Posted on August 7, 2023August 6, 2023 by Laura Legendary

Calling all doggy devotees: It’s time for my annual summer shopping event!

Woof! Woof! Once again, it’s time for my annual “Dog Days of Summer” virtual shopping day. I’ve hosted this event for several years, starting out by offering my own dog-themed jewelry and accessories. Since then, I thought it would be a lot more fun if I asked other resellers I know who also offer doggy products to join me, so I began expanding on the idea to include several other vendors. Since I’ve written about the event previously, you can read last year’s post here to learn more.

For the 2023 event, I’ve invited vendors who will present everything from homemade dog treats, toys, essential grooming supplies, and even doggy motif fashion. Of course, I’ll present my own Elegant Insights wag-worthy jewelry and accessories, so please share this with your friends, both 2- and 4-legged, and join us on Saturday, August 19th. Here are the login details:

When

Time: Saturday, Aug 19, 2023 12:00 PM Pacific Time, 3PM Eastern, (US and Canada). The event will probably last about 4 hours.

Join Zoom Meeting
us02web.zoom.us/j/84733812559?pwd=bm03UmVYR21xaVRVa2U0ZHEvRVJCZz09

Meeting ID: 847 3381 2559
Passcode: 297909

Need the dial in numbers?

One tap mobile
+17193594580,,84733812559#,,,,*297909# US
+12532050468,,84733812559#,,,,*297909# US

Dial by your location:

+1 719 359 4580 US
+1 253 205 0468 US
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 444 9171 US
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 305 224 1968 US
+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
+1 689 278 1000 US
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

Meeting ID: 847 3381 2559
Passcode: 297909

Find your local number: us02web.zoom.us/u/kB7N5vIDX

Hope to see you there.

Laura

Posted on June 15, 2023June 15, 2023 by Laura Legendary

The Sparkle Squad Summer 2023 subscription boxes are travel ready!

Summer is almost here, and with the change of season comes a new Sparkle Squad subscription box! For this quarter’s box, I wanted to provide a few items that would be perfect for one of the most enjoyable aspects of summer: Vacation! If you plan to do any traveling over the next few months, read on to learn about how your Sparkle Squad subscription box items can make perfect packables.

First, the Sparkle Dots box contents…

All Sparkle Dots subscribers receive an 18-inch necklace and pearl slide pendant. The chain is a gleaming stainless steel, so no polishing or tarnish removal needed. The pendant is designed with a spiral bail, so it easily slips on and off the chain. Simply drop one end of the chain through the spiral, and let it move freely on the chain. There’s nothing to clip or clasp. Genuine freshwater pearls in luminous white dangle from the steel spiral bail. This unique design is meant to be simple enough to work with any outfit, whether you’ll be seeing the sights, or dressing for dinner.

So as to provide the most flexibility possible while you travel, we included a 4 inch chain extender. Ours features a lobster claw clasp at one end, and a loop at the other, so it’s a breeze to attach the extender to the chain, making it 22 inches long. The chain itself is a polished curb chain, which can be adjusted to suit any neckline, either by adding, or removing, the extender, or adjusting the length by securing the lobster claw clasp to any link along the chain. Need to accommodate a top with a scoop neckline? A crew neck? A button-front blouse with a high V neck? Create the length you need to frame your pretty face. You can wear the chain with or without the pearl pendant, add the pendant to a different chain, or slide it onto a silk ribbon or leather cord.

You’ll also need a way to keep your jewelry safe while traveling. Whether you want to protect your jewelry from becoming damaged as you move about, or to keep it safely tucked into a purse or bag you keep close at hand, our mini jewelry box is the perfect solution. For such a little thing, this tiny treasure chest can hold just about all the jewelry you’ll want to take with you on your trip. It’s covered in either a plush velvety fabric or a faux leather, depending upon which color you get, and if you told us your favorite colors when you filled out our preferences questionnaire, we made every effort to send you a jewelry box in the shade you specified.

There are several things about this little jewelry box I really liked. While pouches and jewelry rolls are great, I wanted you to have something with a bit more structure. A rigid, or hard-sided box is a bit more secure. I also liked that these boxes zip all the way around, so that as you pack and unpack, you won’t have to worry about a clasp, magnet, or snap that might come undone in your suitcase or tote. Zip it closed, and you won’t find all your jewelry at the bottom of your purse.

The jewelry box opens like a book. On one side, there are three hooks for hanging chains, and you can tuck them into the pouch below the hooks to keep your necklaces from getting tangled. On the opposite side, you’ll find several small sections for earrings or other small items, and a ring keeper section that will securely hold your rings in place when you tuck them into the slots between the soft padded rolls. If you need more room in the center area, the dividers can be removed so that larger items can be kept safely in one larger section.

The Essential Elegance box…

The Essential Elegance box subscribers received the necklace and slide pendant as described above, along with the 4-inch extender. You also got a pretty jewelry box, in your preferred color, if you selected a color in your preferences questionnaire. In addition, you received a chain bracelet, in the exact match to the necklace chain. Further, you received a 1-inch extender, enabling you to convert your jewelry suite into any number of combinations that gives you the most flexibility. If you want a longer bracelet, add the 1-inch extender, or use the extender to make the necklace 1 inch longer. Alternatively, you can attach the 1-inch extender to the 4-inch extender, add both to the necklace, and you can create a longer length necklace that will work over just about any type of top, whether that’s a turtleneck style or sweater. You can even connect all the pieces together to make a super long neckchain. If you only want to wear the bracelet one day, you can slip the pearl pendant onto the bracelet chain to make your own charm bracelet. Speaking of charm bracelets, we wanted to give you a chain that was an open-link style, so that you can attach any charms you collect while you travel this summer. The chain links are perfect for attaching charms, so once you’ve wandered the world, bring your charms collection to a jeweler and have them soldered to the chain so you can show off your souvenirs for years to come. What a wonderful memento of your journeys!

When I travel, I find that I really appreciate versatility in my jewelry and accessories, as I always seem to have so many outfits to wear and outings to which to wear them. I want to get as much mileage as I can out of the pieces I bring, and the limited space I have available. Pack a pair of your favorite white pearl earrings along with the chains and pendant in your Sparkle Squad box, and you’ll have a complete wardrobe that will work with whatever you wear,and wherever you wear them.

Happy trails this summer, and sparkle on!

Laura

Join The Sparkle Squad! It’s our inclusive, accessible, seasonal subscription that brings the bling! Have questions? Select this link to drop us a note!

Posted on May 30, 2023 by Laura Legendary

Let’s get summer started! Join me for a virtual Dads and Grads shopping event.

There are certain people in our lives for whom buying gifts is a breeze. Perhaps it’s easy because you feel you just can’t choose wrong — your recipient is easy to please, and will love anything you give them. Or, perhaps it’s easy to choose a gift for a friend or loved one because you know them so well, you know what they might need or want, even before they do. On the other hand, there are some people in our lives who are just impossible to buy a gift for, because they have everything, because you don’t have a close relationship with them, because they are picky, because they are your father-in-law, or because you really want to give a gift that strikes the right note. This time of year can be a little tough, because Father’s Day and graduation gifts can be particularly challenging. Sure, there are a few default options, a tie for dad, cash for the grad, but wouldn’t you like to give a gift that’s especially meaningful, useful, and personal? Of course you would. That’s why I’m inviting you to a summer kickoff virtual shopping event this Friday, June 2nd. Read on for details.

Join the fun!

When:
June 2, 2023 02:00 PM Pacific Time.
June 2, 2023 04:00 Central Time.
June 2, 2023 05:00 PM Eastern Time.

Where:

Zoom in using the link below:

us02web.zoom.us/j/88633656945?pwd=TTFycmJTb3N1eWVCVWxDWldmd1lhUT09

Meeting ID: 886 3365 6945
Passcode: 700209

Scroll down if you need the log in phone numbers.

Gifts for Father’s Day, graduations, and summer celebrations!

I’m inviting a friend to join me in the Zoom room, Brent Harbolt of the Harbolt Company. Brent offers those indispensable gadgets that are real problem-solvers, and are perfect for those hard-to-buy-for folks. Brent will bring you handmade amazing grace real wood writing pens, Sharp EL-640 talking clock calculators, 3 in 1 braided nylon charging cables, portable pocket power banks, and more. I’ll bring you jewelry, gifts, and accessories that can be personalized with braille or engraving, including business card cases, luggage tags, and ID style bracelets, just for starters. Summer is also the time when families and friends get together for reunions, housewarming parties, and backyard BBQ’s. If you don’t want to arrive empty handed, we’ve got you covered there, too.

Please join Laura and Brent for a virtual gift guide as we present ideas for dads and grads, summer break birthdays, and for all those fun summertime celebrations: Pool parties, picnics in the park, or fireworks on the fourth of July. Looking for the perfect hostess or housewarming gift, or have a recent grad headed off to a new career? We’ll help you pick the perfect present. Feel free to bring a friend, and let’s get summer started! Below are the login phone numbers, for those who would rather call in:

Dial by your location:

+1 669 444 9171 US

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

+1 719 359 4580 US
+1 253 205 0468 US
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+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
+1 689 278 1000 US
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 305 224 1968 US

Meeting ID: 886 3365 6945
Passcode: 700209

Hope to see you there. Happy summer, and sparkle on!

Laura

Subscribe to the Sparkle On blog!

Posted on May 24, 2023May 24, 2023 by Laura Legendary

Artists, designers, and product resellers, enhance your item descriptions with AI

Have you had a chance to play with Chat GPT yet? I have, and I must admit, it lives up to the hype. I’ve prompted the artificial intelligence chatbot to write poetry, to craft a short story about my mom’s pets, and to describe my business, an example of which is below. If you’ve been at all curious as to how you might use Chat GPT to assist you in the creative process, check out the results of my own experimentation.

First, you need to go to the Open AI web site and create an account. You can also download the app on your phone, and sign in using Apple, Google, or email. Then, you will be asked to verify a few details, and authenticate your device. It only takes a few minutes, and you can begin using Chat GPT immediately thereafter.

Go here to create an account on the Open AI web site.

The Open AI web site has posted a disclaimer as to what you can expect from their generative AI software, and what it cannot, or should not, be used for. It cannot provide real-time stock advice, nor can you use it to obtain a medical diagnosis. You will be amazed, though, by what Chat GPT can do for you. Read on.

After having a bit of fun typing in silly things, I prompted Chat GPT with the following:

Summarize a business called Elegant Insights Braille Creations. I did not prompt the AI further, nor did I provide it any more details. This is what Chat GPT output:

Elegant Insights Braille Creations is a unique business that specializes in creating fashionable accessories designed specifically for visually impaired individuals. Their products are crafted with a focus on incorporating Braille, a tactile writing system, into stylish and functional designs.
Elegant Insights Braille Creations offers a diverse range of accessories, including jewelry, handbags, keychains, and more, all featuring Braille elements. These accessories not only serve as fashion statements but also provide a practical way for visually impaired individuals to express themselves and communicate through touch.
The business places great importance on quality and attention to detail, ensuring that each product is meticulously crafted using high-quality materials. They strive to create pieces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional, incorporating Braille in a way that enhances the design rather than compromising it.
Elegant Insights Braille Creations aims to empower and inclusively serve the visually impaired community by offering stylish and meaningful accessories that promote accessibility and self-expression. Through their innovative approach, they are redefining the boundaries of fashion and accessibility, making a positive impact on the lives of visually impaired individuals.

I don’t mind telling you, the Chat GPT generated result blew me away. The only slight inaccuracy in the above is that we do not actually sell handbags. We sell accessories for handbags, such as purse charms and zipper pulls.

Then, I decided to experiment with the idea of AI generated product descriptions. Unfortunately, many artists, designers, or product resellers struggle to compose intriguing descriptions that make their offerings irresistible. No matter how exquisite your products may be, it might be difficult to get across what makes them special. You’ve heard that “a picture is worth a thousand words,” but sometimes, you need the words.

If the powers of description seem to have eluded you, then try Chat GPT. I’ve never had difficulty composing fully fleshed out descriptions of my products, mainly because of the specific needs of my customers, most of whom are likely to be blind or visually impaired, as my products feature messages embossed in braille. Since many of my customers cannot see the photos that accompany the product listing, I had better ensure there is a thorough rundown of all the item particulars, so that they can make an informed shopping decision.

Still, I thought I’d let Chat GPT have a crack at composing an enticing product description. I’ve been working on a design idea that is not yet finished, and I was curious what Chat GPT might come up with to describe my work in progress. This is what I prompted:

Create a product description for a triple-strand necklace, featuring shell pink, beach sand, and soft peach freshwater pearls, along with sea motif charms, on stainless steel chain that can be worn multiple ways.

The result:

Introducing our exquisite Triple-Strand Necklace, a true embodiment of elegance and charm. This captivating piece combines the ethereal beauty of shell pink, beach sand, and soft peach freshwater pearls with delightful sea motif charms, all delicately arranged on a durable stainless steel chain. With its versatile design, this necklace can be worn in multiple ways, allowing you to effortlessly transition from casual outings to formal occasions.
Each strand of this necklace features lustrous freshwater pearls in a harmonious blend of shell pink, beach sand, and soft peach hues. These pearls have been carefully hand-selected for their radiant shine and smooth surfaces, ensuring a mesmerizing and luxurious appearance. The gentle pastel shades evoke a sense of serenity and evoke the tranquil beauty of a pristine beach.
Enhancing the marine-inspired theme, the necklace is adorned with sea motif charms that add a whimsical touch. From seashells to starfish and seahorses, each charm is exquisitely crafted to capture the enchanting allure of the ocean. The intricate details and polished finish of these charms showcase the exceptional craftsmanship behind this piece.
Crafted from high-quality stainless steel, the chain offers both durability and a modern aesthetic. Stainless steel is known for its resistance to tarnish and corrosion, ensuring that this necklace will retain its beauty for years to come. The chain also features an adjustable length, allowing you to personalize the necklace to your desired fit and style.
Versatility is at the heart of this design. Wear the necklace as a triple-strand for a bold and glamorous statement, or detach one or two strands to create a more delicate and understated look. The possibilities are endless, making it an ideal accessory to complement various outfits and occasions.
Whether you’re strolling along the shoreline, attending a special event, or simply want to add a touch of elegance to your everyday attire, our Triple-Strand Necklace will be the perfect accessory. Embrace the serene beauty of the sea and indulge in the timeless allure of pearls with this remarkable piece that effortlessly combines sophistication and versatility.

Frankly, I found this description, the result of the one sentence prompt, to be remarkable. In fact, the charms that were mentioned are charms I plan to include in the design, as they are used in a few of the coordinating pieces that already exist on my web site. The further description of the versatility and adjustability of the as-yet-unrealized design floored me. It felt as if Chat GPT had read my mind. With just a few additional details that I would include on the actual product description, such as the measurements and suggestions as to how to wear it, I could easily cut-and-paste the AI generated text and use it on my web site. Extraordinary.

If nothing else, if you are an artist or designer who sometimes struggles to dream up inviting descriptions of your offerings, type up a few simple prompts, include the basics of your design, and see what Chat GPT can create for you. Even if you have a completed product in front of you that you can fully describe, let Chat GPT expand on a bare-bones prompt, and compare it to what you’ve already written. You can then edit the result if you want to change the tone, length, or specific details. Imagine what this technology can do for you if writing isn’t your strong suit.

Welcome to the future.

Sparkle on!

Laura

Subscribe to the Sparkle On blog!

Posted on March 21, 2023 by Laura Legendary

An invitation to our spring jewelry and accessories event!

Spring is a great time to declutter, clear out, and freshen up. I began my yearly spring cleaning ritual a month ago, which probably says something about how much I had to do. Spring is also a great time to cast a critical eye on your wardrobe, and if you could use a little shot of sparkle, color, and shine, I have the perfect event for you.

With gratitude to the event coordinator Andrea for extending the invitation, I was asked if I’d like to be a virtual exhibitor for the California Council of the Blind state convention. Of course I said yes, because I love the opportunity to get in touch with my customers, and to make new friends. Since the time for convention attendees is from 9AM to 1PM Pacific time, I thought I’d extend the event so that anyone can drop in, any time. So, check out the invite and login details below. I’ll e hosting a Zoom room from 9 to 5 both days, Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25.

Elegant Insights is inviting you to join a two-day shopping event!

Topic: Spring fashion jewelry and accessories

Time:
Friday, March 24 from 9:00 AM Pacific Time to 1:00 PM Pacific Time for California Council of the Blind attendees.
Friday, March 24 from 2PM to 5PM Pacific Time for everyone else!

Saturday, March 25 from 9AM Pacific Time to 1:00PM Pacific Time for California Council of the Blind attendees.
Saturday, from 2PM to 5PM Pacific Time for everyone else!

Join Laura to hear all about Elegant Insights beautiful braille jewelry and accessories, and get set for spring!

Log in to our virtual boutique!

us02web.zoom.us/j/84647418257?pwd=bTY5SUthVXBOWnc0OXFyV1U1dlhVUT09

Meeting ID: 846 4741 8257
Passcode: 424205
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,84647418257#,,,,*424205# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,84647418257#,,,,*424205# US (Houston)

Dial by your location
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 444 9171 US
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 719 359 4580 US
+1 253 205 0468 US
+1 386 347 5053 US
+1 507 473 4847 US
+1 564 217 2000 US
+1 646 931 3860 US
+1 689 278 1000 US
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 305 224 1968 US
+1 309 205 3325 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 360 209 5623 US
Meeting ID: 846 4741 8257
Passcode: 424205
Find your local number: us02web.zoom.us/u/kcGc5HQ7

Hope to see you there!

Laura

Posted on March 15, 2023March 15, 2023 by Laura Legendary

A few little spring things for our Sparkle Squad subscribers!

Enjoy a little spring fling!

Spring may not have sprung quite yet where you live, but springtime is the theme for the Sparkle Squad subscription boxes this quarter. If you are a member of our seasonal jewelry and accessories subscription service, read on for a description of the contents of your box. If you are not a member, but would like to know more, check out this link for all the details on the Sparkle Squad.

Spring holidays are coming soon!

St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, and Mother’s Day are the three spring celebrations I was thinking of when creating our Sparkle Dots and Essential Elegance boxes. So, for the first time, I gave our subscribers a choice. We offered a St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, or Mother’s Day cane charm, or, for those who do not use a white cane, we offered a choice of zipper pulls instead.

For Sparkle Dots subscribers:

If you responded to my query regarding your choice of items, Sparkle Dots box recipients had their preferred spring holiday zipper pull or cane charm tucked into their box, along with a couple of accessories for pocket or purse. We included a lipstick case and coin pouch set, both in a pretty satin brocade fabric with an Asian-inspired, colorful embroidery. The lipstick case has a snap closure, and the inside features a tiny mirror. The coin pouch has a snap closure as well as a zipper, which makes this little bag great for carrying coins or small items such as an extra pair of earrings, as the zipper keeps the contents secure.

Since changes of season often brings about changes to sensitive lips, I tucked a lip balm into every lipstick case. It’s a clear balm with a slight flavor, each subscriber received a random choice. This is not your typical wax stick, it’s USDA certified organic, cruelty-free, and does not contain parabens, fillers, or petro chemicals. These balms are 100% natural and full of ingredients that are nourishing for your lips.

Essential Elegance:

If you are one of the subscribers of our Essential Elegance boxes, in addition to the St. Patty’s Day or Easter motif cane charm or zipper pull, we included one of our Expandable Dangle Bangle bracelets. If you chose the St Patrick’s Day cane charm or zipper pull, we created a wire bangle adorned with shamrock green freshwater pearls and crystals, silvery beads, and an adorable little shiny steel 4-leaf clover charm. For those who chose the Easter theme, your bracelet consisted of pink freshwater pearls, pink, gold, and green crystals, a bunny rabbit and a colorful Easter egg shaped enamel charm.

Essential Elegance subscribers also received a lipstick case and satin pouch as described above, along with the lip balm tucked inside. Additionally, I included a hand lotion for you to try, in a lightly fragranced, silky consistency. I don’t know about you, but every change in season gives me chapped hands and lips, so I hope you enjoy these sample skin-savers.

Pro tip:

When you want to take multiple lipstick colors in your bag, it’s easy to differentiate them if the lipstick tubes are each shaped differently. But if you like several colors by the same brand, the tubes may be identical, and those tiny little labels on the bottom can be really hard to read. For those of you who cannot make use of the tiny mirror inside the lipstick case, here’s a tip: If you have low or no vision, and have one of those braille labeling gadgets, note that the width of the mirror is almost exactly the width of the adhesive braille tape. So, use the flat surface of the little mirror as a place to stick the braille tape, after you have embossed the name of your fave shades. As long as you always put the correct shade back into the case, you’ll know which one you are applying. You can always peel off the braille label and stick on a new one if you need to change shades, or, you can order additional lipstick cases if you give us a call. That way, you can have a different case for all of your pretty lipstick colors. Plus, keeping your lipsticks in a case makes them much easier to find in your handbag or tote, and they are an elegant way to keep your cosmetics organized.

Finally, in the spirit of the first signs of spring green and the anticipation of Easter baskets and sweet treats, every box included a little bag of jelly Belly jelly bean candies in both juicy watermelon and green apple flavors.

As always I thank you for being a Sparkle Squad subscriber, and I hope you love this season’s box!

Sparkle on!

Laura

Posted on December 15, 2022December 14, 2022 by Laura Legendary

Christmas bells are ringing!

Season’s greetings to my Sparkle On blog readers! Thank you for your continued support. My plan for 2023 is to bring you more educational content pertaining to gems and jewelry, and I encourage you to reach out if you think of any topics you’d like me to cover. Have a passion for pearls? Curious about clasps? Whether you’re stumped as to how to style your jewelry collection, or want to know more about what’s trending, just let me know. Today’s post is all about the recent Sparkle Squad subscription boxes, and the description of the goodies therein.

Bells bells bells bells bells!

I’ve been asked so many times over the years to design jewelry with bells, and as soon as I find some really beautiful, elegant bells that would look stunning on a piece of jewelry, I will. However, the holidays are a perfect time to jingle jingle jingle, so for the December Sparkle Squad boxes, everyone gets something featuring jingle bells.

The Sparkle Dots box:

I created a special accessory just for this time of year. It’s part of a growing collection called Charmed by the Holidays Touch of Celebration purse charm, and the first of these featured a Halloween theme. Sparkle Dots subscribers received our brand new Touch of Celebration Christmas purse charm, all decked out with green and red faux pearl beads, colorful crystals, and gold tone accents. We further decorated the design with enamel holiday charms, such as a wreath, a candy cane, a snowflake, a stocking, a Christmas tree, and others. No two purse charms are exactly alike. At the bottom of the chain is a grouping of three brass jingle bells, both in shiny as well as glitter finishes. Attach our holiday handbag charm to your favorite tote, clutch, or backpack for a festive flair, and jingle all the way!

A little experiment:

Another request I frequently entertain for my Elegant Insights customers is that of offering gift wrap, or gift boxes. That certainly seems like a good idea for lots of reasons; for sending a gift to a friend or loved one, and you want your purchase to look like a gift, for when you’ve run out of birthday/Easter/Valentine’s Day (or whatever) themed gift wrap, and for convenience, when for the life of you, you cannot find the tape/ribbon/bows anywhere.

Personally, I detest gift-wrapping. I’m terrible at it, and I’ve often taken the lazy way out and used a gift bag, which is easy, popular, and a somewhat hassle-free solution. It’s also not the same as presenting a gift all decked out in finery, when you want to give something special, such as jewelry or a treasured keepsake. We wanted to offer a way you can both request that your purchase be gift boxed, but also, to offer an elegant solution to a vexing problem: What to do when you give a beautiful gift of jewelry or other small item, and don’t have appropriate gift wrapping supplies at hand?

When you order from us, we can fit up to ten items in a box, and if sent to a single address, we can ship for one flat shipping fee. But if you wanted those items gift boxed, there’s no way that more than one box would fit in the shipping packaging we use. Sure, we could just buy cheap cardboard boxes from any online retailer or jewelry packaging supplier, but all you get is a typical white box with a pad of cotton inside. I wanted to come up with something that was practical, pretty, and convenient, and would enable you to pick up a supply you could have on hand, plus matching tags with a stretchy gold cord, and best of all, easy to assemble with no tape required. So, we came up with a design that fit all my criteria, and shipped flat, we can offer packages of 5 or 10 boxes, along with tags that are large enough on which to braille emboss, or to write in large print, readable for your gift recipients who have low or no vision.

I also wanted to create a box that was attractive enough on it’s own that it would not require that you add a ribbon or bow. As a blind person, I have no idea whether or not the ribbons, bows, or tags I’m using coordinate, and keeping all the gift paraphernalia perfectly organized, braille labeled, and accessible is just not high on my list of priorities. In fact, after the holidays, I can’t get rid of all the gift-wrapping detritus fast enough, and I typically shove it all into a bag until next year. I know, TMI.

To get to the point, all subscribers get a set of our prototype gift boxes. As you know from when I first started with the Sparkle Squad, I wanted my subscribers to give me feedback on new designs, so that I could create jewelry and accessories products that work for you. This is one of those items. The boxes are a brilliant, mirror-finish metallic, I’ll offer them in a choice of gold, silver, rose gold, red, and other vibrant shades, and they will all come packaged with a matching tag. Sparkle Dots subscribers get a set of red, and Essential Elegance recipients get a set of Christmas green. Every set will have only one color in it, so you won’t have to worry if this tag goes with that box. Plus, putting the box together is a breeze. It’s already scored where the flaps fold, and you can simply insert the tabs into the slots, and voila! you’re done. If you want to add tape for more security, you can, but you don’t need anything else to put the box together. We may even add coordinating stickers when we roll these out, so even hunting for the tape won’t be necessary. You’ll be able to add a coordinating metallic sticker to seal the boxes, if you wish. The tags are on a stretchy metallic cord that you can simply wrap around the box, or attach some other way if you do want to add a ribbon or bow. So, let me know what you think of our new gift boxes.

A sweet treat:

Everyone has a few pieces of candy in their box. I had to add a candy cane, because it’s just not Christmas without candy canes. There’s a few Hershey’s mint chocolate kisses in there as well, because, you know, I Heart you.

The Essential Elegance box:

All of the Essential Elegance subscribers received a 6-piece wine glass charms set. We will be adding these to the web site for next year, but I wanted you to see them first. Each one is both visually as well as tactually distinct, as each wine glass charm features a different enamel holiday charm and seed beads. Each also has a brass jingle bell attached to a ring that wraps around the stem of your wine glass, coffee or tea cup handle, or the base of a parfait dessert glass. These wine glass charms make it easy to identify your glass from among a group of others, and they add a bit of bling to your holiday table. Each wire ring is a shiny gold, and is secured with a simple hook-and-loop closure. Every time someone picks up their glass, a little jingle jingle makes the sweet sound of the season.

That wraps up the Sparkle Squad collection for 2022. Next year, our boxes will ship on the same schedule: March 10, June 10, September 10, and December 10. If you’d like to subscribe, start here. If you have any suggestions for future boxes, feel free to drop me a note. In the meantime, I wish you and yours a joyful holiday season, and a safe, healthy, and happy New Year!

Sparkle on!

Laura

Subscribe to the Sparkle On blog!

Posted on December 9, 2022 by Laura Legendary

Join me for my live holiday gift guide!

It’s sparkle season! Time to pull out those gold metallic stilettos you wear for holiday parties, the glitter eye shadow reserved for nights out, or the sparkling seed beaded clutch you save for special occasions. Then there’s the jewelry. If it glints, glistens, sparkles, or shines, now is the time to wear it. After all, if you can’t glitter like a disco ball during the holiday season, when can you?

On the other hand, if you’re looking for gifts for friends and loved ones, your choices may be a bit more down to earth. While you may be perfectly comfortable being noticed from across a crowded ballroom, or from space, your gift choices for others may necessitate more personal considerations. For example, do you have someone on your gift list with vision loss? Are they a braille reader? Do they prefer large print? What choices in jewelry and accessories are available especially for people with low or no vision?

If you’re not busy this Saturday, join me for a virtual gift guide to help you pick the perfect present, get your questions answered, or to find a little inspiration for the hard-to-buy for friends on your list. Want more details about a particular product? Need ideas for stocking stuffers? Join me for an hour of great jewelry gifts by clicking the link below:

You’re invited to join me for Jingle All The Way!

When: Saturday, December 10, 2022.

Time: 02:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
5PM Eastern time.

Join the party:

us02web.zoom.us/j/89516914775?pwd=WkJWMG5QdkZGSWZYK2RFYmpuSXFKUT09

Meeting ID: 895 1691 4775
Passcode: 387201

Let me know if you need the full list of dial-in numbers.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind when choosing gifts for people with disabilities, and I can help you to navigate the choppy waters of indecision. If you are already a braille reader, and are looking for gifts for your friends who are too, Zoom in to my live gift guide and share your favorite Elegant Insights designs! Done with your holiday shopping already? Feel free to drop by, sit a spell, and share a bit of holiday cheer.

Merry merry!

Laura

Subscribe to the Sparkle On blog!

Posted on November 21, 2022 by Laura Legendary

Filling the gap from a mishap: My what’s new for holiday 2022 LGS7 segment

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

Subscribe to the Sparkle On blog!

Posted on November 3, 2022November 2, 2022 by Laura Legendary

Everything you need to know to power shop in your pj’s: Let’s Go Shopping for the holidays!

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.com l.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