Awakening!

AWAKENING NECKLACE

AWAKENING NECKLACE (Back)

AWAKENING NECKLACE (Finally Complete!)

PINK LOTUS PENDANT

I had the privilege today to finally complete a custom soldered pendant for a friend.  She chose a beautiful purple lotus flower as the pendant focal element.  I have always adored lotus flowers.  In many cultures, this beautiful flower is a symbol for enlightenment, a representation of awakening to the spiritual reality of life.  Many may not realize that the lotus plant actually grows in the muck and mire at the bottom of ponds.  It continually grows up, towards the sun, and ultimately unfolds into one of the world's most exquisite and lovely flowers.  It is also a symbol of creation and rebirth; at night, it closes and sinks underwater and at dawn, it rises and opens again. I fell in love with this flower and the symbolism that surrounds it, so I decided to make another "pink" pendant.  Maybe I'll put it on Artistic Adornments, or maybe I'll just keep it for myself...Namaste.

References:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelumbo_nucifera

Faeries in the Snow!

QUIET MOMENTS ALONE SOLDERED PENDANT

from Artistic Adorments

FLIRTING FAERY NECKLACE

from Artistic Adornments

Gorgeous vintage locket that I am keeping for myself!

THE BEAUTY OF WINTER

Today was an absolutely beautiful day!  The sun was actually shining (which has been rare these last few months) and although it was exceptionally cold, I couldn't resist the urge to step outside for a few moments and indulge in the light.  The snow was so pretty and bright, I took the opportunity to take a few pics, just for fun.  I hope you enjoy!

Magical Spaces

 

"ONCE UPON A TIME IN A FAERY GARDEN"

Art and photography by Amy Sperry Faldet

'WHEN A FAERY DREAMS"

Art and photography by Amy Sperry Faldet

GREETING CARD BY LANI KENT

 

I've been immersed in the wonderful world of blogging for a short time now, but it's definitely one of my very favorite things!  I've always loved writing; it's such a wonderful avenue of expression.  Blogging provides me with the opportunity to chronicle my innermost thoughts and feelings and share them with others who partake in similar interests.  It has also opened me up to so many talented and creative souls from all over the world who enjoy this incredible medium.  I find such solace and positivity in visiting these lovely places full of visually appetizing photos, art, jewelry, poetry and just about anything else you find interesting.  Although life is sometimes crazy and busy, it does my heart wonders to take a few moments out of the day, and hide away in these magical, brilliant spaces.  Life can be full of challenges, wrought with stress.  I encourage you to grab an occasional "time out" and take a virtual journey to read some poetry, appreciate some fantastic art and just share in others' creativity, a gift to us all.  One of my FAVORITE places is "Such a Wondrous Place This Faerytale Space", with musings and art by Amy Sperry Feldet.  Amy is blessed with the art of wonderment and magic!  She gives us hope with her inspirational quotes and poetry and her artwork always leaves me wanting more.  A true faerytale abode!  Take a journey to Amy's beautiful blog and connect with some light and positivity.  I also love visiting "Healing Expressions" blog and website by artist Lani Kent.  Lani's ability to communicate via her heartfelt art, poetry and healing alchemy is apparent throughout her life's work as a Therapeutic Arts Facilitator.  She offers a beautiful selection of greeting cards, framed artwork and handcrafted journal art.  Grab a cup of tea, relax and indulge...you won't regret it!

Dare to be Fabulous!

"A girl should be two things - classy and fabulous" ~ Coco Chanel

Everyone's definition of "classy and fabulous" is different.  And because we are usually so darn hard on ourselves, most ladies (and gentlemen) I know won't even admit that they have a unique style that sets them apart and makes them fabulous.  It could be the way you wear your hair, it could be your uncommon wardrobe that channels the 1950's vintage era, or it could be the wild and crazy jewelry that is loud and larger than life.  It could even be your signature fragrance.  Whatever the fabulous factors are in your life, I'm here to encourage you to live each day with utter passion and embrace your individuality and style.  What I've also learned, from my own experience, is that sometimes we are afraid to step out on the ledge and discover our exclusive style.  It's as if there's another person living inside us that really wants to buy those patent leather knee high boots, wear that bright red lipstick or wear that bohemian, hippy style skirt, but she's afraid.  Then, it always happens - you see another fearless lady wearing the same boots or skirt.  You encounter the red lipstick lady that wears it with style and stare at her with envy and a little sadness.  Get out there and play!  Look through books, magazines and browse websites for ideas.  I often save magazine tears of my favorite fabulous items.  Be the classy and fabulous person you were meant to be!  You are worth it. Check out iVillage, Style.com, InStyle, MAC Cosmetics, and Sephora for fun fashion ideas. Polyvore is another great site that allows you to create a virtual style.  Fun!
Pictures courtesy of Polyvore

Boutique Baubles

 Currently Available from Artistic Adornments

 

Coming Soon!  "Boutique Baubles"

 

 

I simply LOVE jewelry; vintage jewelry, new jewelry, larger than life jewelry.  I love jewelry almost as much as I love make-up! As many of you know, I launched my jewelry website, Artistic Adornments,  last year and thoroughly enjoyed the entire process.  All the pieces that are currently available on my site are either handmade  from new materials or repurposed vintage items.  I do often wear some of my pieces, but I also have fun looking for new and unique jewelry that makes a statement.  For me, the bigger and more elaborate the piece, the happier it makes me.  My jewelry treasure hunts have led me to a fabulous supplier of the most unique, trendy and boutique style jewelry I've ever seen. Fun items that don't cost a fortune and are sure to start many conversations.  Because I love to share, I'm will be adding a new category to my current site entitled "Boutique Baubles".  (For those of you who aren't familiar with the term bauble, it is a small, showy trinket or ornament, i.e., trendy jewelry!).  Stay tuned for the new Boutique Bauble additions to Artistic Adornments.  In the meantime, check out my current artisan collections and custom creation options for birthday, bridesmaid or special gift options.  Blessings to you for a beautiful and peaceful day!

A Cure For What Ailes You

In an effort to disconnect from the stress and pressure of everyday life, I think it's important to occasionally indulge in a few guilty pleasures.   I love to a nice glass of red wine, a true "southern" meal, Vosges chocolates and my absolute favorite...a nice, hot bath! I cannot remember when I first started my daily bathing ritual, but for years now, I find that I am unable to fully relax and enjoy my evening until I complete this indulgent and gratifying experience.  Bathing is a fantastic way to relax, destress, detox and disengage from reality for a few precious moments.  It can even be a spiritual experience if you visualize all the negativity you have accumulated throughout the day slowly being washed away.  To soothe sore muscles, pour in some Epsom salts.  I also like to incorporate aromatherapy for added extravagance.  Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil(s), which are healing in and of themselves.  Sage oil, which is know for its cleansing and disbursement of negative energy properties, is excellent to use in your bath.  I also love lavender oil, which induces relaxation and helps you sleep.  Aromatherapy candles are also a great way to make your ritual even more relaxing.  One of my favorite places for finding great (and authentic) essential oils and aromatherapy products is a company called "Tisserand".  Their website is very helpful and informative.  I also love Aromaessentials; in addition to oils and candles, they have home fragrance selections.  I encourage you to go take a nice, long hot bath if you haven't done so in a while.  I promise, you won't regret it, especially during these long, cold winter months!

Favorite Things

Do you have a favorite thing?  An obsession that occupies your mind often?  I have a few favorite things...I love boots, jewelry and makeup.  Fragrances are also at the top of the list.  I ADORE my dog!  And believe it or not, I love and collect dragonflies!  My interest in dragonflies began a few years ago, and since then, I've managed to collect several pieces of dragonfly treasures. "The main symbolisms of the dragonfly are renewal, positive force and the power of life in general.  Dragonflies can also be a symbol of the sense of self that comes with maturity. Also, as a creature of the wind, the dragonfly frequently represents change.  And as a dragonfly lives a short life, it knows it must live its life to the fullest with the short time it has – which is a lesson for all of us".  (courtesy of http://www.dragonfly-site.com/meaning-symbolize.html).  I enjoy surrounding myself with this beautiful symbol as a reminder to embrace life and the change that comes with it. Think today about some of your favorite things and why you love and enjoy them.  
Check out some of my dragonfly jewelry at www.artisticadornments.com.