Behind the Inspiration: Summer of Stones Collection
The final countdown
As we were in the final week before launching our Summer of Stones collection, I wanted to give you a behind-the-scenes look into the whole process. What really goes into creating a new collection?
Well, I can tell you one thing: you need a plan. Anyone who knows me knows I love to plan things out, whether it's vacations, holidays, home projects or my day to day (I carry my paper agenda around like it's my Bible). I like to start with the big picture and work backwards. How do you know where to start if you don't know where you are going?
The inspiration board
The first step in planning any collection is an inspiration board. I can't start anything without one. It's basically my road map for the collection. What do I want the vibe to be? How do I want people to feel when they see these pieces? What shapes are we interested in? In this case, what color are we gravitating towards? I gather all sorts of images that speak to me and create the inspiration board for the collection.
Once our road map is set, I work on the timeline. It typically takes about one year from concept to launch for a new collection. Would you believe we took the photos for this collection the July before? It's true. Things take time, so we have to start early.
Concepts to finished products
In terms of a timeline, I decide when we want to launch the collection and then subtract everything it takes to get there: production time, shipping and receiving inventory, tagging and setting up the website, photo shoots and editing, and sample approval. Once those deadlines are set, we know how long we have until we need to move on to the next phase.
Now we have our road map, our destination and our travel time, and the fun can really begin. I work closely with our manufacturers on materials and styles and give them a copy of our inspiration board so we are on the same page. From there, we select different stones, chains and shapes and start working up the samples. Some pieces are custom, and others are collaborations with our manufacturers to create something beautiful for our customers.
The work never ends
Once the samples arrive and are approved, we place the final orders and production is on its way. While that is happening, we are planning our next photoshoot and beginning other collections. It is a constant cycle to keep new styles coming to you.
Summer of Stones
All of this is why I was so excited to share our Summer of Stones collection. It is always a labor of love and a long time coming. I knew this was the year we would introduce color into the line, with gemstones such as Amethyst, Aventurine, Amazonite, African Turquoise and Turquoise. I wanted lots of statement rings, different shapes and beautiful stones while keeping the essence that is Steward & James.
Alongside the stones and color, we added a classic gold collection, including our stainless steel stretch beaded bracelets in 5 sizes. You can really feel the quality when you hold them!
Thank you
Every collection is for you, our customer. You are the reason we do what we do, and you allow me to do what I love. It brings me so much joy to see someone wearing one of our pieces. With every earring you wear, every like of a photo, online order, market purchase or even reading of an email, please know I am incredibly grateful. Thank you for letting me make this dream a reality. You are Steward & James!
XOXO, Ash
Owner and Creative Director
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Shop online or visit us in person at 10155 Perkins Rowe, Suite 180D, Baton Rouge (next to Altar'd State).
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