Sunday, July 27, 2008

Pretty Things Spotlight: * BD Designs *

UPDATE:
RHUBARB SKY is the lucky winner of the 3 petite stacking rings by BD Designs!
A special "Thank You" to everyone who entered...& be sure to enter this week's give-a-way too {there's a link to it on the right side of this blog}.

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Christen Largent of BD Designs is a self-taught artist who lives in the woods, amongst nature...and that's just where she prefers to be.

She uses her natural surroundings along with her never-ending curiosity of all things strange and different to inspire and motivate her in creating her gorgeous jewelry designs.

Handcrafted of precious metals such as sterling silver, copper and gold, her work is an accumulation of experimentation, inspiration and time spent studying new and different materials, shapes and textures.

Her clean, simplistic approach to adornment allows for her designs to appeal to everyone...and she will inscribe most of her pieces with any saying, lyric, poem or words that are special to you, making your piece truly unique and special to you.

“Create from a place inside of you that is devoid of all of the negative things you hear...create from the place inside that creates for the mere joy of creating. It will show in your work!”


Spotlight: BD Designs

Tell us a bit about you… My name is Christen Largent. I live west of Toledo, Ohio in the middle of no where in a place called Monclova — it’s not a town, it’s a township. I am married to a wonderful man and have 2 awesome kids. This year my husband and I will celebrate our 15th year of marriage!! [I can’t believe it!]

What inspires you? I live in the middle of the woods and have since child hood, so I’m a nature girl. The things that most inspire me are “oddities” in nature…like a weird bug, a plant that just springs up out of nowhere or the shape of a seed pod…. I tend to notice everything (much to the dismay of my children) and it all gets trapped up there in the great beyond of my brain. Later, it somehow finds its way into my work. I also love words…since I was an English/Lit major in college. I don’t claim to be a writer, but I‘m fascinated by the way writers [especially classic poets] string words together to make “music” of the written variety. This music has also found its way into my work.

Apart from creating things, what do you do for fun? I am a SOLID perennial gardener! I was well trained by my mother! I not only know how to make perennials grow and come back every year, but I can identify a whole lot of plants in general! She was a great teacher and inspired me to be creative in the planning and planting of all my flower gardens! I also have 2 very beautiful, very ACTIVE children Meghan & Liam [ages 11 and 4], so you can imagine where the rest of my “free time” goes!

What has been your most memorable moment selling your art? This past Mother's Day, a customer convo’d me after giving her mother the pendant I had made for her Mother's Day gift. Her relationship with her mom had been a bit ‘on the rocks’. When she gave the pendant to her mom, her mom “bawled like a baby” and they proceeded to talk for HOURS, ultimately patching up their relationship! Her story made ME cry, as it’s HUGE to know that something you’ve created could touch someone so deeply!

Any advice for fellow artists... Keep trying...don't give up because you're not selling. If you love what you do [or just love creating in general], selling is not the most important thing, although it's nice to be able to pay the bills. Create from a place inside of you that is devoid of all of the negative things you hear...create from the place inside that creates for the mere joy of creating. It will show in your work!

If you could be any character, who would it be and why? You know, I'd like to think of something clever to say here, but really, I've always just wanted to be "Anne of Green Gables" – She was strong, feisty, spoke her mind, spoke MOST eloquently and was perfectly peaceful in nature...all the things I'd like to be! And, she could also smack a slate over an ignorant guy's head like a pro! :)

Tell us your future plans for your business... At this point, I'm happy to say, that I am acquiring a few wholesale accounts, which was a big goal of mine. My plans are to stay busy enough to pay for my kids' college tuition and contribute to our retirement fund so we don't have to eat cat food when we retire! :) …And to continue to LOVE WHAT I DO EVERY DAY!!!!

Anything else you'd like to add about yourself or your work, etc… I am very grateful for Etsy. I was doing moderately well before Etsy, but with a handmade marketplace of over 1 million users, it just keeps getting better and better. It’s taken a lot "starving" out of "starving artists"! Where else does an average Joe artist get a shot at selling on a daily basis…It's a great thing!

Etsy Shop: http://www.bddesigns.etsy.com
Member of the Etsy Street Team ‘AJC’ (Art Jewelry Collective).


(¯`'•.¸(¯`'•.¸(¯`'•.¸ * ◦ *¸.•'´¯)¸.•'´¯)¸.•'´¯)

This Give-a-Way has ended...

Christen of BD Designs is very sweet to send 3 petite stacking rings to this week's give-a-way, RHUBARB SKY!
Rhubarb Sky will be receiving 3 rings sized to her preference {2 in sterling silver and one in copper}. Each ring is hand-formed, soldered and hammered by Christen in her studio. These simple, yet elegant rings are easy to wear and perfect for the person who loves the versatility and freedom of stacking rings.

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CONGRATULATIONS!

140 comments:

windycindy said...

This is going to be one of my most favorite jewelry sites. I love her pieces and the look of her work. The
"Mother's Customized Heavy Bangle Bracelet" is great. I also really adore the "Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Poem Inscribed Bracelet." Please enter me in your fabulous giveaway drawing. I appreciate it! Thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Paula said...

I like the Summer Citrus Stacker rings, they are lovely. Great work!!


Paula




desnomiep@inac.gc.ca

weeblet said...

I like the hammered globe earrings. I always prefer hand made things to mass produced ones :)

bigfatqueenofeverything said...

I like the Barrett-Browning inscribed bracelet. And I love the cabochon rings. There is some really nice stuff at this site.

danosor said...

I love the double poem bangle.

MOMFOREVERANDEVER said...

love the stcked rings

Anonymous said...

Love the DANCE IN THE RAIN Quote Bangle in Copper. I have also added several items from this site to my Christmas list for my husband to pick from. Thanks for introducing me to them.

purplegengar said...

I like the Spring Crocus Stack

You can click through to my blogger page to contact me

Thanx for the contest

Annie1 said...

I adore the Summer Citrus Stack ring with the Peridot and Citrine!

Very cheerful and light design!

nancyrobster@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

DOuble poem dangle is great.
angelina115@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I love the rectangular link fourish bracelet. Beautiful!

cardeb2@verizon.net

Unknown said...

Love this site!!! The Dance like no one's watching bracelet is my favorite

agordon10 said...

The Twisted Post Hoops are so versatile.

Fangirl Jen said...

Beautiful jewelry.

I particularly like "Copper Sunrise Hoops".

sk8fancat said...

I love the Elizabeth Barrett Browning Bracelet. It's so unique. All of the jewelry is beautiful. Thanks

fidofido said...

The jewelry is rugged yet dainty and I believe the starscape ring is my favorite. For some reason it makes me think of a starry night sky.

MageMorgana said...

I love the combination of silver and copper in the Hammered Globe Earrings ;)
ladyblue1112000@yahoo.com

ezmerelda said...

Soo many beautiful things to pick from. I think I like the double take best, but would be proud to wear and of these lovely creations.

Jenn S. said...

I really like the Hammered Window Ring. Very nice jewelry

Anonymous said...

I love the wildflower band and the citrus stacking rings. www.kccpets.com click on contact

Anonymous said...

I like the spring crocus stack rings. They are lovely. Thanks. Charlotte
charlottewinters@cox.net

Dean said...

I love the copper and silver ring, very cool. hey and maybe the copper can stop aches and pains...lol

Unknown said...

The Summer Citrus Stack. I have an emotional attachement to peridot. And I pretend the citrines are yellow diamonds. I'm like that.

Diane Murphy said...

I really love the Summer Citrus Stack ring!!!

mar said...

The Twisted Post Hoops are my favorite!

Anonymous said...

I was expecting to find a necklace or bracelet as that's what I tend to be drawn to but for some reason the Copper Sunrise Earrings captured my attention. I really, really like those. I've never had copper jewelry and I like the way the color is not completely uniform in them. It makes them so interesting. I've got a new favorite etsy seller. Thanks for sharing this artist with us.
doot65{at}comcast[dot]net
Elizabeth

Phyllis Silverstein said...

I have always loved stacked rings.

buzzd said...

I like the spring crocus stack ring. Thanks for the contest!

KLM39 said...

The custom-inscribed sterling silver bangle.

Anonymous said...

I'm not picky, I just need to win something.

Patrizia said...

Gorgeous shop!
Poem/ Customized Heavy Bangle Bracelet in Sterling Silver - clearly and precisely inscribed to your specifications

is my favorite. It is so pretty and I love bangles but mostly because it is inscribed and I love things with inscription because it is so personal!

monica said...

love the Copper Sunrise Hoops, theyre simple enough for everyday

kygirl said...

Brag Tags - Set of Two Petite Hammered Circle Pendants - Add names, quote or message

I like them because they are so simple yet very cute.

toughturtles said...

zidzHammered Window Ring in Sterling

idahomom said...

after my favorite flower - the spring crocus stacked ring. Thanks for the chance.

Miss Spoken said...

I love the Dewdrop Hoops - I love their simplicity.
gkstratos@yahoo.com

jennem said...

Love the stacking rings, actually! My next favorite is the Spring Crocus Stacked Sterling Rings.

LINDALSHOT said...

I love rings. SHE IS YOUR FRIEND is awesome.

linett said...

Love the Wildflower Ring

Anonymous said...

how cool is everything. I love the brag tags. Thanks for the great giveaway!

nbonvouloir@yahoo.com

janeh said...

What a talented artist! Hard to choose, but my favorite piece is the Rectangle Link Flourish Bracelet with Peridot......

Sunnyvale said...

spring crocus ring

kdkdkd said...

the Barrett-Browning inscribed bracelet
Kiko is beautiful!!!

ewalsh40 said...

I went to the site and have to say I'm really impressed. The jewelry is simple and unique. These pieces really make a statement.

My absolute favorite is the Hammered Window Ring.

Nikki said...

I love this jewelry! My favorite is the Linear Texture Stacking Rings.

Smooshy said...

i like the twisted post hoops

llinda29 said...

I like the hammered globe earrings.

kristilb19 said...

Hammered Circle Pendant with Topaz -- is so pretty and unique!

kristilb19@yahoo.com

Tonya said...

I love the Twisted Post Hoops (7-in-1 earrings).

silverbele said...

I love the stacking rings

Anonymous said...

I love these rings, so pretty.

adr1001025@msn.com

Sarah Gauntlett said...

wow so hard to choose, i like the Love Is Patient, Love Is Kind, Love Never Fails Hammered Circle Pendant also!

Colengal said...

The copper chimes bracelet reminds me of rain chains.. i can see the gardening influence in the desinger. Nicely done

Unknown said...

I love the Customized Heavy Copper Bangle Bracelet. I added her as a favorite Etsy shops. I plan on going back and ordering the braclet. Would love to have it made with a line from my favorite Anais Nin poems.

Anonymous said...

love the summer citrus stack ring and the copper braclet


singermag

Kari said...

Oh wow, what beautiful craftmanship!!! I truly love the elizabeth barrett browning bracelet.

mogrill said...

I think the summer citrus stack ring is fabulous!

vboackle said...

the copper bracelet.

Dumaurier said...

The double poem bangle is lovely!

kaylee8 said...

I thing the Love is Patient, Love is Kind, Love never fails pendant is awesome because of the message it reminds of us each and every day!

David Johnson said...

I like I Know Love Because of You Hammered Circle Pendant because of its appearance and message. Thanks, titanicluck at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I like the Hammered Circle Pendant and I would customize it with the names of my two daughters. Thanks so much for a great giveaway, these rings are very nice.

furygirl3132@comcast.net

Anonymous said...

stacking rings

littlelatina said...

I love the She Walks in Beauty.. ring

Barbara said...

The Wildflower band is very pretty. Quite feminine yet still sturdy.

wooby3 said...

The hammered circle pendant is my favorite. but it is all nice!

Anonymous said...

My favourite one is starscape ring, cos I like thick rings :)

damlakayi @ yahoo.com

Page said...

I LOVE your work!!!! My favorite is the Rectangle Link Flourish Bracelet with Peridot... I thing that would look great with any stone. I would like one with a garnet or a citrine or sapphire opal turquoise...see just about anything :) I also love the stackers.... Beautiful work. Please keep designing.

SeahorseLady said...

Your work is just beautiful and unique. I would be thrilled with any of your items but especially like the Spring Crocus Stacked Sterling Rings.
Thanks for the great giveaway.

Christine said...

I really like the linear texture stacking rings.

Anonymous said...

I love the Spring Crocus Stacked Sterling Rings because it's really beautiful!

Catherine said...

The River Rock Earrings are my favorite. I can imagine slipping them in and wearing them every day! Beautiful work and interesting interview. :)

Anonymous said...

My favorite Product is the "Love Is Patient, Love Is Kind, Love Never Fails Hammered Circle Pendant" and I like it because that is one of my favorite quotes/sayings. unforgetable_dreamer_always (at) hotmail.com

Jusacuz said...

I love the Summer Citrus Stackers.It was difficult picking a favorite, though! :)

Anonymous said...

I like the Inscribed Hammered Circle Pendant with gem.

Unknown said...

I love the Wildflower Stacking Ring and the How DO I Love Thee Necklace.

Sonya Cocherell said...

I really like the Rectangle Link Flourish Bracelet with Peridot. It is so lovely

miriama said...

Inscribed Charmed Bangles!

bison61 said...

I like the mothers heavy bangle bracelet

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

jodene said...

I really love the Summer Citrus Stack ring with the Peridot and Citrine!

NesieBird said...

The Twisted Post Hoops are really cool.

Anonymous said...

Wildflower band ring

Loving My New Number said...

Wow you have a very unique style, I love it. I am a huge fan of rings and my favorite one was the star gaze or star gallexy it was right up my alley. But then i saw the rectangle link flourish bracelet with peredot, it is my favorite stone that bracelet is phenominal.

dani said...

I love the 2-Side Custom Inscribed Keepsake Sterling Silver Bangle. I like that you can personalize it. I would give it as a gift to my sister who is also my best friend.

Huguette En said...

It was very hard to pick just one, they are all so nice. I couldn't decide between the Silvery Moon Band or the How Do I Love Thee Elizabeth Barrett Browning Poem Inscribed Heavy Bangle Bracelet with Sterling and 14kt Heart Charm

Kristyn Martin said...

Oh my goodness, I couldn't find anything I DIDN'T like! I guess my favorite would have the be the River Rock Necklace in Sterling Silver. Thanks so much for this awesome giveaway! ~ countrygirl1823@aol.com

Anonymous said...

The linear texture rings and hammered window rings are my favorites.

Great giveaway!

calgirl said...

Spring Crocus Stacked Sterling Rings would be my choice.

yellowlabs said...

I love the Copper Sunrise Hoops. Very cool!

pancak said...

The DANCE LIKE NO ONES WATCHING Quote Bangle in Copper is one of the pieces I really like. I need that reminder sometimes!

Traci C said...

I love both the River Rocks necklace and earrings, they are delicate and organic looking. Beautiful.

diesel51 said...

River Rocks Necklace and Earrings, I love sets and natural things. Great designs and beautiful things.

Anonymous said...

Silvery Moon Band; it is classic and sleek.

theyyyguy@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I love the DANCE LIKE NO ONES WATCHING Quote Bracelet, gorgeous stuff!

hblaser at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I love her jewelry, especially rings!
My favorite is Starscape Ring, such a fun and witty design, if I may say so :) Really original, and another great thing about it, it can be for him or her!
Thanks for the giveaway :)

Jackie B. said...

Great giveaway! My fave item is the Hammered Globe Earrings (Sterling and Copper).

nostrilb said...

I have a list started in my Esty favorites now. The Citrus Stack Rings, because green and orange are my fav colors, Twisted Post Hoops, and the Fence Post necklace.

Candie L said...

I love the silver moon band. I love wearing fashion rings and am always looking for new items.

candieluster(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

cdrury@gmail.com
love the Dewdrop Hoops but the heavy bangle bracelet is lovely as well!!!

Aisling said...

My favorite piece is the River Rocks necklace.

Sarah Z said...

Love the Copper Sunrise Hoops and the Copper Fence Post necklace - beautiful stuff!!

Anonymous said...

I love the copper chimes bracelet. Thank you for the giveaway.

Anonymous said...

I really love the designs you have!! I really love the Love is Patient, Love is Kind, Pendant. The verse was read at our wedding. It is a very special verse to me. So it would be a special pendant!!
Thanks for a chance to win the also beautiful stacking rings.
shjajo(at)aol(dot)com

Karrie said...

I really like the DANCE IN THE RAIN Quote Bangle in Copper, very pretty

Anonymous said...

love so many things love this site great many things can not pick just one

aybbelle said...

I love the summer citrus stacked rings! abarrett005@cfl.rr.com

Jinxy and Me said...

I like the double poem bracelet.

kananee said...

I love the Copper Sunrise Hoops! They're so cool and would look great for casual outings!

lokeelanee (at)netzero(dot)com

Brooke Lorren said...

I like the Love is Patient Love is Kind necklace. It's a really nice sentiment.

JOYVEN said...

I like the hammered globe earrings in sterling silver - they are so dainty

Samantha P said...

the Hammered Globe Earrings(Sterling and Copper) are definitely my favorite! so pretty!

Anonymous said...

I love the Weathered Wide Silver Ring ,here's the link.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13087759

Her work is really beautiful and special. I'll definitely be back again.

-Allie
tonylethal@aol.com

joannaonthelake said...

Hello! I really enjoyed your interview with Christen Largent of BD Designs. It is always interesting to learn about the artist behind the jewelry and think the jewelry at BD Designs is exceptional! There are so many stunning items on their website that is was hard to say which is my favorite! One of the items that really caught my eye is the Brag Tags - Set of Two Petite Hammered Circle Pendants - Add names, quote or message. I would love to be able to inscribe my own personal message to send out to those around me. I also love the stacking rings that are part of this giveaway! They are ultra cool and I would wear them all the time! Thank you for introducing Christen and her designs to us and offering this great giveaway!
joannaonthelake[at]gmail.com

Charlene Kuser said...

I would have to say my favorite
piece is the River Rocks Necklace
in Sterling Silver.I chose this
item because I love rocks.I have
collected them for years and I really love the style of this necklace.I enjoyed the interview
and your blog as well.Thanks for
the nice giveaway

CharlieGurl57@aol.com

klp1965 said...

i love the Silvery moon Bangle because it is simple and elegant :)

Unknown said...

The Love Is Patient, Love Is Kind, Love Never Fails Hammered Circle Pendant is my favorite because of the wonderful positive message hammered on it. garrettsambo@aol.com

Henry said...

like the Spring Crocus Stack. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

The summer citrus stack is my favorite, but everything is beautiful!

delilahhhhh@msn.com

Unknown said...

the Starscape Ring is really fantastic!

Roseann K. said...

The stacking rings are just beautiful!

lilyk said...

I love the la petite fleur ring!

ssmina said...

the twisted hoops thanks!

Anonymous said...

Oh man,
I am in love with his starscape ring and the wildflower pieces. And, I too also love the summer citrus stackers, but wanted to look a little deeper than the featured items!

LadyJemima said...

Wow, that's some really neat jewelry. I like the Twisted Post Hoops; simple with a twist. Lovely work.

lilacflowers180 AT yahoo DOT com

Helen said...

I love the Double Hammered Circle Pendant in Sterling Silver because it can be inscribed with a quote or saying. That's what makes it so unique and I'm always looking for unique jewelry!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13690119

Unknown said...

These are so cute, thanks so much for the fab contest.

I love the Twisted Post Hoops (7-in-1 earrings).

constance said...

The copper chimes bracelet is beautiful!!! I even like the name.... reminds me of the sounds of a grateful, smiling heart..... it just always seems to be "singing". I love that her peices are all so unique.... I love to wear things that are "special" and different from what everyone else has... her quote is right on... create from the heart, from a place that is devoid of negativity..... your creation can be nothing less than spectacular... she, and her works, are inspirational indeed.
cspan27332(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I really like the -
Mothers/ Customizable Heavy Bangle Bracelet (birthstone crystal optional. Very unique. I do not think that I have seen anything like this anywhere. Thank you for this giveaway.

elsmangeri@snet.net

Minute said...

My favorite piece is the Summer Citrus Stackers - set of 3 Sterling Rings - with Peridot and Citrine because I love natural stones. The peridot and citrine look beautiful.

Kelly82 said...

I like the Copper Sunrise Hoops, very nice.

kgirl82@gmail.com

plhill2000 said...

I love the inscribed stacking rings.

klp1965 said...

i love the Silvery Moon Band

Heather said...

I like the Starscape ring!

Unknown said...

I immediately fell in love with the Rectangle Link Flourish Bracelet with Peridot. I love the style and the peridot is my birthstone. Yes, I'll be celebrating another birthday in a few days. Thanks for this wonderful opportunity enter your contest.

Tim Sternberg said...

I love her pieces and the look of her work.

Unknown said...

I love the "dewdrop hoops"!

janetfaye said...

I like the Hammered Globe Earrings (sterling silver) because I like the way they look and the description says they move and sparkle which I like.

Thank you!

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

Anonymous said...

I love things that are different thats why I like the Rectangle Link Flourish Bracelet with Peridot

luckydolls123[at]verizon[dot]net

Anonymous said...

The "Flower Garden Pendant" is just lovely! Thank you for hosting this giveaway!

greenyak [at] yahoo [dot] com

Raven said...

WINNERS UPDATE:

RHUBARB SKY is the lucky winner of the 3 petite stacking rings by BD Designs!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Thanks so much to everyone who entered...be sure to enter this week's give-a-way too!

xxx
Raven