So I have this plain wood jewelry display that I bought for all of $1.50 months ago and haven't gotten around to painting yet, and I want to get it painted in the next couple weeks before my party. The only problem is I can't find a design I like. I want to paint the background a light lavender purple, and I was looking for a nice filigree type design for the bottom. I want something nice enough to catch someone's attention as they're walking by if it's on a table at a craft fair, but not too fancy that it would draw attention away from my jewelry. I wanted to find something with skulls and maybe lillies, but I'm just not liking anything I'm finding online. If anyone has any suggestions of what I could do with it, I would really appreciate the help. I'm going to paint the base coat on tomorrow, but until I pick a design I like that's all I'm going to do with it.

Just a little preview of things to come:

I've been working hard on finishing some new projects, one of which I'm still not even halfway through and getting horribly frustrated with but it will all be worth it in the end. Most of them I'm just trying to finish before my big product party next month, but some of these I really really want to have done in time for people to order them by Halloween since they fit the theme pretty well. Once I finish everything up I'll be sure to get lots of pictures for all of you, but in the meantime here's a little preview of things to come.

I was in the craft store last week when I came across some really nifty 3-D plastic scrapbooking stickers. I thought they would make really adorable charms, so I picked them up. They were just little plastic pieces with those sticky foam discs on the back, so I peeled those off, hand-wrapped some eyelets, and hot glued those onto the backs. From the back they're not the most attractive jewelry accouterments ever, but from the front you can't tell the difference, so I consider my efforts a success. Totally worth actually buying something at full price. If you want to pick some up for yourself, I found these at Pat Catan's in the scrapbooking aisle, but if you're not in an area that has Pat Catan's I would bet you could find something similar in your local craft store.

The other project I have in the works is a set of skeletons that I picked up to make charms from. I took each piece apart, so that I ended up with 1 skull, 2 arm bones, 2 arm bones with attached hands, 4 leg bones, 2 feet, 1 rib cage, and 1 spinal column/pelvic bone per skeleton. I have 7 of them, so just taking them apart has taken me all day. I started wrapping and finished a few rib cages and several leg bones, but unless I find a really quick and nice-looking wire-wrapping tutorial, I might take a break on those for a day or so. They are really a pain in my butt to make, but the jewelry I'm already picturing making with them in my head is so amazing I know it's going to be worth it.

The last big project I've been working on is a decorative charm chain thing...I'm not really sure what I would call it. It's a multi-layered chain with big clasps on the end so you can hook it to belt loops and hang it around your hips, or you could wrap it a few times around a boot, or wear it as a layered necklace (if you're lucky enough to not be allergic to every metal known to man that is). I was looking for a way to display all the fun charms and things I've collected or made over the years since the traditional metal charm bracelet is out of the question for me, and I found a tutorial for a belt chain that I adapted. I thought it might be kinda cool to be able to wear my charms a different way every day. And now that I'm starting belly dance classes, maybe I could make a slightly longer chain to wear it as a belt over a dance skirt!

I'm still taking custom orders in between projects, so if you have something you want me to make you please still feel free to ask. I have a patch in the works right now for someone, but I'm hoping to have that finished in the next week or so so I'll have openings again for new orders.

Welcome to AlterEgo Designs!

“Where old styles come to find a second life.” AlterEgo Designs is a new and innovative design company serving all your creative clothing and accessory needs, with items available for both sexes.
 Do you have an old shirt you never wear anymore but can’t bear to party with? AlterEgo Designs can help! I convert shirts that are too big or too plain into better fitting, more stylish articles of clothing. I can make that old boyfriend’s tee into a unique piece you’ll love all over again! I also make purses and drawstring backpacks out of old clothes. Have an old sweater that just doesn't fit right anymore? How about turning it into a matching hat and scarf combo you’ll love for years to come?
I also make unique and custom jewelry. Have an old charm or pendant you’re not sure what to do with? I can help! Need that perfect piece of jewelry for a party or event? I've got you covered. I have a large selection of unique pieces on hand with beads and pendants collected from antique shops and art fairs all over the area, and I also make custom pieces upon request.
 Sound like something you’d be interested in? Check out my Facebook page over at www.facebook.com/AlterEgoDesigns to see some examples of my work as well as many items currently for sale in my shop! I’m willing to meet on campus to discuss any custom project ideas you might have in mind, just drop me a message at my Facebook page to set it up.