Hey everyone!
We have a new home!
Here is our new website larissaloden.com
Here is our new blog.
Here is our new facebook page.
Thanks so much everyone for all your support through the years as Lefthand Originals. It was a hard change but I am very excited that we are now Larissa Loden.
Enjoy!
About a month ago I was walking the cobble stone streets of Paris, eating as many macaroons as feasible possible, and on the hunt for vintage goodies to use in my designs. Luckily, I went to the Parisian flea market Saint Ouen and hit the jack pot. In this maze of street vendors selling knock off everything is a huge section of real Parisian antiques, I had found my home. In this maze of uber delightment I found the cutest little lady selling the most wonderful beads and metals I had ever seen. The rows of small wooden crates filled with beads, vintage applique hung from the ceiling, and bins of metals with the most gorgeous patina. I decided then and there I would be making a very special collection.
So for the past several weeks I have been starring at my little collection and dreaming up wonderful ideas of earrings and necklaces. I have decided to do very limited runs of each design. Each design I will make more than one of, but less than 5. All the beads and components are all vintage 1940-1960’s plastic and vintage german glass. The metals are 1950’s die struck copper and brass, which have developed the most gorgeous patinas.
The first part of this collection will be for sale at Highland Fest this week, (July 15th-17th). This collection will not be available in stores, only at shows and possibly online with the launch of our new website.
So here is a sneak peak, into the world of dreamy colors, and rich patinas.
Vintage plastic and brass, bright turquoise hues complemented with a coral pink drop. All the length and dangle none of the weight.
How could you not be happy with these in your ears. I mean do you see that little pink bowtie in the middle, adorable!
So all the components in these pieces are made with beads and metals right out of the flea market. They range in prices from $25-$40 dollars and will be available this weekend at highland fest. So brave the heat, because these will not last long.
Well as you can see we have not posted here in a while and that’s because we have been busy, busy, busy. Busy with what you might ask…..well here is what we have been up to.
The red orange hue section.
The vintage metals, and their wonderful Patina.
About a month ago we had a photo shoot with the great photographer Stephanie Colgan . Stephanie has done everything from New York Fashion week to Bonaroo. It was a pleasure to work with Stephanie and I cant wait to incorporate her amazing work into our new website and promo materials.
A Sneek Peak of how the day went.
Well it seems like a while ago, but only a few short months ago we participated in our first fashion show, Voltage Fashion Amplified. The show went off without a hitch and we received great press about our collection and how nicely it paired with Ivan Idland’s designs. Ivan and the whole voltage crew were amazing to work with and I cant wait to apply for it next year. (Maybe we will even do a couple smaller shows in between now and then.)
We have gotten into several stores lately (shop section to be updated soon.) It has been such a blessing to see our work in so many new retail establishments and all of them seem to be going so well. Thanks so much Creatures Boutique, Elodie, Hill Valley Boutique, Nomad Piercing, and Cliche.
We have been doing our usual very busy summer show circuit, starting of the season with art a whirl. From now til the end of the summer season you will see us at the Uptown Market, Highland Fest, Caffeto Craft Fair, Red Hot Art, Powderhorn Art Fair, Glensheen, Soundtown Music Festival, and Jesse James Days. Each show will have new and exciting items you can not find on the etsy shop.
Our biggest announcement however and our biggest change is, I will be renaming the business which will result in a new website and just a new us. After lots of hard consideration we will no longer be called Lefthand Originals, but Larissa Loden. As my business grows I have realized how important it is for me as a designer that people know my name. Chanel, Dior, Marc Jacobs would not be where they are today if it were not for a little name recognition. Some of you may have already noticed the new tags on our jewelry, and that’s just the start. I hope to have Larissa Loden fully operational by the end of July and a new collection to be revealed with the official name change. So stay tuned for more exciting information on this huge endeavor, because Yes there is more news.
Thanks so much everyone for their continued support and love of our designs we could not do this without you!
April 15th is Voltage and here at Lefthand Originals/ Larissa Loden we have been working hard.So I thought I would let everyone have a sneak peek into my design process and how the looks are coming along for Voltage. For Voltage I have been focusing on navy and military inspired designs.
The first part is sketching, since my lines are based on where vintage meets modern. I started thinking about military pieces and how they they could take on a modern aesthetic. I instantly thought of vintage military ribbon pins and army buttons.
I have thousands of sketch books laying about filled with designs and inspirations. Some I use some I don’t, but I find if I don’t record my ideas I forget and I have A LOT of ideas.
Next is sourcing for materials, I really like my pieces to have a story and age so I go to the source. I love antiquing, I think it has to do with my upbringing. My father was an antiquer and I have fond memories of waking up super early on Sunday mornings to go to Flea Markets and antique shows.
Next after I have acquired all the necessary pieces I construct. This is obviously my favorite part. I usually work in small scattered piles across my work area.As you can see from this tiny snippet, I have amassed quite the collection of things. My usually weapons of choice are pliers, a jewelers saw, butane torch, and a tumbler.
And viola, finished products. Sometimes pieces do not turn out as nicely as you imagine and sketch out, but luckily for me these ones did.
The earrings are vintage military ribbon pins, on vintage brass filigree, brass chain and long kidney ear wires. 
The bracelet, which is know 3 strands features vintage navy buttons, set into 1970 brass bezels.
Well folks, while there are lots more pieces designed I don’t want to ruin the big 15th for you all. I will be posting more update tidbits on my facebook page.
Hello, everyone.
Lots of excitement has been happening around here recently. A couple of months ago we were announced as accessories designer for Voltage Fashion Amplified. We shall be in a local magazine coming up here and tons of designing.
To stay up to date with this I would encourage you to join our facebook page. I am constantly posting, new designs, sales and everything else over there.
