Hot Mama Designs Jewelry

Will You Be Our Valentine? {A Giveaway For You!}

2012-01-24T20:43:00.000-08:00

We are back in the studio for the New Year

having fun with Valentine's Day designs.

We have pierced the sweetest heart with wings.

To symbolize feeling free, remembrance, and love.

Also we have our new Piece of My Heart Necklace set.

Originally inspired by the quote by Elizabeth Stone that we love:

“Making the decision to have a child is momentous.

It is to decide forever to have your heart
go walking around outside your body.”

We love the way it turned out since it can also symbolize

a lover, or anyone in your life who has a piece of your heart.

Not to mention it reminds me of my favorite Janis Joplin song.

We also paired our hand cut heart with an initial to make the

Teensy Heart Initial Necklace.

Such a simple and thoughtful gift for your Valentine or best girlfriend.

Makes a sweet mother-daughter present as well.

We are excited to do a giveaway for ONE of these pieces!

Your choice, Valentine. From our hearts to yours.

Just leave us a comment with your email telling

which piece would you choose and why?

We will announce the winners next week!

xxxooo

S & S

{Unlock} New Vintage Key Necklaces

2011-11-23T09:18:00.001-08:00

We have been cutting out another new design:

sterling vintage keys!

To us they feel very mysterious and modern.

We love the symbolism of keys.

Unlock:

To give access; to open

To set free; to release

To disclose or reveal

To let loose

{Unlock your potential. Unlock a new path to follow.

What are you unlocking in your own life}?

We love all these ideas.

There are 3 different designs.

As always, the designs are dreamed up

by us and are exclusively ours. All the keys are

hand-cut and made in our little Boulder, CO studio.

Butterfly:

Blossom:

Fleur de Lis:

Detail of the piercing on Blossom

They can be worn individually or all together to represent

different intentions/ideas/dreams.

You can shop for the keys here on our website.

Silhouette Jewelry Winner & THE Party

2011-11-20T14:34:00.001-08:00

Thank you so much to everyone who took time to enter the silhouette necklace giveaway. Congratulations to Vanessa, you are the winner of the silhouette necklace giveaway, woo hoo! We hope you will love wearing your new jewelry. Thank you for your sweet comment that you left:

"This is such an awesome memory you've created! The joy in being a mom and the experience of raising such precious miracles, I would love to have silhouettes of my 3 kids (1 daughter and 2 sons). Pictures may say a thousand words, but these silhouettes would be with me all the time - as I'd proudly wear it everyday, everywhere!"

It was fun to see everything all spiffed up with the new furniture and displays.

The new window decals for Sugar Soul Studio and Hot Mama are so pretty!

We had a great turnout with friends old and new.

Stay connected with us via our newsletter, here on the blog and also like us on facebook for future party announcements. And as always just give us a call at the studio if you would like to swing by!

Custom Silhouettes are here {+ a giveaway!}

2011-10-31T21:11:00.000-07:00

We are really excited about our new custom silhouettes. You can wear them to celebrate your children, your husband or partner, and even your pets!

We were originally inspired by this vintage

charm bracelet that belonged to Shannon's mom.

We always thought these old fashioned "boy" and "girl" charms were really fun.

But as metalsmiths we knew it would be amazing to create a charm that shows the exact shape of your loved ones faces using our jeweler's saws.

The saw that we use is so small that it allows us to cut fine details that results in a beautiful heirloom charm that will be cherished for generations to come.

To celebrate our new design,

we are giving away one silhouette necklace to a lucky winner!

Simply leave a comment below telling us who of your loved ones would you choose for your silhouette jewelry and why? Blog, tweet (@hotmamajewelry) and facebook (on YOUR facebook page) the giveaway for extra entries. Don't forget to leave your email so we can tell you when you win.

Shop for the silhouette necklace here.

Thanks for reading & happy November to you all!

Introducing Sahra & Our Sister Company: Sugar Soul Studio

2011-09-21T10:39:00.000-07:00

I am proud to introduce you to Sahra AlSamarraie-Cahoon.

She is my new business partner here at Hot Mama Designs Jewelry, but she is not new at all to our company. If you have been a customer of Hot Mama Designs within the past few years you have undoubtedly seen her name on our marketing pieces, met her in person at one of our events or had the pleasure of talking to her when you call the studio.

Artist, entrepreneur, and metal diva Sahra AlSammarie-Cahoon started to learn metalsmithing when she was only 17 years old. From studying metalsmithing in Bali, to working with other jewelry businesses across the country, to launching her own business Sugar Soul Studio in 2009, she has taken her passion for business and adornment in surprising new directions. Most of all, she is the tenacious business innovator and inspired designer behind Hot Mama Designs and Sugar Soul Studio.

Sahra is a newly married to Ted, the boy that lived down the street her whole life. She is proud mother to her newborn daughter, Lily, and 2 labrador retriever children, Cambel & Yogi. An eternal student, she holds a business degree from West Valley in Saratoga, a biology degree from CU Denver, and is also currently working on a Communications degree from CU Denver.

She is from the small Northern California town of Los Gatos and currently resides in Boulder, Colorado. She is inspired by cooking, being in nature and working at her new art studio in Boulder with a view of the foothills.

Favorite Spot on Earth: The Beach. Any beach.

Classic Sahra: An astonishing ability to remain undaunted in stressful situations. She is the queen of successful multi-tasking in work and in life.

Inspired by: The transformative quality of changing a flat sheet of metal into something completely organic, like a lotus flower. The surprise that comes from letting a design become a final piece of art.

Passionate About: Being a mom to her new baby girl, Lillian Meredith.

Guilty Pleasure: A beautifully crafted cocktail. Home cooked meals prepared with lots of love and attention to detail.

Personal Motto: Don't wait for the storm to pass, learn to dance in the rain.

With our new partnership we have also merged with Sahra's jewelry company, Sugar Soul Studio. Sugar Soul is bright precious gems, metalsmithing and jewelry designs made with love, intention and heart.

Sugar Soul has many one of a kind designs and the site will be updated often as quickly as we can (literally) hammer out our new work. You can see all of Sugar Soul's Designs by clicking here.

We look forward to having you with us on this adventure of partnership and new designs!

Celebration with Venus de Miles!

2011-08-10T10:25:00.000-07:00

We are excited to be partnering again with Venus de Miles, the all-women bike ride in Boulder that raises money for Greenhouse Scholars. We love this local organization that helps high-performing, under-resourced college students to become the next generation of community leaders.
So inspiring!

We had so much fun with the design that we made last year
that we decided to give it a go again. 20% of sales
from the jewelry will go to Greenhouse Scholars and we feel
lucky to be able to merge our creative work with such a wonderful cause.

This year's design is another sterling piece made by hand here in our Boulder studio. We started with a bicycle wheel photo and transferred it to the metal. Then we carefully cut all the spokes by hand with our jewelers saw.

It ended up looking feminine and a little flower-like, which we love! Everyone at Venus and Greenhouse are so passionate, and the riders blew us away with their enthusiasm when we saw the ride last year. So the heart in the center of the design felt just right. The faceted iolite is the exact color that is on the Venus logo, and that was another easy pairing that sparkles and dresses up the piece. We love it when a design comes together so seamlessly!

All riders have the choice to ride 33, 51, 67 or 100 miles. As a cool way to further personalize the piece, we will stamp the mileage right on the front next to the "2011."

The new designs are live on our website now and you can see them by clicking here.

Sahra and I would like to extend a special thank you to Teresa Robbins, Director of Venus de Miles. Actually her REAL job title is Venus Director & High Priestess, and we can't think of words that would more aptly describe her. It is a joy to work with you Teresa. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for appreciating our work and the power of hand made art. We love ya girlfriend!

Pearl Earring Giveaway Winners!

2011-07-18T06:25:00.000-07:00

Hooray for all TEN of our winners!

If you see your name listed below please email service (at) hotmamadesigns.com with your mailing address pronto.

1. Vickie L. Couturier

2. Janene

3. anniebd

4. Courtney Faust

5. Sarah Brown

6. Laney

7. Mudwhimsy

8. Jacqueline

9. Misty Adamson

10. Christine H.

Once we get the address your NEW earrings will be on their way to you in the next couple of weeks, woo hoo!

Have fun wearing your new earrings, ladies. Maybe even have your own little summer fling in them! Thank you so much for your participation in the giveaway.

And for now it's Monday so... back to the bench.

We've had a little child labor in the studio recently.

And no, he will not be the one making your earrings.

He is too busy working on his own original designs.

Anyone else have any "extra" help in the office or studio lately?

Summer Fling Pearl Earrings Giveaway!

2011-07-12T15:30:00.000-07:00

I had a summer fling once.

Okay maybe more than once but don't tell anyone!

There's something about a summer fling and the way it makes you feel.

Spontaneous. Sultry. Fun.

We have decided we would like to feel that way again, so we're having our own summer fling over here at Hot Mama Designs.

Sahra and I have so many new designs, announcements and giveaways to unveil. Hop into the convertible, won't you? It's going to be awesome.

First up, sterling and real freshwater pearl earrings!

Here's what they look like when you wear them.

Simple, sweet and will go with everything in your closet.

*The Giveaway*

We are giving away

10 PAIRS OF EARRINGS

to TEN lucky WINNERS!!!!

That's right, I said TEN.

Here's How You Enter To WIN:

**Please leave a separate comment for each entry you complete**

1. Visit the Hot Mama Designs Shop and leave a comment here about your favorite jewelry.

2. Like Hot Mama Designs on facebook and leave a comment on our wall that you stopped by from the Hot Mama blog.

3. Facebook, tweet and/or blog about this giveaway and leave a link.

Up to 3 entries available.

Good Luck!

Winners will be announced on July 18th, 2011.

Dad's Day Winner & Things Making Me Happy

2011-06-12T14:35:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who entered our Father's Day giveaway. With no further ado the winner chosen at random is:
Jen from http://abookagirlajourney.blogspot.com.
Email us to get in touch with your gift choice!

I can't believe that this time next week it will be Father's Day. Thank you for all the orders! We hope everything that we send from the studio will make the Dad in your life smile. We are grateful to be a part of the celebration of amazing men in your lives.

It's a relaxing Sunday here in Colorado. Here are a few things that are making me happy today.

Sahra's Columbines. Did you know that Sahra is my next door neighbor in addition to being my new business partner? Her flowers are so pretty & it's one more reason I feel lucky to live next door to her.

Vintage toys. These little people action figures are Brett's toys (his Mom saved EVERYTHING) from the 1970's and Elias is just getting old enough to play with them. I had the same ones when I was a girl so when I find them all over the house it makes me smile. Doesn't she look so smart in her aqua dress and matching hat?

White barbeque sauce from the most recent issue of Food and Wine Magazine. You can find the recipe here. It is spicy and vinegary and I am planning to dunk food in it all summer long.

Blue wildflowers in the backyard and two sweet little boys enjoying them. Ah summer you are soooo welcome here.

Tell Me Something Good -- A Father's Day Giveaway

2011-05-31T20:13:00.000-07:00

We are so excited for our FATHER'S DAY GIVEAWAY!

There are a LOT of good men out there. And I know a lot of you have them in your lives. In the immortal words of Chaka Khan: Tell me something good.

Leave me a comment about your hubbie, your dad, your grandpa, your uncle or your brother. What do you love about him? What nice thing has he done for you, your family, or someone else lately? Be sure to leave us your email address so we can get in touch with you.

If you win, we'll send you one of our new designs: the Men's FLAT CUFF BRACELET for your Father's Day present this year, gift-wrapped and ready to go!

Or if he is not a bracelet kind of guy (we understand!) you can also choose our new MY DAD ROCKS keychain. 100% sterling silver and guaranteed to make him smile.

There are tons of other fun designs like this Rectangle Necklace in the HOT PAPA section of our site if you would like to browse around. Sahra & I have put a lot of love and attention into designing pieces to celebrate the amazing men in your life so we hope you will find something you love even if you don't win this time.

We will announce the winner on June 10th. Good luck!

Singin' In The Rain

2011-05-22T20:12:00.000-07:00

I took Elias for a walk on the last day of our rainy week and it made me think of my all time favorite musical, Singin' In The Rain.

The song lyrics kept popping into my head as I watched him walk & play.

I'm singin' in the rain

Just singin' in the rain

What a glorious feelin'

I'm happy again

I'm laughing at clouds so dark up above

The sun's in my heart and I'm ready for love

Let the stormy clouds chase

Everyone from the place

Come on with the rain

I've a smile on my face

I walk down the lane

With a happy refrain

Just singin'

Singin' in the rain

{This Moment}

2011-04-21T19:08:00.000-07:00

A Friday ritual. Inspired by Amanda Blake Soule. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment to pause, savor and remember.

For a blog tour of {this moment} by others who are sharing, visit SouleMama's Friday posts.

Your Wild & Precious Life

2011-04-18T19:41:00.001-07:00

I have been stamping metal for a long time. I still remember the first thing I stamped. It was for my husband, Brett over 15 years ago. It was a squashy, distorted ring that only sort of fits him. I stamped his nick name on the inside. He still has it and it still makes me smile.

Most of the jewelry we make at Hot Mama is symmetrical, even, and perfectly polished. But every once in a while I have to make something different. Especially when I am having one of those days. Ugh. You know what I mean: I took everyone to school. I made lunches. I paid the bills. I walked the dog. I did all the things I was supposed to do. For the five-thousandth time. Sometimes a girl needs to not follow the rules.

I'm not sure what I would do if I didn't have an outlet in my metalsmithing. I honestly think I would go insane. If I am not making things, new things, on a regular basis I start to go berserk. I can feel when it's happening. So when I was having that day, I grabbed this old piece of brass that was lying around the studio. I erratically stamped just a few words from one of another favorite Mary Oliver poem. It's kind of my new life motto.

I stamped just for me. Not to sell it. Not to show to anyone. It was crooked and messy. I loved it. Immediately I felt a huge sense of relief wash over me. Ahhh I needed that. Perfectly imperfect.

For Teddy & Sahra ~ The Toast I Didn't Make

2011-03-29T19:23:00.000-07:00

Photo by Simply Portraits www.simplycherish.com

Sahra and Teddy just got married. They held a beautiful, intimate ceremony at a beach house near where they both grew up in Northern California.

Sahra and I have been working together for over three years and we also live next door to each other. Our jewelry business has been growing so much lately and we spend most of our time in work mode. I hadn’t taken much time off with Sahra to celebrate the extraordinary life she and Teddy are building until my family and I had the privilege of attending their wedding.

When it was time to give toasts at their reception I really wanted to say some meaningful words. But I hadn’t planned ahead. I have a history with public speaking that if I try to be spontaneous, I start crying so hard that no one can understand me. So I'm taking the advice of one of my favorite Micheal Franti songs “Never Too Late,” to write some words now in honor of the newlyweds.

I got to know Sahra during a hard time in her life. She had a debilitating car accident and Teddy was with her when it happened. In the aftermath they encountered a number of extreme challenges including health, financial and legal battles. They navigated this difficult patch in their lives with such grace and patience. Their bond has grown stronger for the experience, where many other couples would have fallen apart. I am still amazed and how they were able to pick up the pieces and put their lives back together. But I am not at all surprised because Sahra and Teddy are hardy. They are full of gusto and optimism. And so their life reflects this.

I have been with my husband for over 20 years. I am always searching for ways to renew my relationship and keep the passion that I felt when I first met Brett. I get a constant stream of ideas from just being around Sahra.

If you have been to the studio where we work you know it is teensy. One of the advantages of being in this space with Sahra is that her love for and commitment to Teddy is palpable. We have ongoing conversations about our relationships and their ups and downs. And no matter what, the words I hear out of her mouth most often are “I love that man.” She means it down to her core, and you can tell when you hear her say it.

She has a steadfast dedication and a love for Teddy and she doesn’t question it. It is almost contagious! She believes in it. Sahra is younger than me but I learn so much from her. The respect, the daily devotion and the pure open heart that she cultivates with Teddy teaches me so much.

So I raise my glass to you, Teddy and Sahra Cahoon. I wish for you a life full of happiness, of laughter and joy beyond your wildest dreams.

And I also would like to share with you both one of favorite poems that Brett & I had at our own wedding:

Blessing for a Marriage by James Dillet Freeman

May your marriage bring you all the exquisite
excitement marriage should bring,
and may life grant you also patience,
tolerance, and understanding.
May you always need one another -
not so much to fill your emptiness
as to help you to know your fullness.
A mountain needs a valley to be complete;
the valley does not make
the mountain less, but more;
and the valley is more a valley because
it has a mountain towering over it.
May you need one another, but not out of weakness.
May you want one another, but not out of lack.
May you entice one another, but not compel one another.
May you embrace one another, but not out encircle one another.
May you succeed in all important ways with one another,
and not fail in the little graces.
May you look for things to praise, often say, "I love you!"
and take no notice of small faults.
If you have quarrels that push you apart,
may both of you hope to have
good sense enough to take the first step back.
May you enter into the mystery which is
the awareness of one another's
presence - no more physical than spiritual,
warm and near when you are
side by side, and warm and near when
you are in separate rooms
or even distant cities.
May you have happiness,
and may you find it making one another happy.
May you have love, and may you find it loving one another.

Gold Giveaway Winners & Spring Break 2011

2011-03-27T21:02:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much to everyone who entered the giveaway. The winner chosen at random is Erika Hemphill who said:

"Living in Maine gives Spring a whole new meaning. With the snow still melting and the first calls of red winged black birds gracing our ears, my two little ones rip off their clothes and sklither outside stark naked for their ritualistic welcome to Spring. Yup. Naked. I shiver as I watch them, arms flapping, legs churning, feet muddy--absorbing all their joy into my soul. After many months of deep snow and sub zero night temps, the sun has never felt so delicious nor childrens' laughter seemed so pure."

Thanks Erika for sharing a little piece of your life with us. As always, we are so grateful for all your comments and for the chance to know you all a little better.

We have just returned from Spring Break. Sahra got married at the beach. I may have to write a whole series of posts on the wedding. I'm waiting to get my hands on Sahra's beautiful photos. It was amazing. Full of light and love, just like Teddy and Sahra. They invited Lino to be the ring bearer. He felt so special and I am eternally thankful.

And in more big news it looks like we have found our new dream studio space. Our hope is to sign a lease soon, which will be our first commercial space ever. So exciting. We will have more WEDDING and STUDIO photos and updates later this week!

Happy Spring & A Gold Giveaway

2011-03-16T00:02:00.000-07:00

Spring is here. Can you sense it? I'm always so caught off guard when I feel this way every year. So excited for the warmth and sunshine finally. The boys are able to start playing at the park instead of just inside, and have been jumping on the trampoline. Elias is big enough to jump this year! He will turn 2 years old next week which also has me feeling surprised.

Even these photos we just took of my friend Elizabeth and her little boy are astonishing to me. We were both pregnant at the together and gave birth with the same midwives here in Boulder. I almost fell over when I saw how much her little boy had grown over the winter.

Remember your mom's friend who would say "Oh my! You have gotten so big!" And you (as your eight year old self) wanted to roll your eyes at her? Yes, I have officially turned into that person. I say something similar every time I see my friends with their kids around town.

Daylight savings and all the recent glorious sunlight made me pull out my own gold rim necklace like the ones that Elizabeth is wearing in these photos.

I was reminded that right before the holidays we were sneaky and put it on the website without much fanfare. So I am finally getting around to giving it the attention it deserves.

It's such an elegant piece that we love it for it's versatility. For a long time we had customers asking for us to do a mixed metal piece but we just weren't happy with the prototypes we tried out. With extensive research Sahra finally found the right gold rim and now when we solder the rim onto the sterling silver disc, the result is so pretty.

You can order with a sterling or gold chain. And you can order just a single disc too, which is such a fun way to add to your existing Hot Mama necklace.

You can buy it here on our website.

Let's give one away! We will send you a necklace with a sterling chain and one fourteen karat gold rim disc with your choice of custom stamping.

Leave a comment below and tell us how you are welcoming spring. Don't forget to tell us your email when you comment.

Blog it, tweet it (@hotmamajewelry) and facebook on YOUR page for extra entries!

We will post the winner next week. Good luck!

Little Bird Necklace Winners!

2011-03-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

The randomly picked winner of the Little Bird Necklaces are:

Cindy (Cljameson) who said ..."I'd love to wear it around my neck. I have always felt that birds represent a connection to the sky; furthermore, linking Heaven to Earth..."

and

Justme (acemom98) who said "I so need one of these in honor of my own LilBird!"

Congratulations to you both and thank you all so much for your entries. We love reading your comments and are so moved by all your stories and ideas.

original image from etsy/frecklewonder

I love this hilarious sign which I first saw on the blog of Jenny from Lobotome. It sums up how I feel right now because Lino has been sick with pneumonia for over 10 days and Elias has also had his fair share of yucky viruses simultaneously. Sahra has had bronchitis and we are all pretty worn out with trying to keep the studio running to our high standards.

Funny how business just keeps rolling along even when there are sick babes. It is enough to drive a working mama insane.

Right now we are almost done with our legal business partnership, we are getting ready to move the studio again to a larger space, we're in the middle of the hiring process for a new production manager, and we just landed a HUGE catalog account that we have wanted for a very long time.

It's all pretty amazing and fun, despite the juggling.

"Why else do it if it's not going to be amazing and fun?"
I have to remind myself of this constantly when recent days have felt like such a struggle.

Here's a sneak peek from our most recent photo shoot. We're planning another jewelry giveaway of this product so check back with us soon!

Bird Collection Debut & Giveaway!

2011-02-27T13:59:00.000-08:00

Sahra & I are very excited to release the new bird collection. It feels just right that all the new pieces are finally ready when spring is about to start.

We love birds as a symbol of spring!

All the little birdies have been hand-sculpted in clay and then cast in sterling. We adore their three dimensional qualities. They are our own one-of-kind design and we are proud to say you won't find this jewelry anywhere else.

To go along with the collection, we also have new photos from our cozy shoot with our friend Marci and her little girls.

Here she is with the new Little Bird Earrings, the Mama Bird Necklace, and the Multi-Bird Necklace.

These are two individual necklaces that can be worn alone or as a set.

An added bonus about these designs: they can each be layered with your other Hot Mama necklaces.

On the Multi-Bird Necklace you can add your choice of one or multiple birds, to represent your children or other inspirations in your life.

You can find these necklaces and the full Bird Collection on the website here.

This sweetie girl and her sister were so gorgeous when we were having our shoot that I had to write a whole other entry to show her off. In case you missed it, you can read about her and the Little Bird Necklace here.

And now for the giveaway! We are going to give 2 lucky winners a Little Bird Necklace which includes a bird and a little initial disc. We'll post the winner this time next week.

Photography by the fabulous Julia Vandenoever.

To enter the giveaway, please tell us:
to whom would you give the Little Bird Necklace?
Don't forget to leave us your email!
P.S. (It's okay if it's for you)!

Blog it, tweet it (@hotmamajewelry) and facebook on YOUR page for extra entries!

Little Birds

2011-02-22T15:17:00.000-08:00

We've been so busy behind the scenes making new designs.
And oh how we couldn't be more excited for Spring!

One of our new collections will be released later this week
but we can't resist giving you a sneak peek of the little bird necklace now.

These gorgeous girls are the daughters of my friend, Marci. When I look at their sweet faces, I remember one of the original inspirations for the bird designs. It is a song by Jolie Holland titled "The littlest birds sing the prettiest songs." Do you know it? It is such a beautiful, old timey sounding song. It warms my heart and makes me think of happy little babies.

I had a friend tell me recently that she and her daughter wear matching necklaces that we made for her, and that it helps them stay connected even when they are apart. I just love that. That is another inspiration for the new bird collection. Mamas and daughters can feel connected through their adornment.

The new little bird necklace is available now on our website here.

The birdie is carved by hand in clay, then cast in sterling.
It's our own exclusive design that you won't see anywhere else.

It makes the perfect heirloom gift for you, your little birds, your granddaughters, or anyone else that you would like to celebrate with handmade art jewelry.

Stay tuned for the full bird collection. We can't wait to show it off to you!

Wouldn't You Love to Work at Hot Mama?

2011-02-14T09:30:00.000-08:00

It's Valentine's Day so I had to post this photo of me and Sahra in our red boots because it makes me smile. We look relaxed and happy here in the photo but really there is a LOT going on with our little business. As in (gasp) dare I say it? We need help.

Really we would like to hire a super hero. A super hero with a stellar, can-do attitude. But we would hate to scare anyone off with expectations that are too high, so we are calling the position our Studio Production Manager. The person will help manage the day to day operations of all jewelry production for the company.

Please help us spread the word! If you or anyone you know is interested in the job please email production (at) hotmamadesigns.com which will send an auto-reply of the full job description and directions on how to apply. Thanks as always for your help and support!

Lino wants a surf n turf dinner so that is the plan at our house tonight. Wish me luck with that big idea. This morning I watched him stuff a valentine envelope with extra "conversation hearts" (i.e. YOU ROCK, EMAIL ME, HEAD/HEELS) for one particular little girl in his class. Can't wait to hear his after school update.

Happy Valentines Day to you and your families!

Television Stars

2011-01-23T20:44:00.000-08:00

We were so honored to host Fox 31 Denver News last week at the studio. They sent their live early morning crew to interview me and Sahra about our jewelry.

We woke up at (ouch) 4:45 AM to get ready. But we a blast.

Someone got to stay home a little late from school and watch inside the house with his papa as they filmed in the backyard. He had to keep running out to check on us in his jammies.

He was so excited.
It's not every day that your mama is on T.V.

Here are the two video clips from the show. As you can see we had a lot of fun!

Boy Wonder

2011-01-22T12:17:00.000-08:00

I've been reading lately about best-selling author Gretchen Rubin. She has a book called The Happiness Project. And in her writings there is a quote that caught my attention. It is by Pierre Reverdy:

“There is no love; there are only proofs of love.”

This quote is about how you can carry so much love and compassion for someone in your heart. But unless you are making time to do things that SHOW your love, then how will your loved one ever know how you feel? Did I make a nice dinner for you? Did I call you on your birthday? Did I look at your face and really listen when you called me into your room even though I said goodnight and tucked you in five times already?

Then yesterday I got this email from my friends Arin and Karen over at Ephemera. Hot Mama has sold our jewelry at their cool Iowa boutique for years now, and these women are my kindred spirits. I am inspired by them on a regular basis because they are smart business women who also have huge hearts.

It tells about how their good friends just gave birth to a baby boy named Atticus Bryce. His mama was just 24 weeks into her pregnancy, and he weighed in at 1 lb., 10 oz. They are having a fundraiser at their shop today with the intent to help with expenses that this new little family is incurring.

I thought of the Reverdy quote and wanted to send a "proof of love," because I didn't feel like I was doing much good crying by myself as I read their story in the studio. So I quickly hammered out a necklace and shipped it to them.

I hope it makes the mama feel hopeful and loved when she puts it on. Boy wonder, indeed. We are sending you our love.

Yes! No!

2011-01-05T09:46:00.000-08:00

This is the view from my backyard studio today.
It's very rare to have a field like this where I live.

When we moved into our house over twelve years
ago everyone said it wouldn't last.
And because everyone
said it would be gone soon, I have
been very grateful for this field every day.

I would like to apply this thankfulness to everything
in my life, because really it's all just a fleeting moment.

It feels like Brett just built this studio for me,

but really we've been working here about 2 years now
and it's time to get a new space.
Hot Mama Designs has outgrown this one.

I heard this poem earlier this week.
It makes me think I would like
to make some adjustments this year.
And how important it is to choose my priorities,
and what do I want to say "Yes" and "No" to?

I don't want anything grandiose.
No huge proclamations or resolutions.
Just some quiet, intentional changes.
Quiet like my field.

My choices for this year are my family,
my new jewelry business partnership with Sahra
(more on this soon!)
and to have more fun.
I am really good at taking it all too seriously,
but somehow fun has gone a bit to the wayside.

****

Yes! No!
by Mary Oliver

How necessary it is to have opinions!
I think the spotted trout
lilies are satisfied, standing a few inches
above the earth.

I think serenity is not something
you just find in the world,
like a plum tree, holding up its white petals.

The violets, along the river, are opening their
blue faces, like small dark lanterns.

The green mosses, being so many,
are as good as brawny.

How important it is to walk along,
not in haste but slowly,
looking at everything and calling out

Yes! No!

The swan, for all his pomp,
his robes of grass and petals,
wants only to be allowed to live
on the nameless pond.
The catbrier is without fault.

The water thrushes,
down among the sloppy
rocks, are going crazy with happiness.
Imagination is better
than a sharp instrument.

To pay attention,
this is our endless
and proper work.

Renew My Spirit

2011-01-03T12:52:00.000-08:00

I'm cleaning the studio from our whirlwind
holiday season.Our most prosperous season ever
and I am feeling so proud.

{Thank you wonderful customers!}

While cleaning I found this sterling box
I made a long time ago in art school.
It was a piece I made for my mom
and I still love it.

Inside the piece reads
"Make me a clean heart.
Renew my spirit."
I'm so inspired to find this at the
beginning of a new year.

And YES! Along with a clean studio,
clean house and perhaps
some cleaned up children without bed-head and
jammies on all day,
I will take a renewed spirit.

And speaking of YES!
I heard a poem by Mary Oliver yesterday
that I just love.
It is perfect for the choosing priorities
and setting boundaries,
which is what I am thinking about for the 2011.

I'll post her work later this week.
I send you a heartfelt wish for happiness in 2011!

Firefly Handmade Market

2010-11-22T22:34:00.001-08:00

Sahra and I have been working our booties off.

We are keeping up with all our work at the Hot Mama studio and collaborating on new work for the six (yes I said SIX) trunk shows that we have in the works.

One juried show that we just got accepted to is Firefly Handmade and we are so excited about it.

You can read all about it here on their super cool blog.

If you are in the Colorado area please come join us!

We have tons of new designs that we can't wait to show off.

Details:

Firefly Handmade 2010 Holiday Market +
1904 Pearl Street, Boulder {Former Food Co-op Space}

December 10th, 5pm-9pm
December 11th, 10am-5pm
December 12th, 10am-3pm

60+ Indie Makers, Gifts for EVERYONE on your List!
Sandwiches & Snacks from Dish Gourmet
Kids Craft Activities sponsored by Clementine Studio
Community Table courtesy of the Makerie
+ Eco Gift Wrap from Lyziwraps and oh so much more!

Elias at 18 Months Old

2010-10-21T21:11:00.000-07:00

"Elias Jackson"

Create a free slideshow with Picnik!

Elias Jackson, baby of mine. This is who you are at 18 months old. You are silly and lighthearted. You laugh all the time. You are talking just a teensy bit, but I know it is the calm before the storm. Soon the new words will not stop.

Your few words are: mama, WOW, papa, apple, dog, yes, juice and up. And I shouldn't forget to mention your current favorites: no, no and noooo. You do not like to change your clothes, wear shoes, or eat baby food. You are very opinionated and things must be done a certain way. No one should try to read that dang Goodnight Moon if you are in the mood for I Am A Bunny. The nerve of some people.

You are just starting to be able to balance well enough on your little feet that running, really running is an option. And man oh man is it a crack up when you first figure out how to run! I never realized until I watched you today how funny it is. Pause button for life, where are you when I need you?

Elias you are my joy. You melt my heart. I am so lucky to have you my beautiful boy.

Nesting and Future Blessings

2010-09-29T19:21:00.001-07:00

Bird nests are an endless source of inspiration for me.
It's interesting when you realize you are nesting,
and you can't stop yourself.

Of course this is magnified for many women around the eight or ninth month of pregnancy. I personally got obsessed with a Martha Stewart magazine article that instructed how to clean out candle votives. Pour boiling water in each glass, one by one, and then while wax is still melted, carefully wipe out and voila!
All your votives are good as new.

I won't tell you how many votives I have.
I am already embarrassed that I've admitted this much.
If you know me well, you know I don't ever tend to this acute level of detail
when it comes to my house.
Which is why it cracks me up to think about
raging hormones and how nesting can become compulsive.

But it is this level of attention to detail that I love in nests. The urge in nature that is so similar to our own. The weaving of a small layer of fuzz along with twigs
that creates a protective layer. The intricacy of it.
The sheer drive that it takes to build them.
And how long it can last once you've put the hard work in.
There are so many amazing analogies for families and relationships in the design of a nest.

Which brings me to an introduction of our newest jewelry,
the Nest Necklace.
I am SO excited about this piece. I wanted an heirloom, solid pendant that had our own original design and that is exactly what we achieved.

It started off as a small hand formed clay sculpture.
We put a lot of thought into the size and shape of the eggs,
the raised areas of the nest, how big it should be, the final antiqued patina finish.

Most of all, I love that Hot Mama Designs gets to adorn more beautiful women
with a symbol of comfort, home, and future blessings.

I hope you will love wearing your new nest!

Endless Summer Winner & Lucky 13

2010-09-06T22:19:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much to all of you who entered
the Endless Summer Necklace giveaway.
I savored every comment.
It means so much to me that you take the time to write.

The WINNER (chosen at random) is:
jessica@livingdesignstudios

Congrats & we will be in touch for details!

****
Here are photos from the weekend.
It was my wedding anniversary.
So we left the boys with Sahra,
loaded up the cruiser bikes & hightailed it to Denver.

What a lovely getaway it was.
I'm a little postpartum vacation bluesy
today because it was so fun.

Mostly I just love yummy meals that other people cook.
It makes me so happy to eat when there are no little
people who need to be fed simultaneously.
Also I loved that I got to sit down without getting up for the ENTIRE meal.
Oh it doesn't take much to please me these days, really.

I have been married for 13 (!) years now.
I can scarcely believe it as I read the words myself.
We were together for 7 years before the wedding, too.
Yikes am I getting old?
Now you are all going to know I am not really 21.

My husband is a very good man, and I am feeling grateful.
Thanks again for marrying me, Brett.
The boys and I are very lucky to have you.

Endless Summer

2010-08-23T13:32:00.000-07:00

School has started here in Colorado.

Summer is winding down, but honestly I'm feeling
an ache for the carefree feeling of summertime.

We wanted to capture this end of summer feeling.
When you appreciate the season a little more because you know it's fading.

Also, in the studio Sahra & I talked about making a piece
that celebrates the joy and awe we felt as little girls.

When we would make a wish on a dandelion.
And we believed with every ounce of our being
that it would come true.

I just read somewhere that cultivating a sense
of wonder helps people feel happier.
I believe that with all my heart.

We also added a rough cut real aquamarine stone
for a splash of summertime color.
And your choice of two quotes.

We hope it will help to hold onto this feeling of summer.
Oh please, just for a little longer.

Order yours here before fall breezes start blowing.

Let's celebrate by giving away one Endless Summer necklace!

There's still time to eat some watermelon
and run through the sprinkler just one last time.

How are you celebrating the end of summer?
Tell us by leaving a comment and we will choose
one winner at random next week.

Be sure to leave your email so we know how to contact you.
Good luck!

Venus de Miles Commemorative Necklace

2010-08-11T13:21:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of this new project.
And here is Sahra modeling our final result.

Sahra and I partnered with Venus de Miles, which is an all-women bike ride here in Boulder that also raises money for Greenhouse Scholars, a very cool organization that helps high-performing, under-resourced college students to become the next generation of community leaders.

We used our new etching techniques that you may remember reading about here to make the limited edition commemorative necklaces for Venus de Miles.

We made two designs and loved them equally.
So we decided to sell both.
Design one is very minimalist and simple.
We used our favorite new cursive stamps, so fun.

Design two is a little more complex. Using decals, acid, etching, patinas and casting.
But we fell in love with the logo and really wanted to make it.

The process is messy, as you can see.

But it cleans up nicely.

Here's Shannon piercing out the final design.

And the final finished Goddess Necklace piece.
We are so excited about how beautifully it turned out.

The back of the necklace

We are taking orders for both necklace designs now!
The first 25 people to order
will be able to wear theirs in time for the ride.

We are so happy to commemorate and celebrate your ride with you.
Place your orders here and happy riding!

Little Artists

2010-07-21T12:52:00.000-07:00

We are finally home from back-to-back trips.

San Diego where Brett had a business conference.
And then to Chicago for a family wedding.

A bit of vacation
And a LOT of work with two little boys.

We had time to make lots of art on the trip.

My artistic expression has helped
and healed me in so many ways.
I want my boys to feel the power that
is inherent in creating their own art.

It's important to me to get them engaged
in the process of making.

To not be worried about dirty clothes.
Or paint in the hair.

Because making art is SO, SO worth it.

Perfect!

2010-06-15T22:02:00.001-07:00

We're on a family trip this week to Oklahoma & Kansas to visit our families. Time that I NEEDED. I didn't realize I was needing it until I got a little time away from my normal routines.

And now that I've had time to think, I have one idea that keeps showing up repeatedly.

Does this ever happen to you? Like a friend gives you advice, and then you read the same thing in a magazine article, and you suddenly realize that the song on the radio has an identical message but you had never listened to the words before?

This has been happening to me lately and the idea is to

LET GO of perfectionism.

Stop thinking that I can possibly control everything.

Chill, woman.

Exhibit A:

I’m watching a Toy Story 3 commercial with Lino.

Woody make a sign with all the other characters that says Toy Story 3.

It’s very rickety and hand made. Very wabi-sabi.

Then Buzz makes his sign. It’s slick and plastic. A little too….perfect.

Lino in his infinite six year old wisdom shoots me a knowing and look and says:

“I like Woody’s sign. You know mom, perfect isn’t always better.”

“Perfect isn’t always better,” I repeat.

That has to be one of the most brilliant things I’ve ever heard.

****

Exhibit B:

I just came across one of my favorite Poems by Nadine Stair, age 85 when she wrote it:

If I Had My Life to Live Over

I'd dare to make more mistakes next time.

I'd relax, I would limber up.

I would be sillier than I have been this trip.

I would take fewer things seriously.

I would take more chances.

I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers.

I would eat more ice cream and less beans.

I would perhaps have more actual troubles,

but I'd have fewer imaginary ones.

You see, I'm one of those people who live

sensibly and sanely hour after hour,

day after day.

Oh, I've had my moments,

And if I had it to do over again,

I'd have more of them.

In fact, I'd try to have nothing else.

Just moments, one after another,

instead of living so many years ahead of each day.

I've been one of those people who never goes anywhere

without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a raincoat

and a parachute.

If I had to do it again, I would travel lighter than I have.

If I had my life to live over,

I would start barefoot earlier in the spring

and stay that way later in the fall.

I would go to more dances.

I would ride more merry-go-rounds.

I would pick more daisies.

****

There are many more instances of this idea hitting me over the head like a hammer, but you get what I mean. I'm SO going to heed this advice and quit white-knuckling everything.

I'm off to play in the sprinkler with my kids now...

Father's Day Giveaway Winner

2010-06-14T15:09:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone for participating

in the Father's Day Giveaway!

Our winner, chosen at random from all those

who entered, is Jus and Kat

who says she is celebrating her husband

Justin this Father's Day.

I loved all your comments and am so grateful

to you for sharing your family stories with me.

There are some good men out there, hallelujah!

As you can see we have been hanging
out in the field in our backyard
finding cool things like BLUE robin eggs.
Lino was so thrilled with this little shell.

Ah summer. We are so glad you are finally here.

Ok back to the studio...
we have lots of Father's Day orders to send.

Enjoy celebrating with your precious families!

A Father's Day Giveaway!

2010-06-08T10:09:00.001-07:00

We’ve come a long long way together

Through the hard times and the good.

I have to celebrate you baby

I have to praise you like I should-d-d-d-d

I had this old song by Fatboy Slim

running through my head last week

on Brett’s birthday when, as usual,

I had bitten off more than I could chew.

I am amused often at my life.

I observe moments and laugh,

wondering: “How did my life turn into this?”

I was frustrated from being hit in the head

by Lino’s paper airplanes and mediating

various brotherly squabbles.

It was feeling impossible to finish a dinner of steak, potatoes,

grilled asparagus AND chocolate cupcakes.

Did I mention I also had a twenty-four pound chunk

of a baby in a backpack on my back?

It was at this point that I had to remind myself that really,

the extra effort it takes to celebrate is worth it.

Because when Brett walked through the door from

a very long day, he was psyched.

The kids stayed up too late, and my feet hurt.

But I was glad I did it.

Which is why I am already thinking about Father’s Day

and how we should celebrate.

Perhaps by going out to eat this time.

Not that I don’t love cooking

with two kids in the kitchen, wink wink.

In the spirit of festivity, let’s do a giveaway!

One piece of my men’s jewelry from the pictures listed here.

Men's Necklace

$135.00

Comes with chain + one rectangle.

Stamp on both sides!

Sterling Cuff links

$150.00

Shop for them here.

Heirloom Sterling Key Chain

$125.00

Shop for it here.

Hand Formed Cuff Bracelets

$170 small

$200 large

Shop for it here.

*******

Who are you celebrating this Father’s Day?

Why is he awesome?

What piece of jewelry would he like and why?
Leave me a comment with your EMAIL address

and I will choose a winner at random
& post results later this week.

Good luck!

I Love Sleeping Babies

2010-06-02T15:06:00.000-07:00

Truly, there are few things in life
that are sweeter than a sleeping baby.

Especially, in my unbiased opinion,
Elias Jackson at 14 months old.

Be Brave

2010-05-15T08:10:00.001-07:00

I don't usually buy jewelry for myself.
I say "Oh, I know how to do that. I'll get around to making one."
And then unfortunately I don't.

But for Mother's Day, as a gift to from me to me
I DID buy this exquisite token from artist Jes Maharry.

Because I have been exploring etching techniques
I so admire the beauty and simplicity of this piece.
I love how a simple line drawing translates so splendidly onto the metal.

Something about the "mama tree" image really moved me.
Plus of course, I still miss my own mama
and I love this message on the back
because it makes me think of her.

It's back ordered until June, so I can hardly wait for it's arrival.
I may have to drill it into a necklace,
or put it into a wall frame,
but maybe I'll just want to keep it in my pocket.

I'll have to see how I feel when it gets here.
Either way, I am so glad I decided to get it for myself.

Itching to ETCH

2010-05-10T20:40:00.000-07:00

With our busiest Mother's Day season
ever behind us (THANK YOU to our customers
you are the BEST!!!) we are thrilled to finally have time to
work on new designs in the studio.

One metalsmithing technique that Sahra and I
have been eager to work on for so long now is etching with acid.

Sound dangerous, doesn't it?

It is.

So exciting!

Lino is having a current fascination with octopus
and squid so I want to make this amazing illustration into a piece
of framed art for his room.

Our friend Elizabeth from Sweet Letterpress
here in Boulder asked if we could make her logo
into a cool necklace for her to wear
at the upcoming National Stationery Show in New York
while she is working at her booth.
We are delighted to oblige.

We've taken our new decals and fused them onto the metal.
Elizabeth's logo is a really beautiful heart with wings
and so far it has been etching into the metal really well.

Here's the mad scientist part where everything sizzles in the acid.

The image comes out pretty subtle but then we put
some patina on and it really makes the design POP.

An unfinished sample

Sahra's beautiful dandelion, raw & unfinished also.

We're going to do some more etching tomorrow.
Stay tuned I promise to post photos of finished pieces soon.

Mother's Day Deadlines

2010-04-23T12:17:00.000-07:00

It's the busiest time of the year here
in the Hot Mama Jewelry studio!

If you would like to have a gift
delivered in time for Mother's Day,
please take note of our
ordering guidelines below.

Until April 25th -- No rush fees

April 25th to May 1st -- Add $20.00 rush fee

May 2nd to May 5th -- Add $50.00 overnight rush fee

May 5th -- Last day for Mother's Day orders

When you receive your jewelry in the mail, it comes in
our new packaging that I LOVE
from my girlfriend Allison Bozeman
over at Bird Dog Press.

The big red box, velvet bag and letter pressed card
on the front really reflects what I want
Hot Mama Designs Jewelry to be as a brand:
hand made, heirloom quality, unique, and super elegant.

If you ever need any letterpress work done--
cards, baby announcements, etc, she is your woman:
Check out her website at http://www.birddogpress.com

Thank you so much for your orders.
As always, I am so grateful!

Be Still

2010-04-05T11:41:00.000-07:00

A few of my awesome girlfriends
came over last week with their kids and new babies.

Sahra was the photographer & we were all fired up.
I had the brilliant idea that
we would just snap a few easy photos.

I'm usually overly optimistic.
I can't decide if this is a character flaw
or a good way to be in the world.

But most of them turned out like these ones above, ha ha ha.

Do you have ANY idea how hard it is to get this many women and babies to:

Be still
Look at the camera
Make sure the jewelry looks good
Not drool
Etcetera!?

Kind of ridiculous, really.

But we did have fun.

And we did get a few heart-melting shots
that made the chaos worthwhile.

And I am reminded:
This is what I celebrate.
This is why I do this work.
To honor families.
Pure magic.

Thank you Rebecca, Molly and Kathleen.
I love you ladies with all my heart.

Spring Break Renewal

2010-03-29T19:46:00.001-07:00

We needed a vacation so badly and
Palm Springs for Spring Break fit the bill perfectly.

I had a little too much fun with my new iPhone application.
It makes all my pictures look a little beat up and old.
So fun.

Baby Elias turned one year old while we were there.
I know these are his last few days of crawling.
And I'm doing my best to savor every moment.

Sweet brothers.

Lino loved this "lawn chair."

Hopefully it will warm up here in Colorado soon.
Because I am already missing these palm trees.

Baby Elias

2010-03-10T11:17:00.000-08:00

LOOK at how big my baby boy has grown.
He turns one year old later this month.

We'll actually be on vacation in Palm Springs for Spring Break for his birthday this year, yahoo! Which is so much nicer than say, for example, going into labor at the recreation center while dropping Lino off at camp, which is what I was doing last year during Spring Break.

Elias Jackson, Mama loves you.
What a beautiful year it has been with you in our lives, you
joyful mohawk-haired little bundle.

Now if you can learn to sleep for more than four hours at a time
I think everything is going to be just fine.

Lessons in Grieving

2010-03-07T07:45:00.000-08:00

I finally put one of my favorite pictures of my mom out

in the studio this week.

It's March 7th as I write, which is the anniversary of my mom's death.

My mom has been gone for three years now.

I hate writing that sentence. And I hate that this is the truth. There's still some part of my brain that holds fast to the possibility that this reality is just a bad dream.

I've been thinking about her a lot in anticipation of today. In years past I have had the habit of getting myself too busy to feel the sadness that I need to feel about my mom. Then I've been blind-sided by emotion and ended up suddenly breaking down in the produce section. Trying to ignore grief is not really possible anyway. Believe me. I've tried it, and it doesn't work. It will find some sideways, unexpected way to escape. It's usually not pretty.

When I was younger I remember learning that grief is like a timeline. You're supposed to feel better the farther away you get from the death of your loved one. Time heals all wounds, etc. In my experience that adage is a bunch of BS.

Because grief is sneaky. It can take you by such surprise. Sometimes I can have happy memories and focus on what a joy my mom was in my life. Other times I feel exactly like I did the day she died. I'm back holding her hand, touching my lips to her forehead at the hospital.

So like I said before, I try to think about my mom as much as I can before March 7th so I'm not caught off guard.

Last year I made this piece of jewelry about her and I am planning to make another new necklace today. I love the idea of having a collection of jewelry that I've created in her honor.

Below are some ideas I learned in a grief class that I took at my local hospice center. Acknowledging that a particularly painful date is coming may mean no more than that--acknowledging it and being kind to yourself. Or you may want to do something special. The ideas really helped me a lot. If you have lost a loved one, I hope they will help you too.

****

Ideas for Managing Grief on Special Days

***

Spending the day with family and/or friends

Making a donation to your loved one's favorite charity or group.

Taking the day to be alone.

Telling stories about the life of your loved one.

Taking the day off work.

Preparing a special meal and inviting someone special over.

Writing something about your loved one and sending it to people who loved her/him.

Lighting a candle.

Looking at photo albums.

Saying a prayer.

Creating art that expresses your feelings.

Creating a memorial garden.

Taking a trip out of town.

Making a donation to your loved one's favorite charity or group.

Visiting a favorite place you shared.

Going somewhere completely new.

Buying special flowers for yourself or the gravesite.

Having a party (yes, party) for the deceased with people who loved her/him.

Planting a shrub or tree.

Spending the day helping someone else.

Spending the day focusing on existing relationships ("mending fences" or telling people what they mean to you).

Calling hospice for help.

Writing a poem or written tribute and giving it to friends and family.

Creating a memorial quilt.

Starting a scholarship fund in their name.

Creating a rose garden in the back yard & putting a new rock in the garden on every anniversary.

Monsters In My Chair

2010-02-10T19:25:00.000-08:00

I love having a six year old in the house.

Last night this secret note was slid under the door
so quietly as I was rocking Elias to sleep.

Lino is learning to write and spell so well
that it brings tears to my eyes.

Here's what it says:

"Dear Mama, I left you some monsters xox (heart) Lino
P.S. The monsters are in my chair"

And sure enough to my delight
I found 3 monsters (his own drawings) at the kitchen table in his chair.
That kid is my joy.

*****

Also before I forget!

Congratulations to the winners of the most recent giveaways
for the BE necklace and the Little Girl's Necklace.

BE Necklace Winners:

1) Becca mrschase5000@yahoo.com

2) Callie theacuffs@gmail.com

Little Girl Necklace Winners:
1) Nicole-Lynn Seasidesmitten@aol.com

2) Marie V vinyard63@msn.com

Email us at service@hotmamadesigns.com
and we will work out the details!

Thanks everyone for entering.
I savored every comment.
Off to put on my BE grateful necklace on.

It's working, I'm feeling grateful!

Be Daring in 2010...Plus a Giveaway

2010-01-27T10:36:00.000-08:00

We're feeling excited here at the studio for the new year,
full of possibilities and things that have never been.

There's been a lot of time spent lately doing one
of my very favorite things:
cutting metal into these sensuous, curvy, cloud-like shapes.

The idea all started here with Sahra's awesome gift.
We riffed on the design together
and are feeling very inspired by the end result.

We both love the idea of choosing your own affirmation.
And adorning yourself with a new year's resolution
feels so powerful, not to mention FUN.

BE daring, BE inspired, BE present.
The possibilities are endless, just like the potential for the new year.

You can find the new necklace here on the website.

So let's do a giveaway!
Leave us a comment and tell us what you would put
on your BE necklace and why.
We'll give away 2 necklaces.

Can't wait to see what you have to say.

Also, I can't resist.
I love our Little Girls Necklace.
Picturing sweet valentine girls wearing
shiny new necklaces makes me happy.

So leave a comment about your favorite little girl,
and why you love her.
We'll give away 2 of these too.
Blog and tweet for extra entries.

Love to you all!

The Making of a Cuff Bracelet

2010-01-23T06:36:00.000-08:00

This is the kind of metalsmithing
that makes my heart beat faster.

Taking a flat, non-descript piece
of sterling silver and turning it into a
beautiful bracelet to be worn by
a mom in honor of her family.

My husband has one and it always
makes me smile when he wears it,
because only we know the secret names
on the inside of the bracelet.

Here is the flat piece of half-round silver when I start.
The names are stamped on the inside first.
I have to heat it up with the torch first to make it soft
for stamping & shaping, so it gets a little dirty.

And here is the bracelet mandrel
I use to hammer and form the metal.

I had a hard time photographing myself hammering
but you get the idea:
Voila!
From flat to a graceful curve in just a few fell swoops of the hammer.

A few last polishing and cleaning up steps and here it is.
Ta-da!

If you like this design you can get one for yourself on my site here.

Such a lovely way to commemorate family.
Fun for couples to have matching bracelets.
Awesome as a mother - daughter/father - son gift.
Or just for your darling hubby.

Cool, masculine jewelry for men is so hard to find and I think this just fits the bill.
And I LOVE making them!

Be Grateful, Be Inspired

2010-01-11T11:35:00.000-08:00

My friend Sahra who works at Hot Mama with me made me this necklace
for Christmas along with the gift of a sweet little book.

It feels like a ray of sunshine around my neck in the midst of these long winter days, which is pretty much how Sahra functions in my life too.

She is such a great friend that I never could even have imagined until she came along.

This great design of hers has ancy to make some new new necklaces.

Her own necklace reads "be inspired," and we're getting giddy imagining all the fun "be" sayings that we could stamp.

More developments on this design to come soon!

Happy New Year -- The Staycation Continues

2010-01-01T08:46:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!
Our vacation at home continues.
Brett is making lots of cappuccinos.
We should be cleaning the house but we're not.
Instead we've been watching movies and getting massages, yeah!

I love having this extra time with Lino. I learn so much by being with him.

For example, did you know you can dip colored pencils
in water and make your own tattoos on your hand?
I didn't. So awesome.

Elias is about to crawl.
He thinks everything is hilarious. Such a mellow happy baby.

So for now if you need to find us, we will be here at home.
There's nowhere else I'd rather be.

Just a Little Longer

2009-12-27T16:33:00.000-08:00

Here's the only photo with all four of us that we managed this month.
December went so fast and I wish we could do it over again.

I have a vivid memory from when I was a little girl, of lying in bed Christmas night. I would stay up wistfully listening to the last carols before the radio station would start switching back to non-Christmas music. I can see that I am still the same.
I want it all to last just a little longer.

But Brett and I are taking the week off for a "stay-cation." We are staying home with our boys but taking the week off from work for a vacation right here in Boulder.

So luckily, this Christmas feeling will last a little longer this year. We are so looking forward to just hanging out, cooking, seeing friends, relaxing and reflecting on what an amazing year 2009 has been.

Sweet Baby Girl

2009-11-30T20:45:00.001-08:00

I just put together part one of my Hot Mama Holiday Gift Guide .
In it I included a photo that is one of my very favorites.
It is of Mikaela, who is the daughter of my dear friend Desiree.

Oh what a darling, bright eyed, wonder-filled child. I love being around her because she is just so obviously a little spiritual being.

She is often quiet, observant, a listener --- I think that is why I love this photo so much. You can really see these characteristics and her inner beauty shining through. I feel honored to see this sweet little girl adorned with my jewelry.

The Cobbler's Children

2009-11-25T05:49:00.000-08:00

What's that saying?

The cobbler's children have no shoes?

I finally have my own stacked style 14 karat necklace.

It is making me feel grateful and happy.

Just in time to wear for Thanksgiving.

Talismans

2009-10-31T06:45:00.000-07:00

One of the things I love about adornment is how one piece of jewelry can become your favorite. You love it because of who gave it to you, the occasion, or how it makes you feel when you wear it. Select pieces can even serve as talismans in your life, something that makes you feel more powerful when you have it on.

This story about Madeline Albright was a cool example that I came across recently about how the power inherent in jewelry. Albright explains how she uses her pin collection as tools of diplomacy. One of my favorites out of her collection is this bee pin. She would wear it at her meetings when she wanted to wanted to "do a little stinging and deliver a tough message."

I have an ongoing fascination with the lotus flower. In it's lifespan it starts at the bottom of the pond, in the mud and muck, and then later in it's life blossoms into it's full beauty. It is such a inspiring symbol of triumph over adversity.

So I am doing a little giveaway through November 16th. When you place your order you get your choice of a free sterling lotus or heart disc. (Just tell me which one you want in the special instructions box at checkout.)

Maybe you'll put your lotus on when you are having a hard day. Or you'll add your heart onto the necklace you already have because you want to create more compassion in your life.

They are subtle and small. Kind of a secret symbol just for you.

And that's the beauty of talismans.
You get to create your own meaning around them.
What will it mean for you?

Snowy Sunday

2009-10-25T19:44:00.001-07:00

It's a snowy Sunday in my backyard today.
Feels a little early since the leaves are still changing.

A nice day for:
yoga class (I'm such a novice!)
baking this plum crumble from Orangette
giving baby Elias a bath in the sink
watching Lino do a "hip hop dance show" in the kitchen
getting ready for a week of Halloween festivities

Look for some holiday Hot Mama specials soon.
Are you on my email list?
Sign up to see the pretty things we are making in the studio!

More Transition

2009-10-19T15:06:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more photos of the studio that I promised a while back.

The truth is the studio is so small that I can barely crouch myself back far enough in the corner to get a decent shot. I need to get some of my photographer friends over here to help me.

Lately I'm convinced that if I feel like I have it all figured out, then that is just a bunch of malarkey. Life's going to change probably just when I start feeling like I have a handle on things, so I might as just well go with the flow.

I don't have to know what I am doing all the time. And the studio is the prime example of this. We're constantly moving stuff around, re-organizing, needing new shelves to be built, cussing at the things that still need to be moved from downstairs, bumping into each other, etc.

So I am taking time to also focus on small pieces of beauty, like sparkly stones ready to be made into something alluring.

Finished orders, ready to be shipped.

My trusty old vintage stamps.

Chaos will always be around.

But so is contentment. So is inspiration. Which will you focus on today?

Oh! I almost forgot. Thank you to everyone for entering the giveaway. The winners who are both coincidentally named Tara: Tarrabyte@yahoo.com and taracolleen@live.com. Please notify me via email your choices and we will ship your jewelry right away to you.

Finally Friday

2009-10-09T16:57:00.000-07:00

This week kicked my butt.

Both boys have had the flu, and I mean all week.

My new little studio is all ready, but I've barely been in it!

So I had to pull out some photos that make me very happy.

Just for a short little escape while the baby is sleeping.

They're from a shoot with my friend and brilliant photographer Julie Afflerbaugh.

It's Lino, my nieces and my sis-in-law Brandi from a year ago last summer.

My brother tells me his girls are down with the flu too.

So I am sending loving thoughts their way in the form of these photos.

I love this one of Ava.
She looks so much like my mom here.

We never did get a good one with all of us.
But these shots still crack me up.

This is one of my favorites.
I am pregnant here, but still had not realized it.

Ahh. That was a nice diversion.
I really hope everyone, including me, feels better tomorrow.

Opal Necklace Giveaway

2009-09-27T12:13:00.001-07:00

October's birthstone has always been a favorite of mine. My parents gave me opal jewelry to wear when I was a little girl. I remember feeling then that there is something intriguing and mysterious about opals, and I still feel the same way now.

The stones I use for the Hot Mama Jewelry birthstones are very feminine and dainty. But the opals are so fiery they still manage to jump out at you with their green/orange hues that glow through the iridescent white.

So we're celebrating fall and the move into the new studio space for Hot Mama Designs this month by giving away two one-disc necklaces with attached opals as pictured above. Of course you get to choose from our options what disc size, lettering size and word/name/initial you want us to stamp on the sterling to personalize it just for you or a loved one.

To win, post a comment here telling me how you are celebrating fall, and/or why you would love to win. I'll choose two winners at random by mid-October and notify you via email, so be sure to leave your email in your post so I can get in touch with you.

A New Season

2009-09-20T15:52:00.000-07:00

We've got a new Friday night routine and it has been so fun.
Soccer for five year olds is pretty hilarious.
Here is Lino with two of his favorite buddies Quincy and Desmond.

I was born and raised in Oklahoma, with flat farm-like landscapes.
Farms and waving wheat have their own beauty,
but the mountains still wow me in contrast.
This soccer field where we play every week is literally
a five minute walk from our house
and the views never cease to astound me.

Here are all my boys (Elias all wrapped up on Papa's chest)
on the way home.

Yeah, this is a great way to end the week.

I Dwell In Possibility

2009-09-20T15:46:00.000-07:00

Sahra and I went to the gem show in Denver this weekend with Elias in my carrier, asleep on my chest. I get so excited at these shows I feel like I might just explode.
It's like an impatient yearning when I first arrive. I see all these sumptuous gems and I want to design a million new pieces. NOW.

Later I calmed down a bit and the poem by Emily Dickinson crossed my mind. Do you know it? It's the one that starts with "I dwell in possibility."

I love this concept: to dwell in possibility. For me it means giving myself permission to have new inspirations. To affirm that there will be new designs, and the time to make them.

Lately time in the studio has felt scarce. And when I am there it has been feeling a little too "nose to the grindstone," (ah what a horrible saying). So I was thankful to think of Ms. Dickinson, buy a bunch of inspiring gems, and know that fall will bring some new revelations.

Happy Grandmothers

2009-09-12T10:36:00.001-07:00

I just received this email and photos from customer
Lisa Coyle that made my day:

"My mom's name is Sue Williams and these are her birthday celebration photos attached. We originally got the idea for the necklace because my paternal grandmother had one
when we were growing up with all of her grandchildren's names and birthdates on them (13 in total).

So, when I saw your designs, I immediately thought that we should get one for her. That took a whole year of coordinating with the siblings (to go in on the order together), but we finally ordered it and we are all so happy that we did."

Sue is wearing this necklace in 14 karat gold, and I remember as it left the studio thinking what a fabulous hand made heirloom piece it was. I am so honored for my work to be a centerpiece in celebrations for families. This is what I love about my work the most.
Happy 63rd Sue, and many more!

Today's the Day!

2009-09-06T12:06:00.001-07:00

We're finally moving into the studio today. I can't quite believe it.
Somebody pinch me.

I'm elated for a clean slate for fall and the creative space I've always dreamed about. I posted previously here and here about this project, in case you didn't see it before.

What I also can't believe is that Brett has built it completely solo with his own bare hands. Even cooler, he has managed to use almost all salvaged materials. He really is an amazing man, that husband of mine. Charlotte, my friend who works with me in the studio mentioned that we should get a plaque made in his honor & have it installed on the side of the building. Not a bad idea.

I've only managed this one photo so far.
But I'll take more as we continue to get moved in. More to come soon!

My New Stores

2009-08-24T19:34:00.000-07:00

You may remember this post that I made not so strategically the day before Elias was born, asking for customers to help me with sales leads.

I was overwhelmed by the huge response and am just starting to follow up with all your suggestions. If you told me about a store in your hometown and the lead turns into a new account for hot mama jewelry, I am still planning to award gift certificates as I originally promised!

It's all just going a little more slowly than I anticipated (which, no big surprise, with a five month old baby and a five year old is pretty much how my entire life is happening at the moment). I am so grateful for your help and support in growing my business.

For each new store we create custom shadow box displays like these ones we just finished for Real Baby here in Boulder.

If you're in Boulder on Pearl Street stop in and see Kelly and Danielle.
They are so fun, and the shop is too.

August Begins

2009-08-02T17:56:00.000-07:00

I can feel the end of summer coming. The air feels a little cooler.
Kindergarten is looming. But today I'm going to fill up a few more water balloons, watch my son and nieces on the trampoline and try to remember that unfortunately I can't press the pause button.

Sweet Salida Colorado

2009-07-26T21:51:00.001-07:00

My sweet baby Elias is four months old this week. To celebrate I treated myself with a trip to the annual COMA conference in Salida last
weekend. My studio manager Sahra came with me and we had such a fun time. The luxurious part was I hired my awesome babysitter Amy to come with us.

This meant I actually got to see and enjoy the presenters who spoke and gave demonstrations like Jamie Bennett (his enamel brooch pictured above).

and the sculptured reliefs of Linda Kindler Priest,
so natural and organic.

Salida is also the future home to an exhibit that I am so excited about. I can't believe that I live close enough to be able to see Over the River in person when it comes to Colorado in 2012.

Artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude will suspend horizontally a total of 5.9 miles of silvery, luminous fabric panels high above the Arkansas River along a 40-mile stretch of the river between Salida and Cañon City in south-central Colorado. I'm dreaming that maybe my family and I can volunteer to be a part of the set up. I signed up on their website so I've got my fingers crossed!

The Red Thread

2009-07-15T08:22:00.000-07:00

We're starting work on new designs that will be released later this year. Whenever I am designing new pieces, I like to look back at the recent things I've made. It's always fascinating after I've been laboring away on an intricate piece for a long time to take a break and then go back and look at it with fresh eyes later.

My recent birth experience got me thinking about this sculptural object I made, based on the birth of my first son. It was an art school project and the assignment was for it to be an optical device, and we also had to incorporate chasing and repousse', fancy words for different hammering techniques.

If you look closely at the photo above you can see my son's face through the quartz. The piece is sterling with red silk thread and a photo decal of my son as an infant.

While I was working on the project I heard this story on NPR, an interview with singer songwriter Lucy Kaplanski that moved me to tears.

She talks about an ancient Chinese belief which states that when a child is born an invisible red thread connects that child's soul to all those people - present and in the future - who will play a part in that child's life. As each birthday passes, those threads shorten and tighten, bringing closer those people who are fated to be together.

I decided to base my piece on this concept. The finished work took me about 3 months to complete, but I would love to do a mass-market version based on the same idea that could be made in larger quantities more quickly. I think so many people would love a piece of jewelry about the red thread story. The lyrics to Ms. Kaplanski's song, which so inspired my work, are below.

I was only a girl when I went out on my own
You wrapped me up warm and just let me go
Now I live at the far end of this long distance line
And I'm just another one who's gone and left you behind

Wish we could look at your pictures, all the places you've been
I don't think you will but you can see them again
'Cause you can see them through me
The brown eyes I got from you
Now I wish I could give them back to you

This much I can say, this much I can do
When your heart is empty I'll try to fill it for you
'Cause I'm the girl who learned to love from watching you

Wish that I could tell you it'll all be all right
But you never did believe it through the trials of your life
You and I both know it just isn't true
When so much you love has been taken from you

I remember when you told me if we run out of time
How happy you were just to know she'll be mine
When I wrap her up warm, you'll be right next to me
'Cause they say that the red thread that ties me to you
Ties her to me

This much I can say, this much I can do
When your heart is empty I'll try to fill it for you
This much I can say, this much I can do
When your heart is empty I'll try to fill it for you
'Cause I'm the girl who learned to love from watching you
Watching you, watching you

An Apple for the Teacher

2009-06-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

Have you had a chance to chat with the fabulous Sahra who is Hot Mama's studio manager extraordinaire?
She is an amazing designer and is especially good at helping our clients with special commission pieces.

Recently, one of our favorite customers was looking for an extra-special jewelry gift for a group of teachers. After weeks of brainstorming Sahra came up with the brilliant idea of our apple for the teacher necklace. She painstakingly researched and found the sweetest little apple stamp and paired it with our vintage initials for a present that was both thoughtful and customized.

We're still hoping to receive a photo from the teachers in Beverly Hills with their necklaces on. But in the meantime I decided to make some for my son's teachers at his recent graduation ceremony. And can you believe my favorite part: one of the teachers is actually named Ms. Applebaum? Love it!

Father's Day Sneak Peek

2009-06-04T21:33:00.000-07:00

We've been busy little bees in the Hot Mama studio since Mother's Day.
All these new Father's Day products will be released next week.
If you like what you see, get ahead of the curve and call us at the studio
to place your orders now.

Deadline for Father's Day orders is June 14th.

Sterling Rectangle Necklace & Sterling Cuff (names stamped on the inside!)

Inside of sterling cuff

The cutest cuff links -- personalized with names or monograms

For Daddies or Grandfathers

I love the sleek, modern backs on the cuff links. I am thinking about buying myself a shirt that needs cuff links just so I can wear them (after I give them to my husband for Father's Day of course)!

Sterling personalized keychains -- the key to his heart

Up From Murky Depths

2009-05-30T06:16:00.000-07:00

I've been studying about lotus flowers this week.
And I made a necklace using a lotus stamp. I'm intrigued by the lotus because it is known for growing up from mud and murky depths and then blossoming into it's full beauty. Such a powerful metaphor for anyone going through a rough time.

This necklace is for Lino's pre-school teacher, and I am so deeply saddened that she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She will miss all the upcoming festivities of "graduation week" at school and the huge fundraiser that is happening this weekend. She is such a wonderful woman and I have enjoyed watching my son grow under her guidance for the past two years.

So I will drop this jewelry in the mail today, wish her love,
and hope that all her upcoming treatments are successful.

This Time Last Year

2009-05-23T11:27:00.000-07:00

About this this time last year I got to attend the SNAG conference in Savannah, Georgia. If you haven't heard of SNAG, they are the awesome organization that supports and advances the professional practice of artists, designers, jewelers and metalsmiths. They also put out Metalsmith Magazine.

I first attended SNAG when I had just started taking metalsmithing classes in Denver a few years ago. Have you ever walked into a room and felt like "YEAH! This is my TRIBE!"? That's how I feel when I go to their conferences. They are full of creative, fun, and often crazy people with big ideas making amazing art. The conference this year is in Philadelphia and I am sad I can't go. So I thought I'd re-live my trip through some pictures from last year.

I invited my Dad, who is always up for a trip and such a fun travel companion. We were both missing my mom so I figured we needed a little early Spring. It was already so beautiful in Savannah while it was still snowy in Boulder. We had such a fun time and were both so glad we went.

If you go to Savannah make time for a tour of the Mercer Williams House, the SCAD store, Back in the Day Bakery and the Gryphon Tea Room, where we had a couple of meals and exquisite tea and cakes. I may take the whole family next time, but for sure I'll be attending SNAG again soon.

Brothers!

2009-05-16T15:45:00.001-07:00

Doesn't Lino just look over the moon about his baby brother?
He is absolutely thrilled with him. I was braced for a bunch of jealous tirades, but there has been none of that. Maybe it's the five year age difference, or maybe I have just lucked out so far. But isn't it nice to be pleasantly surprised with your life every once in a while?

Early summer in the new studio

2009-05-12T20:17:00.000-07:00

Elias is seven weeks old this week. I can scarcely believe it myself. A woman at the grocery checkout line was admiring him in all his little-ness the other day. She smiled and said "How old is your baby?" and when I told her seven weeks, tears welled up in her eyes and she said "My baby is graduating from college today!" (It was graduation day for the University of Colorado here in Boulder). Which of course made me and my hormones start tearing up a bit, too. With this second baby I can already feel it going fast.

So this hooray banner is one of the few items that I have purchased so far for the room that will belong to Elias from the lovely Caitlin and her Etsy shop. I know what you're thinking. Most people work on the nursery before the baby is born. And yes, for all my raging, unfulfilled nesting instincts it would have been nice to work on a baby's room while I was pregnant. We have instead been focused on this little building, aka my new studio and creative space.

I laugh when I look at it now, because it's almost done. It seems like no big deal for as small as it is, but Brett has given up just about every weekend the past few months to build this for me. I am still in awe. You may remember my post from January when Brett first started working on it. Now all that's left to do is drywall and move in.

Once we move my jewelry benches and everything to the studio we will have our basement as a new family hang-out space, which we sorely need. In turn, I will be able to free up the other bedroom to make a new room for Lino, and his old room will become the new space for Elias Phew! I am worn out just thinking about it. More to come soon.

The Letter of the Day

2009-04-29T19:18:00.001-07:00

It's the usual Mother's Day mayhem in the studio, but for the first time ever I have a bit of separation from it since I am in the last dwindling days of my maternity leave. This is only possible with HUGE thanks to my studio managers Charlotte and Sahra and the interns that I hired so I can enjoy this new baby.

Having extra time allowed me today to watch my five year old son work on his show & tell project for school. The letter of the day is "Y" so he made up an alien/super-hero named "Yellow Yeller."
So awesome.

I love watching him make his art, because he always achieves the "flow" that I am looking for when I do my work. That elusive place where you are only focused on your piece, and time melts away. For my son, it is like this almost every time. He said he likes the pastels, a new medium for him, because they are "smudgy and messy."

There are other people in the house that incidentally
are not so concerned about the letter of the day.