Oh Baby!

I just created this adorable bracelet for little baby girl. It is going to be a baptismal present. I think it so adorable (and tiny) and is a lovely keepsake. A client of mine showed me a few pictures with elements that she liked and I came up with the bracelet.



I love when clients come to me with ideas and pictures. It helps with the creative process and everyone is happy with the finished product.

Crystallized with Artbeads

Those of you who know me personally know about my love for Penn State University. My husband and I both went there for undergrad, as well as most of my extended family. So, my kids do not have a choice in the matter. Even though they are ages 6 and 2 they will be going there. It's a family tradition. I'm only partially joking here...LOL!

The bracelet I created for Artbeads' Swarovski Month is inspired by tradition and Penn State University colors (blue and white). I used various sizes of faceted crystal roundels, small white crystal pearls, a filagree crystal lily as a charm, and a sterling silver crystal toggle. Since, I create jewelry for bridal party attendants, I thought this would be really stunning and different colors could be used to match bridesmaid dresses.











Let me know what you think and We Are.........

Penn State

The Whole Package

The Whole Package

You could say that five designing women were thinking outside the box when they came up with the idea of packaging their talents inside a box.

Specifically, “A Wedding in a Box.”

The friends’ services and products — custom jewelry, honeymoon planning, photography, makeup consulting and yoga/massage — don’t literally come packed in a box, of course.

But for the time and frustration the one-stop shopping can save, the concept itself might seem like it’s gift-wrapped and tied with a bow to a detail-oriented bride-to-be.

“It all has to do with branding,” said Carrie Grabowicz, the jewelry crafter of the group.

“We do give out a jewelry-size bracelet type box that has our cards inside explaining all about our services. So everyone sort of can remember us as ‘those box people.’ The idea just makes it all easier for brides, with everything in one place, neatly packaged up for you.”

The idea for A Wedding in a Box evolved from the successful businesses of the five women, who found that the synergy of collaborating ultimately enhanced the experience for the entire bridal party, Grabowicz noted.

“Brides can benefit from our combined expertise. We combine our talents and treat brides the way they should be treated, with custom and personal touches that are top notch.”

The partnership helps each of the A Wedding in a Box businesses grow independently as well, she added.

“We’re all separate entities and function separately,” Grabowicz said. “ But ‘A Wedding in a Box’ is a way to have five people promoting you, working together and trying to offer you the best.”

Should photographer Melia Rios-Lazo’s display at The Court at King of Prussia, promoting her own business, Priceless Moments, drum up some new clients for her, it could well bring some of those wedding dollars to the other partners’ endeavors as well.

“Everything we offer can also be purchased a la carte,” Grabowicz pointed out. “So people aren’t obligated to take everything we offer.”

With Hammi Jammi Jewelry, Grabowicz creates brooches and other pieces of “wearable art” from sterling silver, copper and even domino tiles.

“My company name comes from a name I gave my kids when they’re acting goofy,” she said, laughing. “I customize everything according to what the bride wants, like earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Many brides tend to wear pearls, but sometimes they may want something a little more bold, like a ruby color.”

The jewelry items can be for the bride herself, or for the bridesmaids to wear the day of the wedding, Grabowicz said.

Squaring off “A Wedding in a Box” enticements are stress-relieving yoga and massage by therapist Barbara Kosciewicz, who tends to both “the bodies and minds of the wedding party,” makeup and skin care attention by Clare Herkendaal of Arbonne and honeymoon possibilities offered by CruiseOne’s Danielle Weber.

Though most of the women live in Pottstown, they are all “very mobile” and available to present a mini bridal show throughout the area, Grabowicz said.

“A bride and her attendants can have a massage, try on make-up, enjoy a high fashion photography session, learn about honeymoon destinations, try on some one-of-a-kind jewelry ... while enjoying camaraderie with friends — and some chocolate.”

Guess What People Are Sayin'????

I thought I would let all my faithful readers out there know what people are saying about Hammi Jammi Jewelry:

"I have several of Carrie's creations and always receive so many compliments! I also bought a necklace and earrings for my mom for Christmas. She is IMPOSSIBLE to please! But, when she opened her gift she was so visibly pleased. She only seemed disappointed that it didn't match her outfit!" --Anna

"Carrie's jewelry is beautiful, unique, and well-made. Carrie is an absolute pleasure to do business with...she will work with you and figure out exactly what you want!!!" --Kristin

"Carrie makes very unique brooches from domino tiles and wire wraps them in a charming style. Love these pins because they are larger than the current trendy scrabble tile pendants. They stand out when worn. I know I get a lot of comments about mine! Carrie is quite a clever designer." --Ally

"Carrie does just beautiful, quality work! I am proud to wear her pieces and always get compliments on them! I would highly recommend Carrie and Hammi Jammi Jewelry!" --Jean

"Carrie's jewelry is creative, beautiful, and well-made. She does personal consultations to create special pieces designed to your liking. I highly recommend Hammi Jammi jewelry for gorgeous everyday pieces - as a treat for yourself or a gift for someone special. You will not be disappointed!" --Shelley

"I have several pieces of jewelry from Carrie and I LOVE them all. She made a custom grandmother necklace for my mother in law, and has customized pieces for me. Her customer service is excellent, her jewelry is made to order and done quickly and the prices are affordable. I would highly recommend Carrie for gift ideas, special events or for something special for yourself!" --Barbara

Do you want $40 towards custom jewely?

I haven't had much of a chance to blog lately. School's out for the summer and although the kids are enjoying some free time, Mom doesn't have too much free time to do the things she likes to do. I like to blog, make jewelry, read. I like to spend time with my children, however taking a toddler to the pool everyday is pretty exhausting. I'm sure you all know what I mean....LOL!

Well, in honor of the summer months, I am doing a giveway for a $40 CREDIT towards custom jewelry. This is what you need to do to be entered into this giveaway:

1) Tell me what you LOVE about summer or something special you are going to do with your children this summer (1 entry)

2) Tell me what kind of jewelry creation you would like to have especially let me know color palette (1 entry)

This contest will start today and go through Sunday, June 28.

Happy Summer!

A Tribute To My Father

Happy 60th Birthday, Daddy!!!
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Sunrise, Sunset

Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?
I don't remember growing older
When did they?
When did she get to be a beauty?
When did he grow to be so tall?
Wasn't it yesterday
When they were small?
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly flow the days
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Blossoming even as we gaze
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears
What words of wisdom can I give them?
How can I help to ease their way?
Now they must learn from one another
Day by day
They look so natural together
Just like two newlyweds should be
Is there a canopy in store for me?
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears

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Daddy, I know that this is a song about a wedding, but it has special meaning for you and I. We danced to this song at my wedding and it really has a nice message. It talks about how the years are full of wonderful memories and to appreciate all the special times that people share together. I wanted to share a few memories I have of things that we did together that have impacted me.

•As a little girl, I would “help” you chop wood outside at our old house. I was little but you let me pick up wood and set it in place for you. I think I really was just outside so Mom could get Little Shelley to rest, but I thought I was really helping. You always paid me a few quarters for helping. I think this was one of my first lessons in working for money. Thank you for money lessons!

•I also have great memories of getting up bright and early to go fishing on Lake Jamie with you. I felt so special doing this. I also remember you teaching me how to throw and catch a baseball. I was a girl, but you never taught me just girl activities. You wanted me to achieve anything my heart desired. Thank you for self-confidence!

•You never let me give up. You made me follow through with the things I started. I remember many nights working on homework or doing a special science project. If you didn’t already know, my mind isn’t exactly mathematical or overly scientific. These subjects were difficult for me to comprehend, but you always made me finish the problem or the project. You always reminded me to “have fun and work carefully.” Thank you perseverance!

•I have great memories of going on family vacations and having extended family dinners. Even though sometimes it’s a little crazy, I really appreciate your dedication to family. I hope I can continue many of the traditions with my own kids and teach them that family is the center of it all. Thank you for family!

•Because of all you have taught me and instilled in me, I found a man to marry who has many of the same characteristics as you do. They say that for little girls, the daddies are the first men that they love. Then they try to find a man like their father to marry. I really believe that this is true. Brian is a hard worker and dedicated to his family and so are you. Thank you for showing me what to look for!

•You were present when both of my children were born. It really is special to see you with my boys. You have become such a wonderful grandfather and I love how my children love you. You do all the things you did with me and the cycle continues. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

With these few memories, you have molded and shaped me into who I am and who I will become. You have imparted great advice on my husband, my children, and myself. You are respected and honored more than you ever will know. I just want you to know that you touch my life in so many ways and I love you with all of my heart.

Golden Horizons

I just created this necklace last night. A dear friend purchased the pendant for me while she was traveling. It might not have actually been meant to be a pendant, but that's what I used it for. I paired it with some polished glass beads and bali style spacers and a clasp. I think it's really stunning and wanted to share it with everyone in the blogosphere.



I also wanted to remind everyone that I LOVE to make custom jewelry and put lots of ideas up on my blog. I don't add a lot of new stuff to my shoppe because I like to have input from the customers when I create. With that in mind, if you ever see something you like on my blog, I can create it in a different color or change it around to suit your needs.

Happy Weekend to Everyone!