DeLapp Designs By L

Welcome back, it’s time to reveal the next theme in my fandom-themed box project! Think of these as a cousin to the subscription box without the renewal hassle and completely handmade! Fandom Boxes offer a value of $60+ with box-only exclusive items mixed with site-available pieces. In some fandom boxes, there are collaboration pieces that will be credited to the outside small business that…

Even the most beautiful beads or metals can fall flat if your design isn’t planned. Good planning ensures your jewelry is balanced, wearable, and visually appealing. In this post, I’ll guide beginners through the essential principles of designing jewelry before you even pick up your pliers. Why Planning Matters Jumping straight into stringing beads or bending wire is tempting—but without a…

Starting an Etsy shop is exciting — until you realize how many things you have to figure out first. Shop names, product photos, listings, shipping, SEO, pricing, fees… it can quickly feel overwhelming before you even publish your first product. The good news? You don’t need to figure everything out on your own. This step-by-step Etsy startup checklist will walk you through exactly what to do…

I’m going to say something that marketing departments don’t love: The only truly waterproof jewelry is plastic. Every metal — yes, every single one — will eventually react to moisture, oxygen, sweat, friction, and time. That’s not a flaw. That’s chemistry. Gold can dull. Silver can tarnish. Plated pieces can fade. Stainless steel can corrode under the right conditions. If a metal changes…

When we think of jewelry today, the first image that comes to mind is often women adorned in gold, diamonds, and pearls. But history tells a different story. Men have been accessorizing for thousands of years, using jewelry to convey status, express identity, and even connect with the divine. From prehistoric claws to Renaissance gold chains, the story of men’s adornment is rich, surprising, and…

When trying to market your business online and expand your reach, one of the first questions most creators ask is: “When should I post?” If you’re building a brand on social media, it can feel like a balancing act. You want to stay visible and relevant to your audience — but you also don’t want to overwhelm followers or come across as spammy. We’ve all experienced brands we like but wish would…

Following my previous birthstone posts, I’m turning my attention to moonstone — one of June’s alternate birthstones and one of the most quietly enchanting gems I’ve researched so far. Moonstone doesn’t demand attention the way some stones do. Instead, it glows. The more time you spend with it, the more it reveals. The Birthstone Moonstone’s status as a birthstone is a relatively modern one. It…

When we think about self-care, things like meditation, skincare routines, or journaling often come to mind. But there’s another form of self-care that’s often overlooked — and it might already be sitting on your dresser. Jewelry. Think about that small moment in the morning when you reach for your favorite ring, necklace, or pair of earrings before heading out the door. It might seem simple,…

In the world of marketing and design, terms like brand and brand identity are often thrown around — sometimes even interchangeably. But while they’re closely connected, they’re not the same thing. Think of them as two parts of a relationship: one is how you feel about someone, the other is how they present themselves to you. Let’s break down the difference — and why it matters for building a…

Ever wondered what makes your favorite necklace actually wearable? The secret isn’t always the beads or gemstones—it’s the small hardware that holds everything together. These pieces are called jewelry findings, and while they may be tiny, they’re essential for creating durable, professional-looking jewelry. What Are Jewelry Findings? Jewelry findings are the functional components used to…

In 1855, during the turbulence of British rule in India, a soldier reportedly removed a striking purple stone from a Hindu temple dedicated to the God of War and Weather. The gem — believed at the time to be a sapphire — was taken from its sacred setting and carried back to England as a souvenir. It would soon earn a far more dramatic reputation. The stone became known as the “gem of sorrow,”…

Creating high-quality content takes time, effort, and creativity. But here’s the secret that seasoned marketers and content creators swear by: you don’t always have to start from scratch. Instead, learn how to repurpose content — taking one piece and transforming it into multiple formats to reach more people, increase visibility, and get the most value from your hard work. Let’s dive into what…

If you’ve read my previous articles on sustainable jewelry and ethical jewelry, you already know that both ideas play an important role in conscious shopping. But one question comes up again and again: are they actually the same thing? While the terms are often used interchangeably in the jewelry industry, they represent two different — though closely connected — values. Understanding the…

Jewelry is emotional. It marks milestones, memories, love stories, and personal style. So when we shop for it, we want to believe the description. We want to trust the sparkle. But sparkle sells — and sometimes, so do half-truths. The jewelry industry, especially fast-fashion and mass-market brands, leans heavily on buzzwords that sound impressive while saying very little. This is your…

Branding is everywhere. From the clothes you wear to the coffee you drink, the phone in your hand to the music you stream — you’re interacting with brands all day, whether you realize it or not. But I get this question A LOT: “what is branding, really? Is it just a logo? A catchy slogan? A color palette? The answer: it’s much more than that. In this post, we’re breaking down everything you need…

Understanding Color Theory Color theory is the foundation behind the rules and guidelines that govern how colors interact and how they can be used to create visually appealing and meaningful designs. By learning the basics of color theory, you begin to understand the underlying logic of color—how hues relate to one another, how combinations work, and how intentional choices can shape perception.…