ESTHER K DESIGNS

Happy Holidays

2011-12-25T14:21:00.000-05:00

To all my customers, family and friends may the holidays be magical for you and your loved ones. I wish you all warmth, love and moments to remember.

Peace & Love

Esther K

BRAIDED ROPE NECKLACES

2011-10-02T14:33:00.000-04:00

I am always looking for new techniques in designing one of a kind or limited edition pieces. I explore different ways to incorporate the technique into designs. My latest technique is braiding.

Exploring the design market for materials and colour that can be challenging and rewarding. I discovered man made silk which comes in luxurious jewel tones.

Just a few of the designs so far shown below. The possibilities for design are endless.

Prices of the pieces vary and start at $18 for bracelets up to $200 for necklaces.

ROUGH CUT BLUE LACE AGATE STONE ON BRAIDED GOLD TONE ROPE.

RUBY RED TASSLE NECKLACE ON BRAID ROPE

STERLING PLATED TOGGLE AND FINDINGS
CHOCKER LENGTH $45 CDN

TURQUOISE PENDANT ON BLACK BRAIDED ROPE. $95 CDN

STERLING PLATED FINDINGS

Bracelets in various sizes and colours

UNISEX BRAIDED BRACELET WITH INDUSTRIAL CLOSURE $18 CDN

WOVEN BRACELETS

2011-08-07T22:33:00.003-04:00

I just realized that I haven't posted since April.

Today with camera in hand I am ready to show you what I have been up to.

A sophisticated version of the friendship bracelet. The technique is macrame and Chinese silk wrap. Unisex in gun metal and reversible.

For more bracelet designs visit Esther K on Facebook

Leather, Suede & Chains

2011-04-19T21:50:00.000-04:00

Black chains and suede ribbons of blue, red and yellow. The black onyx beads coordinate with the black chain. This design is available in a variety of colours and lengths.

GIVEAWAY WINNER

2011-02-16T21:44:00.000-05:00

Goldfill Leverback with Vermeil Hoops & Swarovski Crystal Drops $129

Anna Patricio of Toronto is the winner of the Valentine's Giveaway contest.

Thank you Anna for your love story submission which we will feature on the Esther K blog.

Congrats!

Esther K

VALENTINES CONTEST CLOSES

2011-02-16T12:42:00.000-05:00

Thank you for your love stories for this great Valentine's giveaway. The winner will be emailed and announced on Estherkerima.blogspot.com.

Esther K.

THE FRINGE

2011-02-08T22:49:00.000-05:00

Iolite tubes $129

I adore these perfect tubes of yellow, blue and purple Iolite. Iolite comes from the Greek word for violet. Each bead exhibits colour variations. Iolite is also known as water sapphire. To exhibit their beauty and show off their colours the beads are pinned by hand to form a fringe necklace.

VALENTINE GIVEAWAY EXTENDED TO FEBRUARY 14, 2001

2011-02-07T18:15:00.000-05:00

Esther K has decided to extend the Valentine Giveaway an entire week. You have until February 14th to send in your love story for a chance to win. Send your story to info@estherkdesigns.com

VALENTINE GIVEAWAY

2011-01-25T18:00:00.000-05:00

Every Valentine's Day for several years my mother would receive a dozen long stemmed red roses. The card would say from a "Secret Admirer". Then in 1985 the roses stopped coming and I remember how sad she was.

The truth is that my sister had been sending them to my mother all those years and when my sister passed away, the roses stopped coming. My mother never suspected who her secret admirer was.

In honour of my mother and my sister this Valentine's Day Esther K is having a giveaway.

Goldfilled lever back earrings with Vermeil hoops
& Swarovski Tear drops valued $129

Tell me your love story and these gorgeous earrings can be yours.

Email me at Esther@estherkdesigns.com

Include your name, phone number and return address by February 7th, 2011. The winner will be chosen by a panel of 3 judges and notified by email and announced on Twitter. This giveaway is open to all residents of Canada.

Peace & Love
Esther K

Toronto Youth Theatre Presents A Chorus Line

2011-01-12T21:04:00.001-05:00

Chorus Line is set on the bare stage of a Broadway theatre during an audition for a musical. The show provides a glimpse into the personalities of the performers and the choreographer as they describe the events that have shaped their lives and their decisions to become dancers.

The Toronto Youth Theatre are a group of talented young people who will be performing 10 shows. Click on the provided link for times and date and enjoy a theatre night out with your friends. I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Click on the provided link for performance night and ticket prices.

Hope to see you there.

Peace
Esther K

CUBIC ZIRCONIA

2011-01-09T20:06:00.003-05:00

The intenseness and vibrant colours of cubic zirconias make them a designer's choice for earrings not to mention the endless shapes. The collection of earrings paired with sterling silver earwires or goldfill range in prices from a low as $29 to $109.

There is something here for everyone's taste.

Olive Green Ovals on Goldfill Kidney Wires
Long $49

Tangerine Triangles on Sterling Kidney Wires
Short $29

Olive Green Petals on Goldfill Kidney Wires
Long $49.00Add caption

Champagne Triangles on Rodium French Hooks
$89

Royal Purple on Goldfill Levebacks
$59

As you can see the bold colours and wonderful shapes are irresistible and will compliment any wardrobe with a splash of colour.

Peace
Esther K

SMOKEN HOT QUARTZ

2011-01-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

My latest acquisition to my ever growing stash of supplies and materials are rondell shaped, facet-cut smokey quartz, hand knotted to preserve the quality of the stone. Knotting in between the stones prevents scratching.

The photograph below shows an 18 inch necklace of smaller stones. These stones come in two sizes and necklaces can be made at any desired length.

Prices vary depending on length and size of stones $89 - $199

For more details please contact me at info@estherkdesigns.com.

Peace

Esther K

PREVIEW

2011-01-04T17:39:00.000-05:00

A preview of what lies ahead for Spring/Summer 2011. Since being given a new camera for Christmas I have been photographing none stop.

CELEBRATE

2010-12-31T12:04:00.000-05:00

In my last post I mentioned that I received a camera for Christmas and I have been photographing whatever I can. This Buddha was purchased many years ago and I treasure it. I am not devoutly religious although I am spiritual. At midnight tonight I will toast the ringing in of a 2011 with three generations of family. This year I will be making resolutions that I know I can keep. Among those resolutions I will resolve to open my eyes to the beauty that surrounds me. I will resolve to open my ears to the needs of others. I will open my heart to receive and give love. Above all I will strive to bring joy to all who cross my path.

It is with love that I wish you all a joyous New Year.

Esther K

Never Say Never

2010-12-26T23:31:00.000-05:00

John presented me with a camera for Christmas. This was such a surprise because I've been harbouring a desire to buy one and try my hand at photographing my own jewellery. The outcome is rather surprising to me as I've never taken a decent picture however I think I did a pretty decent job of it. The best part is that I will not have to depend on anyone to take photographs for me.

Peace
Esther K

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2010-12-24T16:50:00.000-05:00

"Good news from heaven the angels bring,
Glad tidings to the earth they sing
To us this day a child is given,
To crown us with the joy of heaven."...

Martin Luther King

I wish you peace on earth and goodwill to all this holiday season

Esther K

Chrysophase

2010-09-30T23:29:00.000-04:00

Luxury is defined as a material object conducive to sumptuous living, elegance or refinement of living rather than a necessity. Each highly polished chrysophase is knotted carefully by hand on silk and closed with a 14 kt clasp. Wearable long or double strand, you will no doubt feel the luxury of owning this handcrafted necklace.

Bridal Jewelry

2010-06-02T12:49:00.000-04:00

Long ago in a land far away there lived a princess bride by the name of Satin White. Satin needed the perfect pearl necklace to compliment her wedding gown. She sent her maidens out to scour the village shops and each one came back with a pearl necklace to present to their princess. Satin looked at each necklace but was disappointed with what her maidens brought back. The pearls were not shiny enough or round enough or satiny enough. Sad and disappointed Satin advised her mother that the wedding cannot go on and with that said, she retired to her room never to be heard from again.

While the ending to this story is unimaginable, finding the perfect pearl necklace to compliment your dress can be an undaunting task to say the least. Be it crystals or pearls Esther K will collaborate with you to design the perfect necklace. Don't let what happened to Satin White be your story. Call for your free consult.

Summer 2010 Esther K Collection

2010-04-05T22:43:00.000-04:00

The Esther K Summer 2010 collection is now available for touring. Esther K will bring a jewellery trunk show to your living room. Gather your circle of friends and get set to model the latest in white, red and orange coral necklaces. Turquoise necklaces of every shape and size,earrings from sparkly to wooden as well as one of a kind bracelets.

If you are planning a wedding in 2010 you will be excited to view the Esther K bridal collection. When booking your trunk show, let us know that you are interested in bridal jewellery.

At the same time if you would like a private make-up consult for you and your bridal party, Esther K can arrange for Pierce Rees, former make up artist to Dior and Naars to attend.

Touring trunk shows and make up consult is a special kick off event to Esther K and will only be available for May and June 2010.

Email info@estherkdesigns.com to book a date and time.

COLOURS OF SPRING

2010-04-05T14:53:00.000-04:00

Is winter over yet? It must be because Fashion Week has come and gone and I see colour in the stores. As much as I need sun for the vitamin D I need colour to lift my spirit. During those dull days of winter, I am so involved with black, brown and grey with the occasional jolt of colour via a scarf or pashmina, that I have to break out and do colour. Stacy and Clinton from TLC would probably embarass me if they had a look at my closet during the winter. So I'm officially saying goodbye winter and hello spring.

PURE & NATURAL

2010-03-29T21:25:00.002-04:00

Since 500 B.C., the benefits of olive oil on the body have been widely known. The advantages are not just limited to inside the body. Olive oil soap is healthy for the skin. Rich in vitamin E and beta carotene, olive oil is an antioxidant which stimulates new cell generation and fights cell degeneration

Unlike commercial soaps found in grocery stores olive oil, goat’s milk, hemp and glycerine soaps do not contain synthetic ingredients that will cause skin irritations and is known to be beneficial in the treatment of eczema and skin irritations. Fragrant scents such as Blood Orange Pomegranate, Thai Lemongrass and Sleepy Chamomile are all naturally made by a family owned soap company based in Toronto

Personal attention by Jace Soapworks is paid to each and every bar of soap handcut in sizes of approximately 205g for $8 CDN or personal size mini bars at 34g available in 2 per bag at $5 CDN.

Visit Jace Soapworks and order your favorite fragrance. Wonderful for gift giving Jace Soapworks will also consider custom scents and colours.

http://www.jacesoap.com/

Peace

Esther K

RUSSIAN CRYSTALS

2010-03-28T23:54:00.000-04:00

To invest or not to invest. When trends come and go its so important to invest in pieces that are timeless. Shimmering prisms of finely cut crystals suspended on sterling silver are the "little black dress". Year after year these will prove to be sophisticated and a must in any wardrobe.

PIE MAGAZINE

2010-03-02T20:04:00.000-05:00

So much has happened since the last time I blogged. First of all thank you to Kira Bucca (http://www.kirabucca.com/). Kira is an amazing photographer who used my jewelry in her photoshoot and we were published in PIE Magazine.

Thank you to Pierce Rees for make-up and hair.

Sarah for being gorgeous.

Olga for your vision and Kira for being you.

Peace & Love in 2010

EstherK

2009-07-15T20:46:00.007-04:00

Lately I've been attracted to larger stones like these purple agate and smokey glass stone in this piece. As dramatic as the stones are, the feature of this necklace is in the gold octagon pieces combined with 24kt gold plated circles.

Wrap it Up

2009-06-18T18:18:00.005-04:00

Coral wrap is a hot ticket item. These are limited edition and are made customized for you. Wraps come in double wrap or triple wrap. If you want to make a fashion statement consider, wraping four times. Prices start at $48 for the double wrap. All wraps are hand knotted. To order your wrap, email me at info@estherkdesigns.com.

Peace
Esther K

Feisty Seniors at Lawrence Heights Community Centre

2009-06-12T22:23:00.009-04:00

I love to teach techniques. One of those techniques is knotting on string. My students have ranged from pre-teen to middle age. Today, I taught Jean. Jean is 83 years young and with a zest for learning the likes of which I have never seen. Jean at the age of 83 drove herself over to the Lawrence Heights Community Centre from Guildwood in Scarborough where she awaited my arrival. Classes began at 10 a.m. and Jean arrived at 9:30 a.m. That's enthusiasm! Jean tells me she drives all the way to this community centre because she loves the programs, not to mention the members. This group of Feisty Seniors dazzled me. With nifty fingers, and complete concentration they mastered the technique of knotting as if they had been doing this all of their lives. Lawrence Heights Community Centre offers seniors Games & Crafts on Tuesdays, Healthy Cooking on Wednesday and Bingo on Thursdays. The women I had the pleasure of meeting today were lively and spirited with a zest for learning. I was honoured to be be in their presence and am looking forward to seeing them again.

Jean at the age of 83

Helen at the age of 79

Carol hard at work

Private Workshops 101

2009-03-21T19:34:00.003-04:00

Workshops are a great venue for a lady's day. Once again, I will be taking registration for private workshops. Get the girls together for an afternoon of learning. Class size of 4 to 6 is ideal. Classes range from 101 to wireworking, crocheting, silk knotting, etc. Drop me a line by email for details info@estherkdesigns.com

Peace
Esther K

The Reveal

2009-03-08T20:45:00.020-04:00

A few examples of whats coming up on the website for spring and summer 2009. Cushion cut cubic zirconias are all the rage in purple paired with goldfill. Purple crystals, red facet cut coral and finally aquamarine.

I am working ever so hard to get things organized to upload to the website within the next few weeks. There will be an earring gallery which is new to the Esther K site. I am excited about this new collection and I look forward to hearing your feedback.

Peace
Esther K

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION WEEK

2009-02-06T09:45:00.003-05:00

In honour of my customers, Esther K is holding its first ever Customer Appreciation Sale.

For details of this sale click on the link "Customer Appreciation Week"

To take advantage of this sale, contact Esther for an appointment.

Peace
Esther K

PIERCE REES BEAUTY EXPERT

2009-02-05T12:30:00.004-05:00

Pierce Rees is currently one of the most sought after beauty experts in Canada, with expertise in make-up, hair and fashion. Originally from Toronto Canada Pierce was the Western Regional Beauty Expert for Christian Dior. And is currently the Business Manager for Armani Cosmetics. Having participated in fashion week in Sao Paulo Brazil, London England and Toronto Canada, Pierce will tell you his passion in make-up lay with fashion and photography. Pierce's influence has been seen in every form from beauty magazines to music videos from advertisements to the woman walking down the street. At Borealis Pierce personally created one of the most innovative and advanced curriculum in the field, drawing from his personal experience as well as enlisting the help of make-up and industry experts.

I have asked Pierce to keep us up to date on the latest trends in make-up and I am hoping to be able to post this shortly. In the meantime email info@estherkdesigns with any make-up and fashion questions which I will pass on to him.

Peace
Esther

New Year - New Look

2009-02-03T23:26:00.002-05:00

I can't believe we're already into February 2009 and I haven't blogged. It goes without saying that life is hectic for most of us. Early in January I endeavoured to get motivated to blog more often and revamp the look of my blog. Obviously, I am a little slow but, coming alive. I think its the short days, lack of sun and most of all snow... I for one am ready for spring. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither was this blog. Having said that, please be patient while I revamp. I assure you however that my spring collection is exciting and will soon be revealed.

Peace
Esther K

Happy Holidays to My Clients and Friends

2008-12-24T18:14:00.004-05:00

To my clients and friends I would like to thank you for making this a good year for Esther K Designs and I am looking forward to 2009 and what it will bring.

Wherever you are and whatever you celebrate in the coming weeks, I hope your holidays are filled with peace, prosperity, and love.

Esther K

Workshop 101

2008-08-09T22:15:00.004-04:00

What a great bunch of students I worked with at Borealis Academy. They were enthusiastic to learn techniques and caught on quickly. Thank you to Borealis and all the students who took part in the workshop. I am looking forward to seeing some of your creations in the future.

Peace
Esther K

That's a Wrap!

2008-06-02T18:44:00.012-04:00

Wire wrapping is a hot trend in jewellery design. These ruby red earrings are wire wrapped with Swarovski crystals. To learn this latest trend, I am holding a three day workshop at the Borealis Academy in Richmond, British Columbia scheduled for:

August 8, 2008 - 7 pm to 10 pm
August 9, 2008 - 2 pm to 5 pm
August 10, 2008 - 2 pm to 5 pm

Classes are hands on and very creative. Minimal use of tools is required. This is a beginner's class. For information about this workshop you can email info@borealiscademy.com or call (604) 304-3303.

Peace
Esther K

Celebrate Your Mother

2008-03-16T18:44:00.003-04:00

"All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother."- quote Abraham Lincoln

We all made prints of our hands in clay and paper cards in art class for Mother's Day and your Mother treasured your gift forever. Now that you have grown you can still create an heirloom piece that your Mother will be proud to wear. Be it a triple strand bracelet, dangling sparkly earrings, or a semi precious necklace, the design possibilities are as endless as your imagination. I am available to consult with you on design and price but please remember to allow 4 - 6 weeks for delivery. Esther K gift certificates are also available. Celebrate your Mother this May 11, 2008.

Peace

Esther K

The Psychology of Colour In Design

2008-02-26T19:46:00.004-05:00

As integral as shape and texture is in the designing of jewellery, colour and colour combination is as vital in appeal to the consumer. Psychological aspects of colour often seem more emotional and personal than scientific. Selection of accessories are dependent upon personal colour preferences and moods. Red for instance says hot and flirty while soft shades of pink say feminine, demure. The principle of character is used to determine which energies are expressed most by an individual. A person who typically wears red is conveying sex appeal as the colour of red is associated with love. While earth tones express down to earth and relaxed. Professionally speaking, black is powerful while white is purety. Expressing your personal mood is as simple as sporting a flirtatious red necklace. As a designer my inspiration for the colour I work with on any given day, is dependent upon my mood.

Peace
Esther K

2007-03-04T15:29:00.000-05:00

With the wedding season just around the corner, I am here to remind all you brides, mother's of the bride or groom, sisters and bridesmaids that custom created jewellery is your answer. I often get calls from brides advising how time consuming finding the right pieces for their wedding can be. It is really as simple as a phone call. As Melanie can tell you, custom jewellery adds a personal touch and is a treasured gift for bridesmaids, knowing their jewellery was created especially for them for this occasion. The great thing is that they can continue to wear their necklaces time and time again. Have a look at these lovely bridesmaids wearing Petite versions of Baby Tears.

If you would like to design jewellery for your wedding party, please allow 6 - 8 weeks. Call me and I will be delighted consult with you.

Peace

Esther K

2007-02-19T22:18:00.000-05:00

Baby Tears is making her debut this Friday, February 23, 2007 at the wedding of Melanie C.

More petite versions of this sparkling necklace were created for the bridesmaids.

Congratulations to Melanie C and your future husband.

Peace & Love
Esther K

2007-01-01T14:30:00.000-05:00

As many of you toasted midnight and the arrival of 2007, I as well toasted the arrival feeling rather good about what the New Year will bring. I wish you all hope in your future, romance in your lives and may good fortune smile down upon you.

Peace

Esther K

2006-11-30T17:29:00.000-05:00

On my last post I talked about customers who take part in the design of custom jewellery. Breeanna is one such person. This past summer Breeanna came to me with a design for a simple sterling silver bracelet with a sterling bead dangle she dubbed the “Breeana” bracelet. A further bracelet was commissioned for a close friend. As we speak I am working on more"Breeanna Bracelets" for two of her friends. Very simple, very nice for gifts for her circle of friends for Christmas. Distinctly different and apart from everyone else but exclusive to her and her friends.
Peace
Esther K

2006-09-25T19:00:00.000-04:00

Well here I am, upfront and personal. I never thought I would ever post a picture of myself but I have been told by a very good source that posting a picture of oneself is a way for your clients to see who you are. I have also been told that blogging is a good way for your clients to get to know who you are. Those of you who know me, also know that I hate having my picture taken let alone posting it on the website for every one to see. Having said that, this is one picture that I really do love. It was taken after many years of passive aggressive persuasion by my photographer daughter. So, I am proudly displaying it for all to see.

I have created this blog as an outlet for topics related to jewelry design and beading. If you have any suggestions please feel free to let me know. Until the next time, welcome to my blog and I look forward to hearing from you.

Peace
Esther