Bridal Party jewelry - Part II

Wow, and double wow!  I can't believe it's been over a month since my last post!  So busy with what seems like everything except my creative outlets.  I also miss visits to AND visits from my regular blog subscribers.  Sometimes, being away from your play time makes you realize just how important it is to set aside time for creative and fun endeavors.  

So, Bridal Party Jewelry - Part II (bet you forgot about Part I :-)

I firmly believe the final packaging for such special gifts is just as important as the gift itself.  How exciting is it to receive a special, unique beautifully wrapped present!  I love the unveiling process - the anticipation of what is inside, the aesthetic of a lovely box, carefully wrapped and adorned with such love.  That's why when I'm commissioned for custom jewelry pieces, whether it is for a wedding or special keepsake, I completely get involved in creating the packaging just as much I do making the jewelry.  For brides, I custom match to the colors of the wedding party, provided that is acceptable to the special lady.  My most recent commission opportunity allowed me to play with pink and silver.

So, how shall I transport these little pretties?  Stay tuned for Part III!  Miss you all!

Bridal Party Jewelry - Part I

I am so appreciative when I am commissioned for custom jewelry projects, especially when they are associated with happy and memorable events.  Aside from keepsake jewelry, which is very popular for newborns or even pets, I create specialty wedding jewelry for brides and bridesmaids.  This is "Part I" of a journey; for it's not just about the jewelry.  It's about making the bride feel proud to present her special gifts to her special girls; it's about details, large and small.  I take into consideration each bridesmaid's personality and overall style to create for her a unique, one-of-a-kind statement piece she can wear again and again.  Similar, yet different, each piece captures the essence of the special day.  

Part I...The Creations

Necklace and Earrings

Maid of Honor Piece

Simple, Sweet Earrings

My Favorite!  Vintage Incorporated

Precious

Stay tuned for Part II...to be continued...

Mr. Buttons!

P.S. This is a pic of my Mom's dog, Mr. Buttons!  I had a wonderful time visiting warm Georgia for Mother's Day and a family reunion.  More to come once I get all my pics downloaded.  

I miss you terribly Mom and love you so very much!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Happy Easter!

HAPPY EASTER FROM GUINNESS!

Wishing you all a beautiful celebration of life today and always.  Spring (although very slow to arrive here in the Midwest) is making its entrance.  The earth is waking up from her long winter's nap and color, YES, color is finally peeking through the remaining grayness of winter.  Welcome, small buds, daffodils and the sweet melody of early morning birds singing.  I love you all.  

I've been so busy, with not much time to work on my "passion" as much as I would like, however, I've slowly been creating some new pieces as time permits.  Here's a sneak peak at some of my favorite new pieces, still works in progress.  I'm also including a pic of my very first METAL CLAY piece!  I had the pleasure of taking some classes at a new jewelry art studio located in Crystal Lake, Illinois, The Constant Muse.  I'll post separately about this incredible experience, but I at least wanted to share the piece I'm affectionately calling "Clio", mythical name of the muse of poetry and history.  

"CLIO"

 

 

I learned how to rivet!  My first assemblage cuff made with a vintage shoe clip!

I LOVE her...

STAINED GLASS PIECES

ONE OF MY PERSONAL FAVORITES!

TILE...YES...TILE FROM HOME DEPOT.  AN EXPERIMENT!

SOLDERED CRYSTAL

Stay tuned for completed pieces...it might be Christmas, but they will ultimately be finished :-)  Have a positive, happy and magic-filled week. 

Published in the Spring!

I'm SO excited...the Spring issue of Jewelry Affaire is now available and I'm even more excited because two of my necklaces are featured!  I'm actually published and what better time to have this occur than in Spring.  I took a leap of faith and submitted my jewelry early last year.  I was hopeful to make the Winter edition, but on the same day I received an email that my jewelry had been accepted for publication, but that it would be Spring instead of Winter, my mother-in-law was admitted to the hospital.  She would pass 3 days later.  This very sad and emotional event required my complete attention.  I could not and did not think about jewelry or much else during this time.  Being there for my husband and family was my complete focus.  I actually almost forgot about my submission...until I received the confirmation and proof of my article that would land in the April 1st issue!  Springtime - a time for awakening, renewal and restoration.  A time for celebrating life and remembering those who gave so much of it.  I believe everything happens for a reason; had I been published in the Winter, I would not have embraced the incredible accomplishment of such a wonderful honor.  But the Universe knew the perfect time to present this gift.  I dedicate this post to my dear mother-in-law, Agnes Correia.  Thank you, Agnes, for always embracing life, fully and completely!  

Happy Spring!

Custom Gift Boxes for Custom Projects

Custom projects are always fun and truly require focus, consistency and attention to detail.  When I create custom work, I really want the recipients of these gifts to feel special and unique.  One way I enhance my one-of-a-kind pieces is to create pretty and one-of-a-kind custom gift boxes!  This extra little step isn't necessary; however, it adds that little "something" that makes receiving the gift a little more exciting.  The box can also serve as a keepsake for years to come.  For bridesmaid gifts, I coordinate the box designs to that of the wedding colors.  So much fun and allows the creativity to flow on a project from start to finish. 

Bridesmaid Custom Gift Box

Colors are customized to wedding colors!

In case you need a smile!

Wishing everyone a wonderful week!  Happy St. Patty's Day!

Some New Things for Spring!

I'm feeling a little like Spring these days 

(or at least trying to despite the last lingering days of old man Winter).  

beads, Beads, BEADS...

I love BEADS.   

BEADS make me happy!

Beads of all shapes, sizes, and colors.  

I love new BEADS, 

but my favorite BEADS are colorful, old vintage BEADS.

You can create so many beautiful and interesting things with them.  

Imagine the possibilities...so much fun!

Some pearl beads from my last antique shopping adventure!

Look at the intricate flower beads!  I also like the odd shaped sizes

Such pretty iridescent colors

Spring colors!

Enjoy the small things that make you happy!