The Sparkle On Blog | Elegant Insights

Posted on July 27, 2022 by Laura Legendary

Finding Inspiration: Hang in there, or there, or there…Enhancer pendants.

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

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Posted on June 27, 2022June 26, 2022 by Laura Legendary

On the drawing board: New products planned for Summer 2022

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

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Posted on June 15, 2022June 15, 2022 by Laura Legendary

The June Sparkle Squad boxes simply say summer

Unbelievably, it’s now been a full year since we launched the Sparkle Squad jewelry and accessories subscription, and what a challenge it has been. With two boxes from which to choose, each consisting of varying contents and theme, the design process has been as complex as the technical issues. Who knew that offering a quarterly, fixed, seasonal subscription would be so complicated? I won’t bore you with the details, but suffice it to say that this project has kept me on my creative game. I must say, though, that our anniversary Sparkle Squad boxes feature very pretty jewelry and fun surprises that I hope you’ll love. Read on for a complete description.

The Essential Elegance Box:

One of the goals I’ve had for the Sparkle Squad subscription has been to design jewelry that is versatile as well as beautiful, and to ensure your box contains items that can coordinate with jewelry you may already have in your collection, or that works back to items available on Elegant Insights, or new designs already underway. In the case of this season’s box, Essential Elegance subscribers receive a 24 inch station necklace, with 10mm white marble beads scattered along the length of the shiny brass cable chain. The necklace secures with a toggle clasp.

The necklace will be added to our inventory over the summer, and there’s already a matching pair of earrings, and a purse charm launching on June 21st. Your necklace is the start of a stunning new jewelry grouping called the Summer Solstice Collection.

Victorialand Beauty:

In addition to your necklace, we included two generous samples of a fabulous Revitalizing Face Oil by Victorialand Beauty. Frankly, I’m reluctant to refer to them as samples, as I’ve been using mine now for over a month, and there’s still plenty left in the bottle. Use the dropper in the cap to apply just a few drops of this silky elixir to skin, on the face, neck, back of hands, or anywhere your complexion could use a boost.

Victorialand’s inclusivity mission is to make the products accessible to everyone, and that includes an ingenious system of package labeling featuring the CyRUS System for visually impaired users. All full size products include tactile labels, and can be purchased from the Victorialand Beauty web site.

www.victorialandbeauty.com
@victorialandbeauty

For more information on the CyRUS System, go here:

www.thecyrussystem.com

Victorialand Beauty
victoria@victorialandbeauty.com
239.641.7706

Instagram www.instagram.com/victorialandbeauty/
Twitter twitter.com/victorialandbty
Facebook www.facebook.com/Victorialandbeauty/
LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-watts-83191416b/

On The Go:

Our friends at specialty shop On The Go Dog Gear have included a fresh-picked gift that’s as adorable as it is useful. It’s a jingle bell that, for Essential Elegance subscribers, is shaped like a strawberry. It even has leaves at the top, and tiny little seeds all over it. You can use it as a harness bell for your service dog, attach to a pet collar, use it as a cane charm, purse charm, or anywhere you might need an audible landmark. Each charm bell comes on a small nylon loop which fastens with a ½ inch side release buckle, pinch the sides to open, press together to close. The nylon loops are available in a variety of colors.

Shop for more On The Go Dog Gear here!

The Sparkle Dots Box:

We did something really fun for Sparkle Dots box subscribers. You received an earring wardrobe! The theme for this season’s box is summer time, and we wanted you to have a variety of earrings you can wear with different outfits, so you can dress up for dinner al fresco on a hot summer night, or casual and chill for picnic or party. Sparkle Dots subscribers received two pairs of post earrings, and one pair of leverback dangle earrings. Everyone gets one pair of flower post earrings, and one pair of either butterflies or dragonflies. Each is colorful enamel on sterling silver, with a post and silicone stopper back.

The third pair is a leverback dangle style, with a stainless steel ear wire. We designed this pair with a focus on a beautiful, colorful, diamond-shaped cloisonné (pronounced cloy-zon-ay) bead featuring a flower and dragonfly pattern. At the top and bottom point of the diamond is a white marble round bead, which also coordinates with the necklace mentioned above, as well as new items launching soon. We love the intricacy of the cloisonné, enhanced by the fresh white marble. What a great trio to bring with you on your summer vacation. So pretty, and they’ll go with everything.

Sparkle Dots box subscribers also received a sample bottle of the Victorialand Beauty Revitalizing Face Oil described above, and the jingle bell from On The Go Dog Gear. The Sparkle Dots bell is a round shape with a painted happy face design. There are lots of other cute motifs available from On The Go, such as hearts, critters, and even holiday designs, so be sure to shop here:

www.shop-onthego.com
onthegodoggear@gmail.com
Facebook www.facebook.com/onthegodoggear

Wrapping it up:

Both boxes are packed with summer white tissue paper embellished with metallic gold butterflies, and your bells are tucked into a red organza mesh bag. Look for more summer motif jewelry and accessories to wear with your Sparkle Squad items, and no matter how scorching hot it gets out there, sparkle on!

Laura

Want to subscribe to The Sparkle Squad? Start here!

Posted on May 10, 2022 by Laura Legendary

Join us for this virtual open house just in time for spring gift-giving!

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

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Posted on March 15, 2022March 15, 2022 by Laura Legendary

The first Sparkle Squad box of 2022 is a celebration of spring!

Spring is in the air, and spring brings warm breezes, new green growth, and blooming colors. Soon we’ll be packing away our heavy layers, pulling out our lighter weight fabrics, and putting on fresh spring fashions. A new season also means it’s time for another Sparkle Squad box at your doorstep! What follows is the quarterly description of the Sparkle Squad box contents.

The original idea behind offering two different subscription boxes was to create one option for anyone who was interested in our braille jewelry and accessories, and another box for those who may or may not be interested in braille embossed items, but who do want to build a jewelry wardrobe of classic and coordinating pieces with sophisticated style. The contents of each box are not meant to be identical, although in some instances the contents may overlap. That’s the case this time, as we present our springtime edition of our Sparkle Squad subscription boxes. Read on to get the details of what’s inside.

Both the Essential Elegance and the Sparkle Dots box contain a set of bracelets, as well as an assortment of little helpers to protect your jewelry collection. Just for fun, I also threw in a useful accessory to keep you organized. Let’s take a look at the jewelry first.

Each subscription features multiple bangle bracelet sets that are as colorful as Mardi Gras. The Sparkle Dots Box subscribers received two sets, one in their first choice color, according to the response they selected in the preferences questionnaire, and a second set in a different bright color. The bangles are made of a thin, stainless steel wire that is enameled in either pink, turquoise, or purple, and you get three of the same color in a light, medium, and dark variation. Then, we connected the three bracelets together with and jingly-jangly collection of charms and beads. The pink bangle set features a textured silver tone butterfly, along with silvery metallic hematite and diamond cut beads in assorted shapes, such as tubes, rounds and barrel shapes. The turquoise version features a fancy floating heart, wire wrapped with a pretty spiral embellishment, connected to the bracelet grouping with a matching spiral loop. A handful of silvery, smooth and diamond cut beads bling out the set. Finally, some may receive the purple bangle set, which features the cutest little golden honeybee, with sparkly wings and a textural body. We added coordinating brass accent beads in a variety of shapes and sizes. So, if you are someone with low or no color perception, you can tell which bracelet set you received by way of the main charms attached: The pink set has the butterfly, the turquoise set has the heart, and the purple set has a honeybee. Again, each set consists of three slim bracelets in light, medium and dark color variations. The Essential Elegance subscribers received all three bracelet sets. Wear one to add a splash of vivid spring color to an outfit, or stack them together for a bold look with lots of dangle charms.

Next, each box also has a little collection of anti-tarnish protectors. The Sparkle Dots box recipients received one each of a 4 inch and a 6 inch storage bag. These bags are not a garden variety zip-top plastic bag. They are treated with an environmentally friendly, non-toxic technology that prevents tarnish, corrosion, and oxidation on newly cleaned fine and fashion metal, and won’t leave deposits, are non-abrasive and are safe for all metals and gemstones. Use them to keep jewelry, coins, or even your watch lustrous and tarnish free for up to three years.

Also in each box is a tiny bag filled with anti-tarnish papers. These tiny little tabs can be placed in your jewelry box, into a travel jewelry roll, or inside a storage pouch where you keep your sterling silver, brass, or copper items. You don’t have to use them for just jewelry, though. If you have silver plated serving pieces, flatware, or collectibles, tuck one or two of these little tabs in with your polished keepsakes, and they can stay tarnish free for up to a year. They do not remove tarnish, but if you store your items clean, they will remain shiny and beautiful for a long time. Once you notice a bit of tarnish dulling the shine, just rub your treasures with a soft cloth, or use a cleaning product, then store them with a new anti-tarnish tab for another year. Essential Elegance subscribers received extra storage bags, and if you need more tabs or bags, just let me know and I will send them off via snail mail.

The last item we included is a silicone pouch intended for use anywhere you have a smooth, clean, flat surface on which to stick them. They can hold a credit card, business cards, library card, cash, or whatever you want to carry or keep handy. There is a peel-off paper on the back, revealing a very sticky adhesive that will attach the pouch to the back of your phone or phone case, tablet, or anywhere you need to quickly grab ID or other cards. Stick them to the side of a PC monitor, on your refrigerator, a file cabinet, or even on the inside of a wallet or clutch if you could use just one more pocket. All subscribers received a few of each, in a variety of colors.

Finally, since we’re celebrating spring and bright, beautiful color, we packaged everything in purple tissue paper and used a purple metallic foil gift box, along with drawstring storage bags in either vivid turquoise mesh, or royal purple satin. We hope you love this season’s box!

The next Sparkle Squad boxes will ship June 10th. By then, we’ll be having fun in the sun, and we’re already working on the next collection. If you are not a member of the Sparkle Squad, and want to subscribe, start here:

If you missed the most recent shipment, but don’t want to wait until June for the next box, or if you just want to get a peek as to what you can expect if you do subscribe, we offer an introductory, one-time-only box in either configuration.

Select your Sparkle Squad “One Time Only” box here!

Sparkle on!

Laura

Posted on December 15, 2021December 14, 2021 by Laura Legendary

The Sparkle Squad December box description is here!

The December Sparkle Squad boxes have shipped, and here is your quarterly description of the packaging and contents. This time around, our boxes are all decked out for the holidays!

Last year, I went snowflake crazy, and designed a handful of jewelry and accessories items featuring a winter motif. The grouping felt incomplete, however, as I had wanted to add a link or charm bracelet to the collection, but ran out of time. So, for our December Sparkle Squad box, everyone, no matter the box to which you are subscribed, received a prototype version of a brand new snowflake motif charm bracelet that may be added to the web site later this winter. It features all of the elements used in the other pieces, including large white freshwater pearls, hematite round beads, silvery metallic crystals, and of course, sparkling snowflakes!

All subscribers, both Sparkle Dots and Essential Elegance box recipients, also received a leather zip bag, courtesy of Guidelights and Gadgets. These genuine leather pouches have zippers front and back, a top zip and two smaller zipper sections on the front face. The woven strap is a tonal match to the bag, and you may have received either a deep green or brown leather bag. If you’d like more information on the fabulous inventory of leather bags, backpacks, purses, and pouches available from Guidelights and Gadgets, contact Barry and Kae at:

GuideLights and Gadgets, Inc.
Barry Scheur
(617) 969-7500
bscheur@scheur.com
www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/

Big thanks to Guidelights and Gadgets for the contribution to our subscription boxes!

Finally, in addition to the items above, the Essential Elegance box subscribers also received our Snowman Holiday Ornament, which is this year’s edition in an ongoing series. He has an engraved face, top hat, buttons down his front, and an all-over engraved snowflake pattern on the reverse. Plus, he’s wearing a silk cord scarf. He says “Merry Christmas 2021” in grade 2 braille, and he has a silver metallic hang cord.

All items were wrapped up in metallic gold tissue paper, adorned with a smattering of gold stars. Your jewelry was packaged in a gleaming metallic gold foil box we crafted just for our holiday Sparkle Squad subscribers.

Thank you to everyone who has signed up for our Sparkle Squad subscription, and we wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year. Your next box will ship this spring, so look for a reminder to land in your inbox on march 1st.

Want to join the Sparkle Squad? Go here for subscription details!

Sparkle on!

Laura

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Posted on December 7, 2021 by Laura Legendary

The Elegant Insights 2021 Holiday Gift Guide and your Open House Invitation!

As we head into serious crunch time for the 2021 holiday shopping season, I thought it was time to publish my annual gift guide. If you are still stuck for a fresh idea, or could use a little help wrapping up your pursuit of the perfect present, what follows are a few of my best gift picks from Elegant Insights.

For the home:

Deck the halls with our 2021 Snowman Holiday Ornament. Last year for the first time, we rolled out what will ultimately be a series of holiday ornaments, and our first was a snowflake. This year, by way of a social media poll, we have a snowman! Our sweet snowman is engraved on both sides, and can be personalized with a message in either braille or precision engraving. He’s even wearing a silk cord scarf!

Shop for our Snowman Holiday Ornament here, $39.00USD plus shipping.

For pet parents:

This year we expanded our critter collection by adding two new purse charms, one for dog lovers, and another for those of you who are crazy for kitties. Each features lots of silvery beads and embellishments, such as a collar, paw charms, dog bones and a hematite “ball” toy on the doggy version, and a sparkly collar, paw print charms, a ball of “yarn,” and cats in various poses on the kitty version.

Shop our Touch of Purse-onality Handbag Charms Collection here. $25 to $35, plus shipping.

For the hard-to-shop-for:

If you are looking for an elegant, classy gift for someone on your list who is really tough to buy for, check out our newest bookmarks. A bookmark may seem like an offbeat gift idea, but for a boss, co-worker, or father-in-law, our Mark Your Spot bookmarks have lots of space for a longer braille or engraved message. We even have a bookmark embossed with the entire braille alphabet, another that’s a braille ruler, and an option that’s completely customizable for whatever you’d like to say, in your choice of metals, as well as your choice of braille or engraving.

Book it to our Mark Your Spot bookmarks! $25 to $35, plus shipping.

For the love of your life:

When there’s nothing else to say, let our Love Always and Forever 3-piece jewelry vignette tell your love story. Available in 3 metal and gemstone combinations, our heart jewelry in braille will speak volumes…one dot at a time.

Shop for the Love Always and Forever 3-piece set here. $125 plus shipping.

As was the case last year, shipping backlogs and delivery delays are going to make for a bumpy season for online shopping, so we want you to be aware of our order deadlines. The final day you can place an order for on-time holiday delivery will be Monday, December 13th. If you have a custom design in mind, get your order in as soon as possible, preferably, this week. Christmas Eve falls on a Friday, and we’d like to give you time to wrap your presents and get them under the tree, so by ordering on the 13th, that gives us only about 10 days to get your item to its destination. Shop soon!

Visit us during our Holiday Open House!

Have questions about any of our products? I’m hosting a holiday open house on Wednesday, December 8, from 2PM to 5PM Pacific time, 5 to 8PM Eastern. Log in to my virtual Christmas party by zooming in with the links below!

us02web.zoom.us/j/85629387351?pwd=YWIwTmdhTldYbUtoRkVLbzc2aEowUT09

Meeting ID: 856 2938 7351
Passcode: 479946

Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season!

Laura

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Posted on November 4, 2021 by Laura Legendary

Welcome to the Let’s Go Shopping 2021 holiday gift extravaganza! Here’s everything you need to know to shop till you drop!

Welcome to the Let’s Go Shopping virtual mall!

Below are your login details. Please share with a friend who you think might like to join us!
Time:
Friday, November 5th, 9AM to 5PM Pacific time, noon to 8PM Eastern.
Saturday, November 6th, 9AM to 5PM Pacific time, noon to 8PM Eastern.

Join us and shop ’til you drop!

us02web.zoom.us/j/84546687887?pwd=citUTy9YVW9xVGlQelpkSzJMQ1dEQT09

Meeting ID: 845 4668 7887
Passcode: 069842
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,84546687887#,,,,*069842# US (Houston)
+16699006833,,84546687887#,,,,*069842# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
Meeting ID: 845 4668 7887
Passcode: 069842
Find your local number: us02web.zoom.us/u/keJh50KxuI

Below is the complete schedule for the fabulous, online, accessible, virtual mall crawl, Let’s Go Shopping!

Friday, November 5 9:00 AM PT to 5:00 PM PT

Important! Please note that all times are Pacific time. Adjust for your time zone accordingly.

09AM: Welcome and introduction
09:15: EZ2See® Products LLC – Gifts to keep you organized

10AM: Scentsy with Nini – Festive Fragrances for your Holiday Home

11AM: A. T. Guys, Featuring the Blindshell Classic 2 and Other Cool Stuff

11:30: The Unseen Bean – It’s a coffee Christmas

12N: Guidelight Dogs – Going To The Dogs (and more!) with KaeAnn, Debra and Thor at GuideLight Dog Products!

01PM: Patti and Ricky – Adaptive fashion and accessories for men, women, and kids

02PM: Stocking Stuffers: Gifts under $20!

03PM: Elegant Insights – Ten years of braille jewelry and accessories! Celebrate with us!
3:30: Elegant Insights – Sparkle On with The Sparkle Squad

04PM: Wright Turn Only – Unique handcrafted gifts

05PM: End of day.

Saturday, November 6 9:00 AM PT to 5:00 PM PT

Important! Please note that all times are Pacific time. Adjust for your time zone accordingly.

09AM: Guidelights and Gadgets – It Talks, It’s Soft, and You Can Walk with It: Unique Holiday Gifts and More from GuideLights and Gadgets

10AM: EZ2See® Products LLC – Give the gift of organization

10:30: Angela’s Awesome Jerky – A very tasty Christmas

11AM: Scenic Made – Artisinal gourmet

12N: Blind Girl Designs – Fun Holiday Wear by Blind Girl Designs.”

01PM: Elegant Insights – For the person who has everything
1:30: Elegant Insights – Deck the halls with a tactile touch: Holiday ornaments!

02PM: On The Go Dog Gear – Bandannas, bells, bling, and other gifts for the dog lover on your list

03PM: Mama Otter’s Tidbits – Handcrafted Gemstone and Seasonal Jewelry Gifts

3:30PM A. T. Guys Tech and Gadgets for the Holidays

04PM: Happy Hour Q and A – Pop a cork, crack open a cold one, find something fizzy, and get your questions answered!

05PM End of day.

The “Stocking Stuffers” segment is an opportunity for any of the vendors with well-priced, small items to present their products in a fast-paced format to help you find those little gifts perfect for stockings or secret Santa gift exchanges. The “Happy Hour” session at the end of Saturday is meant to provide a bit of extra time for any of the vendors to make themselves available for anyone who was unable to get their questions answered during the scheduled time slot. All-comers welcome!

Be sure to use the hashtag #LetsGoShopping when tweeting or posting about the event.

Here is the list of the extraordinary small business entrepreneurs who will be joining us for the Let’s Go Shopping Holiday Gift Extravaganza. Please patronize these fine establishments!

EZ2See® Products LLC

The source for truly accessible low-vision products
Finally, a calendar you can see™

Edward Cohen, founding owner
Order or ask questions at 800/234-8291
www.EZ2SeeProducts.com
www.preventproducts.com/ez2see-calendar/
www.amazon.com/EZ2SeeWeekly-Planner
info@EZ2SeeProducts.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EZ2SeeProducts/

Scentsy with Nini

Fill your life with fragrance

Nini Urschel
Independent Scentsy Director
916-206-1151 (cell)
Email: nini95626@sbcglobal.net
Website: https://nini.scentsy.us
“Scentsational Scents with Nini” Private Facebook Page: https://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

The Unseen Bean

Taste the passion in blind roasted coffee.

Gerry Leary
720-369-8039
www.theunseenbean.com
info@theunseenbean.com
Twitter: @theunseenbean

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

Patti and Ricky

Functional and fashionable apparel and accessories for people of all abilities.

Alexandra Herold
303-578-6594
www.pattiandricky.com
alex@pattiandricky.com
Twitter: @pattiandricky_
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pattiandricky/
Instagram: @pattiandrickycom

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.

Simple and affordable; practical technology that is also fun; leather bags, pouches, Braille notetaker and display cases, Orbit Writer and phone cases, if you want to protect or cover it, we probably have it!

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

Angela’s Awesome Homemade Beef Jerky

Our name says it all.

Angela Fowler
530-813-2911
angelasawesomejerky@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/Angelas-Awesome-Home-Made-Beef-Jerky

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
720-841-5087
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.com
l.legendary@elegantinsightsjewelry.com
customer.service@elegantinsightsjewelry.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Elegant.Insights
Twitter: @ElegantInsights
Instagram: www.instagram.com/elegantinsights

On The Go Dog Gear

Dog gear for your active lifestyle.

Julie Johnson
402-603-0811
www.shop-onthego.com
onthegodoggear@gmail.com
Facebook www.facebook.com/onthegodoggear

Mama Otter’s Tidbits

Treasures, treats, and trinkets for every taste

Charlotte Lang
612-564-5405
mamaotter1@gmail.com
www.mamaotter.com
www.facebook.com/mamaotterstidbits

Did somebody say door prizes?

These generous entrepreneurs have offered some special items just for Let’s Go Shopping attendees! Be sure to tune in for your chance to win a door prize, or to take advantage of special promotional offers. Don’t forget some may have a limited time availability, so double-check with each vendor. Note that some prizes will be drawn for during the scheduled presentation, others may be drawn during the “Happy Hour” at the end of the final day. Be sure to make note of any offer checkout codes, if applicable, as well as expiration dates.

A. T. Guys
Promo: Free shipping on orders of $79 or more, code LGS6

Door prize:
Plugable 2-outlet Travel Power Station with 3 USB Smart Charging Ports

On The Go Dog Gear
Promo: Free gift with purchase throughout November and December.

EZ2C Products
Promo: 10% off the regular retail price of the EZ2See planner/calendar of $23.99.

Scentsy with Nini
Door prize: Something Scentsational! Fragrance Flower and a Hand Soap. A value of $22.
Description:
Hand Soap—Rich lather and moisturizing ingredients leaves hands clean, soft and beautifully scented. 7.7 Fl. Oz. Made in Idaho. Value $6

Fragrance Flower—Our Fragrance Flowers release beautiful scent while looking lovely in any space. Just pick your fragrance, pick your flower, set it out and enjoy—no plug, no problem. Each flower is hand-crafted of natural material, so no two are exactly alike. Absorbs and holds fragrance oil for gorgeous scent that lasts up to 60 days. 4.5” tall. Value $16.00

Guidelights and Gadgets
Promo: For anyone who purchases from GuideLights and Gadgets (not including GuideLight Dogs) up through November 8, 2021, we will include for free two of our always popular leather squeezy pouches. These pouches have many uses; storing thumb drives and cards, earbuds, cables, and even smaller BT headsets. The pouches are about 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches and like many old fashioned change purses, squueze at the top to open or close.
These pouches have been $5 for years; and since so many of our customers love them, we decided to make this an exclusive for LGS6. You won’t need to remind us about this; we’ll send them with every order.

Wright Turn Only
Door prize: Decorative hand turned wood and stainless steel wine bottle stopper.

Description: This is ideal for sealing that unfinished bottle of wine and is also great for homemade salad dressings and vinaigrettes.

Promo: My special offer will be a Free Velvet pen box with any pen purchase
through Cyber Monday 2021.

Elegant Insights
Door prize: Dog bone or kitty zipper pull, in your choice of braille or engraving. Value: $20.00.

Stay tuned throughout Let’s Go Shopping for more special offers, flash sales, and discounts. Ready for a little retail therapy? Let’s Go Shopping!

Laura

Posted on November 3, 2021 by Laura Legendary

Join us for the 2021 holiday gift edition of Let’s Go Shopping!

Following me on social media yields a couple of obvious facts: First, I am a relentless marketer. Second, I relentlessly promote my various projects. Lately, one of those projects has been to organize a shopping event connecting small businesses with the customers who need them. The event is called Let’s Go Shopping, and it’s an all-day, two-day, online, accessible, virtual mall crawl like no other. Wow, that’s a lot of hyperbole.

Still, if you’ve attended one of these events before (this will be number six), you know that there are quite a few moving parts, and like the crazy person I am, I do most of the heavy lifting. If that sounds like a complaint, it isn’t. I’m so proud that I have supported over 35 small business entrepreneurs to this point, many of whom have disabilities. While I would not claim that these small business owners have made millions by participating in Let’s Go Shopping, I can say that they have received exposure they may not have otherwise, and I’d like to think I’ve contributed in a small way to their bottom line. Further, I’d like to think I’ve supported the customers who discovered them as well.

For lots of reasons, including the pandemic and associated restrictions, customers may not feel comfortable venturing out to shop. Maybe they are not yet vaccinated, or cannot be. Maybe they just don’t want to deal with the long lines and pressing crowds. Whatever the reason, staying home to shop via the Let’s Go Shopping virtual mall from the comfort of your couch is pretty fun. Plus, no mask required!

The Let’s Go Shopping holiday gift event begins Friday, November 5th, from 9AM to 5PM Pacific time, noon to 8PM Eastern. It continues Saturday, November 6th, again from 9AM PT, lasting all day. Want to join us? Here’s how:

Send a blank email to lgs+subscribe@groups.io and you will be added to the invite list. That’s where the first of a series of messages, including the complete schedule, vendor directory, door prize details, and Zoom login information will come from. In other words, everything you’ll want to know about Let’s Go Shopping comes from our groups list. Please subscribe!

If you’re not inclined to subscribe, I may post all the details here on the Sparkle On blog, if I have the time early Friday morning. Keep your eyes peeled for a post with all the last-minute details.

The Let’s Go Shopping events are an enormous undertaking, and I hope you enjoy the many wonderful products presented over the two days. Shop for food, fashion, gadgets, daily living aids, jewelry, coffee, supplies for pets and pet lovers, home fragrance, and much more. You can get your gift list completed in just one weekend, and support entrepreneurs with disabilities too. Ready for a little retail therapy? Let’s Go Shopping!

Laura

Posted on September 30, 2021 by Laura Legendary

The early bird gets the jewelry! Here’s 2 ways to get a head start on your holiday shopping

At about this same time last year, I posted an article about the various ways in which the pandemic was likely to impact the holiday shopping season. A year ago, the messaging was all about parcel delivery services and the US mail, price increases and shipping delays. Many areas were still in lockdown, so online holiday shopping was the best option, which added to the overwhelming number of packages moving through the system. This year, the circumstances may be different, but the result is the same.

If you’ve been paying attention to the news, you may have heard that the 2021 holiday shopping season may be a bumpy one. Between low employment, Covid-19 variant concerns, semiconductor chip shortages, a traffic jam of container ships off both coasts loaded with holiday merchandise which is unlikely to find its way to store shelves in time for the holidays, a lack of truckers to get product from one place to another, and a host of other logistics disruptions and delays, getting those holiday gifts checked off your list may be more expensive and even more challenging this year. I’m already hearing major retailers urging customers to shop now now now, as they will not be able to restock before the end of the year. Still others are already implementing quantity restrictions on some of the same items as were limited last year.

With all of this in mind, I’m taking matters into my own hands for my customers. I’m hosting two events which will enable you to get your holiday shopping started early, so you can sit back and relax, with the peace of mind that you will not be waiting for products that may not be available six weeks from now.

The first is the Elegant Insights early bird shopping day, which is Friday, October 1st. I’m hosting two short Zoom sessions, where you can hear all about this year’s newest products, special holiday gift items, including the 2021 holiday ornament, as well as our Sparkle Squad subscription program. Choose from 9AM Pacific time, noon Eastern, or 3PM Pacific time, 6PM Eastern. Below are the Zoom login details for each:

Session 1
Topic: Elegant Insights Early Bird Holiday Shopping
Time: Oct 1, 2021 09:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)/12 noon Eastern Time.

Join Zoom Meeting
us04web.zoom.us/j/71679053165?pwd=M1puQ0VFRlF5NDVSNUpQYmo3aXhDUT09

Meeting ID: 716 7905 3165
Passcode: 0h4yau

Session 2
Topic: Elegant Insights Early Bird Holiday Shopping
Time: Oct 1, 2021 03:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)/6 PM Eastern time.

Join Zoom Meeting
us04web.zoom.us/j/71422898429?pwd=VmZzUzRtdjVjaDd3RWJGRHRSMGdPZz09

Meeting ID: 714 2289 8429
Passcode: 0HHujV

The first week of November will bring the next Let’s Go Shopping virtual mall crawl. I’m already signing up new vendors, along with your old favorites, for a multi-day shopping extravaganza that promises to be fun and exciting. If you want to be sure you don’t miss any announcements about the Let’s Go Shopping 2021 Holiday Gift Extravaganza, send a blank email to:

lgs+subscribe@groups.io

and I’ll add you to the announce list!

I know it’s really early to think about holiday gifts, but I can assure you that if you get a head start, you’ll be able to sit back and relax and let others worry about long lines, wait lists, and a disappointing lack of choices. Enjoy these virtual shopping events, and remember, the early bird gets the jewelry!

Sparkle on!

Laura