In The Studio

I finally got around to cleaning up and making pretty my mezzanine studio above the shop.  Common issue for creative types is to spend zero time making the working space conducive to creating.  But having a clean, organized, and aesthetically beautiful space to do my most important work seems pretty basic and important, like a big forehead smacking 'DUH'.

Since the space really is utilized for making, it often gets untidy and dirty (like actual dirt, grime, and dust) so there are limits to how much 'pretty' to put into a space like this.  I found just hanging a few pieces of art, adding a plant or two, and organizing my tools really transformed the space.  Take a peek, and enjoy.

Turquoise Woman by Obi Kaufmann

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SHOUT OUT // Emma Dime

Super excited!  My new friend Emma Robertson of the badass blog EMMADIME featured me in her Lovely Lady post today!  Emma's blog is packed with simple, stunning design and inspiration-she's definitely one of my daily reads.  She also just released a book all about knitting for all you yarn buffs out there.

As a part of the post, I gave Emma a couple pieces of jewelry to give to one of her readers-- a pair of my pyramid studs and a Voce Keen Rarity necklace-- so pop on over and enter to win {it's mega easy, just leave a comment}.

L O V E + M E T A L,
Kate Ellen

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Crown Nine is Moving!

Ever have one of those months where nothing went your way, there just seemed to be setback after setback?  Well, this is NOT one of those months!  It's been more like a wish-it-and-it-comes-true sort of month with finding bonus cash in the pocket of your jeans on laundry day kinda vibes.  What kind of wishes are coming true, you ask?  Well, only that we scored our dream location!

515 9th St

The new location is one block west, directly behind District Wine Bar on the corner of 9th and Washington in the Carriage House historical building.  Built in the 1870's, it apparently used to be speakeasy.  It's a gorgeous space with sliding barn doors, brick, and lovely light.

You will still be able to check out Kate Ellen Metals alongside over 15 independent jewelry designers, art, leather, fragrance, and small luxuries-- and now my studio will be in the building, right upstairs, so I will be spending more of my time creating... my most favorite thing in the world to do.

Top 5 Things to Know:

1 //  We'll be just one block west, next to District and across from Cosecha and Ms. Ollie's on 9th St.

2 //  We will NOT have a First Friday opening in October, but join us Nov 1st for a soft opening in the new space and debut of new works by Janis Anton

3 //  Our MASSIVE Grand Re-Opening party is Thursday Nov 7th.  It's going to be ridiculous and way fun, the gals from Floss Gloss are coming by and they are bringing a mani-cam.  What is a mani-cam? Think of it as the red carpet for your bejeweled hands.

4 // We will be closed from Oct 19th- Oct 31st for moving, but still feel free to reach out if you need anything.

5 // The holidays are going to be insane this year, we have a lot of fun stuff planned... a new collection launch, 2nd birthday party, sample sale, trunk shows, neighborhood wide art installation, extended hours, and a whole lotta love.

Thanks for two incredible years; here's to continued success, love, community, and creativity.

L O V E + M E T A L 

Kate Ellen

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Catch Up // Happenings + Inspiration

It's been a packed couple weeks and though I've been taking lots of photos, I haven't put together posts on each topic.  Instead of fretting or letting photos go to waste, I've created a mash-up cheater post to share with you ....everything all at once!  Sneaky-sneaky...  and enjoy xoxo

Emma Robertson of Emma Dime and Lo Crosier of LoCro invited a bunch of ladies over for happy hour at their co-joined studio spaces {dreamy}.  Also check it: Emma's book just came out! http://amzn.to/1gACDTe

Made this little rosecut diamond ring for Heather and Jon.  Jon actually made the band himself!

After getting back from the Grand Canyon and Zion, I was hungry for a good view... so I went for a 10 mile run on Mt. Tam.  Lovely.

For some reason I got a crazy craving for oysters, so I drove out to The Marshall Store and ate a dozen BBQs with a buddy.  We then stopped at Tomales Oyster Co. and picked up a sack to BBQ at my childhood friend's house in West Marin.  This here is a Golden Nugget, a name right after my jeweler heart.

Uh, did I mention we got featured in SUNSET MAGAZINE?!  Guess I should have mentioned that, it was such a huge honor!  My neighbors Marion and Rose + Umami Mart were featured as well.

Took an overnight to my namesake/god-auntie's house in Sebastopol.  We had a campfire with wine and great conversation, and I did an early morning jog through the orchards the next day.  I also did an Enneagram and discovered I am a 7-- The Enthusiast/Epicure.

Just a pretty Oakland Sunset captured from my bedroom window.

Took a weekend trip to my Grandpa's house near Whiskytown Lake, and took the boat out for a picnic.

Found a bunch of old photos at my Grandpa's house, this one is of the two of us.  He calls me Katy-Bird.

My favorite place to sleep in the whole world, out on my Grandpa's porch during the summer.  Crickets singing, stars blarring.

Hiked out to Alamere Falls/ Bass Lake.  I grew up in West Marin and unbelievably had never been before.  Gonna go back with my bathing suit for a dip next time.

Bass Lake is a 3 mile hike in from Mesa Road in Bolinas.

The Falls.  Like Whoa.

Walked out to the new tower on the Bay Bridge.  Pretty awesome.  It's 7 miles round-trip though, so wear sunscreen {this dummy forgot}.

Got out my sandcasting tools to craft a special ring for a client who wanted to use silver her Dad had given her, in remembrance.  

The result.  

That about brings us up to date, friends.  xoxo

L O V E + M E T A L 

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In The Studio //

It's been a while since I've had a production day in the studio, I have to say I really miss it.  Today I cleaned all my inventory that has been at Crown Nine, and now it's all organized and sparkling!I also made some hoop earrings, replenished my Cerco earrings and necklaces, made a few Pentagon Cuffs, and started the work of making the "gravel" for everything in my Meta collection which sold out in the store.  Tomorrow I am blocking out time to carve some wax for some engagement ring ideas I have...I love having time for doing experimentation.  If I get anything done I'll post it on my Instagram.  xo

L O V E + M E T A L 

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Samantha and Markandeya

Samantha is the magic maker behind Shapes and Colors who is set to marry the love of her life, Markandeya, next weekend at Lake Temescal.  For this project, we recycled 18k gold rings from Samantha's mother and from Markandeya's grandmother.  We used the diamonds from her mom's ring for her solitaire and then added beautifully flush set stones all the way around her wedding band, each a little different in size giving it a warm and loose feel, a more modern kind of eternity band.  Markandeya's ring has three diamonds and two knife edge lines, replicating the pattern of three.

I'm wishing you both all the love it the world as you tie the knot and begin a new an exciting phase in your lives together.

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Studio Fashion

Safety first, right?

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Studio morning

Prepping two pairs of my Two Tone Big Sky earrings for a couple of lucky gals who ordered them online.

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Rosecut Rarities

Yummy rosecut black opaque diamond set in 14k gold.

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A Rarity Getting Some Love!

The style powerhouses over at Refinery29 spread a little love our way today!  We are so excited to launch this project via Crown Nine.  Want to get the inside scoop?  Become an Insider: http://eepurl.com/v2Z-f

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Ra-ra-ra raw Diamonds!

Raw rosecut diamonds!

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Custom Schedule is Packed

Blurred to protect the recipients surprise factor!

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