TSB in 2021

The longest year ever is finally over. One minute, it was March for 9 months and then suddenly it was Christmas. I swear the pandemic is messing with time itself!

At the end of every year, when I’m thoroughly burnt out from Christmas and all I want to do is sleep, I start to contemplate all of the things I want to do with TSB. Most of what I dream up is pretty much only going to happen if I win the lottery, and some of it is necessity based on things out of my control. So without further ado, here are the things that are possibly, eventually, maybe coming / changing with TSB in 2021, provided I don’t forget.

First, and sadly of all:
• No more USMC jewelry or accessories
Not going to lie, this one low-key breaks my heart. I have been a licensed hobbyist with the USMC since I started TSB. Unfortunately they have more than tripled their yearly fee without warning. I have decided that rather than up the cost of my items to cover their fee as well as all of the other related selling costs, it’s easier just to say goodbye. This may change in the future, but for now…

• Production times are back to 10 business days
I know, I know… the thing is, the shipping delays that are happening all over the world are also making it incredibly hard to get my supplies in. If I have everything in stock to create your items, it will not take the full 10 business days. If I have to order something, well…

• More engraved items are coming
I started TSB making hand stamped items and I love how they look. Ok, technically I started with beaded monstrosities, but I quickly added in hand stamped charms to personalize the beaded mess. But stamping is HARD on the body and mine is telling me it’s time to cut back. This doesn’t mean that I’m going to stop stamping completely, it just means more of the newer items will be engraved and some of the older ones will be getting a makeover. The up side to all of this is that I won’t be limited to the font and design stamps I have in stock. I can use any font and even handwriting on most everything… provided the licensing for the font isn’t ridiculously expensive. Theoretically this will also mean that I will have more time to work on new items. I’m also waiting on a beautiful new fiber laser that will give me the ability to engrave the super tiny and rounded urns I have in stock.

• More finishes
Because I’m adding in more engraved pieces, it also means I can add in more finishes as well. I have a few pieces that I offer in black, blue and rainbow steel as well as the traditional silver, gold and rose gold finishes. I’m not even going to lie— they’re a great big ol’ capital B to stamp. Hand stamping relies on reflection to place the letters / designs and when you’re stamping something black, it’s really hard to get the reflection lined up. I mainly rely on muscle memory and experience to get things placed as accurately as possible, which isn’t exactly ideal. With the new fiber laser, everything should be lined up perfectly and I should even be able to engrave in white.

• More metalwork
My theory right now is that if I spend less time stamping, I’ll have more time to work on some of the more complex ideas running through my head. I’ve had projects in the works for months that I just haven’t had time to dedicate to. My goal this year is to find time to create at least one metalwork piece a month.

• More enamel
Early in 2020, or maybe late 2019? I started working on some enamel jewelry. Enamel is super fun to work with, but also requires a lot of focus to make sure everything is done correctly. When the pandemic hit, my focus was pretty split with trying to keep everyone safe. The first new collection for January is an enameled state pendant collection. Georgia, New York, Louisiana, and Massachusetts are the first and I’ve had requests for New Hampshire and Puerto Rico, so they’re on the way. I will also be expanding to countries, with Australia, Mexico, France, and Germany coming first (because I have them in stock) and then will expand based on request. I’m currently working on getting samples of all the colors I have available, but it’s slow going. I also have plans to add inclusions to possibly turn these into long distance sets as well.

• Wood jewelry is coming
Last year, I added some wooden earrings into my line. I’ve been playing around with some new techniques and am excited to add some new items over the coming months. First up will be nurse pins, post earrings and then even some wooden charm necklaces and bracelets.

• More accessories
This one is probably my favorite. I’ve been adding new accessories over the last year that aren’t really jewelry related in any way for no other reason than they’re fun to make. I’ve added bookmarks, golf divot tools, bottle openers, planner accessories and even a mini notepad. I’m going to be expanding this section to include jewelry boxes, Apple Watch bands, accessory bags (both small travel makeup bag size and large laptop sleeve size), luggage tags, vegan leather portfolios, and even vegan leather wine totes and flasks. I also have a slightly thicker version of the mini notepad that comes with itty bitty sticky notes and page flags. And more colors of everything.

• Throwback Thursday remakes
Starting on Thursday (not sure which one yet lol), I’m going to be posting a remake of an older item. It may be one that I haven’t made in years or it may be one that needs a facelift. They’ll be posted to my instagram and there might even be a coupon code or giveaway or something attached to each one.

And that is what I have in mind so far… this might change or it might not happen. I had a LOT of stuff planned for 2020 that all kind of imploded when the pandemic hit. I’m cautiously optimistic this year will be better, but we’ll have to wait and see what the future holds! If you’ve made it this far, you definitely deserve a medal… or maybe a coupon code. From now until January 31st, use code babblingmess for 20% off your purchase.

I will be out of the studio on Monday, January 18th for Martin Luther King Day and because my sweet princess turns one! I have gone full on ridiculous dog mom, so make sure to check back for photos. Chloe is definitely giving me some major side eye from the rainbow bridge!