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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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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.

Photo of Essential Elegance box contents.  Showing black and beige pouches with initial letter zipper pulls attached, a metallic copper box that says "tea," and an autumn leaves purse charm. Photo of the Sparkle Dots box contents.  Showing black and beige canvas pouches, copper and brass maple leaf zipper pulls, and metallic copper foil box that says "tea."

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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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.

Photo of dog bone necklace and matching earrings on a purple background.

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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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.

Close-up photo of an enhancer finding, open.

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.

Photo of the Starfish enhancer pendant, with seahorse and seashell charms, peach, pink, and sand colored freshwater perals

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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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.

Photo of the Sand & Sea Expandable Dangle Bangle Bracelet on a purple background.

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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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. Photo of a necklace with white beads along the length of a brass cable chain.

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:

Victorialand Beauty logo

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.

Photo of two pairs of earrings, dragonflies, left, and butterflies, right.

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.

Photo of dangle earrings with round white beads at top and bottom points of a diamond-shaped cloisonné bead.

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!

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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
Photo of our Why I Fly Butterfly Dangle Earrings, Sunny Skies Necklace, and Garden Party Bracelet on a purple background.

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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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.

Photo of all three bangle bracelet sets, overlapping from left to right, purple, pink, turquoise.

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!

Photo showing this season's packaging, with business card, purple metallic box, 3 bracelets and a turquoise mesh bag on a purple background.

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

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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!

Photo showing Sparkle Dots Box contents, with zippered bag and gold box at right, bracelet at left, lying on gold metallic tissue.

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.

Photo of Essential Elegance Box contents, with zippered bag and bracelet on left, Snowman Holiday Ornament leaning against gold foil box, right, against a background of gold metallic tissue.

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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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:

Photo of the Snowman Holiday Ornament, braille embossed with Merry Christmas 2021. He has an engraved face and buttons, a textured,patterned hat, and he is wearing a blue silk cord scarf.

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:

Photo of the Kitty Craze purse charm on a purple background

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.
Photo of the Always and Forever 3-piece set, with bracelet, necklace and earrings in copper with rose quartz beads

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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