Sometimes less is more when it comes to fashion choices. Coco Chanel is famous advising women to remove the last accessory they put on before they leave their homes. Since I don’t wear too many accessories, as is, I don’t tend to follow this advice literally. But I appreciate the spirit of what she is saying, which is that you should carefully choose the pieces that will add to your ensemble, and leave behind those that are simply distracting. TinyLeaves is an Etsy shop that seems to have that idea at the very heart of it. Each piece of jewelry is simple, but still striking.
Alison is the woman behind TinyLeaves, and she started out selling her wares on eBay, and her username was inspired by tiny Czech glass leaf-shaped beads that she particularly loved. And now that name continues through her Etsy store! While the leaf beads aren’t as present in her current designs, you will still find that many of her pieces feature leaf beads or leaf designs. She says that she is “pretty much obsessed” with making earrings. Her obsession has certainly paid off because she makes absolutely beautiful earrings. I’m not the only one who thinks so; it seems that her pieces are gracing ear lobes all over this country. She lost count of how many pairs she has made and sold after the first thousand or so! Woah!
For my review, Alison sent me a pair of lovely drop earrings with a carved design of, you guessed it, tiny leaves! They are so simple, but they have enough detailing in them and the length is dramatic enough to draw attention and admiration. I find them to be the perfect compliment to a weekend jeans and flip flops type of ensemble, and these earrings take the look from slightly disheveled to decidedly put together!
When Alison works on new jewelry designs, she focuses on line, color and simplicity. She says, “I think what you leave out design-wise is almost as important as the elements you actually use. This requires more courage than you might expect. There is always the temptation to clutter a jewelry design with non-essential elements to justify the cost of your product or satisfy other people’s expectations. In a simple design all the elements must be virtually perfect in terms of workmanship and quality of materials because any sloppiness will stand out like a sore thumb!”
As for her love of Memphis, Alison was too hard pressed to choose just one thing. Among her favorites are the sense of history here, cultural diversity, churches on almost every corner (it’s true!) and of course, southern cooking. Amen to all of the above, Alison! 🙂
TinyLeaves owner Alison has a heart for quality and a heart for giving back to others. She donates 20% of her sales to Memphis MultiNational Ministries, a non-denominational Christian organization which serves the refugee community in Memphis, Tennessee. Alison’s sister, Laurie Graves Morris, serves as the Director there! Last year she was able to donate $465.95. That is so amazing, but you can help her donate even more by making a purchase from her! And as a bonus, you’ll look great doing it! Also, Alison is offering free shipping through the end of May if you mention Stuff Parents Need in your notes to the seller!
Win it!: Alison would like to offer one lucky Stuff Parents Need reader your very own TinyLeaves creation. The winner will receive an item of his/her choice up to $10, plus free shipping! The contest will run until May 27th at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States.
Mandatory Entry:
Tell me your very favorite item in the TinyLeaves shop and where you would wear it!
Additional Entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog via RSS, email or Google friend connect (only one extra entry, even if you subscribe more than one way)
2. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter (leave your Twitter ID)
3. Add TinyLeaves to your favorites on Etsy
4. Give Alison a suggestion for a type of earring to make
5. If you left a Memphis in May comment on this post before May 2nd, leave a comment for an extra entry
Disclosure: I received a complimentary product for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
trixx says
I subscribe via email.
trixx says
The Swirls of White – Vintage Lucite and Natural Brass Earrings would be perfect to wear to work
Tylerpants says
I'm an email subscriber. tylerpants(at)gmail.com
Tylerpants says
The Ruby Red Faceted Tear Drops are pretty, my wedding anniversary is coming up so I'd love to wear them when we go out! tylerpants(at)gmail.com
Donna says
I sdded it to my faves.
donna444444@yahoo.com
Donna says
follow on twitter.(donnak4)
donna444444@yahoo.com
Donna says
follower
donna444444@yahoo.com
Donna says
I like the Sand and Sea Vintage Lucite and Natural Brass Dangles. would wear them out to eat.
donna444444@yahoo.com
Melissa B. says
My favorite are the Diamond Filigree Dangles (Natural Brass Earrings). I'd wear them to work.
alli says
I added TinyLeaves to my favorites on Etsy (my username: SilkLotus)
northssclub at yahoo dot com
alli says
I follow on twitter as @alitsao
northssclub at yahoo dot com
alli says
My favorite is the Simply White Vintage Lucite and Natural Brass Dangles, and I would wear it to work!
northssclub at yahoo dot com
Bakersdozen says
Email subscriber. vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com
Bakersdozen says
I like the Translucent Jonquil Faceted Glass Drops. I would wear them with my summer dresses. vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com
kathy pease says
following you on twitter klp1965
kathy pease says
Google Friend klp1965
kathy pease says
i love the Simply Taupe Tear Drops and id wear them to my daughters graduation 🙂
lilyk says
I would love to see animal themed earrings!
lilyk says
I added TinyLeaves to my favorites on Etsy.
lilyk says
I subscribed by email.
lilyk says
I love the Rustic Leaf Imprint Ceramic Pendant with Vintaj Brass Chain! I would wear it to parties.
FDP 4 Life says
added them to my favorites on etsy
susansmoaks at gmail dot com
FDP 4 Life says
follower on twitter @fdp4life
susansmoaks at gmail dot com
FDP 4 Life says
subscriber
susansmoaks at gmail dot com
FDP 4 Life says
i love the Yellow Topaz AB Swarovski Cascade Earrings (Natural Brass) and i will wear them to dinner with my husband
susansmoaks at gmail dot com
purango says
The Translucent Jonquil Faceted Glass Drops are my favorite. I would wear them when my husband takes me out to dinner on our anniversary. garrettsambo@aol.com
Christina says
Christina – xristya@rock.com – My suggestions (for earrings for Allison to make) are crows and bluebirds! Birds are very in right now!
Christina says
Christina – xristya@rock.com – I love the Tiny Leaves Of Silver Dangle Earrings (especially the lines on the leaves!) and I would wear them just about anywhere!
Becca Ann says
I follow on gfc
Becca Ann says
I like the
Diamond Filigree Dangles
Hbomb says
Added to favorite on etsy(xbeautifulcoma)
xbeautifulcoma at yahoo dot com
Hbomb says
I follow your blog via GFC
xbeautifulcoma at yahoo dot com
Hbomb says
I like the Rustic leaf imprint ceramic pendant with vintaj brass chain
xbeautifulcoma at yahoo dot com
mframe says
twitter follower- mframe00
mframe00@yahoo.com
mframe says
I love the Martine Filigree Drop Earrings and I would wear them on dates with my wonderful husband.
mframe00@yahoo.com
sweetsue says
I would wear the Sand and Sea Vintage Lucite and Natural Brass Dangles to the beach. I love them-they look like little globes!
smchester at gmail dot com
jeske_posse says
I'd like to see a pair or earrings in brass and pearl in the same style as Allison's Stormy Pearl Clusters!!! If she makes some pls let me know. Also a simple pearl drop would be pretty too!
jeske_posse says
Added Tiny LEaves to my favs on Etsy.
jeske_posse says
Following on twitter. I'm jeske_posse.
jeske_posse says
I'd pick the Sand and Sea Vintage Lucite and Natural Brass Dangles b.c they are happy! I'd wear them in the hospital where I'll be until my bundles of joy decided to come (hopefully not for another month or so!!!).
Roxy says
added tinyleaves to my faves on etsy as hockiemack
hockiemack at hotmail.com
Roxy says
google friend
hockiemack at hotmail.com
Roxy says
i'd wear the Stormy Pearl Clusters to my next cocktail party!
hockiemack at hotmail.com
Chrissyb says
entra entry
transamws602(at)yahoo(dot)com
Chrissyb says
I'd suggest she make heart and key earrings.
transamws602(at)yahoo(dot)com
Chrissyb says
Follow you on Twitter @lilbabybootie
transamws602(at)yahoo(dot)com
Chrissyb says
e-mail subscriber
transamws602(at)yahoo(dot)com
Chrissyb says
I like the sand and sea earrings and i'd wear them to work!
transamws602(at)yahoo(dot)com
paigu says
I like the aged leaf necklace. I'd wear it every day!
Mama Zen says
My favorite is the Sand and Sea Vintage Lucite and Natural Brass Dangles. I would wear them to graduation.
Nicole C. says
I follow on gfc.
choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com
Nicole C. says
I love the Green Opal Faceted Tear Drops and would wear them to my son's graduation.
choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com
Miss Potential says
I love the Green Opal Faceted Tear Drops and I'd wear them to opening night of a musical 🙂
kaleidoscopequeen at gmail dot com
bison61 says
I like the Ruby Red Faceted Tear Drops they would look so pretty with my red dress-I would wear them when my husband takes me out for supper
tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
mogrill says
I like the deep red fall leaves earrings. I would wear them all over during fall.
Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net
mverno says
the sand & sea vintage lucite & natural brass dangles mverno@roadrunner.com
llinda29 says
I like Stormy Pearl Clusters and will where them to the movies
atboop says
I love the Stormy Pearl Clusters. I would wear them to work.
Renee says
I would like to see some earrings with flowers, such as roses or fuschias, on them in her shop.
yeloechikee at hotmail dot com
Renee says
Memphis in May post bonus entry
yeloechikee at hotmail dot com
Renee says
email subscriber
Renee says
I like those earrings featured in your post with the tiny birds on them, but I also like the Sand and Sea Vintage Lucite and Natural Brass Dangles from her shop.
yeloechikee at hotmail dot com
Erinn says
I left a Memphis in May comment.
Erinn says
I would like to see Alison offer her lovely earring designs with nickel-free posts/wires.
Erinn says
I added TinyLeaves to my Etsy favorites.
Erinn says
I am a subscriber.
Erinn says
I like the aged leaf necklace. I would wear it to a wedding.
Amber says
I would love to see Allison make some Italian inspired earrings – something inspired by Tuscany perhaps?
Thank you for the giveaway 🙂
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
Amber says
I heart Tiny Leaves on Etsy – my Etsy username is Hurdler4eva
Thank you for the giveaway 🙂
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
Amber says
I follow your blog with google friend connect!
Thank you for the giveaway 🙂
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
Amber says
My favorite is the Rustic Leaf Imprint Ceramic Pendant with Vintaj Brass Chain and I would wear it to a picnic and to shop!
Thank you for the giveaway 🙂
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
Anonymous says
The ruby earrings are my favorite and I am a subscriber. saltpepper1_2000@yahoo.com
Lucy says
I added Tiny Leaves to my faves on Etsy.
Lucy says
I follow you on Twitter. @LucilleRicardo
Lucy says
I subscribe to your blog on Google.
Lucy says
I love the aged leaf necklace. I'd probably wear it everyday!
Snowflake07 says
I made Tiny Leaves a fave on Etsy (my Etsy name is ColorBomb)
Snowflake07 says
following on twitter as SnowflakeDay
Snowflake07 says
google friend follower
Snowflake07 says
I like the nature theme going on with the sun, leaf and flowers; maybe I would suggest making some insect or fish earrings.
Snowflake07 says
My favorites are the Ruby Red Faceted Tear Drops earrings. I would wear those anywhere; that's why I like them. I could wear them to the grocery store and then out to dinner!
jan says
left comment prior to 5/2
jan says
I follow via Google Friend Connect
jan says
I'd choose the sand & sea vintage lucite & natural brass dangles – love 'em! Our anniversary is coming up so I'd wear them out to dinner.
Madeline says
I left a comment.
Madeline says
I follow you on Twitter. @BabbleBird
Madeline says
I'm a Google friend.
Madeline says
My favorite is the Sand and Sea Vintage Lucite and Natural Brass Dangles. So pretty. I'd wear them for a breakfast date with my hubby.