Christmas greetings from Spain

Christmas and New Years are at our doors and today we finished adding some of the new collections on our webpage.

Isn´t this the story of small business? Too much to do in too little time. But we know that you like LoCuRa for being just that: small, unique, different,.... : D

We were able to bring online only one portion of the new pieces. To see all the lines entirely come to see the stores in Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca. During the holidays we have longer opening hours at your disposal.

In Barcelona we have from now until 5/1/2012 open every day (closed only on 25/12, 26/12 and 1/1).

Weekdays from 10 to 14.00 and 16.00 to 20.00.
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 11 to 17 -14.00 - 20.00

In Palma ....................................... please enter the dates, Omar

To end this edition we have the great pleasure to wish you

Great joy, great peace, and a bright New Year.

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HIPPELIG
	Imagine you take some little paper squares and assemble them on a table in a straight line. A warm breeze enters through the window.While you enjoy the smooth feeling on your skin you observe how your little paper squares are lifted out of their straight shape and re joined in a new, more playful, more lively pattern. Here we go ... the HIPPELIG Collection! More info

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POLAMAI
	East meets West. Oriental petal shapes on one side, modern color combinations and finishes on the other. A playful, organic and attractive fusion.  More info

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Unique Christmas wishes


If you do not know what to give your loved ones at Christmas, give them your love.


I wish we could get the Christmas spirit in jars, I would open a jar each month. (Harlan Miller)


If one night a big fat man jumps in at your window, grabs you and puts you in a sack don't worry I told Santa I wanted you for CHRISTMAS.

Pia Locura Cotidiana
http://www.locuracotidiana.com


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New Photos Fiesta de Gracia 2011

New photos have been added to the gallery from this year's Fiesta de Gracia in Barcelona!

CLICK HERE to see them all

http://www.locuracotidiana.com/coppermine/thumbnails.php?album=9

Video, new collection and FIESTA!

End of July already, can you imagine? This month we were so busy with the new collection and other projects, that we had no time to get a mid month newsletter out.

So without further ado here are all the latest news and events:

Surprise video with Omar 

Isn't it fun? A 2 minute film featuring an interview with Omar.  I call it 'Surprise video' because Omar had not told me a thing about it. We saw it by chance browsing through the website stads. Well, we surprised Omar back by posting it on the main page of our Web inmediately! Click on the image to the left and see the video: ¡No hay dos joyas iguales! It's in Spanish, but there are a lot of images of the shop and workshop in Barcelona to make it interesting even if you don't understand the interview.

New Collection In Sterling Silver: IMNOS! 

 We are proud to present the first 6 designs of the IMNOS Collection. The results make us so happy that several others are in planning. It is a great design! Different, modern, eye catching,...and completely made by hand!




Monthly Special

For August we decided on posting the big NEVE pendant. Since this is from the same collection as the offer we had in July for the NEVE Button earrings, we have decided to maintain those for another week. This gives you the oportunity to get both at a unique price for one week only. If you have purchased the earrings already and now would like to add the pendant, don't worry, we will take care of the delivery charge!

Coming up in August ... 
If you happen to be in Barcelona or Catalunya during the second half of the month you definitely don't want to miss out on the FIESTA DE GRACIA!!
Fun, colourful, loud, picturesque, unique, different ... A real special event!

And we are right in the middle. So come by, visit us in our shop/workshop in Gracia and join the party.

See you then!!

Our July Special

We are a little late on this one, but don't worry - this offer is valid until the end of July or until our stock is sold out.

So here they are:

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R249B SAHEBA

For thousands of years wire has always been one of the most used materials. Every novice in jewelry techniques usually makes his first pieces with wire. Our challenge in creating SAHEBA was to use wire in a way that is unique and different. We are proud to have met that challenge. :D
SAHEBA means 'cloud' in Arabic. A design - despite being done in hard and durable materials - seems light, lively, rippling. Since this piece is completely handmade, each ring is one of a kind ... MORE INFO



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E413B NEVE

NEVE is one of our most successful designs. Our customers call it a sun, a flower, or - as the name suggests - a snowflake. To make a piece of NEVE (bright silver) we combine 2 different finishes. First we maten the entire piece with sandblasted glass at high pressure. Afterwards the surface of every single drop is polished by hand, one by one. NEVE earrings are very attractive and easy to wear in any ocasion. ...  MORE INFO



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E413OX NEVE

A small dark sun. Rays emerging from the central part and little drops reflect the light. An attractive and easy to wear design. Button earrings made in Sterling Silver ...

MORE INFO






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As you might know silver prizes are going up day by day. With our July special offer, we not only maintain the price, but lower it even further. This special offer is only available for our web clients, only for the month of July and only until our stock is gone. Since we are continuously creating new designs, it is hardly probable that we will do this piece again.


So take advantage before it is gone!




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Happy News!!!

We are happy and excited: Leticia gave birth yesterday , 28th of June, at 20.00, to her son Yago. Heavy 4 kilos and - as we were told - the most beautiful baby in the whole world!


Please feel free to join us in sending your best wishes to the new family

at the Locura Cotidiana - Palma Facebook page :D

http://www.facebook.com/pages/LOCURA-COTIDIANA-PALMA/167335063411

LOCURA COTIDIANA


Making the decision to have a child is monumental. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. ~Elizabeth Stone

The moment a child is born,
the mother is also born.
She never existed before.
The woman existed, but the mother, never.
A mother is something absolutely new.
~Rajneesh

Every child begins the world again.... ~Henry David Thoreau

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Quick reminder

June is about to end and I just want to remind you
that our monthly offer will expire as well.
Your last chance to grab the Kangol Brooche and
the big Morgan Pendant at a highly reduced price!


Today Kangol Brooch (B23B)
is only 29.99€,

tomorrow it will be back
to its original value of 44.75€




Pendant Morgan (C297B)
today at 49.99€,
tomorrow it is back to 86.99€.





With Silver prices going up and up, this is a really great offer!
Don't let time run out on you!

http://tienda.locuracotidiana.com/Our-Monthly-Specials

Here a glimpse of next month:
Our July Monthly Special will include two designs again:
From the NEVE Collection we want to give you a special price
on earrings E413B (matte/polished) and E413X (oxidized/polished).

From our SAHEEBA Collection we will offer the
big ring R249B, entirely crafted by hand.

Both will have a special discount during July.
Only available on our web site!
Check on them from tomorrow on.

That's all for June.
I hope you had a great month
and I wish you an even better month of July.

Have fun!
Pia
Locura Cotidiana


PS: We added images of the new July window display at our Facebook wall
as well as in the LoCuRa WeB GaLeRy.
This month we are playing with the colors red, white and blue
adding a maritime touch to the display.

http://galeria.locuracotidiana.com/thumbnails.php?album=2

How do you like it?

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Discover Gracia in Barcelona

Today we speak of a neighborhood in Barcelona, ​​the place where Locura Cotidiana was born: GRACIA! Omar Martinez www.locuracotidiana.com

Map (click to enlarge)

We begin with a brief introduction to the history of Gracia. If you look at the map of Barcelona (left) you can clearly distinguish the parts that were once the medieval cities and towns. They show a chaotic and spontaneous array of narrow streets, where feet and hooves were the only means of transport. At that time Cuitat Vella was the city of Barcelona, and ​​Gracia was an independent town uphill in the north. From the city walls to the Vila de Gracia there were only cultivated fields. In 1854 the royal court in Madrid authorized the demolition of the walls around Barcelona, ​​which prevented its urban development. In 1859 the plan by Ildefons Cerdá was approved and the urban grid feature of Barcelona began to take shape. Gracia was an independent village until 1897 when administrative order linked it to the city of Barcelona as one of it´s districts.

That brings us to Gracia today and what is so special about it. When you walk through its ancient streets you do not feel like you're in a big city. ​​The town atmosphere is still present. It is much quieter and less crowded than the Gothic part of Ciutat Vella. Gracia has been relatively untouched by the resounding success of tourist attractions developed by the city in recent years. However, increasingly appearing in our store are visitors who have opted to stay in the area. They are delighted with their quiet breakfast in the many plazas - without the cars, fumes or noise of the city center. In fact, Gracia has more plazas than any other part of the city, with dozens of small bars and restaurants to enjoy. You can combine being in the center of the city with a relaxed and friendly small town atmosphere. 

The neighborhood is only about a 15 minute walk or two subway stops from the tourist center of Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter. The Park Güell, one of the finest works of architect Antoni Gaudi, is also easily accessible on foot. Gracia has a creative craft and industrial tradition dating back to mid-nineteenth century. It was the village shops of all kinds that caused the population increase and led to the declaration of an independent municipality. Today that tradition continues with numerous designers who sell their original creations. Here is a link to the website of Gracia creators and designers of the G3: www.rutagracia.com

Our store is located in the picturesque Plaza de la Vila de Gracia, also popularly known as La Plaza del Reloj. The administrative and political center of the neighborhood is located here. The square is most unique and has an interesting story, especially its famous clock tower. This is a tower topped by a clock of four sides that could be viewed from anywhere in the old town. Inside the clock, and opposite the Town Hall there is a spiral staircase that allows access up to the clock machinery. The clock was built by Albert Billeter who was Swiss by birth and responsible for the introduction of electric clocks in Spain.

We encourage you to discover the advantages of staying in Gracia on your next visit. You will certainly enjoy it.

We have included some links below to find hotels and apartments.

http://www.booking.com

http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com

http://www.oh-barcelona.com

http://www.softguides.com

Changes and Improvements

A lot of things have happened since the last time we contacted and we have been extremely busy.

First of all I'd like to talk about the launching of the Silky Jewelry. Well - it went not at all as we expected it would go.There was very little feedback! For some days I felt really frustrated! We had spent such a great deal of time and effort to build this up! But then - in a reflective moment - I was able to see that the sales in our shops are still going extremely well and that the problem obviously does not lie in the product. So it must have been our way to expose this new line.

From your comments (thanx a lot!!!) we realized that the idea of posting through Etsy was not a favorite of our European friends. Etsy seems to be working basically in the U.S. and Canada. We also learned that in our eagerness and enthusiasm about these new designs we just went too far. We put up too much information in too many pages and that the whole thing just became too confusing. That was a great lesson and we will try to keep it much more simple in the future.

This is what we learned and effectively changed in these last days:

The first decision was to add Bendita and The Silky Collection to our Locura Cotidiana website. In one place you can now see all. In this website we could post every single item and color combination we have made so far. This includes an option for special orders, in which you can create your own unique piece with the colors you choose.

http://tienda.locuracotidiana.com/Bendita-Locura

This is already a big step and makes it much more easy: No more jumping back and forth in between Etsy and Facebook to see what items are available in what colors - now everything is under the same roof! :) What do you think? Are we on the right track? Send your feedback! We learn out of every single one!!

Another item we improved greatly on the Locura Website is the gallery. We posted many photos of the shops and window displays and one album is dedicated to us, the Loc@s Cotidian@s ;). In the new gallery you can leave comments and vote for your favorite image, similar to Facebook. We had great fun creating it and hope you will enjoy this new feature.

http://galeria.locuracotidiana.com/

Last but not least: Starting this June (well, that means today in fact :) ) we will launch a monthly offer only on our website. Under the new category 'Our Monthly Special' we will offer one or several of our unique designs on a great discount.

To get more information click here
http://tienda.locuracotidiana.com/Our-Monthly-Specials


That's all for today, folks.


I wish you a fantastic weekend and a lot of fun,


Pia
Locura Cotidiana
http://locuracotidiana.com/

PS: Oh, just a little hint what might come up for the next edition ... Omar promised to prepare an article about Gracia - the unique, pintoresque, lively, arty neighbourhood, where our workshop is located. Although I now live in Thailand, I do love Barcelona and my favorite part of this incredible city is Gracia! I am really looking forward to this.

PPS: Send your feedback! Just 5 minutes! Just some lines! It makes a big difference to know if we are on the right track - and we can only know through you!!! Thanks for your effort :)

Bendita Locura - Silky Collection Launch

Yes, WE DID IT!  Many weeks of designing, planning, combining, writing, taking photos, calculating, enjoying, organizing, playing .... and now it's done:

The Bendita Online Shop is open!

I invite you to a - although virtual - glass of spanish cava, to celebrate this moment with us!

Please feel free to stroll through our very first fashion line. Just click on the Etsy button at the end of the page and it will take you directly to the Bendita Locura Shop.

Since the Etsy Shop can only feature 5 images per item we posted over 100 photos during the last 3 days on our Facebook page. This gives you the oportunity to see many different color options of each design.

I hope you will enjoy and , if you have a minute, I really would love to hear from you.

Pia 
Locura Cotidiana
http://www.locuracotidiana.com

So, what do I love about this collection?
	First of all, the colors!!! They are beautiful!! Intense!! and vibrant!! There are so many color combinations that it is incredibly difficult to make a choice. Secondly, the feeling! This material has the sensual touch of silk, a smooth and soft sensation on your skin. Third is the form: Here comes my jewelry background into the game...   more info...

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Pre Launch in Barcelona
	The pre launch of this line in our Barcelona store was a great success, and they completely sold out. Now, we have been trying to keep up on production and bring this exciting new line to the world wide web. Better late than never, because now it gives you a great opportunity to get these new designs in time for summer.

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What are people saying about this collection?
	"It's Really Unique!!" - Brett, Canada "So comfortable, I forget I'm wearing it until someone comments on how much they love it. Which happens all the time" - Valerie, France "I just love these colors" - Susanna, Spain.

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Special Online Release Offer!

Starting May 14th, the first 50 customers to our new online Etsy Store will receive a free matching Infinito ring with the purchase of any necklace, pendant or bracelet! This offer will end at midnight on May 31st, but we expect the first 50 to sell long before that date :). Every single one of our pieces is completely hand crafted and made to order. Needless to say, our production capacity is limited, so all orders will be on a first come first serve basis. more info...

Introductions from Chiang Mai, Thailand

Today you will meet the third and last team in the Locura Group. I already revealed that this time we would change countries and continents, right?

We are about to do a big jump in an instant:
We're going to Thailand, the former Siam, the country of the eternal smile!
And now it's my turn to be introduced together with the rest of the team here in Asia.

It is much harder to describe oneself, isn't it? In the interview that opens the Web page of Locura Cotidiana you can get much information on the history of me, Omar and Locura in general (to get there just click on the link). Now I want to update you on the latest events.

Pia - Chiang Mai, Thailand

I am a founding member of Locura Cotidiana, along with Omar. As principal designer I am responsible for 90% of the designs, for the good ... and in some cases, also for the bad ;) I was born in Germany 47 years ago and lived for almost 20 in Barcelona. I fell in love with Thailand a long time ago and finally decided to make the jump. My son and I moved to the city that is known as 'The Rose of the North': Chiang Mai.  Of course, I'm designing for Locura from Chiang Mai as well. It will be interesting to see how the influence of Asia will be reflected in my future creations. I definitely receive new and different impressions every day and many new projects are coming up! One of my new functions for the group is to manage the newsletter. So - imagine - me, born and raised in Germany, edit a Newsletter in English and Spanish from Thailand !!! That is Locura Cotidiana :D!!! (in English: Everyday Madness;) ) more info...

Matt - Chiang Mai, Thailand

Hailing from the northwest United States, Matt is one of our newest team members. In his 36 years, Matt has built an unusually diverse resume. He always had a deep interest in the Arts and studied graphic arts, illustration, journalism, and finally computer graphic and web design. Matt has also maintained a sideline career as professional musician (guitar, bass and piano) and has several recording and performance credits to his name. In recent years he has lived in China and now here in Thailand. Matt is responsible for maintaining the Locura website, all the graphic design, and the correction of my Span-Germ-English. Together we take pictures and write different texts. I doubt this Newsletter and some other projects in progress (of which we'll tell you soon), would have come into existence without him.

Au - Chiang Mai, Thailand

One of my aims in moving to Thailand, was to get involved in a social project. So, soon after, I started to give classes to a group of handicapped women in basic jewelry techniques. Here I met Au. Bound to a wheelchair after a car accident 11 years ago, she is a calm, serene, positive and very responsible young woman (and one of my most gifted students). Au loves to work with her hands and is quite a perfectionist. I am very glad, that I can count on her in developing and producing new designs. And - sincerely - more often than not, when I give her a new piece to work on, she does a much better job than I do ;)

Until Next time........

So, now you have met every one of us. You see how international Locura is? Argentina, Egypt, Germany, Senegal, Spain, Thailand, USA ... quite diverse for such a small company as ours, isn't it? And I LOVE IT!!! For sure you must wonder what is going to happen in future Newsletters. You - through your brave subscription to our Newsletter;) - are considered a VIP of Locura Cotidiana! Right now we send to nearly 350 subscribers from all around the world and the number is growing steadily every week! Since this is a new project, of course it is always subject to changes. But, I will share with you some of our ideas: You - as VIP - will be up to date of all the important things going on in and around Locura. We want to include special local events. A kind of: 'what's going on' from Barcelona, Palma and Chiang Mai. You'll get advance information and images of up coming collections even before they are in the shops. Special offers and one of a kind pieces will also be available only for our Newsletter and Facebook friends. We want to invite new comers as well as established artist/artisans for special profiles and interviews. We also plan on doing some surveys. Being the main designer I really look forward to this part. When I am about to start a new colection I usually work only with my instinct. Through the Newsletter I would love to ask for your opinion every once and awhile.  It would be great to get some feedback, i.e. if you prefer red to blue in this season or are more into wearing pendants than necklaces, etc. I promise I'll keep it short and easy, but it's of great help!!! Anyway, as I told you, this is a new project. If you have comments, critiques, ideas or even articles for future Newsletters, I will be delighted to hear from you!!! So, look forward to our next edition! Have fun Pia  Locura Cotidiana http://www.locuracotidiana.com

A trip to Palma de Mallorca

As promised in the last edition of this Newsletter, I would love to take you over the Mediterranean Sea to the Balear Islands and visit the Locura Cotidiana Team in Palma de Mallorca. It all started when Omar’s daughter Leticia came to study Fine Arts at the University in Barcelona. During this time Leti, as we call her, made some extra money working with us in the Locura workshop. Being very smart and with her own sunny personality, she soon became our girl for just everything. I remember us making jokes about her opening her own store on the island, which at that time seemed quite far fetched ... Well, after finishing her studies she went back to Mallorca and eventualy  - did it!! Even though she could count on our help, most of the planning and work she did by herself. I can't tell you how proud her father was (and still is!!) So here comes the Mallorca Team:

Leticia - Palma

Leti was born 34 years ago in Argentina. When she was 6, she moved to Spain where her father Omar already resided. With her mother, they settled in Palma de Mallorca. Apart from the time of her studies in Barcelona (specialising in photography) she has always been faithful to the beautiful island. For 8 years she worked in television and advertising, and 6 years ago she opened Locura Cotidiana Palma, in the heart of the city. Leti has many artisan and artist friends. It came naturally that she started to expose unique paintings and sculptures by local artists which converted Locura Palma more into a gallery than a simple shop. Have a look at her Facebook and you can see for yourself. And the most beautiful news that has us all excited: Leti is expecting her first child in late June! : D more info...

Analia - Palma

Analia has worked in Locura Palma since it opened it’s doors 6 years ago. Seller of great warmth and experience, Analia is an essential part of Locura Palma. As well, she is a great host and cook, and I had the great pleasure of spending fantastic times in her little house near the sea. Bachelor of Fine Arts, she has dedicated  more than 30 years to the creation of ceramics and does really personal and unique pieces! Of course you can enjoy a selection of her works in the shop.

Moni - Palma

Monica has been friends with Leti since they were girls. She was born in  Palma 34 years ago and graduated in painting from the University of Fine Arts in the same year as Leti. In fact, the two shared a flat during this time. Moni then spent several years living in Holland, before returning to the island. Moni is the backup of the store and has a sweet and kind personality. She loves music and especially singing.

Serin - Palma
	Serin has been the latest addition to the team. He does his main work, to run errands and assignments with great ease and speed. Born in Majorca of Senegalese origin, Serin is  passionate fan of football, a sport he practices regularly. His big dream is to join the Football team of Palma de Mallorca.

In the next Newsletter, I want you to meet the newest member of the Locura Group. Established only in the last few months, it is still a kind of secret. It will come as a surprise to you that in order to visit this team, we will have to change countries even continents. So, look forward to our next edition!

Have fun Pia
Locura Cotidiana
http://www.locuracotidiana.com

Newsletter - Introductions from Barcelona

I would like you to meet the different teams which build up the Locura Group. One of the things I really like about the group is that our members come from all over the planet. Every single one brings in their unique personality and background - and all together create Locura.

Team 1 is based in Barcelona. The shop and studio (and Locura Cotidiana as such) was founded in 1994, nearly 17 years ago. How time flies by, doesn't it? In Barcelona we do part of the original design and production, one of a kind pieces, custom orders and general organisation.

So, may I introduce you to the Barcelona team?

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Omar - Barcelona

Omar is a founding member of Locura Cotidiana. Born 1952 in Argentina, he received an Arts Degree from the University of Buenas Aires. Before finally settling in Barcelona, Omar travelled through many countries in Latin America and Europe. His consistency and unmatched ability to find solutions to whatever situation might come up, makes him the undoubted engine of the group. Building a wooden table, running an electrical circuit, repairing the leaking sink or constructing a complicated silver item - you name it. In his free time Omar creates colourful paintings and sings, preferably Tangos. more info...

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Sandra - Barcelona
	The only Catalan member of the staff, Sandra started working with Locura 4 years ago. She is the manager of the shop. Her outgoing and positive personality makes you feel welcome right away. If you have met her, you know. Sandra is a passionate science fiction and fantasy fan and even hosted her own radio show on the subject. Sandra is also the lead singer of her own band "Qbits". more info...

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Ammal - Barcelona
	Our representative from North Africa, Ammal was born in Egypt 35 years ago.  She speaks fluent German, English, Spanish, French and (of course) Arabic. With great efficiency she takes care that our beaurocracy still works out. On the other hand, Ammal has been studying jewelry techniques in Egypt, Italy, Germany and Spain and works on her own pieces whenever time allows it. more info...

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That's all for today! In the next issue we will travel over the Mediterranean Sea to the Balear Islands and visit the second team in Palma de Mallorca.

Hugs and see you soon,
Pia Locura Cotidiana
http://www.locuracotidiana.com

Introducing the Nikta Collection

Round and spirally, combined matte and polished finish silver with , attractive, easy to wear and fittings for every occasion! View the whole collection in our online store, and feel free to send us your comments on the new designs. We would love to hear your opinions and thoughts! 

Click here to view the entire collection!

The Locura Group Blog is now open!

We are proud to annouce the launch of the Locura group Blog. Here you will find announcements on all of our latest projects, and upcoming items as well.