College-Style

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Insider: How to Make and Sell Jewelry in a College Town Posted: 05 Aug 2011 08:18 AM PDT By: Piper of University of Georgia. Follow me @PiperEDavis. As college students we are always in need of a little extra cash, and what better way to make some money than by creating something unique you and all your friends can enjoy? Courtney Akers is a rising Senior at the University of Georgia and has a thriving jewelry business in Athens that she started on a whim.  I sat down with her to discuss how she got into the trade, and to give you readers some ideas about how to start a jewelry business of your own! Courtney Akers a jewelry designer from the University of Georgia Q: What made you want to start making your own jewelry and how did you get started? A: I first began making jewelry during Christmas 2010.I was 20 then. I wanted these beautiful pair of earrings for Christmas this past year and when "Santa" decided I didn't need them, I was convinced I could make something similar. One day when I was extremely bored, I went to the craft store to get supplies. That day I made all kinds of earrings and bracelets. I had so much fun doing it and making jewelry I actually wanted. About a week later I made my Etsy Account and it took off. When I got back to school I wore my earrings all the time. I was asked by one of the girls I work with at The Red Dress Boutique if I would make her a pair of earrings to match her birthday outfit. When I took them to the store for her my boss was there… the only thing she said was,"We need to talk."  Of course, I thought I was in trouble, but she told me she wanted to carry my jewelry line in her store!  If it wasn't for Red Dress, I don't think I would be where I am now. Q: What is the style and inspiration of your jewelry? A. Hmmm that’s tough… I would say that my style is a trendy mixed with classic. I like to combine styles and form my own.  My inspiration comes from life. Everyday I see things that inspire me: colors, shapes, textures.  Sometimes I feel like I have so many ideas that I had to start carrying a notebook with me to sketch ideas. Q: How do you balance college life with your jewelry business? A: It's very difficult. I had a rough semester this spring trying to balance it all but now I have it down. I have to set aside time specifically for jewelry and the same with school. I am lucky to have such great parents that give me amazing advice and help anytime I need it. Without them, it would be impossible. Q: What is your advice for other college students interested in jewelry making? A: Go for it! I never really thought it was possible, I just sold my jewelry to friends and family and then with some luck it just took off. As long as you believe in yourself and what you are making you will find success. (sounds cheesy I know, but it really is true.) Making Your Own Jewelry I looked to my favorite how to website, youtube, to find some videos to give anyone interested in jewelry making instruction on how to create some of this summer’s most popular jewelry trends. Go to these links and learn to create your own pieces similar to Coutrney’s! How to Make a Beaded Wrap Bracelet A beaded wrap bracelet created by Courtney. How to Make Wire Wrapped Rings Two of Courtney’s wire rings. Interested in Courtney’s Pieces? Visit Courtney’s Etsy account or the Red Dress Boutique to see some of her unique hand-crafted jewelry. Thoughts What are your thoughts on starting your own jewelry line in college? Send us stories of your experiences and pictures of jewelry that you have created and they could be featured on the site! For more summer jewelry trends look read my last post about layering bracelets.

Couture Kicks: Making Your Own Custom Shoes Posted: 05 Aug 2011 07:18 AM PDT By: Rachel McAlexander of University of Georgia. I know, just the word 'couture' makes your credit card look for the scissors all on its own. We're all college students here, but that doesn't mean we should file our dreams of wearing one-of-a-kind apparel next to "Becoming President" and "Marrying Ken." Start by thinking more in the direction of DIY. The only thing your bank account is responsible for is hooking you up with a pair of white Vans. Once you've got those, rummage through your Sharpie collection for your favorite colors—make sure you've got both the ultra-fine and standard tip kind. When lecture is a bit tedious or there is a monstrous commercial break during True Blood, just be thinking about possible design ideas. When you've got the perfect design in mind, put the iTunes on shuffle, get in a comfy chair and go to town sketching it out. Now, I know this isn't rocket science and all you O-Chem majors think you've got this, but here are a few tips: Tips for Making Your Own Couture Kicks: 1)    It helps to stuff the shoes with paper or socks in order to give you a flat surface to draw on. 2)    Colors are GREAT, but don't get crazy. The more colors you put on them, the less outfits you will be able to pair them with. 3)    Start with the ultra-fine tip markers first because they don't bleed. Use them for the major detailing and outlining. When you start coloring in your design, keep in mind that the standard tip Sharpies will bleed. Use them a bit more sparingly and don't get too close to your outlines. Wouldn't want it to look like you never learned to color inside the lines. 4)    Don't draw on the semi-circle shaped piece of fabric on the back of the shoe. The fabric there causes the marker to bleed terribly. If you hate to leave it blank, only use the ultra-fine tips on it. 5)    Fear not should you decide to wear them and get caught in an unexpected rainstorm: Yes, they can get wet once they're finished. Mine have been visited by Johnny Raincloud a time or two. 6)    "Um…I can't draw." That raises an issue to be sure. But most of us can claim to have at least one good friend with an artistic flair AND they mean even more when the drawing is a gift. If not, you can always befriend an art major once you're at school. 7)    Random strangers will stop you to ask you where you got your shoes. But, come on, what girl doesn't like her unique look to get a little notoriety? See now? You can tell your credit card to step away from the scissors. There's no need for Mr. Visa to leave you before you get going on your Chegg and Amazon textbook extravaganza. If you're willing to put in the time and creativity, you'll have a unique pair of shoes to rock around campus. As if you need another plus: they're comfortable too! You're welcome, my sore-footed, sandal-wearing friends. Thoughts? What do you think of our new guest contributor and her awesome ideas for designing shoes? Will you be running out to buy a new pair of white Vans or Converses? If you tried the trend and rocked it, send us pictures to info@college-style.com and you could be featured on the site!

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