Must-Have -- Rings that Give Back!

We can thank The Real Housewives of Orange County, Alexis Bellino for connecting us with one FABulous small biz. Holly Freese is the Founder and Designer behind some pretty amazing bling - Expressions Rings of Hope. 

Black Cowboy Swarovski Ring $40 
As seen on Alexis Bellino 

Not only is the Focus Ring ($40) our go-to accessory for everyday (because it pretty much matches anything & everything) but it also supports a good cause. Bling for a cause! What's not to love? Read on to get to know Holly and see what inspired this oh-so-fabulous biz! Holly is absolutely one of the sweetest cupcakes we have ever met and has one of the biggest hearts. We admire Holly for getting the word out and spreading an amazing message to everyone! 

{1} Tell us about yourself & about Expression Rings of Hope, your biz!

My name is Holly Freese and currently I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  I am 28 years old and currently a Stay at home Mom of 2 boys;  Walker is 2 years old, and Bryce is 1 year old. Before having children I was in advertising sales downtown Chicago.  I started Expressions of Hope in May of 2010.  I was inspired by my friend, Mike Kacynski, who passed last April from Renal Cell Carcinoma. I wanted to do something with my time, and also wanted to help make a difference!  So, I came up with this idea of creating a little piece of HOPE that women can wear as a accessory to their wardrobe, or as reminder of someone they loved that had passed.  Also, with the purchase of an Expression of Hope Ring, a portion of the proceeds from each ring sale is being donated to the V Foundation for Cancer Research.  I hope to make a stride towards finding a cure for cancer.  There is far to many cases out there, and we need to all come together to help find a cure!

Who doesn't love pink? Patience Ring, $40

{2} What has been the best part about having your own business?

The best part of having my own business is being able to help those who lost loved ones smile, and being able to help support a good cause.  It really makes me smile to see how many supporters I have, and how many continue to follow me each and everyday.  The more supporters I have, the more we can donate towards a wonderful cause.  I love to hear about my "Hope Fans" inspirational stories.  I am truly thankful to those who have helped me and continue to help spread my message BLING FOR A CAUSE! 

Make sure you add the Holiday collection to your wish list!

{3} When did the light bulb go off that you knew this is what you wanted to do?

After my best friend's husband, Mike Kacynski, died last April 2010 of Renal Cell Carcinoma I kept thinking about what I could do help.  He found out in February of 2010 of his disease, and 3 months later he was no longer with us.  I just couldn't believe how this could happen.  Since I was a Stay at Home Mom, I really wanted to start a business that helped my family, as well as helping out a greater cause.  I decided to start making these Swarovski Rings, and donate towards the V Foundation in Mike's name.  

{4} Do you plan to expand the line?

I defintely hope to grow this business, and expand my product line.  I have had some people recommend some jewelry for little girls, or bracelets for women.  I will eventually get a few more products, but for now, I am just trying to get my name out there. 

Make sure you check out these beautiful bracelets too!

{5} What's up next? 

Well....I really just want to get my name out there as much as possible.  Just in the last 2 months my business has really grown and I have quite a few followers on Facebook and Twitter.  I hope to keep that going, keep reaching out to those who have lost loved ones and hear about their stories.  It inspires me to keep growing and moving forward.  I am just trying to keep contacting people in helping spread my message BLING FOR A CAUSE!  The more people who are "BLINGING," that means the more money that has been raised and donated towards cancer research and finding a cure for this awful and all to common disease.  I appreciate you taking the time with me, and look forward to this upcoming year and what's to come of Expressions of Hope. I thank everyone again who has helped me, supported me, and believed in me.  Thank you!!!

{All Things Expression Rings of Hope}

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{Thank you Holly for our beautiful BLING FOR A CAUSE. We absolutely adore the Focus ring you sent for review purposes and love everything you do!}

Featured Etsy Designer -- Jill of Marie Carleton! Plus a giveaway!

We have another FABulous Etsy designer on our hands. When we first came across the Heart Charm Bracelet in Red -- we fell right in love with Marie Carleton Jewelry on Etsy. Jill designs perfect little arrays of handmade jewels and custom creations. We look forward to sharing Jill with our readers and thrilled to be giving away the Editors' Pick from Marie Carleton! Read on for details and to see why we LOVE her shop. We think you will too!

{the beautiful designer herself, Jill of Marie Carleton}

{1} What made you begin your shop? 

I’ve been making jewelry for as long as I can remember – I have memories of stringing necklaces in my aunt’s basement as a kid, learning how to work with sterling silver wire when I was in high school, hitting up the local bead shop with my sister when I was home for summer break from college… and it’s a hobby that I’ve always come back to whenever I’ve had some spare time.

It was just about a year ago when I found myself with some extra time on my hands and a great deal of inspiration, so I got to work.  My friends and coworkers loved everything I was making and before I knew it orders started rolling in.  

I kept hearing that I needed to be on Etsy, so I decided to check it out and I’ve found it to be a brilliant forum for artists to connect with shoppers looking for unique goods!

{A fave of the designer Jill, the Gemstone Cascade Earrings, $65}

{2} What are some of your other favorite Etsy shops?

I find at least one thing on Etsy every day that I love.  These are just a handful of my favorite shops:

SealedwithKS: This is my sister's shop (jewelry must be in our blood).  She has an awesome eye for color and makes unexpectedly beautiful pieces. 

ElizabethKelly: Amazing leather belts!

LaPlumeEthere: FABULOUS shoes that I've been eyeing for awhile now.  I'm definitely buying myself a pair soon!

Bluebirdheaven: Every girl needs one of these jewelry organizers!

{We LOVE the color of these Carnelian Hoops, $39} 

{3} What is your favorite item currently in your shop?

There are a couple of pieces in my shop that I’m really into these days. I love the heart charm leather wrap bracelets and the gem encrusted heart necklaces. However, I think my all time favorite pieces are the 

gemstone cascade earrings!

{cupcakeMAG pick: Amethyst Wrapped Heart Necklace in the perfect Spring color, $45}

{4} What is up next for you?

Looking forward to the spring and summer, I’ll be working on some gemstone flower pendant necklaces in all different styles and colors and also some colorful and asymmetrical gemstone necklaces.

One of my goals for the upcoming year is to learn some new jewelry making techniques; I’m especially interested in metalsmithing and am currently looking into workshops.  So, look for some really different pieces around summertime!

{cupcakeMAG Editors' Pick: the Heart Charm Bracelet in Red}

See why we adore Jill and her jewels? 

Now, you can have a chance to win the cucpakeMAG Editors' Pick! 

Read on to enter the giveaway!

Featured Etsy Designer -- Frosted Willow -- plus a giveaway!

We are so excited to share with you one of our favorite Etsy shops, Frosted Willow. And even better - we chatted with the designer herself to learn more about her beautiful handmade jewels. We are just dying over them! And not to mention the price - mix and match the one of a kind pieces - you are sure to get compliments on your newest accessory!

"From sleek silver & gold plated jewelry to intricate, wire-wrapped pendants & earrings.

A different style for any outfit or mood. Every piece a creation of love, designed and handmade as limited editions, or as one of a kind pieces by Frosted Willow."

1.) What inspired the name, Frosted Willow?

Yes, everyone asks that question first! What happened was that, during the time that I was contemplating a name, I came across a beautiful photograph of a willow tree covered in pure white snow. It looked so peaceful and serene as if it was sprinkled on. It also reminded me so much of frosting that I thought it looked like a Frosted Willow. I just loved that combination! Now every time I hear Frosted Willow, I see that photograph in front of my inner eye.

2.) Tell us about yourself -- the artist behind the to die for jewels?

I was born in Germany and first came to the US as an AuPair for a year to perfect my English. Instead, or in addition, I met my future husband and never left. Now, we live just around the corner from Boston with our little girl – love the summer, beach and outings. I always been busy with my hands and actually amazed quite a library of materials and tools of crafts that I just have to try out. But I always came back to jewelry making since it just combines everything to me. So after getting my Degree of Fine Arts in Interior Design and working as an Interior Designer for a few years, I started to concentrated on creating jewelry and turned it into Frosted Willow.

3.) Do you have a favorite item in your shop?

I am constantly on the lookout for new findings that work well for my bangles. So I add several new items a month and with that jump from one favorite to the next. However, at the moment the silver Butterfly Wing Bangle is the one I am wearing all the time.

4.) What is up next for Frosted Willow?

After this busy holiday season, I will be working on expanding my line in the coming year. I also would like to be represented in more store throughout the US and Europe. I know how important it is to be able to see these pieces in person and be able to try them on and mix and match them right on your arm.

Frosted Willow comes boxed up & ready to give. 

Ready to win one? That is right! The sweet designer is giving you a chance to start your collection by choosing any bangle of choice! Read on to enter!