't imagined at University that I would one day be my own boss and work from home around my children. I didn't think as an apprentice that I would ever stop working for others. I couldn't have imagined how the internet would allow me to share my work with my tribe and create pieces for the special moments in their lives. But little by little I have been building, creating, learning, investing and making, in order to grow a seed of a dream in to a reality.

And now I am one step closer to a bigger dream, as I share with you images from my first ever photo shoot and my very first Look Book. I am so excited about these images! It's wonderful to see the ideas I sketched on paper and then brought to life in metal, being worn and so beautifully photographed. It feels like quite the achievement for this independent jeweller and small business owner, let me tell you. The images just seem so 'me' and so in tune with my brand. I love that Trudi and Harriet were able to interpret my vision. I am thrilled and I would love for you to take a look and share your thoughts with me. 

And if I could be so bold, perhaps you could share the Pinterest pin of my Look Book too?

Many thanks! 

xx

-

Winter 2015 Look Book

Photographer: Trudi Le Brese

Model: Harriet McAtee

Location: Residence of Brisbane poet Carmen Keates

New Gemstone Collection Released!

I am very pleased to be able to introduce you to the 'Literary Wanderers' Collection.

After months of hard work, my latest range is now available in the shop! The 'Literary Wanderers' sees the fulfillment of my wish to offer you a gem set collection in my online store.

The latest additions include natural gem set rings, earrings and pendants in beautiful shades of mint, lavender and sky blue, which embody everyday elegance. Handcrafted using traditional methods, the range has been created in Sterling Silver and White Gold, and features two one of a kind pieces. Bold and beautiful, strong yet feminine, I know that you are going to love this new collection as much as I do.

Click over to the shop to view the whole range.

Easter Gifts?

Not all girls want chocolate...

in the shop now.

Facebook Sale!

Was $45 

Sale $20

 Was $50

Sale $25

Was $280

Sale $140 with free shipping

I have been putting aside several pieces in the workshop that are no longer in my online shop, and I have decided to put them all together in a Facebook Sale Album at dramatically discounted prices. This is my first ever Facebook Sale! There are beads, cuff links, rings, earrings and pendants!

The sale starts on Thursday night, 7.30pm, Queensland time (8.30pm Daylight Savings Time). You can find the Facebook Sale Album here. Comment after 7.30 with your PayPal address or write 'Direct Deposit' to win an item and I will send you an invoice or bank details.

There is a $10 flat shipping fee on all sales, local and international, no matter how many pieces you purchase. So whether you are in Sydney or New Zealand, you will pay no more than $10 for postage.

There is also FREE SHIPPING on combined purchases over $100!

Set a reminder in your phone and get online at 7.30 tomorrow night to pick up a bargain or two!

Art Deco Darling

I had the pleasure of making this darling ring recently. Simple, geometric and striking, this custom ring came from a design idea the client had for the gemstones from three meaningful rings she didn't wear. 

As you can see from the sketches and the first pieces of the ring, I made some changes as I went along, swapping out the flat top plate for a rounded top plate with an opening beneath to add interest. I also increased the thickness of the top plate to make it more substantial and balanced. The Diamond setter I use did a fantastic job of setting the Diamonds and Sapphire in this piece and applying that sweet mill grain edge. It really completes the vintage look and softens those straight lines a little.

I really love this ring! It's the kind of piece that you could wear everyday as a right hand ring, or an Engagement ring. It was very well received by it's new owner, which made my heart swell with pride. And just a little heads up, there will be a few more Art Deco custom order rings to come soon.

If you would like to have something custom made, you can find out more about working with me here.

If you would like to see more of my past work, visit my portfolio here.

A Christmas Gift for My Business

I brought a gift for my business and it arrived today; a goose neck steel logo stamp. It's what a jeweller uses to leave their mark on their finished jewellery, and it's something I've for wanted quite a long time. Since before I even had a logo!  I've been playing around with the best way to strike the punch in order to get the clearest impression in the metal. It's quite satisfying. (For those interested, three smaller taps, tipping the stamp from one side to the other, works best. A single heavy strike often misses part of the design or jumps and scratches the metal.) 

The $200 purchase was symbolic of the culmination of a year of hard work, and the way I have focused on growing and branding my business. I'm still in love with the simple, elegant logo Evie designed for me. And perhaps next year I will order another punch, with just CLD, to fit inside finer bands.

In the meantime I am looking forward to stamping new finished designs in the New Year.

Custom Order - Triple Sapphire Stacker

As a maker I am passionate about designing and crafting unique handmade jewellery, future heirlooms to be cherished and limited edition collections. My practice involves traditional gold and silver smithing techniques, combined with contemporary art and craft, while concentrating on customer focused service.