So What is a Trunk Show, Anyway?

The term trunk show has been growing increasingly popular the past few years.  I frequently get asked by jewelry customers, family and friends “What is a Trunk Show?” so here is some fun info on the types of trunk shows that are most popular and the types of trunk shows that AmberTortoise Jewelry hosts. What is a Trunk Show? In the fashion and jewelry world, trunk shows are VIP “sneak peek” events. A designer shows up at a venue, often a small boutique, carrying trunks of items from their latest collection – hence the name. A select group of invited attendees will peruse the trunks, talk one-on-one with the designer, and perhaps walk away with a bargain or two. Trunk shows last for a limited time – from a few hours to a couple of days. Often, there will be finger food and beverages, adding to the fun party atmosphere. … [Continue reading]

Summer Class: Learn How to Make a Pair of Beaded Earrings

Please join me this Friday, 08/17, from 6:30pm-8:30pm at Silver Circle Studio in Putnam, CT to learn how to make beautiful beaded earrings. Details are below.  You can register online here. Wine Down: Make a Pair of Beaded Earrings: Start your weeked with some creative fun!  Bring friends, wine for sharing, and relax with a creative project and light refreshments. Learn how to make beautiful beaded dangle earrings with jewelry designer Crista Grasso. Choose from copper or silver and a variety of gemstones and crystals to select from. Perfect for beginners or those who have experience but want to perfect making wrapped loops. Day/Time: Friday 8/17, 6:30-8:30pm. Cost: $40 www.ambertortoise.com

Celebrities Support The Thirst Project in Honor of their 3rd Annual “Thirst Gala”

Hollywood is still buzzing about The Thirst Project’s 3rd Annual “Thirst Gala” and Marketing A Cause’s luxurious gift lounge. This year’s star-studded shindig was attended by celebrities such as Pauley Perrette, Chyler Leigh, Charisma Carpenter, Audrina Patridge, Kirsten Vangsness, Crystal Reed, Lance Bass, Boo Boo Stewart, Jason Ritter, Sarah Drew, and many more. Celebrities and VIPs had the opportunity to enjoy a luxurious environment with gifts, refreshments, and charity fundraising. In return for their support, lounge guests received lots of exciting gifts and services from our sponsors. To make sure they were accessorized for the red carpet, celebrities were gifted unique hand-made foot jewelry from AmberTortoise Jewelry, as well as a fashionable pearl bracelet from Dolma Pearl. Amber Tortoise Jewelry For refreshments, Oogave, served an all-natural and certified organic soda sweetened only with agave nectar. Celebrities also indulged in You Tonics a new protein water supplement that delivers 20 grams of protein plus Vitamins A, E and B. … [Continue reading]

The Celebrity Gift Lounge at The 3rd Annual Thirst Gala

I just got back from attending the 3rd Annual Thirst Gala in LA and my sister and I had such a blast!  Here are some photos of the event, from prep through after-party. Behind the Scenes- Before the Event Began: While the event coordinators were getting the event prepped, we were setting up our table: And here it is, finally finished after 2.5 hours of set up: Back up to the room to prep and get ready, and then it’s time to meet the celebrities and let the festivities begin: The highlight of the night for us was meeting Kirsten Vangsness (Penelope Garcia from Criminal Minds)!  She is amazing and I was so honored that she took time to come and meet me before she started hosting the Gala. Everyone we met was wonderful!  We didn’t get pictures of everyone, including one of our other favorites, Michael Johns. The Thirst … [Continue reading]

Behind the Scenes- Prep for the Celebrity Gift Lounge

Finding out that I had an opportunity to participate in a celebrity gift lounge for an amazing charity was beyond exciting… but also a little overwhelming.  All those things I should have done months ago but never seemed to make the top of my priority list all of a sudden became critically important!  New business cards, brochures, signs and banners, creation of over 40 pairs of barefoot sandals… plus finding a dress that might be remotely flattering… my initial “to-do” list had over 50 high priority items on it.  All this while moving my website to a new platform and working on some other exciting adventures in entrepreneurship (too soon to share the details on these yet…). I considered not participating because it seemed like too much to get done in only 2.5 weeks… but I have always been one to embrace a challenge so I decided to let the … [Continue reading]

Celebrity Gift Lounge in Support of The Third Annual Thirst Gala

Official Press Release for the Celebrity Gift Lounge in Support of The Third Annual Thirst Gala The Celebrity Gift Lounge Will Feature Luxury Gifts, Services, and Charity Fundraising on June 26, 2012 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills Los Angeles, CA – June 19, 2012 – On Tuesday, June 26, Pauley Perrette from NCIS and Seth Maxwell the CEO of The Thirst Project will welcome guests to the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills for the Third Annual Thirst Gala.  Each year, The Thirst Project hosts a star-studded Gala to benefit the cause and raise awareness about the world water crisis. Expected celebrity guests at this year’s Thirst Gala include host and advocate Pauley Perrette, Chyler Leigh, Tyler Posey, Tyler Hoechlin, Crystal Reed, Drake Bell, Charisma Carpenter, Holland Roden, Dylan O’Brien, JR Bourne, Dot Jones, Josh Sussman, Michael Welch, Christian Serratos, Sean Farris, Lance Bass, Kristen Vangsness, Jason Ritter, … [Continue reading]

AmberTortoise Jewelry at the 3rd Annual Thirst Gala in LA on June 26th, 2012

We are proud to be supporting the Thirst Project at the 3rd Annual Thirst Gala in LA on June 26th, 2012. We will be gifting celebrities and media with our unique and signature barefoot sandals, The Original Barefoot Sandal Foot Jewelry™.  Elegant, sexy, and exotic, our barefoot sandals are our best-selling jewelry item and the personal favorite of owner and jewelry designer, Crista Grasso.  She hopes that recipients will enjoy the barefoot sandals they receive in the Celebrity Gift Lounge and she is so happy to contribute to such a  wonderful charity that is making a difference and savings lives across the world. About The Original Barefoot Sandal Foot Jewelry™ by AmberTortoise: Inspired by ancient Egyptian jewelry, Crista made her first barefoot sandal in 2003.  Her line has expanded to include 3 distinct styles and are a favorite for brides planning a destination wedding or honeymoon.  Unlike other barefoot sandals, The Original Barefoot … [Continue reading]

Open House is Today, 04/29- Please Join Me!

This is just a quick reminder about the Open House at my new studio today, Sunday, April 29th, from 12pm-6pm!   All of the jewelry is out and polished, the snack and wine table is stocked full of goodies, and the coffee maker is prepped and ready to brew!  🙂 I really hope to see you there!  Details are below, and here is a sneak-peak of the space and some of the new jewelry from my spring collection:       I’d like to invite you to an Open House at my new studio on Sunday, April 29th!   Please join AmberTortoise Jewelry and several other  artists as we all open the doors to The Mill Works in Willington, CT and share our studios with anyone who wants to stop by- to shop, browse or simply enjoy the gorgeous location and variety of creative spaces!   It’s like an indoor fine art show, at a beautiful … [Continue reading]

New AmberTortoise Jewelry at Silver Circle Gallery

New jewelry from our Spring Collection is now available at Silver Circle Gallery in Putnam, CT. We also have a new display case, which features twice as much jewelry as before!  You will find a variety of our earrings, bracelets, statement and front-closure necklaces and bookmarks in the new case, and check by the door for some of our colorful sun catchers (in some of my most popular styles which are sold-out online). We love Silver Circle Gallery and are so happy to continue to be one of their jewelry designers and instructors!   They offer a variety of art classes for adults and children and feature some amazing and talented local artists in their gallery, exhibits and trunk shows.   While you’re there, stop next door at Victoria’s Station (one of my favorite cafe’s!) and try one of their homemade snickers cheesecakes (delicious!). All the best, ~Crista

You’re Invited! Open House at Our New Studio on 4/29

I’d like to invite you to an Open House at my new studio on Sunday, April 29th!   Please join AmberTortoise Jewelry and several other artists as we all open the doors to The Mill Works in Willington, CT and share our studios with anyone who wants to stop by- to shop, browse or simply enjoy the gorgeous location and variety of creative spaces!   It’s like an indoor fine art show, at a beautiful old mill building, right on Hall’s Pond. We will be featuring our new Spring Jewelry Line and will have many pieces available for Mother’s Day, including our very popular Mother’s Pendants, custom made for you that day.    Please stop by anytime between 12pm and 6pm this coming Sunday, 4/29, and enjoy a 15% discount on any purchase and be entered to win a free $25 gift certificate.   Directions and details are below.   I hope to see you there!   … [Continue reading]

Visit our online jewelry boutique at www.ambertortoise.com.