Author: Laura Legendary

As mentioned previously here on the Sparkle On blog, inspired by the business shutdowns during the pandemic, I’ve hosted “Let’s Go Shopping,” an online, accessible, virtual mall crawl featuring small business owners offering their best products to an audience tuned in via the Zoom platform. This year was no exception, as the seventh of these events took place on November 4th and 5th. As is often the case with the best laid plans, lots of work goes into creating an experience that doesn’t always work out the way we hope.

There always seems to be one technical glitch or another when doing just about anything online, and with over a dozen vendors, over 100 attendees, a subscriber list growing with requests to join, even as the event commenced, responding to questions in real time, and acting as the program emcee, I had lots of balls in the air. Something was bound to go awry, and it did. Just as I was about to give my own presentation at the second hour on the second day, my internet service provider experienced an outage, and I was tossed off the Zoom platform, and unable to log back in.

It took about an hour, but eventually, thanks to the solution offered by a tech-savvy vendor who happened to log in to the program right before the outage, I was able to create a personal hotspot, tether my laptop to my phone, and get back into the program. My techie friend was able to hold down the fort, keeping attendees chatting while I was spiraling into an anxiety attack, trying to troubleshoot a problem that I later learned would take hours to resolve. Okay, then. Execute Plan B.

After the shopping event was over, I recorded what would have been my live presentation, and it is linked below. The recording is about an hour long, and if you were disappointed that you missed out on all the new items I planned to share during my “what’s new for holiday 2022” presentation, I hope you enjoy this do-over.

The complete Let’s Go Shopping recordings will be available over the long Thanksgiving weekend, and you’ll be able to listen to both days on my Accessible Insights Blog. If you are subscribed to the LGS groups announcement list, you’ll get a heads-up when the audio is posted.

If, after listening to my audio gift guide here, you have questions about any of the items mentioned, feel free to reach out via our contact form or by phone.

Wishing you and yours a joyful holiday season!

Laura

Let’s go shopping! Here is the two-day event schedule, the vendor directory, and the Zoom login link you’ll need to join us on Friday, November 4th and Saturday, November 5th.

Event Schedule for Day 1, Friday, November 4th:

Please note: All times are Pacific Time.

08:00AM: Welcome
8:15AM: Mitsy Kit – Handcrafted and Heartfelt

09:00AM: AilleDesign (pronounced: eye) – Fashion you can feel!

10:00AM: Tully’s Treats – It’s a canine Christmas!

11:00AM: Scentsy with Nini – A Festival of Scentsations

12 noon: Stocking Stuffers – Great Gifts Under $20

01:00PM: Guidelights and Gadgets – Gifts for the Techies, Cane Swingers, and Leather Lovers on your list!

02:00PM: Elegant Insights – All That Glitters for Holiday 2022

03:00PM: Elegant Insights – Treasures for a tactile tree

03:30PM: Victorialand Beauty – Beautiful you for the holidays

04:00PM: Harbolt Company – The Harbolt Happy Holiday Hour

Event Schedule for Day 2, Saturday, November 5th:

Please note: All times are Pacific Time.

08:00AM: Guidelight Dogs – Santa is Bringing it to the Dogs!

09:00AM: Elegant Insights – What’s New for Holiday 2022

10:00AM: Blind Girl Designs – Happiest Holidays”

11:00AM: Inflation Fighters – Deck the Halls with Discounts

12 noon: Scenic Made – Sweeten your holidays with Scenic Made Artisinal care packages!

01:00PM: BrailleWear – Tactile Treasures

02:00PM: A. T. Guys – Tech the halls

03:00PM: Wright Turn Only Handcrafted Wood Creations

04:00PM: The Harbolt Company – The Harbolt Happy Holiday Hour

05:00PM: Happy Hour – Q and A

06:00PM: End of day

The Let’s Go Shopping 7 Holiday Extravaganza Vendor Directory

Please patronize these incredible, hard-working, and passionate small business entrepreneurs. Discover those great gifts your recipients will love, and that you will find nowhere else.

Mitsy Kit

Mitsy Kit hand sewing and crafting kits make creativity accessible
for the blind, elderly, disabled and all using our patented, tactile guided system.
We help you to create memories and connect lives, one simple kit at a time.

Tammy Roussell
978-419-1824
Tammy.Roussell@MitsyKit.org
www.MitsyKit.org/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MitsyKit
Twitter@TammyMitsyKit
Instagram – @tammyroussell
LinkedIn Tammy Roussell

Scentsy with Nini

Fill your life with fragrance

Nini Urschel
Independent Scentsy Consultant
916-206-1151 (cell)
nini95626@sbcglobal.net
nini.scentsy.us
“Sensational Scents with Nini” Private Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/groups/272770334027562/
“NV Wickless Scents & More” Facebook Public Page: www.facebook.com/pages/category/Product-Service/NV-Wickless-Scents-More-125248947558448/

A. T. Guys

Smart technology for your smart life.

J. J. Meddaugh
269-216-4798
www.atguys.com
support@atguys.com
Twitter: @atguys
Facebook: www.facebook.com/atguys

GuideLight Dog Products, Subsidiary of: GuideLights And Gadgets, Inc.

Products for Guide Dogs and the people they team
up with!! Let’s GO! GO! GUIDE DOGS!

KaeAnn Rausch
781-286-1696
GuideLightDogs@gmail.com
www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/GuideLightDogProducts.html
Twitter: @GuideLightDogs 

The Harbolt Company

We specialize in unique and hard to find items to make your life easier.
We have a little something for everyone!

Brent Harbolt
405-471-1200
www.harboltcompany.com
sales@harboltcompany.com
Twitter: @harboltcompany
Facebook: www.facebook.com/theharboltcompany

Wright Turn Only

Wooden keepsakes handcrafted with vision, not sight. Custom orders welcome!

Ray Wright owner
801-560-9866
www.wrightturnonly.com/
wrightturnonly@gmail.com

GuideLights and Gadgets, Inc.

The first collapsible locking telescopic cane in 50 years; quality talking medical products; curated selection of simple and affordable tech that we ourselves use every day, leather
bags, pouches, waist packs, phone cases (including several alternatives for the new BlindShell phone), Braille notetaker and display cases: if you want to protect or cover it, we probably have it!

Barry Scheur
(617) 969-7500
barry.scheur@gmail.com
www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/

Scenic Made, artisanal care packages

Small batch, big flavor

Johanna Sedman
johanna@scenicmade.com
www.scenicmade.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/scenicmade
Instagram :www.instagram.com/scenic_made/
www.facebook.com/groups/phebyleanne

Blind Girl Designs

Clothing as unique as you are, created by a blind designer with perfect fashion vision.

Tricia Waechter
862-448-1011
blindgirldesigns.com/
tricia@blindgirldesigns.com
molly@blindgirldesigns.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blindgirldesigns
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blindgirldesigns/ 
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blindgirldesigns

Elegant Insights Braille Creations

A distinctive, handcrafted collection of jewelry and accessories embossed in braille or with precision engraving. Get your sparkle on!

Laura Legendary
702-605-1265
elegantinsightsjewelry.coml.legendary@elegantinsightsjewelry.com
customer.service@elegantinsightsjewelry.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Elegant.Insights
Twitter: @ElegantInsights
Instagram: www.instagram.com/elegantinsights

Aille Design (pronounced: eye)

 
Braille fashion is a fashion statement you can feel! Each of our clothing designs feature tactile braille beadwork that is fully legible and customizable. Products are handmade and created with and in support of the blind and visually impaired community.

Alexa Jovanovic
716-201-0302
ailledesign.com
hello@ailledesign.com
Instagram: instagram.com/ailledesign
Facebook: facebook.com/ailledesign

Braille Wear

Totes, Aprons, and accessories with embroidered Braille and/or print. Fun and unique gifts for everyone! Reach out and touch some Braille today!

Terry Keyson
805 338 9853
Braillewear4u@gmail.com
Instagram: @braillewear4u

Tully’s Treats

We are a small dog bakery. Our healthy treats are bursting with flavor and made with all natural ingredients. No fillers or preservatives. Dog tested, dog mom approved.

Jennifer Vitacco
630-248-3003
tullystreat.com/
tullystreats2@gmail.com

Victorialand Beauty

Natural, Vegan, Honest and Accessible skincare made for everyone to enjoy.

Victoria Watts
1 (239) 450-0534
victorialandbeauty.com
info@victorialandbeauty.com
Instagram: @victorialandbeauty
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Victorialandbeauty
Twitter: @victorialandbty

Your Zoom Virtual Shopping Mall Login Links:

Here is your invitation to our virtual shopping mall! Zoom in on Friday, November 4th and Saturday, November 5th at 8:00AM Pacific Time, 11:00AM Eastern for an all-day, online, accessible, virtual mall crawl like no other!

We’re connecting small businesses with the customers who need them. Both days begin at 8:00 AM Pacific Time, and last until 5:00PM Pacific Time. Be sure to join us for two days of fantastic holiday gift shopping. Find tech gadgets, apparel and accessories, sweet treats, home fragrance and handcrafted treasures, dog toys and treats, jewelry and holiday ornaments, leather goods and gifts for everyone on your list. Power shop from your pj’s and save with special deals and even door prizes!

Can’t get to the mall? No problem. We’ll bring the mall to you!

Join Zoom Meeting

us02web.zoom.us/j/88601884692?pwd=dGFVZXdPTGlFRXR5TEpJMTREVDZNQT09

Meeting ID: 886 0188 4692
Passcode: 509750
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,88601884692#,,,,*509750# US (San Jose)
+17193594580,,88601884692#,,,,*509750# US

Dial by your location
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 719 359 4580 US
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 444 9171 US
+1 689 278 1000 US
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 309 205 3325 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 360 209 5623 US
+1 386 347 5053 US
+1 507 473 4847 US
+1 564 217 2000 US
+1 646 931 3860 US
Meeting ID: 886 0188 4692
Passcode: 509750
Find your local number: us02web.zoom.us/u/kvrzYwyTf

Be sure to use the hashtag, #LetsGoShopping when tweeting about the event. Ready for a little retail therapy? Let’s Go Shopping!

Laura

Like the approach of an unstoppable freight train, the holidays are coming at us with bright lights and breathtaking speed. While I plan to share a holiday gift guide with my readers in a few weeks, I thought I’d ease you into the holiday shopping season by letting you know about an upcoming event, and invite you to join me.

For the past few years, in direct response to the Covid-19 pandemic, I’ve hosted an online event called Let’s Go Shopping, and this year is no exception. While I’ve presented several LGS events at various times throughout the year, I’ve settled on the holiday season for an annual great gifts showcase.

If this is the first you are hearing about it, Let’s Go Shopping is an online, accessible, virtual shopping event where small business owners present their products using the Zoom platform. Let’s Go Shopping runs on a schedule, so each hour you’ll hear from a different small business entrepreneur describing their best gift ideas and how to buy them. Think of it like an audio-only version of the Home Shopping Network, or QVC.

You are invited to join us for Let’s Go Shopping 7, set for Friday, November 4th and Saturday, November 5th. Starting at 8AM Pacific Time, you can power shop in your pj’s, and pick up the great holiday gifts your recipients will love. For all the details, go to the Let’s Go Shopping main information page at:

accessibleinsights.info/blog/lets-go-shopping/ and subscribe to the announcement list. This group list is the repository of all things Let’s Go Shopping, including the all-important Zoom virtual mall login. You can also send a blank email to:

lgs+subscribe@groups.io and you will be added to the list.

Feel free to share these links with your friends, and encourage them to join us for a fun two days. Shop for fashion, food, technology, home fragrance, jewelry, accessories, pet treats and toys, artisan crafted gifts and holiday ornaments. We’ll also feature a “Stocking Stuffers” hour, with gifts under $20, and an “Inflation Fighters” hour, where you can deck the halls with discounts. Shop all day, then stay for the happy hour Q and A session at the very end to get those last-minute questions answered.

In just a day or so, I’ll post the complete schedule of events, along with a directory of all the participating vendors and their contact details. So, subscribe to our announce list, and check back here for the last-minute info you’ll need to shop ’til you drop!

We’re connecting small businesses with the customers who need them! Ready for a little retail therapy? Let’s Go Shopping!

Laura

Ever heard someone refer to the dog days of summer? Wonder what it means?

Colloquially, it refers to a time of year those who live in the Northern hemisphere think of as the height of summer, those long, lazy days that seem to last forever, the point at which the season is not yet winding down, and the temps are so stifling, even dogs are crazy with the heat.

Actually, the phrase “dog days of summer” has its origins in astronomy. Sirius, also called the Dog Star, is part of a constellation called Canis Major, which means the “Greater Dog.” During peak season, Sirius rises and sets with the sun, and is bright enough to be seen from just about anywhere on Earth.

There’s lots more lore, so if you want to learn about the history of the phrase “dog days of summer,” which has survived the centuries in spoken language throughout the world, read more from Dictionary.com here, or read more fun facts from The Farmer’s Almanac here.

In the meantime, I wanted to let you know about an event I’m planning, perfect for right about now.

There are no holidays to speak of this month, the kids are not yet back in school, although you parents probably wish they were, and things are a little slow, since we’re not quite ready to turn our attention to fall. So, I thought I’d host a one-day shopping event. I’ve been hosting a small campaign like this one for the past several years, mainly for my own customers, but this year I thought it might be fun to invite a few friends, so here’s the scoop:

Guide dog handlers, pet parents, and doggy devotees: Join us for a one day shopping event to celebrate all things dog! Find supplies, toys, gifts, and essentials for you and your precious pup! Featuring vendors such as On The Go Dog Gear, Elegant Insights, and Guidelight Dogs!

When: Saturday, Aug 20, 2022 12:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada), 3PM Eastern Time
Join Zoom Meeting
us02web.zoom.us/j/87695179333?pwd=dGhsR1FMdm8wTktrYzQ1RGJFU21FZz09

Meeting ID: 876 9517 9333
Passcode: 865094

If you need all the other numbers for phone access, I have them for you. Drop me a note, and I’ll send the complete list.

Here’s the schedule, as it stands now, but new vendors may be added:

12 noon PT: (60 min).

Guidelight Dogs with Kae
KaeAnn Rausch
781-286-1696
GuideLightDogs@gmail.com
www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/GuideLightDogProducts.html
Twitter: @GuideLightDogs

1 PM PT: (60 min).

Elegant Insights Canine Crush Accessories with Laura
Elegant Insights Braille Creations
702-605-1265
elegantinsightsjewelry.com
Twitter: @ElegantInsights
IG: @elegantinsights
FB: Elegant.Insights

2 PM PT: (60 min).

On The Go Dog Gear with Julie
On The Go Dog Gear
www.shop-onthego.com
(402) 603-0811
onthegodoggear@gmail.com
Facebook: @OnTheGoDogGear
Twitter: @OnTheGoDogGear

3 PM PT: (30 min).

Elegant Insights dog motif jewelry gifts with Laura

3:30 PM PT: (30 min).

Q and A — get your questions answered if you miss part of the program.

4 PM PT:  End of day.
For more info, send an email to lgsvirtualevents@gmail.com

Sparkle on!

Laura

Many artists are asked about what inspires them, or they are asked where they find design ideas, or if they are inspired by a particular medium, or design technique. Most of the artists, fashion designers, and other creative types I’ve interviewed for my podcast, The Fashionability Channel, have told me that often ideas come from a variety of sources. Usually, they tell me that they feel inspired by nature, or movement, or light play. There always seems to be something interesting that informs an artist’s design decisions, no matter the discipline, and the resulting artwork, novel, or fall fashion collection reveals an esthetic that’s all their own. When working on a jewelry vignette for my customers, sometimes it’s something a bit more prosaic that ignites my creative energy. One of the areas from which I derive design inspiration are the findings and materials I discover. Sometimes, it only takes one unique clasp, one spectacular bead, or one unusual finding to capture my imagination, and the ideas begin to flow.

Such was the case when, while shopping for jewelry supplies, I stumbled upon a pretty enhancer bail. It was made of sterling silver, and it featured white topaz stones burnished into the metal. I bought it for myself, knowing I would be able to use it in my personal jewelry collection. Then, the ideas for creating something unique for my customers burst into my consciousness. Typically, when inspiration strikes, the ideas come to me almost fully formed, as was the case when I decided to create a collection of interchangeable pendants using enhancer findings.

Okay, lots of jewelry vocabulary already being used here. so I will elaborate. First, let me define the term “finding.” In this case, it is not meant as a verb, which makes its use confusing.

The definition of a jewelry finding is as follows:

1. Findings: The tools and materials used by an artisan.
2. Jewelry Findings: The component parts or materials used in making a piece of jewelry.
3. Functional Jewelry Findings: The component parts or materials used in making a piece of jewelry that serve a mechanical function such as attaching, joining, or linking. Examples of functional jewelry findings include pin backs, catches, hooks, Omega Clips, and jump rings.

There are also decorative findings, and hybrid findings that serve more than one purpose, such as a bead cap or bail. I’ve already written about bead caps here, and about bails here.

So, what is an enhancer bail? Its a finding that is used to attach a pendant to a chain, pearl strand, or bead necklace, to change or enhance the look, that is also easily removable. Most standard pendants are secured to a chain with a tiny piece of metal that is permanent, or is so small that you cannot slide the pendant over the clasp or bead stations along the chain. In that case, if you wanted to remove the pendant, you might have to break the bail to get it off the chain.

An enhancer bail is openable, and therefore, removable. It looks much like a standard pendant bail, although it’s usually a little larger, with a jump ring attached from which to hang beads, gems, or a pendant setting. It is hinged at the top, with a tiny lip at the base of the loop that you can lift up to open the bail. Some enhancers have a spring hinge, reminiscent of a leverback, or omega clip earring back. Then, it can be snapped over, or clipped on to, another necklace, typically a pearl strand. Ideally, the enhancer is narrow enough to snuggle between two pearls, to create the illusion that the pendant is floating from the pearl strand. Even a pin or brooch can be connected to an enhancer, which is a clever way to wear a pin without piercing the fabric of an expensive garment.

When you want to change the look, the enhancer bail can be detached from the necklace and reattached elsewhere, which makes it easy to expand your jewelry wardrobe with interchangeable pendants and drops. You can even switch the enhancer pendant to a leather cord, ribbon, bracelet chain, or even slide it onto an earring hoop. By adding versatility to your jewelry collection, you are not only adding fashion value, but greater dollar value as well. A few enhancer pendants can be much less costly than an entire necklace, as you are making use of chains, bead or pearl strands you already own.

Enhancer bails are found in almost any metal, and if you are a jewelry crafter, almost any pearls, beads, crystals, or charms can be attached to them to create a unique look. If you are a jewelry collector, you’ll find so many ways to wear them! Want to see examples of enhancer pendants? Check out our Drop of Versatility enhancer pendants here.

Find out how these clever findings can enhance your jewelry collection, and sparkle on!

Laura

Beginning with this post, I’ll be writing an occasional series called “On The Drawing Board,” in which I’ll describe plans for new jewelry and accessories launching soon. As I have more ideas than I have days left in my life, some of these ideas may come to pass, others may not. Elegant Insights customers are a great source of inspiration for me, as custom jewelry requests sometimes result in a new item, or even a new product category. I’ve already kicked things off, starting on the first day of summer, with two new products, the Summer Solstice Sundial Purse Charm and the Summer Solstice Cloisonné Drop Earrings. Check out our “What’s New” category to shop our latest designs.

For the rest of this season, though, I’m working on two new jewelry items for the Suddenly Summer collection, which features a sea life motif. Both pieces are for around your neck, and both can be worn multiple ways. I love to give my customers a way to stretch their jewelry-buying dollar, so when I can come up with convertible or interchangeable jewelry ideas that work with the design theme, it’s fun for me, and adds value for my customers. An example of this is our #YouDoYou category, which lets you be the jewelry designer. In this instance, I’ll be adding a new enhancer pendant to our inventory, using the pearl color palette of peach, shell pink, and beach sand that I’ve used for the other jewelry items in the Suddenly Summer Collection. An enhancer pendant is a great way to switch things up with different chains or pearl strands, as the hinged pendant bail can be opened, clipped onto a chain you already own, and then snapped securely closed. When you want to change the look, just move the pendant to a different chain, or even a leather cord or ribbon, for fresh summer style. For a more elaborate design, I’m working on a triple strand necklace that can be worn multiple ways to suit any neckline. The triple strand necklace will showcase the same soft, seaside colors as the rest of the collection, plus a few marine themed charms. I hope to have both of these items available in July.

In August, in celebration of the “dog days of summer,” I’m planning a special event. You really need a special event that time of year, as mid-August is referred to as the dog days for a reason. There are no holidays, summer is blistering hot, and getting long, and unless you’ve jetted off to a fabulous vacation (lucky you), there’s not much going on. So, I’m working on a virtual shopping event showcasing a few vendors who offer products specifically for service dog handlers, pet parents, or just anyone who loves dogs. Elegant Insights offers several items in a doggy motif, but I’ll be rolling out a brand new Sublime Vine wine glass charms set during the event. It’s already finished, and I don’t mind telling you, it’s absolutely adorable. I can’t wait to share it with you. There will be lots of other wonderful dog-related items presented, though, not just jewelry, as I’ve invited several dog-related businesses to join me, each of which specializes in great gear just for your four-legged friends.

Finally, I’m planning on a customer appreciation event that I hope to roll out soon. The date is to be determined, but you’ll hear all about it when the time comes. So, join Elegant Insights all summer long as we launch new items, special sales and shopping events.

Sparkle on!

Laura

This year, Elegant Insights will showcase our distinctive collection of jewelry, gifts, and accessories throughout several virtual events, in lieu of in-person attendance. The first of these is the virtual convention of the California Council of the Blind. The entire event will be held online, and attendees will be able to access the exhibit hall via Zoom. Admission is free, and you are invited to drop by, whether or not you belong to the CCB.

On Friday and Saturday, May 13 and 14th, from 9AM to 5PM Pacific time, join us via Zoom using the following login:

us02web.zoom.us/j/82338759071?pwd=cEloaFFOcTMvT1dZbk1YMFBjL2hwZz09

Meeting ID: 823 3875 9071
Passcode: 919073

Each hour, I’ll focus on a different collection from our inventory, including new items, gifts for Father’s Day, graduations, and special occasions. There’s lots to chat about, including our Sparkle Squad subscription service, so if you have any questions about our products, please drop by and say hello!

As mentioned above, I will not be traveling to any of the summer conventions this year, however, over the next few months, there will be several virtual opportunities at which we may showcase our products, as well as the next Let’s Go Shopping event, which is slated for the first week of November. So, watch this space for all the details.

See you online!

Sparkle on…

Laura