Behind the scenes of a vintage scarf statement necklace

 studio news  1 Response »
May 302013
 

As a designer, there are some pieces that you have an idea and BAM! they come together instantly and you're done...pretty much instant gratification in design. Then there are the mammoth pieces. The new bug necklaces are in that latter catagory. From flash of inspiration to the last of the 6 samples of the line being made...it was a looooooong process. In fact it took so long, that I documented most of the stages via instagram. Curious to see what goes into it? Then scroll baby, scroll....

manic trout bug scarf behind the scenes 01

The inspiration and gathering materials

manic trout bug scarf behind the scenes 02

Steaming the wrinkles out of the vintage scarves after they were washed

manic trout bug scarf behind the scenes 03

Vintage scarves being cut to size

manic trout bug scarf behind the scenes 04

Sewing the vintage scarves...vrooooom!

manic trout bug scarf behind the scenes 05

Turning the sewn vintage scarves right side out

manic trout bug scarf behind the scenes 06

Hand sewing each vintage scarf piece closed on both ends

manic trout bug scarf behind the scenes 07

Matching bug inspiration to each vintage scarf before selecting the glass colors

manic trout bug scarf behind the scenes 08

Designing a clasp concept and demonstrating it on a past season necklace. This one failed.

manic trout bug scarf behind the scenes 09

Making loops through the glass and connecting them in many, many strands

manic trout bug scarf behind the scenes 10

A close up of the glass part of a necklace

manic trout bug scarf behind the scenes 11

What happens to a hand when creating that many loops...and still has to keep going

manic trout bug scarf behind the scenes 12

Coming together!

manic trout bug scarf behind the scenes 13

Taking a necklace out for a test drive...have to make sure it fits well and is comfortable

manic trout bug scarf behind the scenes 14

The samples all ready to go!!

Now after all of that, you won't see them again until they launch in August! If you crave a bit more, I made a tiny animation of one of the necklaces coming together. I'm now off to make a huge amount of bling rings...

 

The design timeline vs the launch timeline of collections

 Life of A Designer  1 Response »
May 142013
 
King For a Day Necklace from Manic Trout

King For a Day Necklace

It took me a few years to figure out the pacing and release schedule of jewelry on Manic Trout. Until recently, I typically designed 2 large seasonal collections a year with 2 themed collections thrown in the mix. My launch dates were just in time for each season, but I was never making the much ahead of time press deadlines. When I went full time with MT almost 2 years ago, I still was working this way. A year later, when I signed with a new PR firm, I decided that it was time to buckle down and design towards the press cycles.

Disco Science Bracelet from Manic Trout

Disco Science Bracelet

It however took another few months to catch up as when I had that thought, I was starting 6 months behind schedule. I however have finally caught up and adjusted my design schedule to the timeline I want it to be on. (yay!) This means that I am designing waaaaaaay ahead of the launch dates (sometimes by 5 months) and am working a few seasons ahead of what I am releasing. Which is a struggle in itself when I have to promote and share the jewelry I designed months ago as my creative side has issues with this.

Zerrin Do You Know Me Necklace from Manic Trout

Zerrin Do You Know Me Necklace

I worry that this is confusing to you as I am all sorts of sharing about the design process of jewelry coming out at the end of 2013 right now and then, bam! I switch gears and want to show you jewelry that I was talking about 3 months ago again. However, this is much the reality of the life of a designer and technically, that is what this blog is all about. That is also why I'm sure many if you follow MT on FB and other social media sites...you get to see behind the curtain.

Vanoa Girls Like You Necklace from Manic Trout

Vanoa Girls Like You Necklace

So here I go, switching gears from sharing the design process to sharing the finished work. It however is exciting news, as the Summer '13 Collection from Manic Trout has arrived!

Sanda Fun For Me Earrings from Manic Trout

Sanda Fun For Me Earrings

May Giveaway

 Contests  28 Responses »
May 072013
 

The votes are in and the May Giveaway featuring jewelry of your choice has officially begun! Thank you to all of you who voted, I had to laugh as the end of voting was the night before the Kentucky Derby and out of no where, all of these votes for the horse necklace came in...was it a subconscious race to the finish line???

What ever the reason, I am excited to announce that one lucky winner will receive the Mustang Sally Necklace from the Summer '13 Collection before it is even available to buy online!!

Mustang Sally necklace from Manic Trout

Mustang Sally necklace from Manic Trout on bust

The Mustang Sally Necklace is 21.5" long, features large chunks of Lapis Howlite and a galloping brass horse. The necklace is part of the Summer '13 Collection from Manic Trout and is $80.

To enter to win this awesome necklace so you can flaunt you're amazing style all summer long follow the deets below...

1. Show some love by liking Manic Trout on Facebook, or following Manic Trout on Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram. If you already do all of this (you're awesome!) but please tweet or share about Manic Trout or jewelry from manictrout.com.

2. Comment below with what the one thing you hope to do this summer is and where you liked/followed/shared #1.  (this is your entry).

3. Cross your fingers and hope that you're the winner selected at random on Friday, May 10th!

The winner will be announced here on the blog, as well as on facebook and twitter and they will be emailed.  Contest closes at midnight on Thursday May 9th.  Only one entry per person please.

Good luck!

Edited to add that Vanessa is the lucky winner!!! Congrats Vanessa!!

What this week has looked like in 9 quick answers

 Sum It Up  No Responses »
May 032013
 
Manic Trout Earrings

Earrings from the Summer '13 Collection

WORKING ON: Producing the Summer '13 Collection coming out mid May and getting orders to customers and stores out the door as fast as I can!

THINKING ABOUT: What to do for next weeks vide0 from the studio. Having such a fun time making them!

ANTICIPATING: Flying to NYC tomorrow for my sister Gillians engagement party, which means I get to see all of my sisters!

LISTENING TO: Wild Belle and wishing there was more available.

EATING: I've been cooking up a storm! So much so that there is an instagram # called Manic Trout Lunchtime Adventures to document the lunches I make on the days my assistant is here over lunch.

THANKFUL FOR: The growth of Manic Trout this year.

PLANNING FOR: Designing the Fall Collection...getting there. Need to have it done by the end of the month, so I'm in good shape. Pretty excited with the direction its going!

READING: Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson, just started it last night, so far it's pretty engaging.

WATCHING: I saw Iron Man 3 last night...so amazing, although I think I'd say that if I watched Robert Downey Jr. sit on a bench for 2 hours.

How to: Styling Series – wearing Manic Trout vintage scarf necklaces

 Life of A Designer  No Responses »
May 022013
 

I am aiming to shoot a video a week in the studio...its been interesting thinking of ways I can bring you in to Manic Trout this way. We're still getting our sea legs on the filming and of course, I talk too much...but I would do that if you were in front of me too.

This week I showed you how to style the vintage scarf necklaces...something I have been wanting to do for awhile and glad I finally got around to it. If you have a Mermaid Parade or Fireworks After Midnight...this is for you. If you want one, it's your lucky day as they're all in the last chance sale or sample sale!

Oh also, I have decided to let you choose what the May Giveaway will be...to see the selections from the soon to be released Summer '13 Collection and cast your vote...go to the facebook page.

What is a Sample Sale and where can I shop it?

 Life of A Designer  No Responses »
Apr 232013
 

manic trout sample sale

Today is an exciting day at Manic Trout because it marks the first day of the annual Sample Sale at ManicTrout.com! I haven't done a Sample Sale this big since 2011. I was shocked to realize how many no longer needed samples had accumulated! Wondering what this sale is all about and why it's so amazing?

Basically, jewelry which has been worn on photo shoots, sent to magazines and are the exhibited pieces at large shows are samples. These samples are returned to the studio after they have fulfilled their destinies. However, they then serve no purpose other to take up studio real estate. I mentioned this to a friend a few years ago and  she suggested I have a sale and offer them up to my customers just like the fashion houses do. I realized the brilliance in this and that it's really a win-win for everyone!  Now, once a year, all sample jewelry in the studio is inspected and sold on ManicTrout.com at a greatly reduced price.

First dibs goes to the newsletter subscribers (if you are not one of those lucky people, you may sign up on the right) and man oh man, do they shop fast! After that, I announce the sale to social media followers...lesson learned here...being on the mailing list is worth it as orders started coming in with minutes of the newsletter hitting inboxes! After the sale, samples will not be available for another year.

Now what you know what the fun is all about...hurry on over...there is only only one of each sample and they go fast!!

 

March Giveaway…A Bee necklace perfect for spring!!

 Contests  46 Responses »
Mar 262013
 

The march Giveaway is perfect for spring...if it ever actually arrives...*sigh*. So anyway, the perfect remedy for dealing with the lack of spring blues is to put on this bracelet. No joke. There's a bee and mint green...you don't get more perfect for spring than that...

Never Forget You Bracelet

Never Forget You Bracelet from Manic Trout

The Never Forget You Bracelet features a beautiful bee and mint green glass. It measures 8" long, closes with a lobster clasp and retails for $85. This bracelet is part of the S/S 2013 Collection from Manic Trout.

To win this bracelet and show and magically make spring appear on your wrist:

1. Show some love by liking either Manic Trout on Facebook, or following Manic Trout on Twitter or Pinterest. If you already do all of this (you're awesome!) just tweet or share about Manic Trout or jewelry from the site.

2. Share what you love about Spring in the comments below (this is your entry).

3. Cross your fingers and hope that you're the winner selected at random on Friday, March 29th!

The winner will be announced here on the blog, as well as on facebook and twitter and they will be emailed.  Contest closes at midnight on Thursday March 28th.  Only one entry per person please.

***edited to add...thank you all for entering, I loved reading your replies, yay for spring!! The winner of the March Giveaway is Amy, congrats Amy!***

Bring on the chaos…sum it up 3/8/13

 Sum It Up  No Responses »
Mar 082013
 
mountains

What I believe to be my namesake

Today kicks off SXSW here in Austin.  It's only my second one, but I'm noticing a pattern of rain beginning at the exact moment that SX does.  Which is a big deal as it rarely rains here.  Booooo rain!  Anyway, due to an overwhelming number of deadlines in my schedule right now, I am sitting all nice and dry in my studio wondering how my friends set up in tents are fairing...booooo rain! Oh and the photo has nothing to do with anything, I am just super proud of my photographic accomplishment on this one...I took it from the plane recently and I'm 99% its the Sierra Nevada's...for which I was named.

WORKING ON: Making SO MUCH jewelry. For customers, for stores, for a trunk show and for an upcoming flash sale in Japan. My hands hurt and my husband wants to know if I'll have time to see him next week.

THINKING ABOUT: The Summer line...it's over due. I have designs in my head, some materials have already arrived and more are on the way...it's getting there.

ANTICIPATING: Two new deals with web sites. Excited to try a new market in Japan and a collaboration with a new concept site! Vague I know, but thats really all that I know right now.

LISTENING TO: I need something new. Back to the Bird and The Bee station on Pandora and getting tired off it. Luckily I live in Austin so the next 10 days should be super inspiring music wise!

EATING: I fell off the candy wagon. My car just drove itself to Big Top, I swear. I also have eaten nothing but take out and sandwiches all week. It's sad.

THANKFUL FOR: How much Manic Trout has been growing.  For my supporters, fans and customers...they are an amazing group!

PLANNING FOR: SXSW...I did two big shows last year and saw about 15 minutes of live music.  This year I have promised myself to not do that again!

READING: Just started Faking It by Elisa Lorello last night...I have been devouring books this month. At the end of 15 hour days, all I can do is collapse into bed and read!

WATCHING: Just watched House of Cards on Netflix.  Wow, that was a great show! Keep making shows Netflix!!

Ok back to work...my publicist just emailed me...I'm super behind on the Summer line...eeeeek!

It’s all my fault

 Life of A Designer  No Responses »
Mar 072013
 

Sometimes an overwhelming amount of work can come out of nowhere and hit you like a tidal wave and you're all like "where did THAT come from???" and then sometimes you're in the studio working like Sisyphus and realize that you brought it all on yourself.  Oops.  I occasionally get so into planning that I think I can accomplish more in an amount of time than what is realistic (and by this I mean updating the web site...I ALWAYS low ball the time on that one!).  On top of that, when I have multiple big deadlines, I tend leave no room for unscheduled additions and it seems these days that there are ALWAYS unscheduled additions.  Currently a last minute trunk show on March 11th (at Maga La Boheme on E 6th, March 11th...4-8pm) and a Gilt Group like event on a Japanese web site happening on the same day threw a bit of a wrench in my carefully planned out schedule and BAM, my studio looked like this earlier this week:

Manic Trout studio chaos

You'll be happy to know that the chaos has been corralled and by tonight I should be back on schedule, but it was a bit hectic for a few days.  Especially when FedEx decided to hold my wire for an extra day that SIX wholesale orders depended on.  I still have a bit of a grudge over that incident...but it arrived and all was ok.  Now I am finishing up jewelry for the trunk show and web site and focusing on the Limited Edition Summer Collection because it should have been done last week...which I also just realized.  Ok, my computer ban during day light hours is back on...later gators.

Oh yes...if you were not aware, the S/S 2013 Collection from Manic Trout debuted this week, sqeeeeeee!!

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