Jewelry Worn on The Vampire Diaries Elena (Nina Dobrev)

I feel so excited to share that Peggy Li Creations handmade jewelry has been jewelry worn on The Vampire Diaries. I mean, who doesn't love the fashion on The Vampire Diaries? This supernatural tale of vampires, werewolves, ghosts, witches and love triangles stars Nina Dobrev, Claire Holt, Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley.

In the Season 4 finale episode, "Graduation", our teens and vampires of Mystic Falls have been battling the evil Silas. With the Originals (Claire Holt, among them) leaving town, will there finally be peace in Mystic Falls? Let's face it -- the heart of this tale has always been about Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) and the brothers Damon and Stefan.

Elena (Nina Dobrev) has finally turned her humanity back on. The Feather Necklace Elena wears could be a symbol of her newfound freedom and happiness. It's as if a weight has been lifted from her shoulders, although she knows she's done some bad things now that she's a vampire.

In this scene, Elena wants to give Stefan the cure for vampirism. She's wearing my Infinity Necklace -- is she wearing this necklace as a symbol of her decision to stay an immortal vampire? In case you're wondering, the necklace length Nina Dobrev is wearing is 18".

Rebekah (Claire Holt) wishes she could stop being a vampire. I think she's really looking for a family of her own -- or maybe the Geo Shape Necklace she wears in Triangle shape signals that she wants a love triangle of her own? I loooove her sidepony, by the way. Rebekah will be one of the Vampire Diaries characters who will be moving over to The Originals this fall.

There you have it! Fingers crossed that you'll see Peggy Li Creations jewelry on The Vampire Diaries season 5 as well as the new The Originals series!  It's kind of ridiculous how beautiful these casts are -- if only Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder would get back together (they recently announced their real-life romance is over and they broke up -- say it ain't so)!

xoxo
Peggy

Gifts for Grads from Peggy Li Creations

It’s already the time of year when graduates are flinging their caps into the air and looking towards their next adventures. A sweet necklace, bracelet or ring can be just the right graduation gift to let them know how proud you are of their accomplishments!

Here are a few of my favorite gift ideas from Peggy Li Creations that will help grads remember this special occasion for years to come, and maybe even become a part of their new work wardrobe! Celebrate their accomplishments *and* help out with their new professional wardrobe - win-win!

You can never go wrong with a classic jewelry piece that they will wear anywhere and with anything:

Rough Diamond Disc Necklace, $110.

Single Chevron Necklace (seen on Lucy Liu on "Elementary"), $49.

For a graduation gift with a personal touch, how about a delicate ring or necklace featuring the grad's initial?

Tiny Script Letter Ring, $59.

Large Script Initial Necklace, $59.

An inspirational message such as “dream” on a customized bracelet is the perfect way to let a grad know you are thinking of them.

Custom ID Bracelet, $45.

A charming necklace featuring something symbolic, like a bird in flight, is another way to convey your best wishes and that you hope your favorite grad will soar to new heights in this next stage of their life:

Swallow Necklace, $59.

Tiny Feather Necklace shown in sterling silver, $49.

What an exciting time. I wish all of the grads in your life the very best!

xoxo
Peggy

FAQ: How Do I Layer Necklaces?

If you're like me, knowing how to layer necklaces is a mystery! I see all these great posts on Pinterest and on blogs in sepia tones of boho-chic women in their peasant blouses and beaded bracelets and *they look fabulous*. I know that  my own handmade jewelry, Peggy Li Creations, is nothing if not versatile. So I finally took the plunge and created some necklace designs that are so great for layering, they are no-brainers!

Layering necklace tip #1: Don't be afraid to mix metals.  

I love the two necklaces below -- they are from the same style with leather cords, but feature a mix of silver and bronze beads that give them an even more primitive vibe, which I love. In this case, the bolder Mother of Pearl Horn necklace anchors the more subtle Thai Silver Beaded necklace. Either piece can be worn alone but even have more power together.

Layered Necklaces Tip #2: More is MORE!

I started to carefully put necklaces together and then just gave up and put them all on the bust and voila! Layered necklace magic. The lesson? Don't be afraid to pile on the pieces. Different color, texture and shapes keep your eye moving from top to bottom, like the Horn Pendant Necklaces seen below, but I also think a repetition of the same pendant at different lengths would also be an awesome layered necklace look, like wearing three arrowheads in a row (hot!)

Layering Necklace Tip #3: Let the necklace do the work!

Wear a necklace that has two or more strands paired together! You get a layered look in one piece that is easier to put on and take off than multiple singles. And no one says you can't add on a few more pieces to a double-stranded piece.  Show below, my Double Berber Pendant Necklace and my Horn and Geode Drusy Necklace (limited!).

Layering Necklace Tip #4: Necklaces you can always layer.
There are certain pieces, just like pieces in your wardrobe, that *always* look good no matter how or what you wear with them. Here are some Peggy Li Creations jewelry design rock stars that I think you can layer with whatever else you want to wear.

Nameplate Necklace

Tiny Om Necklace

Evil Eye Necklace

Tiny Feather Necklace

Layering Necklaces Tip #5: Go long!
Don't be afraid to wear longer necklaces! In some ways they are even easier to wear because you don't have to worry about your neckline. For many of my jewelry designs, I can make the chain any length you'd like. Simply email me with your request.  Here is a handy Necklace Length Guide to help you as well.

There you have it, my tips for wearing your necklaces layered. What are your tips? Leave them in the comments below!

xoxo
Peggy

Mother's Day Gifts under $50 from Peggy Li Creations

Every year Mother's Day hits me at the last minute and I *hate* that I don't give myself enough time to really think about a great gift for Mom. So I hope this list gives you a little inspiration. Handmade jewelry always makes a thoughtful gift that lasts longer than chocolates or flowers!

I have tons of designs over at peggyli.com, so here are a few of my favorite gift items that start under $50!

Cursive Initial Necklace, $44
Handmade initials on delicate chain.

Twisted Knot Ring, $32

Handmade wire knot ring is a token of love!

Eternity Knot Bracelet, $47
A never-ending knot makes a thoughtful gift for Mom that she can wear everyday.

Lower Case Initial Necklace, $45

Get hand stamped initials for the whole family.

Mother Daughter Necklace, $49
Droplets represent you and your Mom.

Some beautiful, simple choices for Mother's Day! My Mom is my artistic inspiration. She loves fashion and to paint. She always encouraged me to express myself and that is why I am an artist today. Thanks Mom!  Mother's Day is May 17th.

xoxo
Peggy

FAQ: How to Choose Your Ring Size

With stacking rings and midi rings (otherwise known as knuckle rings) growing in popularity, you might be wondering, "What is my ring size, anyway?!". There are some free tools out there, like this printable ring size guide from Overstock.com (opens in a new window).  It's important with these printable sizers that you print the paper at the right scale.

For an easier and reusable way to measure your digits, I now carry this handy Ring Sizer! Make in the UK out of flexible plastic, you just slip this sizer over your finger like a belt and measure. Hold the sizer at the size you think you need, and slip it up and down your finger to make sure the size fits over your knuckles.

Cool, right? Purchase the reusable Ring Sizer at peggyli.com!

Purchase a ring sizer at peggyli.com.

Ring sizer in action!

Check out all the Rings available at peggyli.com and shop with your correct ring size! Don't see the size you need? Always feel free to contact me via email or chat and we can talk about what you need. :-).

xoxo
Peggy

Jewelry Seen on Castle

I'm so thrilled to add "Castle" to the roster of TV shows who love using Peggy Li Creations jewelry! 

ABC show "Castle" is noteworthy for a few things -- star Nathan Fillion is a sci-fi icon (Firefly, anyone?) and his co-star, Stana Katic is, well, gorgeous and speaks five languages (what?). So I was super excited to connect with the costume designer for the show and send them a box of jewelry goodies! What did they say? "We're keeping it all."  My favorite four little words!

Here are some of my Peggy Li Creations jewelry worn on Castle episode "The Wild Rover".

Lanie (Tamala Jones) wears Peggy Li Creations Open Oval Earrings http://www.peggyli.com/open-oval-earrings.html

Guest star Cara Buono wears a Peggy Li Creations Swarovski Slice Necklace in Castle episode "The Wild Rover" -- http://www.peggyli.com/swarovski-slice-necklace.html

In the Castle 100th episode, I was even more pleased to see my jewelry appear on the beautiful and talented Molly Quinn, who plays Castle's daughter Alexis. She wears three pieces in the episode "The Lives of Others"!

Alexis (Molly Quinn) wears a Peggy Li Creations Herkimer Fringe Necklace in Castle episode "The Lives of Others." http://www.peggyli.com/herkimer-fringe-necklace.html

Alexis sleuths wearing a Peggy Li Creations Chevron Ring. http://www.peggyli.com/chevron-ring.html

Alexis (Molly Quinn) rocks a one-of-a-kind Peggy Li Creations necklace that features a drusy quartz and geode slice! For a similar pendant, check out my Double Agate Necklace  http://www.peggyli.com/double-agate-necklace.html

Lanie (Tamala Jones) is a no-nonsense medical examiner, rocks my Bean Hoop earrings!  http://www.peggyli.com/debehoea.html

Stay tuned to even more episodes of Castle featuring Peggy Li Creations jewelry (fingers crossed!).

xoxo

Peggy

Summer 2013 with Peggy Li Creations

I'm writing this blog post to inform my lovely customers that after a lot of thought, I've made the very difficult decision to not attend this summer's Sunday Burlingame Farmer's market that starts this April 2013. I have been doing the market since I first started my jewelry business, over 10(!) summers ago. Back then, I had a single 3'x3' card table and a few pieces of jewelry. I didn't even have an umbrella for shade, or know anything about what I was doing!  I've come a long way since then.

The Peggy Li Creations blue cloth-covered table at the Burlingame Farmer's Market.

Summer of 2013 presents many challenges. It will be the 2nd summer where I am working on my jewelry business, Peggy Li Creations (http://www.peggyli.com) full-time. My Dad will be undergoing radiation treatment for his cancer diagnosis from the end of last year. On a happier note, I will be getting married in the Fall and the business is growing to the point where my weekdays are filled with work and I crave a little more work-life balance, after many years of working a "day job" and my jewelry together, 24-7. I hope that you guys will understand that I need to take a break from the summer work this year!

However, I realize that I would not be where I am today with my business without my faithful and supportive customers from Burlingame! Isabelle, Patty, Angela, Patricia, Celeste, Susan, Lee, Yvonne (and so many more) -- a wonderful community of customers who over time became friends.

Lastly, there was always so much inspiration from the farmers and other vendors I sat next to for Sunday after Sunday. They would be there, rain or shine, often driving many many miles to do their work. Gay, Susie, Heather. Perseverance personified.

To all of you, I can only say THANK YOU. And...

YOU CAN STILL FIND ME!!! I will do my best to have a few in-person events during the year. Please keep in touch via email (info@peggyli.com), Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, whatever! I always will post my events on my Events Page as soon as they are scheduled. I even hope to make a few Sundays in Burlingame this year, too.

It's tough to say goodbye to a great farmer's market, but I'm really only a click away. http://www.peggyli.com

I'll miss you guys this summer! Eat some croissants for me!!!
xoxo
Peggy