Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Very Quick Update: Haiti and News!

As of this moment, HQCD has donated $52.48 to redcross.org.
10% of any HQCD purchase made between now and Jan. 30, 2010 will be donated to redcross.org to help Haiti Earthquake victims.
HELP SPREAD THE WORD!

If you guys don't want to buy HQCD jewelry, BUT you love clothes, here's an option for you
TOKI DOKI Youth Run for Haiti T-Shirt
What an insanely ADORABLE shirt! I'm picking one up for myself-- 100% of proceeds go to helping victims of the earthquake! (Via red cross)

And two new pieces:

Really simple, super clean.



^ Learn about the above necklace HERE.

I'm not going to have time to update till this weekend, probably. ARGH there's so much I want to talk about! I'm going to be reviewing Cellnique's Bliv Skincare. Selina from the company was kind enough to send me products to test and review. There's going to be an update about that in two weeks ish-- when I have enough time 

Till next time,
Lisa
SHOP HQCD
Email: heqicrystaldesigns@hotmail.com < contact me for questions, comments, anything! Custom orders welcome =)

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Haiti Donation,Beauty Reviews, New Items, Valentine Exclusive (Hand Stamped Jewelry)

This is going to be a lonnnnnnnnnnng entry-- please bear with me!

Haiti Relief Update
I'd like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who has made a purchase in the last week! Together, including my own contribution, we have gathered a total of $33.80 towards the Haiti Relief donation that I'm making from now till the 30th! Let us continue helping this cause, and make this number bigger. Together, we can make a larger contribution on the 30th!

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In other news, I wanted to talk about some primers that I've been using.

A couple months ago, I bought the Makeup Forever's HD Primer from Sephora ($34!) I had a sample of this from being a Beauty Insider, but then, I decided that if I was going to start wearing mineral makeup, I need a primer to prevent my skin from drying out! I like it because it kept my face relatively moisturized and primed for use before Bare Minerals.

Last week during the CVS super 75% off clearance, I decided to buy the Revlon Age Defying instant firming face primer.
It was only $3.80 ish? WHAT A STEAL.



The Verdict:
I'm definitely sticking to the Revlon. My friend JESS thinks that it smells funny, but the only thing I smell is... maybe slightly... alcohol? I can't really explain it. I actually feel that the revlon keep my face more moist for longer. If the whole point of the primer was to make it so that your makeup lasts all day without your face drying out (dryness is my WORST skin issue), then the Revlon gets the job done (better!) than the HD primer! Does anyone want my remaining (about 2/3 full) of my HD primer?

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On a note of jewelry...

Holy crap, I can't believe that my GIVEAWAY has been up for only a week or so, and already over 200 entries? Thanks so much for your support!

Many of you know that I like offering you unique styles you can't see anywhere else-- that's what makes HQCD different from others, right? I've really been stretching my resources-- looking for MORE suppliers from all around the world and getting access to new and different findings.

I enjoy making jewelry which takes actual craftsmanship-- wire wrapping, pairing of colors, themes and different types of elements. So I've been trying much harder lately to differentiate myself from the gazillion other people who make jewelry, and came up with a couple of unique pieces I think you'll enjoy. That being said, I also know everyone has different tastes in jewelry-- a lot of people have asked me to make pendant necklaces. Though I'd LOVE to satisfy your requests, I must clarify that pendant jewelry is not what HQCD does, unfortunately. And I know that I can't possibly satisfy everyone, as much as I'd like to.
If you like pendant jewelry, there are plenty of other jewelry artisans out there who make beautiful pendant jewelry!

A piece that's truly unique, and I think really brings out my style:

Aside from the materials of the piece being great quality (pretty much all 14K gold filled!), this piece took a lot of planning and working with to get just right. Every little details adds to the bigger picture.

Such beautiful, UNIQUE wings are hard to find!

Many of the girls who've followed me a while know I started out making ONLY silver jewelry because I'm not a fan of gold, but day by day, my love for gold grows. I see how beautiful and versatile it can be.

Introducing, Pink Curtains;

Jen has a pair of an older version of these earrings, with Moonlight hearts on them HERE. I've made a few changes, and brightened it up a little with more SWAROVSKI shapes, and more dramatic, feminine colors.

And of course, my cluster phase continues..


A recent custom order I did for Stacey.
She saw a similar pair in my photo album (link on the side bar), and we worked together to create a similar piece

^ These will be available soon, in more colors!

And another recent custom order:

Lariats! I've only done about 5 so far in the history of HQCD :X

Back in stock for HQCD:


Another color theme!

^ I actually love this one. SUPER girly! Only ONE available.

Two new earrings;


This one's color is officially called "Purple Haze" by SWAROVSKI, but... it doesn't look entirely purple. It's purple with copper tones. Beautiful and mesmerizing either way.


What's to come in the future, for HQCD?
A little while back, Steph from Julu Jewelry (who also has really UNIQUE jewelry, visit her shop!) started making little "JJ" stamped beads (tags? I'm not quite sure :X) to go with all of her necklaces. This inspired me to make some customized hand stamped jewelry that YOU can personalize!
I'd like your thoughts on PERSONALIZED handstamped jewelry with SWAROVSKI elements on sterling silver. Here's an example of what I've done so far:


CLOSEUP HERE
Metal stamping takes practice to get right. I'm still working on it :X.
This one says "Addicted to your love". It's the HQCD Valentine Exclusive. Only $23! With YOUR personalized message! Buy it HERE.
It'll come with your choice of.. well... anything, really. If there's a lot of interest, I'll include other shapes. But firstly, I need your thoughts! These can be necklaces, bracelets, charms, whatever! And goes well with birthstones.

Last, please help spread the word about HQCD! Feel free to link to the banner below:


** General note:
Due to my classes being... pretty intense this quarter, I'm going to probably end up doing 1 giant entry per week! I'll still be dropping by everyone's blogs to read, though! If you leave a comment here, I'm definitely get back to you within the next week

- Lisa
heqicrystaldesigns@hotmail.com  > Please don't hesitate to contact me for custom order, or future ideas and comments for improvement!
Come take a look at my SHOP.
Valentine's day is coming up, and these make great gifts!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

CLOSED HQCD 300 Follower Giveaway! (Jan. 19, 2010 - Feb. 5, 2010)

This Giveaway is OVER!

I know I promised another giveaway, so here it is!This is in celebration of reaching 300 followers, AND Valentine's Day =)

The theme is Eco Friendly, so I'm featuring Physicians Formula's Organic Wear!
Also included a necklace that features hearts, in honor of Valentine's Day =)



Prize Pack includes:
1. HQCD Signature Necklace, 20 inches. With sterling silver key charm, SWAROVSKI Hearts, on a sterling silver heart chain. $33 value!
2. Physicians Formula's Organic Wear: Natural Origin Concealer Stick
3. Physicians Formula's Organic Wear: Natural Origin Eye Shadow Duo (pink/brown)
4. Physicians Formula's Organic Wear Natural Origin Blush
5. Valentine's Day lollipops! :D (not pictured!)

Rules of Entry:
- You must be at least 18 years of age, or have parental consent
- Open to residents world wide
- Giveaway begins on January 19, 2010, and ends on February 5th, 2010.
Winner will be randomly drawn by random.org after February 5th, 2010.

How to Enter:
- Be a follower of this blog. (You don't have to have a blog to follow!)
- Earn your first entry by leaving a COMMENT here with you name and email address. This is mandatory, so I know where to contact you!

- Earn (1) additional entry by spreading the word by blogging about it, tweeting, facebooking, myspacing, whatever. Make a separate comment with the link to your "spread the word" entry.
- Earn (1) additional entry by going to my SHOP and telling me which piece you're most likely to purchase. Please make this a separate comment!
- Earn an additional entry by LINKING to HQCD (either my blog or website) from your website with this image:




If anything is unclear, or you have any questions, let me know!
- Lisa
heqicrystaldesigns@hotmail.com

BTW, here are some new pieces I've made for you all!




^ Those are my LAST TWO pairs of heart studs. No more, after this! Going to make more unique things =)

... such as this piece;

^ the lilies are WHITE GOLD plated! =) Detailed and beautiful piece.






Visit my SHOP!

Next post, I'll be writing about the Haiti Donation event! So far, we're at $13.89!!!
Let's keep going! If you want to spread the word about the event, please feel free to use this banner:


Till next time,
Lisa

Friday, January 15, 2010

10% of all HQCD proceeds will to towards Haiti Relief & EyeCurl & New Pieces

Most of you are well aware of the recent catastrophic earthquake that affected Haiti on January 12, 2010.



In order to lend a helping hand to the victims of the Earthquake, I've decided that 10% of proceeds of ALL orders I get between now and Jan. 30, 2010, will go to redcross.org.
This means that 10% of my profit (excluding materials cost and S/H) will be donated to the cause.  Donations will be made on a weekly basis until the end of the month, and receipts will be posted here. First donation (if I get any sales) will be made the coming Monday.
EVERY SINGLE ITEM (yes, even beauty items!) that's for sale in my SHOP will be included in this event!

Other ways to help:
Text “Haiti” to 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross. The amount will be charged on your next phone bill.

If you guys could help spread the word about this event, I'd appreciate it!
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And on the note of beauty, I wanted to do a product rave.
It's about the Eye Curl heated Eyelash curler that I'm selling on my site. I bought one for myself a few weeks ago, and picked up a few extras to share. 

I admit, I'm obsessed over having long, curly lashes. But the one problem I have is that only my left eye's lashes stay curled-- the right side curls for a bit after using a curler, but falls straight within a matter of... well. a couple minutes if I'm wearing mascara.

In high school, I came across the Eye Curl. It lasted me a year, before I dropped it on my hardwood floor. Since then, I haven't really used an Eye Curl, since I had mine shipped from HK. It was a hassle, I figured that other eyelash curlers would be about the same.

Wrong.

In the last 4 ish years, I've been experiment with TONS of different manual curlers. Anything from Revlon, to ELF, to Shu Uemura (my latest). The best, out of them, was the Shu, which as lasted me months without much complaints. But, the Shu still didn't solve the issue of my RIGHT EYE's stubborn lashes. They still fell, within MINUTES. It was frustrating!
 
And then.. I decided I really wanted the Eye Curl back. I know a lot of people don't even notice that my lashes aren't curled or what not, but I personally do.

Here are my results:

Pros:
- Holds curl all day
- Heats up quickly
- Easy to use
The bottom line: Does its job well.
Cons:
- The cap sucks. But I don't use it anyway, so I guess it doesn't really matter (and you don't need it, either)
- Dropping it, as with any electronic device, could (and probably will) break it
- You need to clean if after every use to prevent build up.
The bottom line: There's some maintenance involved. Slightly more than a manual curler.

Would I buy another one if this one broke?
Yes.
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Moving on to Jewelry!
New work =)

An Avatar inspired piece! Features some colors and themes from the planet Pandora.






The cluster obsession continues...






















SHOP HQCD
Contact Lisa: heqicrystaldesigns@hotmail.com

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

My GINORMOUS ($100) CVS Haul = free goodies + New HQCD !

My good friend, Jessica (who's also a new HQCD model, she'll be officially introduced on this blog soon!), notified me of a CVS makeup clearance! Select items are 75% off.

I went NUTS. And bought almost $100 worth of stuff (though... it would have originally cost $400!)

Here's my loot:

I'm a huge fan of Eco Makeup-- which is why you see so much GREEN!!
Guess what this means?
I HAVE TONS OF GIVEAWAY ITEMS!!! I love passing on goodies to you girls ;)

Anyone who makes a purchase of over $25 will get a FREE Full Size random beauty freebie!
Use code: LMUWCVS!!!  
[While supplies last, so get them quick!]

And some new HQCD!




^ I've had a purple version--- and I've been asked to make a white/cream version for wearing with everything =)

My first wavy pearl bracelet:

These are so, SO beautiful. Curvy pearls are so, SO feminine!
Honestly, photos do this piece no justice.
I made one for myself to keep, I like them so much. I'm usually not a bracelet gal (I work with my hands too much) BUT YET I'll still find a way to wear this bracelet!
You'll definitely be seeing more of these in the future.

Super playful earrings, GOLD!


More jewelry is in the works. I've been so busy! It feels like every moment is filled with doing something.

SHOP HERE
Contact me: heqicrystaldesigns@hotmail.com

Hope you enjoyed this quick update!
- Lisa

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Winter Giveaway WINNER, New HQCD packaging, New!

I'm SO LATE announcing the winner of the winter giveaway! I'm so sorry! I just haven't had time to sit down, go to random.org and count out the entries.
The giveaway was a blast, and it had over 200 entries-- a great, high, and unexpected turnout level!

Congrats to post #22, *BlingBlingKitty*! She's our lucky winner from Singapore =)
I've sent you an email :D 

I'm having another giveaway soon! SOON SOON SOON. It's in honor of obtaining 300+ followers, AND Valentine's Day.

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In other news... I'm taking 4 engineering classes this quarter. I'm planning to kick some class butt-- so I'll be around a little less. Blogging will be exclusively for batch news, and if I've got some big plans or something like that. Otherwise, please go to my SHOP (link on the sidebar on the right) to see new pieces every 2 days or so! I won't be posting all the updates up here anymore.

I got a new layout! One of the New Years' resolutions down! haha

I ordered some personalized packaging early December-- they took a while to get here, but they look PRO. They're laminated and everything. One downside is that they don't have earring holes, and these cards are hard to poke through. Hole punchers just don't quite do the trick...



Here's the new batch of jewelry on my website. Some are sold out already, sorry!


^ That's a pretty big teardrop. I believe this particular cut is discontinued, and this is the last one I have left.






^ Works BEAUTIFULLY for bridesmaid jewelry!


^ I'm starting a whole series of baroque clusters. This one sold out quick!
Another top choice for bridal/bridesmaid jewelry.

Confession:
I'm back in my cluster phase. I went through such a phase in about Jan-Feb last year.... it's been a year, and it seems like it's about that time again :X

A random old piece of work from mid last year... I went through a sakura craze :X


I recently got some bridal orders! I'm truly, SO HONORED to be a part of your big day! I do custom bridal jewelry, and here are just a few examples of my bridal pieces:


^ My pride and joy. Not exaggerating =)


^ Bridesmaid bracelet






"Something Blue"

(remember, I customize!)

- Lisa
SHOP HQCD
heqicrystaldesigns@hotmail.com