Bachelorette Jewelry

Being a hopeless romantic, I'm a sucker for the Bachelor and Bachelorette shows on ABC. Been watching them forever, despite the cheesy hot tub kisses, how crazy the hopefuls are (there's at least one crazy and one annoying per season). I also love seeing where they travel to on their dates (all exotic locations). In case I don't make it to all those pretty beaches and castles, I can go with Emily this season, and pretend I've already been.

As a jewelry designer, naturally I enjoy checking out all the jewelry worn by bachelorettes. Did you see Emily's gorgeous layered look on the last episode? I had my eye on the chain choker as well as the glittery phoenix she was wearing. That little bird ain't cheap. Encrusted with diamonds, that flying friend will run you just over $4,400. (CHEEP!) The rose ceremony jewelry was created by Aspen, CO based sister artists from The Woods Fine Jewelry. They create beautiful earth and nature inspired pieces. I may design something comparable, in an everygirl price range. I'm certain it can be done (sans diamonds). I'll let you know when it's ready to fly to you.

After some net digging, of course Dana over at Possessionista has the full skinny on all the clothes, nails, lipstick colors, shoes, swimwear and jewels, etc. She always knows where to go for celeb looks. Check out her blog. People ask her to ID something they saw on TV, and she gets the job done. Thanks for helping me find this bird Dana.
So now that we're down to Arie and Jef, who do you think she'll pick? I have my hunches, but my lips are sealed. Let's hope she finds true love and lasting happiness this time. I wish her and daughter Ricki the very best.

Vintage Treasure

Pirate booty is what it felt like. This past weekend, I happened to stop by a huge outdoor flea market in my neighborhood. What caught my eye were bins and bins of old vintage jewelry - brooches, earrings,watches, rings, strands of beads, and various parts of things. Usually most garage sales have a few pieces of jewelry, but this was definitely the mother lode. I have been fortunate enough to find a couple of treasures at past sales like these and I was hopeful to find more. My Mom once spent $2 for two large cultured pearls (set in cufflinks), the size of peas, which she had made into a beautiful assymetrical gold ring. I have found long strands of garnets and onyx gems that I have put into various designs. I quit hunting through baggies after my neck started to get sore from looking down so long. Too bad they were closing.

Lately I have noticed the trend toward upcycling parts of vintage jewelry into gorgeous modern designs. One breaktaking example is Adorn by Samouce's site - she does facinating work. So I was looking for special pieces that I knew I could clean, cut, bend, repair, polish and assemble into some unique treasures for you. My stash is growing and I know each one will be very special, because of the history and limited nature of each one. It takes a trained eye to know everyday junk from estate quality pieces. Stay tuned as my creations roll out.

Do you like the detail in reworked vintage style jewelry? Do you prefer simple and small or large statement pieces?

Family Balance

Hi there, sorry's it's been so long, but I promise I haven't (only) been eating bon bons on the couch. Took our annual trip to Spokane for a my husband's summer conference and Silverwood fun with the kids. Spokane is always a nice stop and is usually sunny and warm. The shopping is great, and we usually stay close to Riverfront Park, which has attractions all it's own. My youngest played at Hoopfest again this year - the world's largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament, bringing into town over 7,000 teams and almost 30,000 people. So much FUN!

I am always busy in my studio designing something new, filling internet orders, prepping for a show, dropping new items to my stores, mailing prizes to my FaceBook friends who won a giveaway, or sweating it out at my favorite bootcamp class that I hate to miss. But most importantly, I make time for what matters most- spending time with my best friend (the hubster), being a mom to two busy girls and watching them play in soccer tournaments this summer, taking time for BBQ's with family and friends, and always working on some house project along the way. Make time for the things you love most and keep that perspective up front. I like this quote that works both for fitness and finding general balance in life.
Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would most likely be worth it.” ― Harvey MacKay
What are your tips for achieving work/family balance? What are you doing with your family this year? I'd love to hear.