The Anniversary Event

Can you believe it has been two years?
Around the middle of August in 2007, I formally organized the company called Lee Ohio Designs. This company is my baby and my full-time venture. And have I mentioned, I have the best job in the world? I do!

Stop on by the Etsy Shop and help me celebrate! Enjoy 30 - 40% off every listing - no exceptions! The grand event will last through Wednesday, August 5th 2009. I am celebrating a little early this year as I will be seeking out new boutique representation in New England for two weeks in August and the Etsy Shop will be closed during this time.

:: Shop the Anniversary Event ::

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:: www.LeeOhio.com ::

Shipping the 'green' way

Lee Ohio Designs is making the effort to become more of an environmentally friendly company. We ship a lot, which means we use a lot of paper, tape and packing wrap. So, what steps have we made to be more 'green'?

I'm offering free gift wrap on request - and sometimes I just do it for fun as a little surprise! I've started buying beautiful wrapping papers and stationery from Smock Paper & Letter Press on Etsy. In addition to supporting the Etsy community, SmockPaper is a great, very eco friendly company. They support the organization 1% for the Planet. They sustainably print their gift wrap on 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Their gorgeous letterpress stationery is printed on a pesticide-free bamboo paper and the company uses wind power (how cool is that?). You can learn more about this amazing company on their site www.SmockPaper.com. Pictured above is the Julep double-sided giftwrap, available in their Etsy shop for $16.

First class packages now will be shipped in kraft paper mailers made of post-consumer recycled materials. They're a bit heavier as they don't use plastic bubble wrap which means shipping costs have gone up slightly, but I believe it is well worth it. Priority and Express mail will be shipped with USPS provided boxes; packaging products which have been awarded Cradle to Cradle Certification(SM) for their ecologically-intelligent design.

I'm also in the process of switching over to solvent-free packaging tape and a paper-wrap alternative to bubble wrap. If you're interested in becoming a little more eco-conscious, you should check out Green Depot - they've got some great ideas for every area of your life. Check out the amazing pencils pictured below, they're made of recycled newsprint! I'll be including these in the Fall as a free gift with many orders while supplies last. They're available for $2.95 for a dozen in the Green Depot online shop at www.GreenDepot.com.

You still may receive some bubble wrap or peanuts in packages as we are reusing this material that is sent to us. We are no longer purchasing these materials but reuse what we can and recycle everything else possible.

The Silver Box Collection

The Lee Ohio Designs Silver Box Collection is my ever growing collection of luxurious, heirloom quality work. These pieces are one of a kind and made from sterling silver and karat gold. I've collected fine gemstones and hand-selected antique components to set this work apart from the rest. All of the work within the signature Silver Box collection arrives in a solid wood, silver lacquered presentation box.

To view the current items available withing the collection, visit Lee Ohio Designs :: Silver Box.

Pictured above is the Parisienne earring pair, made of hot pink Topaz and vintage rose gold earwires. Below, the Caipirinha bracelet made of lemony lime green Chrysoberyl with Oregon Sunstone. Both are available for $698.

I'm addicted to... Sweet Petula

Scrumptious is the word that comes to mind when I think of Sweet Petula. Everything I've purchased from this lovely Etsy shop is absolutely yummy. The Provence scented soy candles infuse my entire office with delicate lavender... and their signature scent Ginger Blossom? It makes the best smelling, wake-me-up, luscious olive oil soap I've tried. I have to say though my favorite product from Sweet Petula is the Shea Butter Hand & Body Balm ... it is so fab it actually makes my tired, jewelry-making hands human again. This stuff works. And at just $8 for a 2 oz. jar? It's a steal. I'm on jar number three.

I've also heard they have a brick and mortar shop up there in the Pacific Northwest. But for those who live in another part of the world, thank goodness for Etsy. Shop Sweet Petula now. www.sweetpetula.etsy.com

Haiku to Metal :: Exhbition

I am very excited to say that a piece of mine, the Morae Necklace, will be included in the July 2009 metals & jewelry show at Desotorow Gallery in Savannah, Georgia. The name of the exhibition is Haiku to Metal and it will run from July 24th through the 29th. For more information about the show or other exhibitions, please visit Desotorow Gallery's website. Unfortunately I won't be able to attend the reception or see the exhibit in person as I will be in Miami at the time - but I am very excited for the opportunity to show a piece in Savannah.

Haiku to Metal
Desotorow Gallery in the Starland District
2427 De Soto Avenue
Savannah, GA 31401
July 24th - 29th, 2009

I'm addicted to... Mireio

Mireio is one of those shops on Etsy where you just can't stop looking. What will you find there, you ask? Lavender-stuffed spa pillows of vivid vintage fabric - some with cashmere backing. Those gorgeous hand-poured candles and smell equally as wonderful as they look. She also stocks some amazing vintage finds such as mugs, cups and trays. And I haven't even mentioned the beautiful napkins I bought earlier this Spring - wow is all I can say.

Everything you order from her arrives quickly and is beautifully wrapped in tissue paper and tied with ribbon. And it doesn't hurt that Wende is absolutely sweet and will often include a little something extra. I'm the proud owner of two of her wonderful travel pillows, a myriad of candles and other great finds. And I've even ordered one of her beautiful pillows for my own Mum. On Twitter earlier this week she told me how excited she is about the Fall collection she's working on... not as excited as I am... anything in this shop I wouldn't mind getting (or giving) as a gift.

You can find out more about Wende and Mireio on her fabulous and thoughtfully written blog, Evidently.org. And you can buy from her directly at Mireio.etsy.com. Go take a peek.

I'm addicted to... JaditeKate.

I love love LOVE JaditeKate on Etsy. This wonderful lady has hooked me up with my very own, full set of "shell" pattern vintage jadite glassware by Anchor Hocking. Her selection, photos, shop presentation and customer service are top-notch. No wonder I notice her on Etsy's front page almost every week. One of the best sellers I've had the fortune of 'meeting' on Etsy. Go visit. Go now. Now!

www.JaditeKate.Etsy.com

A lovely treasury :: Paris

A lovely feature of my newest Parisienne Earrings in a treasury about one of my favorite subjects, Paris. Thank you to Marla from FairChildDesigns.

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http://www.LeeOhio.com