ZesTee Fashion

The handmade-jewelry-club Blog – 20 Jan. 2010

ZesTee Fashion — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:07:40 +0000

http://www.handmade-jewelry-club.com

Jewelry made of hardware (Part 1)

Have you ever wonder this beautiful jewelry is made of items which we can get from our hardware store?

Let me introduce you to Holly Bar, a New Zealand based artist and the creator of ZesTee Fashion online shop http://www.zesteefashion.com/ who created this piece!

Holly Bar makes one-of-a-kind jewelry made with non-traditional materials from the hardware store, such as washers, nuts and other interesting materials, making them unique and original pieces of art. All the jewelry is done by her and each piece is one-of-a-kind, so one can rest assured that no one else will have the same item.

Holly Bar love making hardware jewelry because there are a big variety of hardware items that enables her to be creative and original in her work. With her hardware jewelry she likes taking “ordinary” and “simple” items such as hardware, and take them to a different direction. Not many people think you can wear hardware bits and pieces around your neck, but she loves to prove them that you can create from hardware something beautiful to wear. It enables her to be creative and original in her work. She like making unique jewelry that no one else has. It’s
something different that makes you stand out from the crowd.

When doing hardware jewelry she discovered the color combination of silver and gold together in one piece. Each color enhances the other and gives more interest to the jewelry.

Carol Ann’s Unique Gift Ideas Blog – 13 Oct. ’09

ZesTee Fashion — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:45:23 +0000

http://uniquegiftideasblog.com

Unique Jewelry Gift Ideas for Her

When it comes to finding unique jewelry gift ideas for her, ones that are truly “one-of-a-kind”, it can be difficult to find those presents that say just what you want to say. Buying a gift for a woman who is truly your one and only isn’t always easy. Often this is because we seek out gifts that are as unique as our mate and in every store we visit; the items just come up short.

If you are having trouble finding your own unique jewelry gift ideas for her that will wow and provoke those sweet sighs of sentiment, read on to find a few of our favorite places for one of a kind designs sure to make her day dazzle with delight.

ZesTee Fashion

Truly one of a kind, ZesTee’s takes the cake for being one of the best unique jewelry gift ideas for her. These truly unique fashions are created from the most unlikely of places. Believe it or not, you might find some of the ingredients for these treasures at your local hardware shop! Made by a local New Zealand artist, these little simple everyday things such as washers, nuts and bolts are turned into priceless works of art perfect wowing that oh, so unique someone in your life.

Iris Design

Silk papers and strings and fabrics . . . oh my! Iris Design is a beautifully eclectic boutique that offers some of the most unique jewelry gift ideas for her that we have ever seen. Combining unusual elements and Victorian vogue, Iris Design has unique jewelry gift ideas for her that comes to life in 3d perfection.
Hot Tip: If you’re special someone is a fan of Anthropologie or the modern vintage look, Iris Design is sure to tickle her fashionable fancy!

Buttons

Buttons, buttons and more buttons . . . sensible little something’s. But who ever thought that these sensible little things could be so sensationally chic? Dreamed up from the minds of three very creative New Zealand ladies, everyday designs come to life in the most unordinary of ways. With Buttons and their creative unique jewelry gift ideas for her, you are sure to unbutton a smile each and every time.

Amulet Gifts

Bringing you a truly unique shopping experience, Amulet offers unique jewelry gift ideas for her at the traditional and still perfectly untraditional level. Their one of a kind designs are complete with talismans, bewitching charms and good luck gems that are sure to bring a touch of prosperity to the everyday of it all. Choose from unique jewelry gift ideas for her such as the King Solomon Seal of Prosperity or the beautiful Mind and Thought Amulet, both serving a special unique purpose for the special unique person in your life.

Michal Negrin

While not for the faint at heart, aka those that faint when three zeros appear at the end of any price tag, Michal Negrin offers beautiful blissfully unique jewelry gift ideas for her that sparkle and dazzle with the chic grace that she exudes each and every day. From delicate and dainty to romantic and glitzy, these unique jewelry gift ideas for her are sure to make her jaw drop and her heart race!

When it comes to unique jewelry gift ideas for her, we think the boutiques above are a fantastic place to find the present of her dreams. But from glamorous and chic to funky and fashionable, when it comes to finding unique jewelry gift ideas for her the best thing to remember is to think like your mate and not like yourself. When you step into her heels you might just find that the perfect gift idea was there all along.

Beena La Bella Blog – 21 Sept. ’09

ZesTee Fashion — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 01:58:58 +0000

http://www.beenalabella.blogspot.com/

Z is for ZesTee

Creator of ZesTee Fashion-Holly

New Zealand T-shirt and Jewelry designer Holly uses her naturalistic aesthetic to inspire the look of her designs. Been la Bella had the pleasure of chatting with Holly about the wonders of ZesTee Fashion.

1. What inspired you to create ZesTee Fashion?
I was exposed to the world of art from an early age. I grew up with a passion for design after being inspired by my father’s art creations. I began painting and took regular courses at the local art studio. I continued to design as a hobby and after working for a short time as a lawyer; I immigrated to New Zealand in 2003 and resided in Christchurch. While I was working in the marketing field in New Zealand, I took a business management course. After finishing it, I decided that it was time to follow my original dream and pursue my love of art. I decided to take a leadership of my life and to start my own business and translate my designs into wearable art.

2. In 2003 you immigrated to Christchurch New Zealand, where did you previously reside and why did you choose NZ as your new residence?
Originally I came from Israel. Due to the bad economy back in 2002 and the bad security situation, I was looking for a quiet place that will enable me to relax from the daily stresses. I researched several options but the immigration rules in NZ were the least tough in comparison to other places and I heard there is a good quality of life there (and it’s definitely true!).

3. What are some great shopping spots in New Zealand?
New market in Auckland is the fashion capital of New Zealand and offers a great experience for lovers of all-things retail with both international and local designers. Also The Arts Center of Christchurch is a vibrant venue for a big range of New Zealand made art and crafts, with specialty shops, fine art galleries and a busy weekend art and craft market.

4. How would you describe your personal style? My wardrobe focuses on the basic colors of black, gray and beige and I like to add to them a bit of color. I don’t like being colorful from head to toe, otherwise it can be over the top, but adding one colorful piece can make wonders to your look! Sometimes I stick to the basic colors but add an interesting accessory such as a nice belt, a colorful piece of jewelry, a scarf, or a nice bag. It always looks elegant and clean but not boring.

5. Which piece of your jewelry would you say is your favorite and why?
It’s very hard to choose one single piece, as often I change my mind and it depends on the outfit I wear, but when doing hardware jewelry I discovered the color combination of silver and gold together in one piece. Each color enhances the other and gives more interest to the jewelry.

6. What influenced the look of your designs?
When I came to New Zealand I traveled all over the country, and the beautiful scenery inspired the naturalistic designs of my printed T-shirts. Nature can really opens up for you a great source of inspiration if you just look at it more closely, such as concentrating in shape, pattern or color combination. With my hardware jewelry I like taking “ordinary” and “simple” items such as hardware, and take them to a different direction. Not many people think you can wear hardware bits and pieces around your neck, but I love to prove them that you can create from hardware something beautiful to wear. It enables me to be creative and original in my work. I like making unique jewelry that no one else has. It’s something different that makes you stand out from the crowd.

7. What is your biggest accomplishment since launching ZesTee fashion?
ZesTee Fashion has been launched a short time ago and the achievement I’m particularly proud of is actually establishing the business from scratch! The whole idea of establishing an online shop that will sell products I design started more than 3 years ago, but has been delayed due to lack of time (working full time job, raising young kids), lack of courage and so on. So starting to operate the business is for me achievement of its own. Another accomplishment I’m proud of is that the business enabled me to develop my creative skills. Originally I thought to focus only on T-shirts but then I added to the range of T-shirts I design also a very original jewelry I made with non-traditional materials from the hardware store, and the collection came out very unique and original and received a lot of interest.

8. What advice would you give to an individual breaking into the fashion industry?
A lot of patience! You first need to build and establish your brand before people recognize you, and it takes time. You need to do a lot of marketing and PR, and as it is a very competitive market you need to find your point of difference and uniqueness and find your own niche market.

9. Aside from your business, what are your hobbies?
I love painting. I now fill the walls of my home with my paintings. I also love reading (especially about art, style and personal development) and also like traveling and seeing new places.

10. If you could describe in one word the feeling you get when a customer purchases one of your pieces, what would it be? Exhilaration! – It really makes my day.

ZesTee Hardware Jewelry and Artsy T-shirts

royal necklace $33.01 usd

abstract pattern art t-shirt $41.27 usd available in black, white, ocean blue, lime, lilac, pink and putty

square necklace $33.01 usd

queenspark ultra soft organic bamboo shirt $55.02 usd available in brown, moss and black

heather necklace $33.01 usd

floral bouquet art t-shirt $41.27 usd available in red, cerise, chocolate, navy, new sky, thriste, tangerine and kalamitz

Check out more of Holly’s designs @ http://www.zesteefashion.com/shop/

Clothingwire Blog – 13 Sept. ’09

ZesTee Fashion — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 20:28:15 +0000

http://clothingwire.com/

Brand Profile: ZesTee Fashion

Posted by Jonathan Kvicky on September 13, 2009

ZesTee Fashion was founded by Holly Bar, a New Zealand artist who designs women’s printed tees with an artistic twist. All of the company’s apparel is inspired by the beautiful scenery of New Zealand, and they also offer a wide range of styles and colors (including eco-friendly organic cotton and bamboo). All shirts are printed using the latest cutting-edge printing technology called “DTG” – Direct to Garment, which utilizes environmentally-friendly, water-based inks. ZesTee Fashion recently launched their online webstore, and is offering free delivery worldwide until September 30th.

Check out the wide range of garments over at zesteefashion.com.

http://cuteable.com/ – 7 Sep. ’09

ZesTee Fashion — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:30:18 +0000

http://cuteable.com/

This necklace is gorgeous and is made by Zestee from unusual materials that you would normally find at the hardware store!

Shirt Snob Blog – 27 August ’09

ZesTee Fashion — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:10:57 +0000

http://www.shirtsnob.com/

ZesTee Fashion

ZesTee Fashion is a t-shirt company based in New Zealand that has very cute designs inspired by the beautiful scenery of the country. The Shirt Snob has never been to New Zealand, but if these shirts are any indication, we need to book a vacation over there! Each shirt comes in many different colors, so you are sure to find one that fits you best. Our favorites include Redwood, Eden Flower, and Hibiscus. Also, the company is offered free delivery worldwide until September 30, so if you like these tees but don’t want to pay a hefty shipping fee, now is the time to purchase!

Custom T-Shirts Blog – 18 August ’09

ZesTee Fashion — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 20:16:44 +0000

http://custom-t-shirt.blogspot.com/

New Zealand Custom T-Shirts – Zesteefashion

A couple of good friends of mine from New Zealand have started this fantastic custom t-shirt site called www.zesteefashion.com. You really should take a look at this site as it has some unique custom designs and something for all tastes. Here’s a few words from Holly who is one of the site owners:

Hi there,

I’m a New Zealand artist that designs women’s printed T-shirts. My naturalistic designs are inspired by the beautiful scenery of New Zealand. My online shop (www.zesteefashion.com) offers a wide range of styles and colors including eco-friendly organic cotton and Bamboo.
All our shirts are printed using the latest cutting edge printing technology, called “DTG” – Direct to Garment, which uses environmentally-friendly water-based inks. We now offer FREE delivery worldwide until 30 Sept. ’09. You can see my work on www.zesteefashion.com. I’m sure your blog readers would love to read about my stuff.

Thanks for reading!

Holly Bar – ZesTee Fashion
Christchurch, New-Zealand
Holly@zesteefashion.com

Funkyfinds Blog – 31 July ’09

ZesTee Fashion — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:12:25 +0000

http://www.funkyfinds.blogspot.com/

Zestee Fashion

Holly Bar is a New Zealand artist that creates one-of-a-kind jewelry using non-traditional materials from the hardware store, such as washers, nuts and other interesting items. Zestee Fashion showcases items that are original and unique pieces of art. I love the Blossom Necklace, as well as the Daisy Necklace. And the layered pendant featured on the Rose Necklace is an innovative beauty. Holly also designs T-shirts that are printed on eco-friendly organic cotton and Bamboo shirts using a Direct to Garment printing technology. This process utilizes environmentally-friendly water-based inks, making them very ‘green.’ I especially like the deep purple Lakes Plant artistic shirt. Check out all the eco-friendly pieces Zestee Fashion offers.

TheThingsWeMake Blog – 30 July ’09

ZesTee Fashion — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:06:25 +0000

http://www.thethingswemake.blogspot.com/

Q&A: Holly of Zes Tee Fashion

Today’s Q&A with Holly of Zes Tee Fashion comes all the way from New Zealand and I think gives a nice glimpse into the creative world happening on the other side of the world.

Where do you live?
I live in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Tell me a little bit about what you make.

I make one-of-a-kind jewelry made with non-traditional materials from the hardware store, such as washers, nuts, and other interesting items. I also design printed T-shirts, including eco-friendly organic cotton and Bamboo.

How did you decide to start your line?
I was exposed to the world of art from an early age. I grew up with a passion for design after being inspired by my father`s art creations which included painting, ceramic, stained glass and jewelry making. I began painting and took regular courses at the local art studio. I continued to design as a hobby and after working for a short time as lawyer, I immigrated to New Zealand in 2003 and resided in Christchurch. While I was working in the marketing field in New Zealand, I took a business management course. After finishing it, I decided that it was time to follow my original dream and pursue my love of art. I decided to take a leadership of my life and to start my own business and translate my designs into wearable art.

Is this your full-time work?
Yes. Marketing my online shop and doing all the creative work requires me to be involved in the business full-time.

Where do you get your washers and nuts and why do you enjoy working with hardware?
I buy the hardware pieces from a big hardware store close to where I live. I also found a huge warehouse in town that sells fastening items in a wider range than the local hardware store, so I buy there as well.
I love making hardware jewelry because there are a big variety of hardware items that enable me to be creative and original in my work. I like making unique jewelry that no one else has. It’s something different that makes you stand out from the crowd. I like taking “ordinary” and “simple” items such as hardware, and take them to a different direction. Not many people think you can wear hardware bits and pieces around your neck, but I love to prove them that you can
create from hardware something beautiful to wear.

What sets the New Zealand handmade movement apart from the one in the US?
I have found out that in the US there are a lot more forums and communities that give a place to artists to share their work with eachother, it’s more organized. This is a result of the US being a much larger place than New Zealand…

How does your creative process work?
All my T-shirts are printed in New Zealand using the latest cutting edge printing technology that is called “DTG” – Direct to Garment, which uses environmentally-friendly water-based inks. My printer lives not far away from where I live, and this enables me to work closely with him and not in a remote control. All the jewelry is done by me and each piece is one-of-a-kind, so one can rest assured that no one else will have the same item.

What’s your current favorite color combination?
When doing hardware jewelry I discovered the color combination of silver and gold together in one piece. Each colour enhances the other and gives more interest to the jewelry. In my T-shirt I like mostly the pastel range of the short sleeve V neck. It looks great on anyone.

What’s the best part of your day?
The best part of my day is when I do my creations. It can be in any part of the day, but usually I do the creative work in the afternoon. This is what I love to do most, and it gives me a lot of pleasure.

What do you like to do when you’re not working on your creations?
I love painting. In the past I used to paint mainly still life and landscapes, but here in New Zealand I started practicing more abstract painting which allows me more freedom and releases my imagination. Now my walls at home are getting filled with my paintings.

Do you have a favorite product in your shop right now?
I love equally both my jewelry line and printed T-shirt line. They are different from each other, and enable me to develop different aspects in my creativity.

Wearing 2 hats – are you first an artist or a marketer?

ZesTee Fashion — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 23:24:58 +0000

When I launched my online shop www.zesteefashion.com several weeks ago, I thought that having a nice website with all the relevant information well presented will enable me to concentrate more on artwork, as now I will start selling my products. How wrong I was. In a world full of millions of websites and new ones open every day, it’s not enough to have an online shop. You have to stand out from the crowd, and that’s not an easy task! You want to be noticeable and findable, and for that reason you need to work hard as a marketer. Being a good marketer will result in more people buying your artwork, and that will result in mote time devoting to what you really like doing – artwork. I always thought that I am first an artist, as this is what I love to do, and I will always continue doing it whether I have an online shop or not. But an important aspect of taking a leadership of your life is to make a living from what you love to do, and for that reason until people notice me, know about me and recognize my brand, I am first of all a marketer. As I worked in the marketing industry for several years, I believe that every one of us is a marketer. The way we present ourselves to others is marketing, the way we become successful online shop owners is through marketing. You can be the greatest artist in the world, but if no one knows about you – you don’t exist (unless you do it only for your own pleasure). This is why I invest time getting educated about e-Marketing, SEO, SEM and PPC – words that didn’t mean a lot for me until not long ago. Do it yourself and start to see results!