by Scott Hanratty on August 1, 2010
Designer Maggie Smith, an Ohio based artist, shares her wisdom as a long time creator, having worked in the fine arts as well as jewelry design. Maggie recently designed a piece for Stella McCartney and has expert advice on finding inspiration and your path to success.
Maggie states, “Inspiration comes from within. The reward is getting to the place when I know a piece is finished. The piece has a life of its own. I begin with a simple idea and often find the result is not what I had in mind in the beginning. I surprise myself – I guess that is the biggest reward.”
4. Be Inspired, but mostly be motivated.
5. Be well versed on what makes you unique.
Where do you find inspiration to guide your success?
Read more about Maggie:
http://www.facebook.com/collierwest
http://su.pr/33P4VO
How To: Jewelry Business | Part 1
by Suzi West on July 30, 2010
By Order of The Queen, our designers share with you their jewelry business strategies.
Micha Designs Exclusively At Collier West
Expert advise from exclusive designer Micha Keuchenhoff.
Born in Berlin Germany, Micha brings a european sense of style and interest to her eclectic jewelry line. Micha originally created pieces for her own fashion independence and eventually launched a line after the encouragement of several friends. Now residing in California, she continues to seek non-traditional materials and unique combinations to create her collection.
1. Design For Yourself. Wear Your Work.
2. Seek and Respect Feedback
3. Explore techniques and materials
What about you? Do you ever fear the first step?
Additional Blogs about CW Jewelry Artists:
http://collierwest.com/blog/2010/05/leather-bracelet-rock-out/
http://collierwest.com/blog/2010/04/design-your-own-jewelry/
http://collierwest.com/blog/2010/05/people-magazine-features-collier-west-jewelry/
by Scott Hanratty on July 21, 2010
Here’s a new blog post from the Suzi West Blog. (Link Here:) http://su.pr/2gQFjX Read about the modern strategies sellers are enlisting to market themselves and their products.
Vespa Included In Loft Purchase
1 BR/ 1BA Available in the Short North
Suzi is partnered in a new company with Jon Myers, called GreenMyers. The GreenMyers team intends to assist businesses with a 360 degree approach to marketing business and gaining competitive advantage in the ever growing marketplace.
by Suzi West on July 14, 2010
Raise a glass and toast “Vive La France!” July 14th marks, for me, not only the national holiday of France, but also a damned good reason to broaden my taste buds from my summer Gin and Tonic to include a cocktail that my D’Englere relatives would surely be proud.
"The Collier Ouest"
In 1872, two brothers by the name of Paul and Raymond Lillet, launched a distillery called “Lillet Frères”. The wine culture was booming in Bordeaux, thanks to technical progress and transportation developments and in 1887, the apéritif Lillet was born. This blend of fruit liqueurs and wines were selected only from the most prestigious of merchants. The key ingredient to giving Lillet its distinctive flavor is quinine; originating from the bark of the Peruvian “kina kina” or “cinchona” tree. It is masterfully blended with sweet oranges from the South of Spain, bitter oranges from Haiti, and green oranges from Morocco.
In 1915 the prohibition of Absinthe, accelerated the popularity of Lillet and in the following twenty years, many marketing campaigns were developed to support the product, including Roby’s famous poster.
Lillet has been favored by numerous sophisticated palates, including the Duchess of Windsor, patrons of New York’s Oyster Bar in Grand Central and the commonly recognized “James Bond” who prefers “The Vesper“.
Lillet cocktails are frequently served on the rocks with a twist of orange in a short glass or strained into a martini glass. As well, I found this delicious sounding recipe on Martha’s site for a Lillet-Basil cocktail. Whatever your preference, CW has you covered in glassware.
Want to know more? Post the cocktail or bottled elixir you want us to blog about next. Cheers.
by Suzi West on June 18, 2010
CW Presents: The Perfect Barware
From one wild West to another…Mae West was quoted as stating “Too Much of a Good Thing Can be Wonderful“. At CW, we love a bit of decadence. This week is dedicated to Dad’s. My father in particular, always preached that “everything is okay in moderation.”
Of course, I am never sure if he would have approved of my passion for abundance, as told by the unique treasures at CW, but nonetheless, I think he would have been proud.
His cocktail of choice, all through my years, was the Manhattan. So in honor of William R. West Sr., I am sharing with you the recipe for the perfect Manhattan. Improvise as you will, but do raise a glass to all mentors, fathers, papas, daddies and gentlemen in our lives.
Dad’s Perfect Manhattan
2 ounces Blended Whiskey
1/2 ounce Dry Vermouth
1/2 ounce Sweet Vermouth
Dash of bitters (but WRW always used cherry juice.)
Maraschino Cherry for garnish
Dad preferred rocks, but traditional recipe calls for “strained into a chilled martini glass.”
In this case, Papa West was correct…Moderation may be key. Skál. (“Cheers.” The West’s are Swedish.)
Do share. What great lessons did your father teach you?
by Suzi West on June 15, 2010
"No Honey. That's Daddy's Martini."
It’s time to enjoy classic cocktails. If martini’s are your style, then the Match collection from Collier West is your ticket. Match pewter is handmade by artisans in the north of Italy.
Each piece is crafted by hand and bares the mark of excellence.
Since 3000 BC, pewter has been used to make functional and decorative objects for the home.
Each piece of Match pewter is a testament to the timeless values of craft and authorship often overlooked in this age of speed and
convenience.
Amen, brother.
Stirred or Shaken, repeat after me. “I deserve.”
Match Pewter Collection from $48, is available exclusively at Collier West.
Do you prefer vodka or gin in your martini?
by Suzi West on June 7, 2010
Click to Read the Times Article and Post Your Comment
A mere 540 miles in proximity, Columbus lies due west of Manhattan. An attempt at small town boastfulness would suggest the name ShoNo to demonstrate Columbus’s Arts District similarity to SoHo. But the Midwest’s capital city has its own unique specialities. Home to numerous independent businesses, young professionals, entrepreneurs and urban families, Columbus finds itself perfectly satisfied with its offerings.
Frequently admired and patterned, the gem of the city continues its youthful glow in its 25th plus year, and continues to grow and mature. Early pioneers to the community, like PM Gallery and Rigsby’s Kitchen confidently continue amongst newcomer businesses like Rivet Gallery, Collier West and Big Rock Little Rooster.
And the monthly gallery hops are not the only attraction to the Short North, as the reputation for fine shopping and fine dining draw frequenters. Recently published articles in the New York Times, MidWest Living, Bon Appétit and Vogue appear proudly on many of the press pages of our local businesses.
In case you missed some of the recent recognition, check out these flattering and accurate briefs about our impressive zip code:
Ohio Player | Collier West
New York Times Published June 3, 2010
Hello Columbus
New York Times Published: March 14, 2010
Columbus Cool
New York Times Published: September 23, 2007
by Suzi West on May 20, 2010
by Suzi West on May 12, 2010
Leather Cuffs For Men and Women
Fisticuffs was launched about five years ago, by Johnny Davis, an Ohio native, artist and creator. John attended CCAD and interned his senior year with the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. He worked for a large exhibit design firm before fully launching Fisticuffs in 2008.
The leather cuff concept was created due to John purchasing a Harley and wanting something cool to fill the space between his glove and his sleeve. On a thrift-shop excursion, he found an old cool belt, made a few cuffs and the rest is history. Fisticuffs are sold exclusively at Collier West in a variety of designs and sizes, and available for men and women and wanna-be rockers and bikers.
Known as a kindred spirit, recycling is very important to him. All of his works are made of 100% reclaimed/reloved leather and found objects.
Davis has been known to disassemble bags, clothes, furniture and other accessories to create the cuffs.
Double wrap, Black, Studded, Brown and More...
Johnny, himself is a unique character, full of creativity and ambition. As a music lover, traveler and art enthusiast, he recently voyaged to London to see Iggy Pop. He returned to the states to his full time position as an event designer for the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. He is working on the new Asian Elephant exhibit currently; building all new yards for them as well as an interpretive outpost and renovation of the old elephant house. As well, the zoo’s lion is pregnant and they are expecting cubs. All in a day’s work for the talented associated team of Collier West.
One of a kind leather Fisticuffs – $40. Rock yours out today.
Enjoyed this post? Like us on Facebook for exclusives, discounts and interesting excerpts.
More about: Johnny Davis: Crafty Bastard!
by Suzi West on May 2, 2010
Velvet Antler Necklace worn by Niki Taylor
Perusing the newest People magazine, we were thrilled to see Collier West exclusive designer, Maggie Smith had one of her
one-of-a-kind pieces worn by model Niki Taylor. Having the largest assortment of Velvet Antler in the country, Collier West is thrilled that our friend and designer received such a terrific placement. Great job Maggie! We love working with you!
Three Story Necklace by Velvet Antler
