Life, death and everything in between

I have to start by admitting that I have not been that faithful about keeping up with the blog posts. As the summer rolled around and the weather got nice and warm, we spent a lot of time outside and away from home. Also with some pain with the back, it prevented me from spending more time with ArtFire, and Etsy. I have not kept up with the production of my inventory nor have I put all that I have in the stores. I think this is the inevitable truth about summer. We as adults, find a way to go out and play as the kids do when school is out. But who doesn't need that once in a while? So as we wrap up our summer, kids going back to school tomorrow, the back healing from one nasty procedure, and the loss of a family member it is time to get back to the grind of life, death and everything in between.

So with the rush of excitement about the kids being in school, and having a show next weekend I wanted to make something new and fun. I wanted to create something that was girly, pretty and elegant. I wanted to embellish on something that did not require wrapping wires or head pins for a change. And as I searched through library books, and how to pages on the web it occurred to me that I needed to go back about 6 years and "re-invent" what I had made for my girls. They loved playing dress up (and still do), and the most important part of dress up is the hair. How you wear it, what you have in it, and the crown that shines above all the rest. But I always tried to encourage my girls to be the woodland fairies who wore flowers in their hair, not crystals. And with that, my new found project was off!

I have had the most fun with this new item. I love the feel of the fabric, the color combinations, and the kids love being able to singe the edges of the material for me(honestly I think it's playing with the candles). This has been quite the family activity the past two weeks!

The flowers are layered with Chiffon, Silk, and Taffeta. The flowers are such a wonderful idea for a bride who wants to adorn her up-swept hair with small white flower petals. For that daughter that is off to prom and wants to look just right with her hair curled up and the flower just tucked behind that curl. There is no wrong occasion for these flowers. They are on bobby pins of varying sizes, so you can put them almost anywhere. You could even use them as a broach. It just makes you feel like a girl, and who doesn't need that sometimes?

Be sure to come check out ArtFire and Etsy and see for yourself how much these great hair pins could brighten up your day, just because!

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!