Aly Dahl Designs

BFF's come in all shapes & sizes

2012-01-31T13:58:00.000-08:00

Most of my custom work is done with human finger or toe prints, however recently I have been gaining recognition and clientele looking to have their pets immortalized.

Today I am highlighting 3 pieces I have done recently that I adore.

I often get the privilege of entering someones life for a moment, and get to share in their story. Late last year I was contacted by a lovely woman in Australia who was going through the heartache of a terminally ill pet, something I could connect with and made me love this project even more.
This is Milay's paw print, I was saddened to hear of Milay's passing just after the print was taken. I am so glad I was able to capture her print in something her biggest fan could wear close to her heart forever.

Christmas is often a hard time to find the perfect gift for the person with everything. I was approached to make a quite a few unique items, here is one that I really love that was made for a gentleman.

This is a large golf ball marker with the owners dog's nose print on it. I love how it turned out. Here is the adorable Manny's very Manly nose

The great thing about animal prints is the amount of detail you can pick out in the final product. Look close & you can see the fur & whisker lines on the nose.

This next piece was custom created for my cousin's girlfriend. Between them they have 3 beautiful dogs. Wanting to get something that represented each of the dogs we created this necklace:

As weight can become an issue for a wearable piece, we decided to do the nose print of the puppy & take the fingerprint of the larger dogs (yes dogs have fingerprints). It is amazing how different the prints were between the two breeds of dog. I am really happy how this turned out. Talk about sentimental, totally unique & beloved.

I have been given a challenge to come up with something on a horse that I can print & that can be worn... So far everything looks huge.. Any idea's?

Wow.. Way to Blog Aly

2012-01-24T14:11:00.000-08:00

As it turns out the past year has been crazy good & busy. Here I am in January, doing my annual business plan, when I decide to check out the last time I posted a blog.. Umm .. topic was Fathers Day. So it's been a while.

The summer was hard, after Fathers Day I suffered from extreme tendinitis and was actually worried about the future of my business. What if it was something that would last forever? Would I be able to work? The truth is, I am my business. I am the artist, the sales department, the purchasing department, customer relations, book-keeper, marketing manager.. But without the ability to create with my hands I am none of those things. To say the least, I was worried.

Luckily, the summer is by far my quietest months for creating. I typically work on my pret-a-porter line, or as we pronounce it in the west "ready to wear" line. Instead I took 2.5 months rest, and just around the same time as the fall orders rush started coming in, my hand and arm was feeling better.

So back to the grind I went. Things had piled up on my break, not to mention the book keeping side of my brain had been on holiday since Jan 1st of 2011.. I found myself behind in everything.

I finally made the big decision of hiring a book keeper. I have to say hands down my smartest business move to date. He is wonderful. All I have to do is keep everything in a file & he magically tells me how much more I have to make to break even. Heaven I say, Heaven.

Christmas was my best season to date, I was busier than ever and never happier. I suppose having the threat of not being able to do what you love makes you love it even more.

I have been working on same great new fingerprint jewelry designs, as well as re-creating drawings from my kids into wearable silver art. If you're interested contact me. I hope to have them listed on www.alydahl.com soon.

Hopefully I will remember to post again before June... if not.. Have a great Valentines, Mothers Day, Easter, Fathers Day...

Cheers, Aly

Fathers Day!

2011-05-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

Thinking of getting something for Dad? The Dog Tag is awesome for Dad, I have been busy making them for the past few weeks for our local Dad's as well as some high profile Daddies.

Here is what I learned but did not know before I had kids, a husband and started a business hand crafting sentimental keepsake jewelry. I honestly did not know that Dad's were sentimental.

What I know now is Dads are extremely sentimental and proud of their kids, just as much as Mom's. I have had a lot of men that after they received the tag as a gift (Let's be honest 90% of my sales are by women) have gone out of their way to email or phone me to tell me how special their tag is to them & how they cherish it. It surprises me every time. And it is why I LOVE doing what I do.

My husband was the inspiration behind the first dog tag I made, the first one I made was made to look like an heirloom and antique & cracked it to give it a raw treasure feel.

I decided it was too feminine and kept this one for myself. I then re-designed to be more masculine and military inspired:

I love this tag and this quickly became a best seller for men and women.

This year I did a slight re-design again, changed technique in crafting and here is the 2011 Men & Women's Dog tag:

I often get asked which Chain to purchase with the dog tag, here are my recomendations:

For a Man who wears jewelry, likes bling or needs something extra sturdy - go with the 3.0mm or 4.0mm 24" Ball Chain.

For Women & Men who are not as used to wearing jewelry, or does not need something as heavy duty then the 2.2mm 24" is the way to go. It is probably the most popular or best bet if you are not sure which one to get.

I do sell the 1.8mm ball chains but find that they are a bit light weight for the size of the dog tag, but some people like it that way too.

So it does come down to personal choice. You can always exchange if you decide it is not the right chain for you.

When it comes to length 24" is the standard, and typically is the best length for most men. My husband is 6'5" and it still looks good on him.

Hope that helps your Fathers Day shopping! You can buy on line at www.alydahl.com

This month only 15% of all sales are being donated to Breast Cancer Research.

If you are looking to have made in time for Fathers Day please order by the end of this month & have the imprint back to me by June 10th to ensure I can have made & sent back to you by Fathers Day. If you are in the Metro Vancouver area I can arrange to meet you to take print or drop off kit to.

Have a great day!

Drum Roll Please..

2011-05-10T09:19:00.000-07:00

I am a day late due to health reasons, however regardless of the lost day.. we have a winner, and it was a tight race! Robin Stewart won the race at the final hour with a 1 point lead over Tiny Toes.

Here is the winning photo:

Thank you to everyone who voted, because of your votes here are the earrings that Robin will be sporting around town:

Congratulations Robin! I had a lot of fun doing this competition and I do plan on doing another one so make sure to take a photo of your Aly Dahl Jewelry & keep it on hand for our next competition!

Here is a link to our facebook page with the final photo's in the competition: Facebook/alydahldesigns

Cost of Silver - Yikes!

2011-04-25T12:40:00.000-07:00

I did a show yesterday in Vancouver at Portabello West, being that it was Easter and the Canucks were playing game 6 of round 1...I had very low attendance expectations. I was pleasantly surprised by the turn out and the response to my art.

However, I had a comment that near broke my heart, a women told be that my Impressions jewelry is expensive, and could she just buy some other piece of silver and I could etch the fingerprints on it? Are you serious lady? 1.She obviously has never crafted anything in silver and doesn't know a thing about casting or crafting. 2. She has NO clue how expensive silver is.

After talking to a few other artists I came to the realization that the general public may not be aware of what is happening to the costs of silver.

Here is a chart that I took from http://silverprice.org/silver-price-history.html to show what has happened to the cost of my raw material since I started this business in the past 2 years, with special note on the past 6 months. For those who hate charts, silver has gone up 282% in the past 2 years.

When I started this business, silver was $12 an oz and it is now $46 an oz.

Are consumers willing to pay a higher cost for silver?

Most of my items I had on my table yesterday were made from materials I purchased last summer. Basically what I am saying is the silver items on my website are a steal of a deal. You could melt them down and make a killing selling it per oz.

Which leads me to my custom work, my Impressions line, this is the line that I buy silver on a more regular basis. I have not raised my prices in the past year, but it is looking more and more like I will have to. Will this price me out of the market? Are people willing to pay for silver or will silver artists start to die off or turn to copper, & brass? Do consumers want more brass & copper?

Silver is now a precious metal. Cherish it. It is worth something.

Next time you are at a market and you try on a silver ring you love, and you find out it is near 300% higher priced than you expect, understand why.
You now know what it cost the artist to buy the silver, the tools, the finishing materials and realize, that these artists are currently working for their passion and their time as been donated to the art you adorn, they are doing this out of fear that no one will buy it if they charge for their time.

My jewelry tree - love the way it turned out, the pic does not give it justice

If you feel the need to judge an artist by the value of their work, know that your words have power, most artists create because they love to, trust me when I say none of them get paid their weight in silver :)

Contest Time!

2011-04-06T10:52:00.000-07:00

Post your favourite picture of you or your loved one wearing a piece of our jewelry on our facebook fanpage and win these fun hot new earrings:

Contest details:

Upload your pictures by April 24th at midnight to: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Aly-Dahl-Designs/235097213785#!/pages/Aly-Dahl-Designs/235097213785 Please tag yourself in the photo so we can contact you if you're the winner.

Once your photo's are uploaded we will put them into an album and on April 25th - May 8th our facebook fan's can vote for their favourite picture, invite your friends & family to vote. They will need to become fans to vote.

Voting, each person can vote once per photo - Votes will be by saying "vote" in comment section or by liking the photo.

You can upload more than one picture, but must highlight a different piece of Aly Dahl jewelry in each photo.

Winner will be announced May 9th, shipping will be paid by Aly Dahl Designs.

By uploading your photo you will be agreeing for Aly Dahl Designs to use your photo for promotion.

Thank you for entering & good luck!

Good Luck!

Congratulations Laila Ali!

2011-04-05T11:01:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the Ali family on the birth of Laila's baby girl, Sydney.

We had the absolute pleasure of meeting Laila at the Oscar event in LA in February, gorgeous doesn't begin to describe her, perhaps it was the baby glow but she is perfection. If only I could afford to hire her as my model, she is that kind of beautiful.

Here is a photo of Laila with baby Sydney still in belly.

We spoke about doing baby Sydney's toe print, and I can't wait! I love doing toe prints!

Once again, Congratulations to Laila & family.

Oscar Post 9 - Miss Jay

2011-04-04T16:58:00.000-07:00

Miss Jay

I have to say that Miss Jay seemed like an old friend. You know the ones that you only see once every few years, but when you do it's like nothings changed. Perhaps it's the years of watching America's Next Top Model, or maybe it is just the way he is.

He is one of the funniest people I have met in a long time. He had Jolene and I laughing for most of our encounter. It started with him coming over and asking what it is I do, and when I started to tell him he stopped me and looked me in the eyes and said "Oh Child, you don't have enough silver to cast what I would want immortalized".

I am sure I replied in a perverse kind of way as I recall him saying "You must be Canadian, only Canadians can keep up with my dirty mind".

Believe it or not, but that is not the first time I have been asked to cast an impression of a personal part... I mean I do tell people, I can cast what ever you can take an impression of...

Miss Jay was the last person to come to our booth on the first day. And I am so glad it was him, it was the perfect way to end a long, fun filled, adrenaline high day.

He took a kit to take to France with him as his partner has a niece that he loves to spoil. I look forward to making a special keepsake for the worlds best Cat walker.

Here is one of the goofy shots we took..

Oscar Post 8 - Autum Reeser & Toeprints

2011-03-24T13:24:00.000-07:00

Autumn Reeser was adorable, and had that perfect pregnancy glow going on. She was so sweet and I can't wait to cast her coming attractions little toe print and memorialize it in silver to become a cherished keepsake for her & her family for generations to come!

I love doing toe prints. For newborn's and kids under 1 they turn out the best, but even for bigger kids (including adults) they are so cute.  I recently did a dog tag for a famous Daddy with the child's finger and toe print on it.. and I have to say it was SO CUTE!   Toes tend to be rounder and fingers more oval so it was obvious on the tag which was which. I LOVED IT and so did he!

I am thinking I will probably do one for myself of each of my kids so when they get older I can give it to them so they will always a piece of their childhood with them to look back on.

My daughter is 5 on Monday and I will be finger printing and toe printing her on that day to capture this milestone.  For some reason 5 seems huge to me, like it's the beginning of the end.. school, boyfriends, college, moving out, marriage, babies, .. OK I need to stop before the waterworks begin.

Her and I are working on a butterfly pendant that will have her toe prints and finger prints as the wings.. I'll keep you posted on how that turns out. I have a feeling it will be a ton of work.. but it's worth it to me, I love making jewellery with meaning.   Especially when her and I can do it together.

Oscars Post 7 - A personal Fave

2011-03-22T16:52:00.000-07:00

There has only been a few times in my life that I have had that feeling of butterflies dancing inside me, that feeling of pure excitement..

Meeting Dot Marie Jones was one of those events that did just that, sitting here now just looking at the photo brings all of the joy that I felt in that moment come gushing back.

Dot Marie Jones plays Coach Bieste on one of my favourite shows, Glee. This woman is so talented, and I have to say she was probably one of the kindest people I have ever met. LOVE LOVE LOVE her.

Now my excitement came from my own excitement to meet the Coach, but it was also to do with my daughter. At the ripe age of "almost 5" celebrity is not really in her vocab... but I knew she would know this one.

My daughter, Maaren, goes to gymnastics every Tuesday evening and as soon as she gets home from the hard work out, she sits down next to me and suggests we start Glee. (We hate the weeks it's not on.)
Typically the whole family watches together, but it is my Maary and I that snuggle up and demand silence after every commercial break.

When I saw Dot walk in the room, I knew how excited Maary would be to see me standing next to Coach Bieste. Here is one of the few pictures that I am in from the Oscar event that I don't hate. Can you see the genuine look of "Glee" in my eye!

My BFF and employee of the century Jolene is also a big fan of the show and we couldn't resist getting one of the two of them as well.

Fast forward a couple days to me arriving back to Palm Springs loaded up with My Little Ponies, Leap Frog Maps and pens, and other fun freebies from the event to shower my children with.. I then dig out my camera and the first picture I show her is the one of me and Dot Marie Jones and my daughter flips out. I'm not talking a quick "cool mom".. I'm talking she almost "peed herself" excitement. That was the moment for me when I knew that at least in my "almost 5" year old daughters eyes I was cool. (Hopefully I can milk that for a few more years).

However the picture did create a lot of confusion. Maaren now thinks that I work for Coach Bieste and that she gave her all the gifts. So Ms.Jones if you ever read this, you are a serious hero in my daughters eyes and she would love to know how you knew she loves My Little Pony, she is convinced that you somehow work in cahoots with Santa.

I was a huge fan before I met Dot Marie, but now I am thinking of running for president of her fan club. A serious pleasure it was to be in her presence.

Oscars Post 6

2011-03-17T21:42:00.000-07:00

Tonight I am doing more pictures than writing.. I have been busy in the studio all day making dog tags & pendants for celebrities and my fans... Enjoy! Aly

Jennifer Freeman
Probably best known for her role on my Wife and Kids as Claire Kyle and playing Jill on the Johnson's Family Vacation. Very sweet, kind courteous!

Suzie Castillo
This former Miss USA is pretty inside and out, she has hosted numerous shows and been the face of nuetregena, but I have to say I am really looking forward to seeing her on her new show School Pride. As co-host and designer of the show, Susie uses her Interior Architecture and Design degree to give neglected public schools a much-needed face lift and empower communities across the country to help change America's broken public education system. How awesome does that sound! So positive, I am behind shows like this 100%, even if they make me cry.

Tracy Hutson
Tracy is a very accomplished interior designer and may look familiar as she is part of the dream team on ABC's Extreme Make Over Home Edition. She has even written a book on how to decorate the perfect space for your child. These two were so kind and funny. And had great shoes!

Oscars Post 5 - Hot Mamma McKeller

2011-03-16T21:30:00.000-07:00

I was filmed on A-Channel News in February mentioning how I needed to lose a quick 50 lbs as I didn't want to be photographed next to brand new moms who are teeny tiny.. Danica McKellar is one of those moms. Notice I am not in the photo - That's right, I was not successful in the quick 50 off program.

Now every boy and some girls I knew growing up had a crush on Winnie Cooper of the Wonder Years... but Danica McKeller has grown into a STUNNING woman. Not only is she gorgeous she is also extremely intelligent, kind and has THE cutest baby ever.

Did you know Danica graduated UCLA with the highest honours in Mathematics! She is also a New York best seller on the topic: Math Doesn't Suck: How to Survive Middle-School Math without Losing Your Mind or Breaking a Nail, which encourages girls in middle school to enjoy and succeed at mathematics.

I really look forward to turning the adorable Drako's fingerprint in a cherished keepsake for Danica to wear close to her heart.

The world needs more Danica McKeller's. Gorgeous, smart, great mother, and proud of her brain. She was a true joy to meet & an excellent role model for my daughter :)

Oscars Post 4 - Legendary experience

2011-03-15T18:48:00.000-07:00

Granted this is not a great photo of any of us..except maybe the adorable Wayne daughters... Regardless, it was a great honour and delight to meet Brendan Wayne.

For those who do not Brendan Wayne, he is a charming actor, father, avid horseman & the grandson of the legendary John Wayne.

When Brendan asked where we are from he spoke about how he loved filming here, and mentioned an interesting experience he had at Roosters Country Bar in Pitt Meadows. (I too have had interesting experiences at Roosters). He was here filming a re-make of Angels and the Badman a classic film his grandfather made in 1947 that was shot in Pitt Meadows.

He was gracious and kind, I look forward to seeing him in upcoming movies: The Legend of Hell's Gate an American Conspiracy & Cowboys & Aliens.

I also look forward to making a dog tag for him with his 2 adorable daughter's fingerprints on it.

I wish him nothing but the best for his career & his family. It was a true pleasure meeting him.

Oscar Post 3 - I just wanted to hug her

2011-03-14T15:43:00.000-07:00

Living in Vancouver is an experience in and of it's self, I have worked, lived, and have had numerous actor & singer friends, because of that I don't really have the "star-struck" in "Awe" mentality that I know many do. I know the truth.. they are just people looking for answers - just like the rest of us, except with better taste because they can afford it. But when I met Dannielynn Smith-Birkhead I just wanted to hug her.

Getting Putty ready to take fingerprint impression with

Perhaps it is because we have seen her life play out in the media, the tragedy of her brother and mothers passing or the absurdity of her paternity testing. Something deep inside me wanted to hug them both but I knew if I had I would probably have cried, and then with that I would have for sure freaked the poor kid right out.

Taking Dannielynn's imprint

Both Larry & Dannielynn were adorable, she looks just like her gorgeous mother and father, and her delicious blue lollipop coloured mouth reminded me of my own daughter, same in age.

Getting the print just right

I am in the process of making Larry a military inspired dog tag with Dannielynn's print on it. I feel somewhat honoured to make it, I think it is because I am a Mother. Any child who has had the heart break of losing a parent holds a special place in my heart. My mother lost her father at a young age and I have always wished I could have taken that pain away for her. Because of that I have always known how lucky I am to have both my parents.

I hope Larry loves his dog tag, and I hope that Dannielynn looks at the dog tag when her dad wears it... just like my daughter looks at her print that hangs around her Dad's neck and with that she knows how much she is loved.

Oscars Post 2

2011-03-10T19:16:00.000-08:00

For this second post of the Oscar event I will share with you a few stories of a couple of the celebrities I was blessed enough to meet and showcase my fingerprint jewellery to.

For me to say I was a wee bit intimidated or nervous would be an understatement.. not to say I didn't keep my cool, I did.. but to be honest I spent over an hour doing my make up and hair which is an hour longer than I normally do (I love working from home).. Looking back it seems hilarious... as if anyone was interested in seeing my mug.. Anyhow here are my first few celebrity encounters...

Nicole Sullivan

Nicole Sullivan was a doll, her and her son were adorable. I have been a fan of her acting since Mad TV, and the King of Queens, she has been the voice of many of my favourite cartoon characters and most recently she plays the feisty daughter in law to William Shatner on Sh*t my dad says.
Her son was so cute and full of life, she is an excellent mom and she said she really loved my jewellery. I feel so fortunate that Nicole was the first celebrity we had at our table, she made me feel confident and at ease for the entire rest of the day. I look forward to making a fingerprint charm of her two son's for her to keep close to her at all times.

Tisha Campbell

Tisha Campbell is GORGEOUS and funny. She has been in a ton of shows, getting her big break on the "Martin" show, she has been on My wife & Kids, Everybody hates Chris, All of us, Rita Rocks.. the list goes on and on. Tisha was kind, well spoken, funny and did I mention GORGEOUS! As soon as the camera came out she knew what to do, such a pro!
She said she can't wait to have her 2 sons prints made into a cherished keepsake by Aly Dahl Designs.

I will post some more stories in the coming days, it is so fun for me to re-live the experience through writing and sharing with all of you. Thank you for reading my blog.

What a Rush...

2011-03-09T22:10:00.000-08:00

Urban Rush - I did an interview and segment on Urban Rush today. Now I'm not sure if it is because I am getting more comfortable doing interviews or if the entire crew and staff at Shaw were so incredibly nice and supportive. Perhaps both.. regardless I am so happy with this interview!

For those who know me well, they would tell you that my ultimate dream is to have someone live with me and do my hair and make up every morning.. I love nothing more than to be preened. Although I did my own hair, having my make up done was fantastic! I am waiting until just before bed to wash it off... ahh heaven.

Fiona Forbes and Michael Eckford the hosts of Urban Rush, were so great, I can't thank them enough for making today such a wonderful experience. Such pro's!

I will write another post on the Oscars for tomorrow but for those of you who would like to see the interview from today (which includes coverage of the event).. check out the segment on you tube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk2s1LZu2R8&tracker=False

Post 1 Of Pre-Oscar Boom Boom Room

2011-03-07T12:50:00.000-08:00

Brrr.... Well I'm Back from California and almost recovered from the Pre-Oscar event the "Baby Boom Boom Room" I have to say that the weather in LA & Palm Springs was much more to my liking, it was sad when I realized that were no intentional ice cubes in my latte this morning.. However glad to be back and back to work!

Instead of writing one massive blog with a general story of the event, I have decided to write short stories to cover the many experiences we had.

Now I know many of you would love me to jump in with who's who and the best of the best gossip, instead I am going to share with you what I consider some of my best experience.. me, my table, my neighbours and my BFF.

I MADE IT!!!

Jolene Laing & Aly Dahl-Johnson

The table top

Sweetheart with Chocolate Aly Dahl Egg

Our table

As you can see our table was very black and purple, we had some animal print accents with a brown and black beautiful box from Eternal Vessels to display jewellery in (they make beautiful urns and boxes - stay tuned to find out more about how we are teaming up to work together with a pet urn & print keepsake)

We were also blessed enough to have some fun freebie cards from our friends over at Tsitah Threads (they make the CUTEST hats, bandannas & quilts. My kids Maaren and Leif each have a hat and they LOVE them, very cute & comfortable. ... and the best part.. they are easy to wash.

I was very pleased with the way the table turned out. I had planned on having Gerber flowers on the table in these sweet little glasses I stole from my mom's house, however after running all over Beverly Hills Friday morning only to find that the florist was "running late" and at an hour after opening when there was no sign of anyone I gave up and headed back to the event..
Lucky for me, my neighbour vendors Jessica & Amy ordered room service lunch and on the cart arrived a tiny bouquet of purple and white flowers....which I snagged and placed on my table for the remainder of the 2 days. (These can be seen in the top photo behind me and my cheesy I made it to Hollywood gesture).

Amy & Jessica from Lil Kiddies Creations of Florida

Amy & Jessica had a beautiful table full of fun bright tutu's, onsies, lollipops, they were excellent neighbours as well as dinner partners. To find out more about their business check out Lil Kiddes Creations to see more of their delicious creations & to see their fun pictures!

Wally & Shannon From Hipp Mama
Shannon is the ingenious woman behind the Hipp Mama Tool Belt, such a cool idea and the product is top notch. I am thinking of ordering one to keep my jewellery tools, cell phone and Leif's sippy cup in. Check out her site at: The Hipp Mama

Wally was the shared husband of the weekend, seeking excellent restaurants to feed all us women. Friday night we ended up at Ingrid's cafe which was so delicious and so much fun. We had a blast with Wally & his harum of 5 women.

A better picture of this gorgeous couple from Chicago

And here is the Aly Dahl Designs employee of the month:

Jolene Laing

Tomorrow I will post some pictures and some experiences with celebrities.

I'm Leaving.. on A Jet Plane...

2011-02-21T11:08:00.000-08:00

Word on the street has it I am off to Hollywood very soon... Wow maybe a little TOO soon.. So much to do.. If it was just myself and my stuff.. then no problemo.. but I am also taking my knee Highs (Descriptor word stolen from a good friend..thanks Gigi)..

So not only am I running around trying to pack all my work items, but I am also trying to pack for my children who seem to have grown 3 feet each (and by feet I mean the things they walk on as well as height) since last summer.. Good thing Grandma lives near excellent shopping in perma summer Palm Springs..

Today is get er done day.. About to go pick up the kids and take them to my cousin Jenny's place so I can hopefully.. fingers crossed... get 100 lbs of stuff into a 50 lb bag.. Finish a few last samples, and lose 50 lbs this afternoon.... Might need to cross my toes as well..

Anyhow, I will try to be posting all my updates and photo's to my facebook fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Aly-Dahl-Designs/235097213785
While I am away and would love for you and your friends to be come fans. So if you are not a fan, please become one and then at the bottom of the page (left hand tool bar) click share and ask your friends to become fans to. I am so excited to be sharing this experience with as many people as I can.

I will try to post here as well, but not sure how that will work out from my black berry.

See you in Hollywood :)

The coveted Invitation

2011-02-16T18:32:00.000-08:00

Have I mentioned how excited and thrilled and honoured and and and...

Well, to be honest.. For the first 36 hours that I was considering this I was sure I was being punked or dooped once again (long story but it seems I have been involved in a scam since December - I will likely blog about this once I am back should things not get resolved soon)

Anyway, Here it is the very exciting and exclusive invitation to the event. Only the top celebrities, media, stylists and High end Baby boutiques will be getting one of these..

Here it is for me to share with you (click on it to make it bigger..)
There I am under the Mommy Lounge .. I might note that I will be in the wonderful company of Spanx, hopefully I meet them the night before as I need some help for the day of!

There are some wonderful vendors that are also involved.. my little pony, Leap Frog, Giggle, Char-Lynn Baby n Belly.

I have been fortunate enough to have made contact with the owner of Char-Lynn Baby 'N Belly and it seems all my fears, and excitement are shared.. which makes me feel totally normal and ready to take this on. Check out her Char-Lynn Baby N belly at http://charlynnbellynbaby.com/, they have some great stuff & they are even involved with Extreme Home Make Over. Great business and Heart!

Times Colonist Article on Aly Dahl going to Hollywood..

2011-02-15T13:51:00.000-08:00

Big thank you to the Times Colonist and Sarah Petrescu for doing such a great article for me.

My brother called me this morning, very excited to see that I was not only in the paper but full front page of the Life & Arts Page. (My brother is an extremly talented artist, I think he was proud of his big sis)..

The whole page is about me!!! How cool is that!

Here is the link to the article: http://www.timescolonist.com/life/Jewelry+uniquely+yours/4282406/story.html

And now the article:

The universe couldn't have sent Alyson Johnson an opportunity at a better time.

The 34-year-old jewelry designer and mother of two was wondering if she'd have to go back to her day job to make ends meet. Her husband, an elevator mechanic, had been out of work for 18 months, taking jobs here and there.

"We were probably months away from going in the red or selling the house, or me having to go back to work full-time," Johnson told me from her home in Burnaby.

Then a few weeks ago, the Island-raised designer got an email from celebrity gift suite maven Jayneoni Moore inviting her to an exclusive pre-Oscar showroom, the Baby Boom Boom Room.

"Apparently, her assistant found me on Twitter and was obsessed with my stuff," Johnson said. Johnson's line, Aly Dahl Designs, is custom-made fingerprint silver jewelry.

The Boom Boom Room is invite-only, with about 85 vendors set up in the Beverly Hills Hilton Ballroom where the Golden Globes take place. It's a marketing gifting suite, where celebrities are given samples of the hand-picked brands in hopes that they will model and endorse the wares.

"At first I thought I couldn't do it, but then I thought of the investment. I thought, 'This is it,' " she said. Similar shows, without the same cachet, were charging up to $10,000 for a vendor spot.

Celebrities who have come through the Boom Boom Room include Jessica Alba, Halle Berry, Ali Landry, Heidi Klum and many more. The event is also covered by celebrity magazines and shows like US Weekly, People and Entertainment Tonight.

"I'd love if the Beckhams came through. They're fashion icons ... If Angelina and Brad show up with their kids I might go broke," Johnson joked.

She believes the high-profile exposure is just what she needs to launch her unique line, which was inspired by a request from her husband.

"My husband had asked me to make him something with the kids' prints," she said, there being a lack of unique men's jewelry on the market. So she made him a dog tag necklace with their toddlers' prints and names.

"He absolutely loved it. Now every guy in our complex wants one."

The line evolved to include paw and nose prints for pet lovers, pendants, tags, rings and earrings. Each piece is made with a kit, sent to the customer, to take their impression on a putty-like substance. From that, Johnson casts a mould and can make to-order pieces from the print, ranging from $125 to $350.

Johnson was so committed to her idea that she took a buyout from her job in the investment industry in 2008 to pursue her own business and has been working at it full-time since 2009.

She said she's been enthralled with fashion since she was a young child, growing up in Courtenay and then Victoria.

"I watched Jeanne Beker on Fashion Television religiously," said the Victoria High School grad. She credits her art teacher with motivating her to try metalwork. The eight years of Sundays she spent working at the high-end consignment boutique My Sister's Closet honed her eye for design.

While Johnson's pieces are mail-order only, stars at the Academy Awards are not the only ones who can get a firsthand glimpse. Aly Dahl Designs samples and kits are available in Victoria at Brandi Wein for Hair at Shoal Point, 15-21 Dallas Rd.

Read more: http://www.timescolonist.com/entertainment/Jewelry+uniquely+yours/4282406/story.html#ixzz1E4CHyKkK

Burnaby Now Article

2011-02-14T21:34:00.000-08:00

http://www.burnabynow.com/entertainment/movie-guide/heading+Oscars/4271919/story.html

Star power: Alyson Johnson, a custom jewelry designer from Burnaby, is going to the Oscars with her work.

Many people dream of making it to the Oscars, but one lucky Burnaby resident will make that dream come true this month.

Alyson Johnson, a custom jewelry designer based in the Forest Grove neighbourhood, has been invited to showcase her creations at the pre-Oscar Baby Boom Boom Room event.

"I'm super excited," she says.

The suite is set up for celebrity parents attending the Oscars prior to the Academy Awards.

Johnson's company, Aly Dahl Designs, was invited to be involved by the event's host Jayneoni Moore, whose assistant follows Johnson on Twitter and contacted her.

"Social media can pay off," Johnson says, laughing.

The opportunity is the kind of thing she dreamed about. When she was just starting her business, she had a conversation with a friend about how great it would be to feature her wares at an event with celebrities.

"I never expected it to happen," Johnson says.

Her one-of-a-kind jewelry features fingerprints (and, in the case of pets, nose and paw prints) set in silver.

While she originally had the idea of marketing the jewelry for new mothers, to preserve baby fingerprints, she's had a lot of response from parents of older children as well, she says.

Husbands and wives also come to her for anniversary gifts, best friends exchange her pieces, and pet owners get jewelry made from imprints of their dogs and cats' noses, according to Johnson.

She attended the self-employment program at Douglas College in New West in September 2009.

She had been in finance for 15 years, she says, and felt dissatisfied after returning to work after having her son. So when the recession hit, she took the opportunity to go back to school and learn how to run her own business.

Johnson had been making jewelry as a hobby for 10 years, using the fingerprint concept in her designs.

But some people still have difficulty envisioning what it will look like, she says. She hopes her foray to Los Angeles for the Oscars will change that.

Johnson heads to Hollywood on Feb. 22.

She is taking her two children with her, she says, and they'll be staying with their grandmother in Palm Springs.

"They're so excited," she says of her five-year-old daughter and three-year-old son.

"Normally they get pulled along for mom's work, and it's so boring, Johnson says, "and now they get to go to Disneyland."

She plans to showcase samples of her work and give out 250 impression kits at the Boom Boom Room in Beverly Hills on Feb. 25 and 26.

The Boom Boom Room is a pre-Oscar marketing and gifting suite where Oscar contenders and attendees who are new parents can peruse merchandise and sample gifts.

See www.alydahl.com for more on her work.

Taken from the Feb 12 On line version of The Burnaby Now

Burnaby Newsleader Newspaper Article on Aly Johnson & Aly Dahl Impressions

2011-02-09T11:00:00.000-08:00

For a link to the article: http://www.bclocalnews.com/greater_vancouver/burnabynewsleader/news/115518329.html

You Tube Clip of A Channel News piece

2011-02-08T09:11:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQuh4S_RciA

Here is the link to one of the News pieces that was done about Aly Johnson and Aly Dahl Designs on going to the Oscars!

Burnaby Newsleader

2011-02-07T20:14:00.000-08:00

A Big Thank you to Wanda Chow & Mario Bartel who did a great job on a recent article about Aly Dahl Designs going to the Baby Boom Boom Room as part of the pre-Oscar 2011 events!

http://www.bclocalnews.com/news/115518329.html

By Wanda Chow - Burnaby NewsLeader

Published: February 07, 2011 3:00 PM

Aly Johnson seems to have a knack for good timing.

It was shortly after the North Burnaby resident returned to work from maternity leave following the birth of her son that she started to question her situation.

"It was the realization someone was spending more time with my kids than I was, it was making a hole in my heart," said Johnson, 34.

As if in response, the economic downturn happened and she found herself being offered a buyout from her employer, after working 15 years in the financial services industry.

She took it as an opportunity and launched her own business, Aly Dahl Impressions, turning her longtime hobby of jewelry-making into a full-time venture.

Now, only months away from having to take a regular job again after her husband had to take on lower-paying work, the Forest Grove resident has received another boost.

She's headed to Hollywood to take part in the Baby Boom Boom Room, a pre-Oscar event Feb. 25 and 26 where A-list celebrities and their young children will peruse the latest and hippest family-oriented products.

Johnson (her married name), will be showing off her signature items—custom jewelry featuring clients' fingerprints. She'll be handing out kits that will allow the celebrities to create impressions of their family members' fingerprints (or toeprints, for babies whose fingerprints aren't deep enough yet) which will then be sent back to Johnson to incorporate them into silver pendants and rings.

She said being chosen was thanks to Douglas College's Self Employment Program where her instructors stressed the importance of using social media.

Indeed, organizers of the event first spotted Johnson's blog about her business and being a mom, then followed her on Twitter.

Even then, she almost didn't see the email after it ended up in her junk mailbox.

Again, with her knack for timing, she just happened to have a look at the mailbox and spotted the message.

"At first I thought it was a scam," she said with a laugh. She asked the organizer to call her and when she got off the phone she was just ecstatic.

"This is huge. There's probably no better way to grow my business and it couldn't have come at a better time."

While she's somewhat daunted by the prospect of meeting stars from movies, TV and music, she's more nervous about being introduced to media such as Entertainment Tonight.

Then there's the thought of rubbing shoulders with icons from the fashion industry.

"When I was booking my hotel room they asked me, 'Are you part of the Tom Ford booking?'" she recalled.

Stifling a gasp and a sigh, Johnson managed to reply in the negative.

Meanwhile, her four-year-old daughter and three-year-old son don't really know what all the excitement is about. In the past, they've tagged along with mom to work only this time, "they're excited about going to Disneyland."

Info: http://www.alydahl.com/.
wchow@burnabynewsleader.com

Surrounding myself with good people

2011-02-06T21:30:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to announce that one of my fondest business mentors will be joining me at the Baby Boom Boom Room pre-Oscar event in Beverly Hills.

I met Jolene 10 years ago when I first moved to Vancouver. We met while working at Fidelity Investments, we quickly became friends and have stayed so ever since. Jolene is a brilliant sales woman, and has helped mentor Aly Dahl Designs from it's infancy. I am so pleased to have her join me at the biggest event of Aly Dahl Designs thus far.

Surround yourself with good people.
I have been so fortunate with the amount of wonderful people in my life who have been tirelessly helping me get ready for the trip. My brother is an extremely talented photographer and came by yesterday and took some great pictures for me (which I will post very soon), Jolene and Katerina came and did factory line up style sorting, printing and sticking.. THANK YOU. My neighbours Ashley and Joe and my cousin Jenny came to my rescue last week by watching my kids when I just couldn't.

I have surrounded myself with great people. And each day I feel closer to the greatness they are helping me achieve. Thank you to all, and if I forgot you in this post trust me... it is not on purpose it is because of lack of sleep..

I will post links to press & media clips as well as the pictures in the days to come.

VANCOUVER DESIGNER MAKES OSCAR-WORTHY IMPRESSIONS

2011-02-02T14:09:00.000-08:00

VANCOUVER DESIGNER MAKES OSCAR-WORTHY IMPRESSIONS

Attn: Assignment Editors/Entertainment Reporters
February 3rd, 2011

Vancouver, B.C. – Vancouver designer Aly Dahl is packing her bags and hitting Hollywood, after being invited to take part in one of the most exclusive pre-Oscar events. The ‘Baby Boom Boom Room’ is where the hippest in the under-five set hang out with their mom and dad, before the grown-ups prepare to walk the red carpet. This year, Dahl will be right there with them, showcasing her chic line of fingerprint jewelry alongside some of North America’s hottest baby designers. Only the best baby products make the cut when it comes to the Baby Boom Boom Room, and the discerning crowd is known to include celebrity moms such as Jessica Alba, Heidi Klum, Halle Berry, and many more. The invitation is an opportunity of a lifetime for Dahl, who could soon be fingerprinting some of the trendiest babies in Hollywood.

The ‘Baby Boom Boom Room’ is hosted by celebrity style maven Jayneoni Moore, who is well-known for her lavish gift suites and A-list celebrity clientele. Designers invited into the Baby Boom Boom Room receive international exposure among celebrities, stylists, and entertainment media. A spot in the room gives Dahl the potential to launch her unique line internationally, and what makes this invitation even more remarkable is that Dahl is a relative newcomer to the world of design. It was just two years ago that she decided to quit her job in finance to pursue her passion, with no guarantees she could make a living at it. Now, the Vancouver mother of two is bursting onto the celebrity lifestyle scene, with an invitation to this exclusive event, coveted by leading baby designers around the world.

A backgrounder with more information on the Baby Boom Boom Room is attached. For more on Aly Dahl Designs please visit:

http://www.alydahl.com

Media Contact:
Aly Dahl 604-970-2595
Find us on Facebook under: Aly Dahl Designs

BACKGROUNDER:

“The Boom Boom Room Celebrity Baby & Big Kid - Pre Oscar Suite”

February 25 & 26th 2011 the stars will align as the most famous red carpet in Hollywood is laid for the Academy Awards and we are preparing to host the chicest baby & toddler event of the year, the Pre-Oscar Boom Boom Room. The number #1 baby & toddler event will land in Hollywood during the Academy Awards with Hollywood’s biggest A-list moms/dads in Beverly Hills. Celebrating 7 years, The Boom Boom Room is the premier event for top quality infant and toddler brands to come face to face with the A-list Moms & Dads of Hollywood and the media.

The Boom Boom Room is a marketing gifting suite designed to give top children brands access to major celebrity Moms & Dads and the media, the brainchild of Glamour Guru Jayneoni Moore who has been credited in turning products into celebrity favorites and media sensations.

Here are a few of the things we are looking forward to by being part of this event:

* Introductions to nominated movie stars and other celebrities
* Introductions to other TV, Film, & Music personalities
* Introductions to TV, Film, & Celebrity Stylists
* Introductions to editorial writers for daily, weekly and long lead magazines
* Introductions to buyers of popular stores in Los Angeles
* Photos of recognizable talent, looking at your products and posing with them
* Placement of photos in popular magazines as pre or post press for the event, including US Weekly, In Touch, OK! Magazine, Life & Style, People, Daily Variety, Hollywood Reporter, In Touch, FWD, WWD, Apparel News, etc
* Syndicated coverage from shows like Entertainment Tonight, The Insider, E! Extra, MSNBC, KTLA, Fox, etc.

Celebrity Moms who love the Boom Boom Room and Jayneoni Moore are: Melissa Joan Hart, Brooke Shields, Tori Spelling, Ali Landry, Jessica Alba, Ali Larter, Heidi Klum, Katherine Heigl, Brooke Burke, Denise Richards, Holly Robinson Peete, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Vanessa Williams, Courtney Cox, Angie Harmon, Halle Berry, Laila Ali, Patrick Dempsey, and many more!

“The Boom Boom Room is where I learn about all the new baby product and lines, I love it!”
- Ali Landry

“We loved the Boom Boom Room”
- Tori Spelling

“The Boom Boom Room was like walking thru a Dream Wonderland made up of the perfect children products-thanks”
- People Magazine

Aly Dahl is Going to Hollywood!

2011-01-31T12:39:00.000-08:00

Aly Dahl Designs is pleased to announce that we will be attending the Pre Oscars Boom Boom Room Celebrity Gifting Event February 25th and 26th, 2011 in Beverly Hills, CA!

We are super excited to be bringing the Impressions line (Fingerprint) of jewelry to Hollywood!

We are currently putting together some awesome swag bags as take aways from our table, if you have any great idea's on some cool stuff to include let us know! Or if you know someone who may be interested in helping out, please contact Aly at: aly@alydahl.com for more information.

Here is a little about the event (info taken from our invitation to attend):
“The Boom Boom Room Celebrity Baby & Big Kid - Pre Oscar Suite

February 25 & 26th 2011 the stars will align as the most famous red carpet in Hollywood is laid for the Academy Awards and we are preparing to host the chicest baby & toddler event of the year, the Pre Oscar Boom Boom Room. The number #1 baby & toddler event will land in Hollywood during the Academy Awards with Hollywood’s biggest A-list moms/dads in Beverly Hills.
Celebrating 7 years, The Boom Boom Room is the premier event for top quality infant and toddler brands to come face to face with the A-list Moms & Dads of Hollywood and the media.
For 2 days only The Biggest Stars of Television and Movies come together at The Boom Boom Room’s Pre Oscars
Boom Boom Room brings A-list Moms & Dads, top editors, stylists, and the trendiest Beverly Hills boutique owners together.
The Boom Boom Room is a marketing gifting suite designed to give top children brands access to major celebrity Moms & Dads and the media, the brainchild of Glamour Guru Jayneoni Moore who has been credited in turning products into celebrity favorites and media sensations.

Here are a few of the things we are looking forward to by being part of this event:

* Introductions to nominated movie stars and other celebrities
* Introductions to other TV, Film, & Music personalities
* Introductions to TV, Film, & Celebrity Stylists
* Introductions to editorial writers for daily, weekly and long lead magazines
* Introductions to buyers of popular stores in Los Angeles
* Photos of recognizable talent, looking at your products and posing with them
* Placement of photos in popular magazines as pre or post press for the event, including US Weekly, In Touch, OK! Magazine, Life & Style, People, Daily Variety, Hollywood Reporter, In Touch, FWD, WWD, Apparel News, etc

* Syndicated coverage from shows like Entertainment Tonight, The Insider, E! Extra, MSNBC, KTLA, Fox, etc.

Celebrity Moms who love the Boom Boom Room and Jayneoni Moore are: Melissa Joan Hart, Brooke Shields, Tori Spelling, Ali Landry, Jessica Alba, Ali Larter, Heidi Klum, Katherine Heigl, Brooke Burke, Denise Richards, Holly Robinson Peete, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Vanessa Williams, Courtney Cox, Angie Harmon, Halle Berry, Laila Ali, Patrick Dempsey, and many more!

“The Boom Boom Room is where I learn about all the new baby product and lines, I love it!” Ali Landry

“We loved the Boom Boom Room” Tori Spelling

“The Boom Boom Room was like walking thru a Dream Wonderland made up of the perfect children products-thanks” People Magazine

So as you can probably imagine things are a buzz around here and we are looking forward to the next couple of months and the direction the business is going!

SALE SALE SALE

2010-12-28T09:56:00.000-08:00

I am happy to announce my very first on-line Boxing week sale!!

I actually hadn't planned on having a sale... but as I was starting to organize and get ready for January and new production... I thought.. hey..why not have a sale.. and make some room!

So here it is...All ready to wear jewelry has been marked down for one week only, some items are as low as $15!

Sale is on from December 28 - January 5th and is for on line sales only on our new shopping cart equipped website at:

www.alydahl.com

Shipping is only $5.00 or free on orders over $200!

Holiday Holla

2010-12-01T21:23:00.000-08:00

So the great thing about my old life (salaried bliss) was the ability to shop on lunch hour, have vacation days during the holidays, and the ability to leave work at work...

Here I find myself smack dab in the middle of my busiest Holiday season ever, and I wonder..What have I got myself into? I can't remember the last time I slept more than 8 hours, watched an entire episode of glee without the phone ringing or emails buzzing. A night off, let a lone a day off I can't actually remember... Christmas shopping? Eek! So a warning to family and friends... it's beginning to look a lot like an Aly Dahl collection Christmas... Or bought from a craft fair that I am selling at... So what did I in all my wisdom and glory do? I decide to start a new website... WHAT WAS I THINKING?? First of all, I had no idea that when you transfer your domain name it takes so freaking long.. second of all.. I have decided to re-invent the Aly Dahl website to be a proper shopping cart based shop. So basically.. I am trying to re-learn the wheel during mayheimdom. Things (being the new website) may end up on hold should I actually have the mental break down I feel myself heading towards... bear with me.. I do intend this site to be much more user friendly.. but lets be honest it'll be a miracle if it's up before January.

I heard a quote recently and I wish I could remember who said it, but it went something like "My mother always told me that the only people who are boring are those who are bored".
I can confidently say I am currently not boring.

This Saturday I have a show being hosted by Babyvibe in Port Moody called the Holiday Family Fair, I am really looking forward to it. There are 30 awesome local businesses involved. If you come check it out make sure to stop by and say hi! Here are the details: December 4th 11am-4-pm at The Inlet Theatre/Galleria at the Port Moody Civic Centre (City Hall), 100 Newport Dr., Port Moody. The Galleria is a nice, bright open venue that is centrally located with plenty of free parking. It is easily accessible for local residents who can arrive by foot, car, or transit.

I am also excited to announce another fantastic opportunity and location I can be found mid December.. but can't say anything yet.. but as soon as I can I will let you all know!

So.. really the point of this blog.. and to make my long babble longer... if you are looking for my website at www.alydahl.com you won't find me there for a few more days, instead I ask that you visit www.silverfingerprints.ca (which is the website I have had all along, I have just been forwarding Aly Dahl to silver fingerprints until I was ready to develop Aly Dahl..)

PS if you have fingerprint jewellery you are wanting done for Christmas please get the order and impressions in asap as time is starting to get away.

Thanks!

Aly

Todays the Day we're going to make things happen..

2010-11-10T09:34:00.000-08:00

Ok so the day has finally arrived.. The Big Open House, First Birthday celebration. This is WAY more stressful than first expected. First of all, I have no idea how many people will show up. I put it out on facebook to everyone I know, including those as far away as Norway.. hoping maybe they know someone who knows someone how may be interested in coming. 2 days ago with this gut wrenching feeling that 6 people would come and the whole thing would be a bust I came up with a new plan.. to invite the neighbourhood... So I made 1200 fliers with this thought that all the townhouse complexes near where I live have mail boxes like we do.. get out a 1000 fliers in a couple hours.. easy peasy..

So my Dear husband went out to deliver these "great idea" fliers and quickly learned we are the only complex with mailboxes you can shove stuff into.... My sweet sweet free labour hand delivered to each home near 600 fliers. Thank you Darren! (I now have 600 strips of purple paper for sale..anyone?.. only 50% is used)

I have been making posters, and signs to put up and crossing my fingers at this point that I have 8 people come :)

So how do I figure how much food to order based on a dream number? I have NO idea.. So I ordered a few platters, and a large birthday cake, I will make some punch.. Bowl.. right I need a punch bowl... Anyone?

Balloons... ordered and paid for... Must remember to pick up...especially since I put look for balloons on the invite...

Decorations.. Ahh yes.. that is the next step.. off to decorate and hopefully will transform the dungeon into a shopping fiesta!!! That will look magical, and inviting... Something people will just be drawn to...Finger Crossed..

So should you live in the lower mainland, Please Please please come help me eat cake... and celebrate!

Yes I have stooped to begging.

6-9pm Wednesday, November 10th, 2010
9101 Forest Grove Drive
Community Room
Cash & Cheques preferred.

Lots of Love on the glorious day that my business.. my baby.. TurnsONE!!!

And to all of you who helped this past year happen.. thank you from the bottom of my heart. It has taken a lot of people, a lot of support and a lot of kind words to get me here. THANK YOU.

Aly

Are you a Fan?

2010-10-26T16:09:00.000-07:00

Facebook Fan's of Aly Dahl Designs Jewelry got an early Christmas present today....

Are you a fan?

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Aly-Dahl-Designs

Become a fan before November 5th and check the wall posts for the current promotion!

This business started with fingerprint jewelry and that's what I am celebrating today..

So join us on facebook and get a reward!

FIRST BIRTHDAY WHAT?

2010-10-22T14:40:00.000-07:00

So it has officially been 1 year since I started this adventure called Aly Dahl Designs.

What does that mean you ask? Well yes it's true I have been making and playing with jewellery for most of my life. Addicted to fashion at a young age, in fact I still have a lady crush on Jeanne Beker from Fashion Television. I can remember being a young girl in Courtenay, watching one of our 3 channels and seeing Jeanne for the first time.. MAGICAL. So poised, she knew ALL the designers, to me Jeanne was/is the "package". I have always dreamed to be interviewed by Jeanne, or at the least meet her. Sheer perfection.

She taught me SO much about fashion and I really credit her with my passion for fashion and why I have chosen this route in my life.

So here I am turning one. Although I have been doing this for years, it is really my dream coming true that is turning ONE!!! This makes me so incredibly happy, you see my dream has always been to own my own business, to be creative and to be in fashion. The fact that I took my dream and have turned it into my reality still stuns me every morning I wake up and get to be me.

So here it is, my first Birthday event. Please come, please forward to friends, please send to events happening blogs, media, whoever you know who can help me make this a huge success.. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping me make my dream not only come true, but successful!

IT’S OUR BIRTHDAY!

Aly Dahl Designs has turned ONE!

Can you believe it has been an entire year since I have dedicated myself to growing and launching Aly Dahl Designs?

So much has happened in the past year!

- I have expanded my line from fingerprints to four full collections

- You can now find my lines at retailers in BC

- I recently launched a home sales department

- I have been named one of BC’s top new designers to watch by Portabello West

- I have had numerous write ups in magazines all over the province

- And to top it all off... I now have a manufacturer helping me with my designs so I can continue to grow and expand!

Come meet the designer and shop the full collection at the Aly Dahl Designs Open House on

Wednesday, November 10^th from 6:00pm-9:00pm.

Everything will be on sale!

You can find the event in the community room of Rossmoor townhouses, located at 9101 Forest Grove Drive in Burnaby; (look for the balloons) light refreshments will be served.

Make sure to enter the draw for a $75.00 gift certificate just for showing up!

To view the invitation on Facebook click: Aly Dahl Designs Birthday Invite

Totally Turquoise

2010-10-18T12:02:00.000-07:00

I like to only have pieces in my collection that I love. With that comes the heart-break when something sells.. the same comes when it's ready to part with. I have had a piece of jewellery that I sometimes take out at a show with hesitation and fear that it may in fact one day sell. Today I take the first step in parting with it.

So here it goes, here is my favourite necklace:

The reason I love it is because of it's imperfections. The amount of turquoise, and the handmade feel of it. It is a very organic piece. Each piece of turquoise is different in colour, some with many lines, some with very few. It to me is beauty.
Some would dis-regard some of the turquoise as "not good enough" or "too many imperfections".. but to me, it is why I love it. The character of each piece is like people, we are all the same, but different. Our unique lines and depth is what makes us special.

This piece is priced at $475 and is not yet on my site.. as that will take a few more days of talking myself into selling it :)

Aly

The Collection

2010-10-15T13:37:00.000-07:00

Very Excited!!!

My first Official Collection is starting to take form. I am not hand-making these items personally, however they are still handmade and they are an Aly Dahl Design.

I always new in the back of my mind that I would not be hand making each piece for ever, it just is not possible or profitable. My time is better spent designing, researching and making connections with people. It's like hiring an accountant, yes I can do it, but is that really the best way to spend my time?

This is not to say I am no longer making jewellery, I will continue to do both, after all it is my passion. The fingerprint jewelry will always be made by me and I will continue to create one of a kinds that will be available for sale on my website and at shows.

I have uploaded some pictures to my facebook fan page, please join my page if you have not already. To see the pictures please click on: Aly Dahl Designs Facebook Fan Page

I only have one of each of these pieces, if you are interested in any of these pieces please contact me at:
aly@silverfingerprints.ca

The photo's are not website quality yet so they are not on www.alydahl.com yet.

Cheers!

Aly :)

What a High

2010-10-13T19:10:00.000-07:00

I am just home from my first photo-shoot for my Aly Dahl Impressions line. The display boards, and packaging are soon to be completed and they LOOK AMAZING!!!

Here are some quick pic's taken with my cell phone from the afternoon:

The shoot from my point of view before it started was nerve racking, and that fear of "Is it good enough"... until I saw the first picture. It was amazing, my model Naomi who is one of the worlds most naturally beautiful women was fantastic. She took direction like a pro and her perfect skin was the ultimate back-drop for my impressions line.
The photographer Amanda Skuse was terrific to work with, she has a great eye for detail and the lighting was luxurious.
Cory from Exhibit A Design Group directed the shoot, the shoot is for our upcoming promotional material and display boards. He did such a great job, knowing exactly what he wanted and needed and as an out-sider watching, I was very impressed at the ability he had to know precisely what needed to happen.

I can not accurately describe in words the excitement I have inside of me to see the final product... The least I can say is VERY EXCITED :)

Thanks to Naomi, Cory and Amanda for a wonderful afternoon.

Smoooch... Aly

New Collection Slowly getting on line

2010-10-06T22:39:00.000-07:00

I have had a line of more affordable items that seems to have taken me WAY to long to post..It's like I never have enough time to wear each hat of running my own business...

I have just added this collection which was named by a dear friend ages ago and have been waiting for the right collection to use it on....

Here it is... Drum Roll Please.....

All Dahl'ed Up

Check it out.. Unfortunatley I have not had a chance to add the shopping buttons to this collection yet.. to be honest, I am just happy I finally got these posted!

Here it is:

www.Alydahl.com/shopalldahledup

If you are interested in any of these pieces email me at order@silverfingerprints.ca

Copper Dreams

2010-10-04T11:16:00.000-07:00

I love nothing more than a great season change.. Fall is no exception.. with the first leaf that falls out come my boots and sweaters, crisp jeans and my warm jewellery.
Until I started designing and making jewellery as my full time job I never realized how much I change my jewellery with the seasons. In the summer I wear a lot of bright beads, turquoise, shiny silver, shells.... but in the fall I tend to be drawn to warmer jewellery, darker stones, and now darker metals as well. Recently I have been working on new pieces for trade and home shows and without being conscious of it I have been creating with the same intent. As it turns out, with the fall also came out my silver darkener and rich patina's to give silver and copper warm layers and smooth richness.

In an effort to make some more affordable pieces for some shows I had booked I have created a lot of new earrings ranging from feathers to Eiffel towers. There is a big range and because of using more affordable base metals I have been able to keep the earring prices ranging from $8-$30.

With that also came some more cherished pieces, the ones that when I make them I think.. if they don't sell... I will keep them. This may come as a shock but I have issues letting go or selling a lot of my pieces as I make each one with a dream for it...corny I know, but it's true.
During one of my "playing sessions" I found a love for copper.. Here are a few of the more intricate pieces I have recently completed:


"Woman" $130, Copper and silver on copper chain

"Bond" $150, Copper on Copper, with copper chain

I should mention that these pieces were inspired by the incredibly talented Gustav Klimt. His work not only inspires me, but moves me. There is a tendernous in each piece that brings my heart joy. His work (not original) hangs in my room, which is where the inspiration came.

If you are interested in either of these pieces or finding out more about any of my new lines let me know. As I am a one woman show photographing and posting each new piece is a challenge. - One I do plan on taking on....it's on the list of things to do.... :)

Have a great day,

Aly

Have I found my niche?

2010-10-01T15:06:00.000-07:00

One of the things that gives me incredible anxiety is selling my creations at trade shows or craft fairs. Although most people are positive there are the few that walk by and make comments about price or "what will they think of next"... I find that part incredibly hard. People walking by, making a quick judgement never get to hear the story, understand what is put into each piece I create. I can't and don't want to compete with China (meaning the ability to create inexpensive mass amounts of jewellery) or Hobbyists, this is my lively hood, how I feed my kids. I believe that everything happens for a reason, sometimes it takes a while to find out why but .. I think I have kind of stumbled upon a way that I love to sell my jewellery, have fun, fits my lifestyle of being Mom, and I don't find it stressful at all...

Last week I was invited to do a private show in my cousin's home on a Friday evening. It was not the first time I had done a show like this, but it has been almost a year since I had done one. It was an amazing experience, she had no more than 10 women there, some wine and appies and I set up all my goods (and I have a ton at the moment, most are not on my website). The best part is I got an audience that I felt comfortable with as they were all women and they were there knowing I was going to be there so the pressure, and the anxious sweats never happened. The first 3 sentences my voice shook and then as I began to talk about myself and my jewellery, why I do it, the amazing accomplishments I have achieved this year with my jewellery...low and behold I became comfortable.. Actually very comfortable. I was able to sell my things in a way that showcased them and myself in a way that I have never been able to before.
I sold some beautiful pieces, met some incredible women, had some gut wrenching laughs and at the end of the night I didn't feel like I had been working. It was FUN! AND... They asked me to come back again in November so they can Christmas shop, and one of the guests even booked a party for October! I came home on a high of all highs, talked my husbands ears off and the next morning.. I started to ask...
I asked those I have on BBM as it is easiest for me.. to host a party. And to my surprise, many said yes without blinking an eye. I posted on facebook and got a few more bookings...It was just that easy! I just had to ask, I am constantly surprised at the amount of people who want me to succeed. It is so heart warming..THANK YOU to all of you.

Home sales have always been in the back of my mind as an avenue to sell. It has always been my mission to hire women that need to earn money but need to work around their children's schedules, other jobs, language barriers, I want to give possibilities to those who don't always have them. One of the reason's I left working for the Financial Mega Giant was they were no longer willing to work with me to have adjusted hours that allowed me to drop my kids and pick them up according to daycare hours. I never want one of my employees to ever feel like their job comes first. Family must always come first. I will never say "you must pick work over family" guaranteed.

That being said, I am currently putting together a sales team, no start up cost to the individual, it will be a commission home sales team, all pieces will be taken on consignment (only pay when item is sold). If you are interested in joining my team please email me at: aly@silverfingerprints.ca
For the time being I am focused on Metro Vancouver, but hope to expand in the near future, if you are not in metro Vancouver and are interested email me anyway and we can discuss ways to set you up.

If you are interested in hosting an Aly Dahl party please email me aly@silverfingerprints.ca to book a date.
I am seriously loving the home sales.. and would LOVE to do one for you. I hope one day I can look back at this blog as the beginning of something huge.
have a great weekend!!
Aly

I keep good company!

2010-09-27T14:05:00.000-07:00

I know I already posted the link to this fantastic interview that I did.... apparently I wasn't the only one who thought it was great. The post made the front (home) page of www.modernmom.com
Next to Brooke Burke and Denise Richards' blogs you can find the featured mom blogger and right not it is Wendy's blog on me :) Yahhhh!!!!!!!

Thanks again Wendy for doing the interview with me!

I am sure the post will soon be replaced with another featured mom blog so check it out quick!

Have a great week,

Aly

I Made it on Modern Mom!

2010-09-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

Check out this awesome post by the very talented and creative Wendy Irene on Modern Mom. Wendy is a very talented writer and has a great blog that I have emailed to me every weekday morning. I look forward to reading her blog, it always brings a smile to my face. She seems to always be in sinc with what is going on in my life, sometimes I read a blog and think.. wow, that sure came at the right time..
Wendy's web page is: www.givelovecreatehappiness.com sign up to have the blog emailed to you to ensure you never miss a post.

I am doing my first home show of the fall season, very excited for it as I have a ton of stock that I have been busy making over the summer. I did a show at Douglas College on Wednesday that was a HUGE success and was incredible for my confidence. Selling your own stuff is seriously overwhelming and can be very daunting at times, this was the first show I left feeling like a winner... now for tonight!!! Very excited!!! If you live on Vancouver Island or Metro Vancouver area send me an email at: aly@silverfingerprints.ca if you are interested in hosting an at home party for me to peddle my wares. I do offer the host of the party discounted and free product as a thank you!

Have a great weekend everyone!!!

Aly

Lovely Post by a Lovely Person

2010-09-13T16:34:00.000-07:00

Today is simple, today I brag. Looking at yourself and your accomplishments are often kinder and more eloquent when said by others. I am honoured and touched that the amazingly talented writer and creative force that is Alicia Gray blogged about me and by business.

Please take a moment to check out her blog, and if you enjoy smiling when reading click on her "follow me" button or become a fan on facebook so you never miss a post. Her writings draw you in and keep you glued.. (Not just the one about me, which I must say is fantastic but I haven't read a post that didn't make me laugh out loud or have tears streaming down my face)

Check it out:

http://aggraygate.blogspot.com/2010/09/homage-monday-alyson-johnson.html

Alicia and I have been friends for years, she was there for me, listened to me as I made the decision to leave my old life behind and move forward. Reading her memories of my transition time took me back to a place that was raw and hard... I am so glad that she could recall it for me in a humorous truth. I adore the post, I hope you take the time to read it.. And let me gloat on how awesome I am in someone else's eyes.

Cheap Silver Cleaner using everyday household items

2010-08-29T11:37:00.000-07:00

Recently being at the PNE and looking around the Marketplace, (which is a must on my PNE list of things to do and see each summer - I call it the "didn't know I needed it until I was told" building.) In recent years I have purchased a $700 vitamix blender (which shockingly haven't regretted once), a $100 massager (that broke with in the first year), eyebrow make up set that was to change my non-existent brows into magnificence in 10 second a day (problem being you have to do it), Shea butter from Africa (an annual must..love it).
This year the jewellery cleaner caught my eye.. it is apparently fantastic on gold and silver.. and I almost bought it for something crazy like $20. And then I remembered.. that I clean my silver jewellery with table salt and aluminum foil. I don't own a lot of gold so I have never tried it on gold.. I wouldn't recommend it. So here is my tip for the day that costs just cents:

For jewellery I use a pasta bowl or casserole dish, for silverware and tea sets I use the kitchen sink.

Line the bottom of the dish or sink with aluminum foil and add a generous amount of table salt (at least a couple tablespoons), fill with warm water (actually I have no idea if temperature matters but that's what I use) and set silver into bowl/sink. Leave for a minimum of 2 -3 minutes and then rinse with water. Depending on amount of tarnish you can re-soak. I have left heavily tarnished items overnight.

The science behind it:
When salt, aluminum foil and water are combined they create a chemical reaction known as ion exchange. During this process, the tarnish on the silver is transferred to the foil. In fact, if your silver is tarnished enough, you'll actually see brown tarnish on the aluminum foil.

Have a great day!

Aly

BabyVibe.. Are you vibing?

2010-08-16T15:58:00.000-07:00

I am so excited my first ad with Babyvibe came out this morning!

What is Babyvibe?....
Babyvibe is your trusted voice for new and expecting parents in Canada, delivering pint-sized news, product reviews, tips and family friend event listing.

I signed up to get the newsletter a few months back and have loved the great product reviews, what to do and parenting tips. I have found many local businesses like mine that are a Mom Run and worth supporting.

I am proud that I am now a babyvibing advertiser and hope that the ad brings in some revenue so I can continue to advertise with them!

To check out my ad click here: Babyvibe

Scroll down to the bottom and a surprise discount you will find for Aly Dahl Designs....

Check it out and sign up for the e-newsletter and take advantages of the great discounts to cool shops and products just because you subscribe!

Have a great Monday!

Aly

Common Sense and Reading came in Handy yet again!

2010-08-13T22:31:00.000-07:00

Last October I met a young man who was a "website genius".. I met with him at Lougheed mall in Burnaby for coffee, I knew the questions to ask according to what I learned at my business classes at college, but really I knew nothing about building a website.

He reminded me of my younger brother Luke (who I have a soft spot for) and I hired him instantly. He didn't want payment up front he said when we got working on things more seriously I could pay half up front and half when it was done. I spent MONTHS and months getting stuff together for him, making items to photograph, photographing.. searching the web for sites I liked.

When I first decided to sell on line I was searching names and bought website names I thought were good. The first one I bought was www.silverfingerprints.ca it was through a dotcom company who does back end servers and had templates and things. One of the things I did do was put up a site I made as a "holding site". So I started to build my site while my "Web Genius" was building my "real" site.

Along the way I named my business Aly Dahl Designs and bought www.alydahl.com and www.alydahl.ca, I called my web guy a few times and he said he could help me.. but then he started to not return my emails or my calls. So I figured out how to forward those addresses to the silverfingerprints one. Getting smarter.
I started to tweak my site and started getting compliments on it.. smarter again.. Figured out how to re-size photo's, make tab's, meta tags...Wow, starting to get cocky..

For the past 4 months since firing my "Web Genius" as he was too busy to remember I was alive.. and he did nothing in 6 months... I had been looking for someone to do a shopping cart on my site. Life being like it is I haven't found anyone.

So today I decided.. how hard could it be? I am proud to say I am now pretty flippin smart.. Although it has taken 12 hours, two of my collections now have "Add to Cart" buttons so people can buy stuff directly from my site!!! No more email!!! (Although I had linked it up to each piece and I thought I was pretty smart)...

So you can now officially actually Shop "Shop Fingerprint Impressions" and my iCANDY line!!!! Check it out!!!

Well that's my big accomplishment for today, It was a biggy! Hopefully next week all my lines will have "Add to Cart" button and I will get back to making and posting new pieces!!!

Have a great weekend,

Aly
AKA.. an Almost "Web Genius"

On the Road again.. Peddling my wares

2010-07-29T10:15:00.000-07:00

I am getting ready to hit the road. Doing a sales trip of sorts. I have had a fantastic boutique/salon in Victoria approach me about carrying some of my jewellery. Brandi Wein For Hair
Brandi did my hair for what was probably close to 10 years when I lived on the island (and when ever I can get back), she is an award winning hair dresser with the most beautiful boutique at Shoal Point.
If you ever get the opportunity to get your hair done by her, you are in for a treat! AMAZING!

When I saw Brandi last weekend she loved my new 'Turq'ish Delight line and asked me to make a few pieces to display in her shop. I have been busy working and making (my hands feel twice my age today) and am really happy with some new creations that I will be leaving in her shop next week.

I am also bringing some of my fingerprint jewelry line to display and sell in shops up and down the island. I make anything you can think of out of silver that includes you and your loved ones fingerprints. It is the perfect cherished keepsake. My favourite of the moment is the military style dog tag on silver ball chain. I am almost always seen wearing my two kids prints on a plain chain, it goes with everything, and they love to feel them as much as I do.

So I am island bound, items to sell in tow and supplies to make in totes.. I am off. If you have a boutique or shop and would like to try my stuff out, email me at aly@silverfingerprints.ca
and I will make sure to stop by and peddle my wares!

All the best!

Aly

Brandi Wein For Hair is located at: #15 - 21 Dallas Road, Victoria BC

A delicate balance

2010-07-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

Here I am in the middle of summer, working from home with a stay at home dad, and 2 pre-school kids which technically makes us a stay at home family I think.
I have to be honest.. It makes for an incredibly difficult work environment.. Seeing them get ready to go to the pool, hearing the laughter of them frolicking in the sun, oh how I yearn to be with them. I work in the morning, and in the evening except for busy days, then it's just a sh*t show... but I have stopped on the weekends (except to sell, I'll do that night or day..). A few months ago I found my life was being taken over by my business and I was no longer enjoying my life.
Then I read an incredible book Women, Food, and God by Geneen Roth. I read the book and connected instantly. It has helped with my relationship with food, but it spoke to me on a much grander scale. I had the opportunity to step back and look at my life. I realised that I not only used food to avoid feelings, but I worked to avoid feelings. There was a line that said something along the lines of "you weren't put on this earth to lose the same 10,20, 50 lbs over and over".
My life's purpose is not to avoid my life with work. I enjoy and love my job, which is why it is so easy to get lost in it. I have the most wonderful life, I just have to stop and take it in.
Since affording myself the "OK" to take a break in the afternoon and play with my kids, go swimming with my family, hold my husbands hand and go for a walk to appreciate all things around me, I have found that I am happier, and have a deeper passion for making my business a success.
If I am OK with enjoying life, and my life consists of my job which affords me the time to be with my kids and husband.. I am going to work as hard as I can to keep this. I just need to remember to take time to enjoy what I am working so hard to provide for. I want this business to be successful and thriving and something my children can take over should they choose.

My daughter and I on a whim going to visit family on the island

My Orchid

2010-07-12T18:05:00.000-07:00

I have been "working" on my Orchid for months now. I use the term "working on" loosely as I put 2 weeks work into it back in what I think was April, and on my final firing... It cracked and my heart sank. I knew I could fix it and go on with creating my masterpiece.. But, it broke my heart. I put hours upon hours into making it and in one wrong move it was ruined. The money..the time.. would I ever finish it?

Doing large intricate pieces are a passion, but rarely do I ever recover the cost of raw material, and the man hours it take to make them are purely for enjoyment..

The Pendant is a direct casting of a flower I have in my home. This is the sister flower from the same plant I casted from.

Today I started working on the pendant/broach again. It feels good..and scary... So far I have used the Silver Orchid as a paper weight, and a prop for photography... Here it is before I started working on it again.. (In all it's prop glory)

Granted it is a bit hard to see the detail when it's draped in rubies... But there could be worse things to be draped in I suppose!

So back to the passion project I go, perhaps one day soon I will blog with an update and a picture of the final product.

The ruby earrings are available on line at: Aly Dahl Designs

I repeat...Let it go Aly...

2010-07-09T14:21:00.000-07:00

I feed off people's energy, I have always been in-tune with what's going on around me. That is both a blessing and a curse. If you are upset with me, or something is off in your life, if you are angry or sad, I feel it. I sometimes make myself ignore it, but it comes at an expense, I seem to take on people's emotions and problems and it makes it very difficult for me to function at my best. Even if I ignore it, I take it home and ponder your emotions while I toss and turn trying to sleep. My friends call me sensitive, I say Empathetic..To a fault.

I find this my biggest down fall in creating the Aly Dahl empire... I have a very difficult time differentiating myself from my business, I take all comments to heart. I have been so lucky to have so many people write praising letters, emails, and voice mails after receiving their items, but it's that 1 email or comment when someone says "it's too expensive" or "what will they thing of next" as though what I am doing is equivalent somehow to nutella swirled with peanut butter sold in the same jar. It takes all my might to not explain that it is actually a very good price and all the reasons it is a good deal, I mean come on, I make it by hand, I buy top quality product...It's made in Canada... I use more expensive raw material that is in the end better for the earth because I care... But alas, I bite my tongue and know that they are simply not my customer. However, I do re-think that one comment over and over and over again... and then as though the universe knows when I need a moral boost I receive an order from a wonderful customer. They get it, they are looking for quality, being made in Canada matters, supporting the arts is important... They are my customer. And they are by far the best customers to have.

After a few really unpleasant experiences with people trying to knock me down, be-little me, and that gross gut feeling when you feel your being taken for a ride.. I am slowly learning to be more assertive and to follow my gut.

After returning from Las Vegas I realized that my taxes were due in 1 week, I quickly started looking up accountants and found one that had a decent website and went in. This man made me so uncomfortable, made me feel like I was the dumbest person to walk the earth and without his help I would fail as a person. BTW my biggest pet peeve is scare tactic selling.. And as soon as he started down that path I felt like I was going to puke. I tried to take my documents back and be nice saying things like "I think I better go home and sort through some stuff and come back".. To which he grabbed my stuff and said "No, we'll contact you if we need anything, come back in a week". So I left. Got in the elevator and called my husband, Darren can be very wise sometimes. Perhaps it is because he has lived with me for almost 9 years.... He said the greatest thing ever to me
"Aly, if you don't go back up there and get your property you will spend the next week agonizing over this creep.. or you take 5 minutes of uncomfortableness and go back up there and it will be over, now go and get your taxes back." That sunk in deep.. And so I did. I got my stuff back, the creep yelled at me as I walked as fast as I could getting out of the office, my documents in hand. I proceeded to get in the elevator, called an old friend Doug who is now officially the worlds best accountant friend to have. Thanks Doug! I got off the phone and started crying tears of joy.. and my taxes were filed on time.

Following my gut may not feel good in the moment.. but as soon as that moment passes, the next one is AWESOME... That feeling of "I did it, I stood up for myself and I noticed".

Being Sick and Being your own boss is not an advantage

2010-07-07T13:38:00.000-07:00

After spending most of my adult life employed by a large company with fantastic benefits I got used to certain "perks"... such as sick days which entailed spending the day in bed watching cheezy soap opera's and wandering in and out of consciousness.
I have had a wicked cold for the past 3 weeks, and instead of taking a day off, I worked through it.. I mean it was only a cold and how strenuous can taking pictures, doing book keeping, posting, updating, proof reading, developing packaging be? I mean I do 90% of that from my living room.
On Sunday morning I could barely get out of bed. This after 3 weeks of sore throats, coughing, sneezing, ear aches.. What the heck? Are you not supposed to get better with time? Monday was a little worse but I continued to work and by Tuesday I was sure I was dying. By this time I am now sputtering like a lawn sprinkler with every cough and Darren demands I see the Doctor.
So here I am working from bed with a bad case of bronchitis.
Work is busy this week which is fantastic, the new line is selling fast and of course my reports were due today.. And well when what you eat is determines what you make... taking a day off seems a bit nuts.
However I was successful in getting my reports in on time, updated my bookkeeping, paid some bills, photographed new pieces and updated my website most from the comfort of bed.
Here is are links to the new pieces and the new line 'Turq'ish delight:
iCANDY
Silver Originals
'Turq'ish Delight
Fingerprints

All I can say is.. I am so glad Darren is home right now so I have been able to be cuddle mom only, which I have to say is a slice of heaven..
Being my own boss may have a lot of perks, and I have never been happier, but I do miss the benefits of corporate world.

Best of Vancouver

2010-07-05T14:19:00.000-07:00

I am so excited!!! A friend emailed me the other day and let me know she voted for me in the Georgia Straight Best of Vancouver. That is a huge thing for me, the fact that while filling out 200 responses in the voting questionnaire I came top of mind when entering the jewellery/accessories box.

Which then took me to the next obvious thing to do.. vote for myself.. and then forward to the 275 people on my facebook friend list... and now.. here I am "Blegging" Blog begging..

It was never even a possibility that I would be considered or have the ability to be voted for... but alas.. here I am now, begging any and all readers to please go to:
http://www.straight.com/bov
And vote for me! You do not need to fill out all 200 questions, just the ones you have an opinion about.

If you find it in your heart to vote for me, I would be forever in debted. One of the other questions was for best Vancouver Blog and I put my vote to
http://www.givelovecreatehappiness.com/blog.html

If you haven't read it, Wendy is a great writer, is always positive and has great recipes and fun stories, you can sign up to have an email sent to you daily. It is how I start every morning.

Another great and hilarious blog to read is
www.aggraygate.blogspot.com
Unfortunately the writer is no longer from Vancouver otherwise.. it would have defiantly been a hard choice.

I added a vote to the last page to "did we miss a category" I added editor.. I have the worlds BEST editor, she is meticulous, friendly and offers awesome suggestions. I have hired in the past and will only ever use her going forward:
http://www.zeneditorial.com/
If you need someone to edit your website, book, pamphlets... she is #1 in my books :)

That is my shameless self promotion and promotion of what I find worth while reads.
Have a great day!

From Run Way to Sex in the City: A STORY OF VALIDATION

2010-06-29T12:01:00.000-07:00

RETAIL THERAPY: Harper's Bazaar fashion editor says bold accessories please!

We were lucky enough to be invited to a red carpet event recently that Avril Graham, executive fashion and beauty editor, Harper’s Bazaar hosted. It was a fabulous event, Avril was great to listen to with her whimsical British accent and passion for fashion. She gave a great update on what is being shown on the runways for fall/winter 2010 and what is being seen on the street right now. She spoke to the economy and what people are buying and not buying. The best thing she said was people are buying simple pieces of clothing and dressing up with great accessories. Big, bold, bright pieces of jewellery are all the rage. With a great piece of jewellery you can wear a dress you have had in your closet and make it look brand new again.

Big, chunky, bright accessories are no longer being reserved for evening wear. The trend is to wear great jewellery anytime of the day. Our iCANDY collection would be fantastic with a simple pair of jeans or shorts and plain tank top, wear some great gladiator sandals and you have a perfect outfit that will take you all day and into the evening.

I recently watched Sex in the City 2 and was so excited looking at the accessories.. especially when I kept recognizing pieces similar to my current line. I felt this amazing warm fuzziness come over me and excitement I can't even begin to express, like somehow I had made it. It was so great to see all the beautiful druzzies and large stones, it was a validation I didn't know I needed until I got it in the most unusual of places. I went to the movie to see what the characters were up to and left feeling like I had somehow made it.

A big Thank You Carrie for making me see in bright lights, on a big screen that I am on the right path, and what I am doing, what I am thinking is good.. That I might just be great at what I do.

And a big Thank You to Avril Graham, hearing you speak to me in colour, and texture left me inspired and yearning to come home and continue creating.

Now, if Harper's Bazaar would show my line in the magazine, and Carrie was to wear my jewellery in the next sex in the City Movie..my life would be a perfect dream!

The thought of opening my favourite magazine and seeing my designs looking back at me would be the cherry on top of my already blessed life. Just got goose bumps thinking about it. Now time to get back to work, thanks for reading :)

Website Update and New line of fancy jewels

2010-06-10T19:57:00.000-07:00

I have just come back from Las Vegas where I was able to get my hands on some amazing stones.
I have named my newest collection of original jewellery iCANDY. It is made up of some beautifully coloured druzzie stones, silver, re-worked tiles, silks, rubies, gemstones.. it is tasty! I will be adding pieces on a regular basis as I get items completed and photographed.
I have also added an area where I will add my silver jewelry as it becomes ready to be sold.
I have updated my website to include the new pieces as well as included a few new areas. Check it out at: www.alydahl.com

Here is a taste of the delicious new pieces:

Glee and Art

2010-05-14T10:37:00.000-07:00

I have become obsessed with the TV show Glee. The one liners, the music, the over the top acting and scripts make it a weekly must. My facebook status updates now see to have more show one liners than my momentary thoughts and beliefs.

The show this week made me stop and think of my high school experience, and of my children's soon to be school experience. I was so fortunate to go to a school (Vic High) that had numerous arts programs and opportunities for students. We didn't have a glee but we did have band, drama, photography, and art clubs. I kind of wish there had been a glee club... I wonder if I would have tried out...I'd like to think yes, however 17 year old Aly Dahl was much "cooler" than the 33 year old Alyson Johnson.

Watching and reading the news about budget cuts and our government shortages makes me so scared for my kids. It seems every year a program gets cut, and at what expense?
For my children I want all the opportunities that I had, so they can figure out what they love to do before they become the decision makers of the world.

Canadians are a pretty creative bunch, there are not many of us (compared to other countries) but we seem to make a pretty big impact on the film, music, art and the fashion worlds. Where did we learn to be so creative? Is it the cold/rainy winters being in-doors that leads us to finding a creative outlet from sheer boredom? Is it something we are taught? Perhaps it was from growing up in an education system that encouraged creative thinking, and doing.

I pray for my kids that I can afford to send them to private school as I think we may soon be in for a very big education disaster. When did it become ok to stop teaching our children "how to" in many different ways, reading, writing, arithmetic, science, social studies, physical education, dance, music, art, photography, the list goes on and on... When did we start treating children like a financial burden and more like cattle than what they truly are... the hope for the future. They are the ones after all who will be responsible to budgetary cuts to our old folks homes :)
What is the message that is actually being sent to the citizens of tomorrow? I know there is only so much money, and I know that times are tough, but I am worried that the wrong programs are being cut at a huge expense. I know very little about the inner workings of the government, and after sitting on a strata council I have no interest what so ever to be in politics, but I do wonder.. how can it seem so simple to so many "regular" people yet be getting missed by the "brains" that run our country?

When I look back at my life, my love of design and working with my hands came in high school. I had a great art teacher, Robin Stefanick who taught me to have confidence in my work. And after years of working jobs I thought I should do, I am now doing what I love to do. I work in the creative world. My job designing and making jewellery is of the creative work. It make me wonder "would I be doing what I am doing today if I had not had the opportunities I had in high school?".

So all that being said.. I am so happy that shows like Glee are on TV and are good shows. I believe we live in a media world and no matter when we left high school, we live in a high school society that follows the popular kids. Perhaps with Glee, there is some hope for programs of creativity to exist in our schools because they are popular. The more the kids are exposed to the more they will want to do, the more they want to do, the more they will learn.. and the smarter, stronger, healthier they are... the better off the world will be.

I am in the works to be teaching a jewellery making class at the local arts centre and although it will be adults I teach, I think the message is the same no matter the age.
"Your work is beautiful because you made it, someone, somewhere, will love it, if you do".
We as people are able to do so many things and anything is possible if you make it possible. You just have to want to.

That is my rant for today. If you are looking to order a Silver fingerprint Dog Tag for Fathers Day I am about to post a new option on my website : www.Alydahl.com for a smooth finished two print tag that is beautiful. I just got in some amazing sterling silver ball chains to accompany the dog tags from Italy that are stunning.
Maybe if I get my act together I will do a blog on the dog tags in the next day or two... knowing me.. probably 3 :) Have a great weekend, and thanks for reading.

Greatest compliment

2010-05-04T12:26:00.000-07:00

Today I received the nicest compliment. I was doing some research for my graphic designer. I love working with people who not only get what I do but also always leave me feeling inspired. If you need any graphic work I would highly recommend Cory at Exhibit A Design Group.

While I was doing some on line research, I found a lovely comment left by someone on a mom's blog. I have no idea who left it, but it was so nice! So thank you whom ever left it! The comment said they loved my work and wanted to order more pieces from me. It is so funny how at times the little things we do can makes such a big impact on someone else! I thank the person who left that comment, it made a huge impact on me. I truly appreciate it.

I am always so curious of how people find out about me, I have a received a lot of orders from Alberta the past few weeks. I wonder if I am getting word of mouth referrals, perhaps another blogger mentioned my work, maybe it was simply a google search. What ever it is, I love it! I love creating jewelry with meaning. True keepsakes.

I had a grandmother who ordered the granny charm bracelet send me an email a couple weeks ago, saying how much she loves her bracelet and that she thinks it is the best keepsake she owns. She wears it everyday. She ordered a charm bracelet with all her grand kids fingerprints and her children are now ordering their prints to add to the bracelet for Mothers day. It will look fantastic! That email made me fall even more in love with what I do.

Have I mentioned that I LOVE what I do? 18 months ago when I left corporate world was the last day I worked a day. Since then I have put so many hours focused on something that pays the bills, but I love it so much and it has never felt like a day of work.
My father told me that if you do something you love, you will never work another day in your life again. My Dad is a pretty special guy, he also does something he loves. He is a financial advisor in Victoria, BC, and although markets have been tough the past few years he maintains a fabulous attitude and I think he is one of the smartest people I have ever met. I have really great parents.

Here are few pictures of some items I have recently done:

This is a family of fingerprint keepsake charms on a charm bracelet. The necklace is of a dogs nose.

Here is a close up of the charm bracelet. 2 adult prints and 2 child prints on a hammered oval bracelet.

"Charlie" This is a nose print pendant keepsake on a Figaro chain.

This is the current retail packaging for impression kits
(Cory at Exhibit A is helping re-brand and do up the new packaging)

Single fingerprint impression kit for retailers. Looking to carry Aly Dahl Designs?
email: info@silverfingerprints.ca
To set up an account! Had to put that in there.. you never know who will read your blog.

Hope you have a wonderful day, remember the small things that make you smile make it all worth while.

Wow I suck at blogging

2010-04-15T17:42:00.000-07:00

So it turns out I suck at blogging. Not something I am proud of, however I am totally aware of it. Going forward I am going to try my best to keep up on it a little better. I am aiming at twice a week to get into a better habit. I feel very overwhelmed when it comes to blogging, like I may be doing the wrong thing, doing it too often, not enough, not specific enough, too specific, to all over the place. I had no idea writing for what is esentially myself could be so anxiety ridden. So I am taking the anxiety about how, why, when out and doing my own thing.

I love writing, in fact I moved to Vancouver in 2001 to go to the Vancouver Film school for script writing. I got here and found out how expensive it was and let someone elses opion influence my decision not to go. Which is how I ended up working in the mutual fund world once again. You know, to pay the bills, make enough to go to school.. it was supposed to be temporary. 9 years, 1 husband, 1 mortgage, 2 kids, a dog, and a new career later... I find myself sitting at the computer trying to find my writing bug once again. How could something I moved to this city to do seem like such a chore now?

I started this blog at the same time I was starting my business, I was told that's what you needed to do. It seemed like solid advice and the right thing to do to help promote the business. I didnt take into account that I would be spending 15 hrs a day working and thinking about my business, and that writing about it may no longer be a "fun" idea, but yet another chore to do.

Despite this blog being writen and run in all the wrong ways according to some, I want it to be fun. For me. So I may be talking about jewelry one post, about my business the next, and who knows... maybe tucked in there somewhere you will find a piece about me, my kids, my husband, or something totally random and wacky. The funny thing is, that is me. I am all those things and more. So I guess at the end of the day, this blog is truly an Aly Dahl Design.

Haiti Relief

2010-02-05T19:15:00.000-08:00

In an effort to give back and help Haiti, Aly Dahl Designs will donate $25 from the sale of each fingerprint charm to the Red Cross in the month of February.

I was so personally saddened with each day I read, watched or heard about the earthquake and the devistation that happened to Haiti. I have been connected spiritually to Haiti for years. A family friend was an RCMP officer who was posted in Port au Prince 10 years ago, he would show us pictures and tell stories of one orphanage in particular. My family and friends have raised funds many years to help support that Orphanage, one year we raised enough money so it would have a roof, another year it was a floor. With each time he returned so did bags of clothing, school supplies and life supplies. I am not sure of the outcome of the Orphanage, I am scared to ask him.

This is why I have chosen to donate my profits to helping people in Haiti.

My heart goes out to everyone who lives or has loved ones in Haiti.

No matter how little I have, they have less and need it more.

Procrastination at work

2010-02-01T10:59:00.000-08:00

I am finding myself in a procrastinating mood...
You see I love to create, that is what I do, and love to do. On my creative days I get totally swept away into another land. My brain is working in a way that I don't get to use on a day to day basis (and for that matter most of my adult life it was turned off). So when it gets turned on, I have an incredibly hard time turning it off and going back to business. Today is one of those days, last Wednesday I picked up some fantastic new stones. (A piece of turquoise that is simply stunning, I have never seen a nicer piece). I came home Wednesday afternoon and have had a hard time stopping the creative process. I love working with my hands, drawing, sawing, filing, sanding, soldering, torching.. oh it has been bliss. I love it.
Here it is Monday, I have spent the last 4 days creating and now...I need to do financials, bookkeeping, paybills, planning, sourcing suppliers, and ...wait for it.. get up the nerve to call businesses I would love to sell my fingerprint jewellery in. My dream would to be in Blue Ruby, they have great jewellery and I think my fingerprint line would be a great fit in their store. I love going in the Robson st location in Vancouver, everytime I am in there I can visualize my display on the counter. I would also like to call a few childrens botiques I would love to sell my line in, one being Hugs N Huddy in Langford.

Next is festivals and trade shows, which are the good ones, which ones I can afford, and which ones have people who spend money? I spent 10 years in the Comox Valley and each year they have the Filberg Festival on the August long weekend, I go back that weekend as often as possible as I simply love it.
I just received the the application form to be in it (it is a jurried process as they get so many Canadian artists wanting to be in the show). It costs money to apply, and the cost to be in the show is $700-$1500 for 3 days. Ouch. I need to apply next week if I want to go in it. It is so hard to decide..

I find myself procrastinating all of these things. I went to my facebook page, checked things out, now I find myself on blogger writing this.. when in reality I should be doing my financials, etc...

So back to my problem.. how do I get myself back in "business" mode?... I guess I will go pick my daughter up from school and then try to figure that out... I'll let you know if I came up with anything!

Charitable giving

2010-01-25T18:40:00.000-08:00

I have been struggling with new and effective ways my company can give back.
I have only been in business a few months however have found myself knee deep in donation requests already.

In order to give I have to have (otherwise there just isn't anything to give). I have come up with the idea that when there is an event that I would like to support I will offer a discount card that will enable the participants of that event to purchase off my website and when they enter that code a dollar amount or percentage will be donated to the cause they were involved with.

I see this as an excellent way to be able to afford to donate more, grow my business and get in the public eye.

The reason I started thinking about this is a good friend approached me to donate for a Canadian Breast Cancer fundraiser. Like most, I have been greatly affected by Breast Cancer with the loss of loved ones and family members. I am also proud to report that I also celebrate friends and family members that have survived.
In 1995 I raised the most money for the Run for Breast Cancer in the province. That is something I am very proud of. So that being said, this is a charity I wish to support, but how?

Was donating a fingerprint charm going to be enough? That is when I put my thinking cap on. This event is a huge event where opportunities for awareness of my product is evident and I would love to give SO much more than I have at the moment. So why not combine the two? After a sleepless night of contemplation I came up with a solution.

I will have 300 (Or how many people are expected at the event) special cards made up with a unique code. When someone from the event purchases something from my website they can use this code and $25 from each order will result in a donation to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

I think it is a pretty good idea, maybe I am off my rocker.. but I see it as a win win for both and I am able to potentially donate a lot more than a $100 necklace.

Any thoughts? Am I missing something? Has anyone tried something like this before?

I hold a few other charities and foundations close to my heart and think this may work for those as well.

Updated website

2009-12-20T22:34:00.000-08:00

I have finally updated my website www.silverfingerprints.ca to include some pictures of pieces I have recently done and now have them available for sale on my site.

I have had an incredible Christmas season, sold a ton of custom pieces and had a crazy amount of fingerprint jewellery (jewelry) orders.

I am getting ready to launch the business in January and am hoping to get into some trendy jewellery (jewelry) and Childrens boutiques. If you know of any shops that my jewellery would be a good fit for please email me at aly@silverfingerprints.ca.

I am also looking for company to make some great looking and functioning packaging for my impression kits and for the final product.

Hope everyone is having a fantastic holiday season!

Happy Holidays from BC Hydro

2009-12-20T12:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays from BC Hydro

This link is great, you can play a fun game at the same time each person who plays BC hydro donates money to the BC Childrens Hospital Foundation.
It was fun and interactive and at the end of the game, you've done something great for kids.

Silver Fingerprints: Etsy, Xanga, Twitter and Facebook

2009-11-24T15:12:00.000-08:00

Silver Fingerprints: Etsy, Xanga, Twitter and Facebook

www.alydahldesigns.etsy.com

Etsy, Xanga, Twitter and Facebook

2009-11-24T14:59:00.000-08:00

I have been on Facebook for some time now. It was really the only place I was for the longest time. I have a fanpage under Your Prints Charming, I have a 50 or so fan's and hope for that to grow.

As I learn more about what you "need" to do to launch a website and business and to say the least, this could be a full time job just updating all the networking sites.

I am keeping this blog more of a place for me to keep record of my existence and a memory of the things I did to get started. So when I am crazy successful I can look back and remember it was because of all the hard work.

I did 3 craft shows this past week, they were good but I learned that I need to know the target market of the people going to the craft fair. I sold enough to have made it worth while but I do wonder if I were somewhere with less grey hair and more hip moms if I would have done better.

I am now on Etsy with some custom pieces I have done as well as the fingerprint jewellery.

www.alydahldesigns.etsy.com

I am now addicted to Etsy, it is such a great site for craftsmen. I love all the amazing things different artists are doing.

I have started a twitter account, I am really enjoying giving random rants of what I am up to on it: User: Yourprintscharm

Take a look at my stuff on Etsy and my webpage: www.silverfingerprints.ca

Thanks again for reading, I really appreciate it.

Aly

Silver Fingerprints: Business named, license on it's way...

2009-11-05T20:42:00.000-08:00

Silver Fingerprints: Business named, license on it's way...

Business named, license on it's way...

2009-11-05T20:32:00.000-08:00

It's official, Aly Dahl Designs is the name that I am running the business as. I have decided this gives me the most options for expanding my line.

At the moment Your Prints Charming (www.silverfingerprints.ca) is the line I am focusing my efforts on getting up and running.

"Your Prints Charming by Aly Dahl Designs" will be the impression jewellery line.

My next line will be "All Dahled Up" it will include my fancy pants designs.

I am working on getting www.alydahl.com and www.alydahl.ca up and running although eventually they will all be linked together.

Think Ralph Lauren or Tommy Hilfiger, Coco Channel. I may not be a well known designer (yet). But I imagine there was a time that they were not know either. I would even bet there was a time they also felt like a little fish.

I am getting really excited with each day, it is so much work getting a new business up and running but I have to say I have never been happier.

Until next time..
Aly Dahl of Aly Dahl Designs

Silver Fingerprints: Getting Started

2009-10-29T21:16:00.000-07:00

Silver Fingerprints: Getting Started

Getting Started

2009-10-29T20:48:00.000-07:00

I am a jewellery (that's jewelry for my southern friends) lover, wearer, and designer. I have loved jewellery since I was a young girl, always getting into my moms collection making a muck of things.

After graduating high school in 1995 I fell into the family business of financial planning, working admin, managing offices, working for mutual fund companies. The one thing I learned.. The Financial world sucks all the creativity out of you.

After having my 2 children, Maaren and Leif, 18 months apart I really had no desire to go back to work in the business district. Luckily for me the crash of the economy and wall street helped me get a package to walk away from it all.

So here I am almost a year later starting my dream job...

I have always wanted to be in business for myself, and I love being creative, and I love making jewellery. My metal of choice is silver and I love taking impressions of nature, or people, cool buttons, sea shells and turning them into wearable art.

I am having troubles naming my business and so at this point am working with a descriptive website name: www.silverfingerprints.ca

If you have any ideas of great business names for a fingerprint, charm, impression, business.... I would be all over it! This is the hardest part of starting my business and it seems like a pretty important one to have.

Thanks for reading!

Aly