Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Featured Artist Update: Karen Troeh of CourtlyCharm


Here's an exciting update from one of our recent featured artists. Remember Karen Troeh's spectacular handmade crowns? Well her work was recently featured on the television show Reign! You can see a picture of the crown on Reign and read about the costume designer's vision here.


If you love the show or just the crown, don't forget you can have one of your very own. Be sure to check out Karen's shop CourtlyCharm and snag a crown for your majestic self or for that royal someone in your life. We're so happy for Karen and we hope to see more of her adornments on screen in the future. Congratulations Karen, on this truly crowning achievement!

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Unique Vintage Finds at Bumbershoot Supplies: A Brief History of Banana Bob


Years ago, Bumbershoot Supplies purchased a large amount of vintage rhinestone and metal components originally made for the Banana Bob company. We are now making these very limited components available as Unique Vintage Finds on our website and in the unique finds section in our Etsy store. There are different items in both places, so be sure to check both out. 


 It's always fun  to see how vintage jewelry components were originally used. With that in mind, we thought we'd share a few Banana Bob pieces from our collection, plus a bit about Banana Bob in general. You will find some of the components in these pieces available on our websites, if they have not already sold. 


Made in the 1980s and 1990s, designed by former figure skater Annie Venditti, Banana Bob jewelry is famous for the intricate components and detailed layered designs. All of the jewelry was handmade, including gluing and setting rhinestones, hand enamelling and soldering metal layers, and as you can imagine it was very time intensive. The company no longer is in operation, due partly to the enormous amount of time to create the pieces which cut steeply into profits. But the jewelry remains and is still very popular among collectors and fans. If you click on the photos, you will get a larger version in which you will be able to see the components in more detail.

  

 With Banana Bob, jewelry designs are often themed and elaborate. Designs are often asymmetrical as well. Banana Bob jewelry was made from very fine elements such as Swarovski crystal rhinestones and US made brass findings. Banana Bob jewelry is definitely for people who wish to stand out in a crowd! 


Many of the components were created specifically for use in the Banana Bob designs. You can often find layers of filigrees bent and soldered into unique components or set rhinestones soldered onto connectors. We have quite a few Banana Bob components in stock at Bumbershoot Supplies. You can find them in special sections in our Etsy shop as well as on our website. These special items are limited, so get them while you can!


Sunday, October 12, 2014

Guest Blog Post: Halloween Nails by Jennifer Strong of NeverTooMuchGlitter

In the spirit of the Halloween season, we have a special treat for you! Our featured artist Jennifer Strong of NeverTooMuchGlitter has written a tutorial for our blog readers on how to create your very own Halloween Nail art. Continue reading to learn how to make your own 3D nail designs this holiday season:

Halloween is a great opportunity to show off some fantastic seasonal nail art. With vintage rhinestones and cabochons from Bumbershoot Supplies, you can create a one-of-a-kind look for all your upcoming spooky events!

For the most impact, get some press-on nails from your local drugstore or beauty supply shop. Adhesive tabs allow the false nails to be applied and removed easily. A nail art pen is an easy to use option for adding designs, but a permanent marker may be used as well (however, it's best not to use these on natural nails as it may stain the nail bed for a few days).

You Will Need




Once you've got your supplies together, check out the tutorial below for some fun ideas!




For natural nails, the steps are the same- but instead of applying stones to the nails with the glue, simply apply them on a layer of wet topcoat.




Go forth and be spooky!

Thanks so much to Jen for creating this tutorial and for sharing her wonderful designs with us! Be sure to check out NeverTooMuchGlitter for stunning nail art for all year long. 

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Bumbershoot Designs and Supplies October 2014 Special for Newsletter Subscribers



At Bumbershoot Designs and Supplies we are enjoying the season with no tricks, just treats! To celebrate we are offering newsletter subscribers a coupon good for $5 off their October order. The coupon is good for all vintage crafting items at Bumbershoot Supplies or beautiful handmade jewelry at Bumbershoot Designs!

Just use the coupon at checkout. The coupon will work for one order and can be used at our websites only. For more details and the coupon code see your October 1st and 15th newsletters. 

Not yet a newsletter subscriber?
You can read past issues, see the treats and bonuses we provide our subscribers, and you can also sign up, right here.