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Welcome to Plum Valley Designs!

Just a few photos this week of the new items going into the stores today. Be sure to visit Plum Valley Designs to see where we are going to be next. This is a busy time of year for us, and we are all over the place. The etsy store and the artfire store are just full of great new items that have been added over the past few weeks, so be sure to check them out too!

If you mention that you have been here to check out the blog, I will offer a 20% discount on any purchase! Just simply purchase the item at regular price, then I will refund the 20% as soon as I process the order.

Finally catching up

It has been well over a week since I have been here last. I have lost track of time and have been enjoying the great weather we have had. It is nice to see summer has finally arrived!

Over Memorial Day Weekend, my mom, my oldest daughter, and I went to Portland for a bead show. It was a wonderful drive. Well if you consider 5 hours in the car wonderful. But it was more getting to spend 5 hours visiting with my mom, which I do not do a lot of. I am guilty of going days without talking to her. So it was nice in that respect.

When at this bead show, there were some lampwork artists there in a second room. The Beadwife and Harvest Beads were there with some absolutely beautiful work! I found a pendant similar to this that made its way home with me. This is Amazonia. So after a BIG dent in the pocket book, we continued on our journey. I found so many pretty things though!


We stayed in Salem for the evening and on Sunday we went to Schreiner's Iris Garden. They have over 10 acres for the public to walk around and view all the beautiful iris there are. We spent about 2 hours and most my phone battery taking pictures! my daughter managed to get my mom's phone and was video taping the family acting strange and silly. Schreiner's has every color iris imaginabele. I wish I could mimic the colors of the flowers in my work. This has always been my goal. I wish I could put every picture on here so you could see such beautiful colors in these flowers!
This place is just amazing. As you drive down Interstate 5, you just see rows and rows of flowers! When you turn off it is even more impressive when you are able to walk through the flowers.


After we got home, I hung out with chickens and butterflies. I just wish I could get the butterflies to hold still long enough to get a picture. Instead I have action photos of our new baby chicks. Actually they are almost 6 weeks old. We have also been working in the garden and you would not believe the size of my strawberry plants! And I have blossoms on my raspberries too! No, this is not facebook. Although I do spend a little bit of time there.... ok maybe I am there often. OK! I am there every day! You dragged it out of me!!

I have not worked too much with the jewelry. I guess this means that come Monday, I have to get back on track. I will be in Bend in July and will have more info on that event as soon as they update me.
Have a cool and springy day!

Romantic Wedding Jewelry

With spring here, we will irrevocably be faced with the natural order of things; Weddings. Spring and summer are a great time to have your special event. It also allows for beautiful plunging necklines on the brides and bridesmaids dresses. This is one of the many reasons I love this season! With a few different types of necklaces I have specifically for that special occasion, it can create the most stunning style you are looking for.



As I traveled through the Land of Blog, I have come across one particular site that I had to mention since we are talking about weddings. Something Old, Something New had a beautiful dress that would make any mans knee’s weak. As I looked at this picture, I thought to myself “I know what would look absolutely amazing with this dress.” What I was referring to is a one of a kind necklace with a bead woven chain in an Alabaster eggshell cream color, the focal piece is a filigree piece that has been “redesigned” (creatively so I might add) into a bail. Delicately hanging from this bail is single cultured freshwater pearl atop a 14kt gold Vermeil bead cap showcasing a Golden Shadow Swarovski crystal drop. This necklace is finished off two bead caps and a very basic magnetic clasp that is in gold plate. The necklace itself is approximately 16” long and the drop hangs about 1.5” below the necklace.

The next piece I would love to share with you is currently listed in my ArtFire store. I might add there is a sale going on there too! This is necklace set is called “Wedding Cascades”. It is lovely necklace with over 90 hand wire wrapped cultured freshwater pearls. Each link of the sterling chain has a pearl attached to it. A simple lobster clasp closes this necklace.

Another style of necklace that I have to offer is the vintage look. I have in mind a fabulous right angle weave pattern made from Czech fire polish beads and vintage German glass and drops. This is a choker with attitude. This necklace would light up any occasion. With its amber hues and golden undertones, it will surely be a must have for your special day!

Now we do not want to forget about the bridesmaids. In my shop, I have a great selection of very simple yet, elegant necklaces for your wedding party. I offer discounts on larger quantities purchased as well. With the selection offered, you can be sure to find the perfect accessories you have been wanting. For example; the Plum Valley Collection is a great start to a basic single line necklace with defined colors and cultured freshwater pearls to tie into your choices. The necklaces are made with Charlotte seed beads, which are faceted on three sides to catch light and sparkle immensely. Added to this are petite lampwork beads and cultured freshwater potato pearls. All are approximately 16’-17” long and have toggle clasps for a quick closure. Custom orders are always welcome! Here are a couple of examples of this line.

There is also the lighter and more tropical feel of being on the sandy beaches of your favorite getaway:

I have a necklace similar to the green, and I have had it for over three years. With the silk treated nylon chord, it will resist stretching or fading. I also wore it when I got married!

There is always the option of going with a basic silver or gold chain and adding the color of your bridesmaids dresses one crystal drop at a time. With these lovely necklace and earring combination's, you can make it your own style! The necklaces are about 17” long. They can be made to be longer if you choose. Just contact me with all your questions and we will make this a day to remember!