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

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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

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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

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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

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Posted on November 1, 2022 by Laura Legendary

An easier way to tackle that holiday gift list: Let’s Go Shopping 7 is almost here.

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

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Posted on September 15, 2022September 13, 2022 by Laura Legendary

It’s all about autumn for our Sparkle Squad subscribers!

The change of season means a new Sparkle Squad shipment, and this quarter, we’re all about autumn. Read on for a description of this season’s box!

The Sparkle Dots box:

We wanted you to have the perfect icon of autumn, so we made a set of zipper pulls in gleaming brass and copper, featuring big, beautiful maple leaves. The brass leaf says “hope,” and the copper leaf says “spirit,” in grade 2 braille. Then, we included something useful you can put them on.

Each box contains two canvas zipper pouches, in two sizes. These zippered bags can be used for cosmetics, small tech gadgets, or just use them to keep a purse or backpack organized. Everyone gets a set of two, and you’ll get two different colors, black, beige, and/or pink.

Each zipper pull has a goldtone clip, which attaches to the hole in the zipper tab. Zipper pulls can be a decorative addition to any bag or garment, and they even make opening and closing a finicky zipper easier. to open the clip, just squeeze the sides of the clip inward, and the clip will open up. This type of clasp is called a gate clip, because it swings open like a gate. The zipper pulls can be easily detached from the included zippered pouches, and you can use them wherever you like.

The Essential Elegance box:

Your box also has a set of two canvas bags, in two different sizes, and two different colors, same as above. However, your zipper pulls are a bit more personal. We matched each Essential Elegance box with your initials. So, one zippered bag will have your first name initial, and the other will have your last name initial, in shiny, silvery stainless steel, attached to silvertone clasps.

In addition to the set of two initial zipper pulls and canvas bags, you’ll also receive one of our gorgeous purse charms. Hanging from a large goldtone clip that attaches to the hardware of your handbag is a short length of chain that we’ve adorned with a stunning combination of falling leaves in a variety of shapes, sizes, and metals. We further embellished the design with rich, warm opaque gemstones, such as garnet, amethyst, or riverstone. At the bottom is a large maple leaf charm in beautiful golden brass.

Have a cuppa tea with me!

Finally, I wanted to include one of my personal fall favorites in every box. I’m a coffee drinker, usually, but when I want to take the chill off of a crisp fall day, I love to make a cup of tea. In this case, one of my go-tos is Apple Cinnamon Spice. We tucked a couple of tea bags into a copper metallic box, with the word, “tea,” debossed into the foil. This one is sugar and caffeine free, so add your sweetener of choice and enjoy the aromatic blend as your wrap your hands around a steaming mug to warm them. Cuddle up with a fuzzy throw, and sip away the shivers.

Your Sparkle Squad contents are all wrapped in tissue covered with fall foliage designs, perfectly coordinating with the colors and theme of each box.

As always, we hope you love your Sparkle Squad subscription items, and feel free to drop us a note if you would like to make a request for something specific in a future box. Want to join the Sparkle Squad? Follow this link for all the subscription details!

Sparkle on!

Laura

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Posted on August 17, 2022August 16, 2022 by Laura Legendary

An event that’s truly wag-worthy: The Dog Days of Summer!

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

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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