Custom Designed Jewelry from the Heart

This past weekend, we had our For The Love of Greg Spaghetti Dinner Benefit.  The goal of the benefit was to raised the remainder of funds needed to install a StairGlide for my brother Greg who's fighting brain cancer.  What we received as a family was so much larger... like so, so, SO much larger, than the funds needed to finish the renovations to keep Greg safe and mobile as he continues to fight!

We received LOVE in magnanimous amounts... There was literally love seeping out every doorway, from every corner of the room, floor to ceiling and pouring out the door.  We had people travel hundreds of miles, overnight to come out just to support us and show our love.  We had surprises from people near and dear to us that we never expected.  We have tender, precious family moments, the kind you cherish forever.  And we felt blanketed in a joy so great I cannot even express it in words. 

The team that helped me organize this amazing event, I cannot thank you enough.  I could never have done this without you and I will be forever grateful for your countless hours of help, sleepless nights and brilliant ideas that made this possible. 

To the local businesses and people that donated items for our silent auction and raffles, Thank YOU!  We were humbled by how many people stepped up offering to make donations of their products and services to help raise the funds needed.  My family is a huge believer in supporting local businesses.  Yes, it might cost a little more, but knowing you are helping a family pay their mortgage, put food on the table and put Christmas gifts under the tree is priceless.

To everybody that came from near and far to share in this amazing event with us, Thank YOU!  We served a heck of a lot of spaghetti, a ton of desserts (awesome!!!) and had amazing bids on our silent auction items... along with a bazillion raffle tickets sold.  THIS is what living in a small town is about, lifting each other up when we need it, not being afraid to ask for help and allowing others the joy of being able to lend a hand, make a donation or just give a hug! 

If you want to see the custom necklace I made for the silent auction, visit my website:  Bella Amore Legacy Jewelry www.BellaAmoreLegacyJewelry.com  The woman that bid on it and won is a fellow Springer Spaniel mom.  She does countless work for ESRA where I got my first springer, my heart and soul, Brandi.  So when I connected with her after she won, I wanted to let her know if she needed the necklace sized or need any adjustments made, I'd be happy to take care of it.  Her response was "I'm not keeping the necklace.  I bought it to re-donate to the ESRA fundraiser picnic tomorrow for the raffle, so you'll be there in spirit!"  AMAZING... and can you say tears, yes I cried... for the 843rd time that day.  I'm honored and blessed to see so many golden moments as a result of this journey my family is on.

I still cannot wrap my heart around how amazing and loved our family feels after this event.  The Stairglide was installed on Monday and the security of knowing Greg can get up & down the stairs without fear of falling is priceless.  Sending love your way!
XO,
Dawn

October 4th - For the Love of Greg Come Join Us

grat·i·tude

/ˈgratəˌt(y)o͞od/

noun

noun: gratitude

the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

"she expressed her gratitude to the committee for their support"

If I could write that in 6,594,284 sized font I would because I'm so humbled and very grateful to everybody that have made donations to Greg's mobility fun so far.  (If you'd like to know more about Greg's story, click here: http://designsbydawnmarie.blogspot.com/2014/08/helping-my-brother-in-his-fight-against.html) We're a little over half-way to where we need to be to continue the modifications Greg needs to stay safe at home.  The bathroom has been made handicap accessible now including a wider door, new sinks that are wall mounted and an ADA approved toilet and grab bars.  Operation Bathroom was an amazing success!

The front door was also replaced to accommodate the stairglide which is being built at a factory in Wisconsin as we speak.  We're anticipating a call to schedule installation in the next few weeks... which is perfect timing for the BIG EVENT we've been planning.

So I can finally tell you...we've organized a Spaghetti Dinner Benefit for my brother Greg.  The journey through fighting brain cancer has been an uphill battle.  And honestly, most of us would throw our hands up in the air in frustration!  NOT GREG!  Nope, he's a courageous fighter.  Just because he can't feel his feet isn't stopping him from riding his recumbent bicycle so he keeps his heart and lungs strong.  Seeing his courage through this journey and his humor that he infuses in everything makes coordinating this benefit for him an honor and a privilege! 

So here's the details:  For the Love of Greg Spaghetti Dinner Benefit

Saturday, October 4, 2014  11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

The Monte Carlo Room 

720 N. Wisconsin Street, Elkhorn, WI

It's a Badger Saturday, so we'll be televising the game on the big screen!  We'll have all you can eat spaghetti, salad, garlic bread and delicious desserts from the Elkhorn Pastry Shop.  Special thanks to Greg Kaplan for donating our desserts!

We'll have a silent auction with some amazing items!  WI sports fanatics... mark this date on your calendar... and be there!  We have an autographed Bo Ryan basketball!  We have an autographed football from the Big 10 dinner in 2013 with signatures from UW Alums Jared Abbrederis (now a Green Bay Packer) and Chris Borland (now a San Francisco 49er!) We'll have a show down between two amazing NFL team throws - which side loves Greg more... Chicago Bears fans or Green Bay Packer fans??  Time will tell!

UPDATE 9/19/14:  We JUST got an Autographed Green Bay Packers football with the entire 2013 team!!  

We'll also have silent auction items for the dog lover, a limited edition pheasant print and more!  

But even more than that, Saturday, October 4th will be a great time to come out, enjoy some laughter with Greg and know that your meal is truly making a difference in his life!  We've been blessed to be surrounded by amazing family and friends through this journey.  Through love and prayer, I can honestly say I feel so lifted up and cherished.

My family means the world to me, so being able to help Greg keep his mobility as his cancer wreaks havoc on his body, is my blessing as his big sister!  So here's the deal... you can buy tickets in advance for $12 or at the front door the day of the dinner ($15.)  And because we love family, anybody under 5 eats Free!    Advanced ticket sales will make big sister Dawn really happy, and will earn you an extra hug (because then we can give the Monte Carlo room a better count for how many fans Greg has!) :)

Tickets available beginning Wednesday, September 17th at the following local businesses:  

The Quilting Connection 21 Adams Street, Elkhorn

Soleil Caffe 56 W. Market Street, Elkhorn - FREE Tan with ticket purchase!

Keefe Real Estate 204 E. Commerce Court, Elkhorn

Keefe Real Estate 751 Geneva Parkway, Lake Geneva

Thank to to all the local businesses that are helping to spread the word and make this Spaghetti Dinner Benefit For the Love of Greg a Success.  It's what being part of a community is all about.  And I am so grateful to be surrounded by such an amazing community!

If you would like to help Greg's Mobility fund, but cannot be there on October 4th, we have also established an online fundraiser that would allow you to donate online at:  bit.ly/GregsFightAgainstBrainCancer 

And because we're still getting in so many amazing prizes for the silent auction, we've created a Facebook Page - For the Love of Greg to show you just what you can win... https://www.facebook.com/GregsFightAgainstBrainCancer

And did I mention you could win cash??  Yes, we're also doing a 50/50 raffle where YOU can WIN Ca$h!  And who doesn't like a little extra dough in their pocket? ;)

If you aren't local to us and would like to purchase advanced tickets, or you have any questions about silent auction donations, please email us at ForTheLoveofGreg@gmail.com and we'll make sure you get your advance tickets and answer your questions right away!

Thank you to all who have helped my family.  Each and every one of you has earned your angel wings and I am so deeply grateful and humbled to have you in my life!

Love & Light,
Dawn

Just Call Me Last Minute Lucy

I stand by the old saying that "I work better under pressure!"  And before you go any further, I now present you with the following earworm!  You're welcome! :)



For years (translation - my.entire.freaking.life) I used this as an excuse to procrastinate.  Because I loved sleep, often it won out over studying, writing term papers, cleaning (sleep is definitely better than cleaning) or doing whatever needed doing... because TOMORROW! :) Yes, I'll just get up early and get "it" done tomorrow...

Well over the last 2 weeks, I've pushed that whole "I work better under pressure" statement to the limit! I had 3 full days being a nearly-professional chauffeur taking Greg & my mom to doctors appointments... except without the tux because 80* and a tux, yeah, no thanks.  I launched a fundraising campaign to help raise funds for Greg as he continues to bravely fight brain cancer.  I also had a wedding to attend, clients to take care of and sleep... yes I needed some of that or nobody would like me anymore. Seriously, I pushed it to the point I thought I just might not get done what needed getting done.  And then I'd have some really disappointed people in my life and that just wasn't going to fly! 

And by what can only be classified as a miracle, I got done everything that needed my attention, I kept everybody happy and I even got sleep... and no, I'm not on crack or addicted to coffee (anymore... the coffee, not the crack.)

So I'm really excited to show you one of my two jewelry projects because it makes me feel all sorts of happy that I was able to get it finished and give it as a gift to my baby sister... who coincidentally got asked if we were twins when we took her kids for ice cream.  She rocked it at the wedding that she went to! (Fine Print, the second project I can't show you because it's for a big retailer and they are using it in their print ad this fall... so it would positively land me in bead jail. But I did post a sneak peak of the leopard print beads ;) on my Facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/BellaAmoreLegacyJewelry.com)

I used a titanium coated agate druzy, surrounded in aqua mirror beads from Cousin Corporation and finished with copper chain also from Cousin.  I made a dainty pair of earrings because Brenda doesn't like to have things pulling on her ears.  So these rose gold earrings from Cousin with a few mirror beads for dangles added a sparkle and she didn't even know she was wearing them!

So maybe this set did turn out awesome and just maybe I do work better under pressure... but let me tell you, creativity doesn't just come when you snap your fingers.  Actually quite the opposite, I have my best inspiration when I'm lying in bed in the middle of the night... and then I want to get up right.this.minute and start working on those projects.  Which leads to very early mornings and posting on Facebook at 3:30 a.m. And thus why I'm a recovering coffee addict...

Happy thoughts and love to you!
~Dawn

My sister Brenda and with her friend,the bride.

Helping My Brother In His Fight Against Brain Cancer

If you only read one of my blog posts ever in this lifetime, please read this one.  I'm opening my heart to allow you to see what my family and I are up against as we help my brother Greg's fight against brain cancer. 

See when Greg was just 20 he was diagnosed with brain cancer, medulloblastoma for those that are wondering.  Typically this type of cancer is found in children... so it was rare to see someone his age with a brain tumor.  At that time a team of doctors did brain surgery and successfully removed the tumor.  An extended hospital stay and radiation later and Greg was healing and on the road to getting his life back.

In October of 2012 Greg's routine MRI revealed that his brain cancer had returned.  He now had 3 tumors and the cancer had spread to his spine.  Due to the locations of the tumors, these are inoperable.  Greg underwent radiation and chemotherapy at UW Hospital in Madison, WI to help shrink the tumors. 

Help Greg's Fight Against Brain Cancer

Last week we had an MRI checkup and found a new abnormal spot on Greg's spine.  It's a very small spot, so we cannot yet tell if the cancer has spread or if it's necrosis the result of extensive radiation. We have to wait 4 weeks and do another MRI to determine.  It was not the news any of us were hoping to hear. 

The only time you'll see Green Bay Packer anything on my blog... for the love of Greg!

Mom & Greg

 Since Greg's medical treatments, his mobility has been severely affected.  He has no feeling from the knees down in either leg.  Picture walking and not knowing where or how your feet are landing.  That's how Greg's feet are every day.  He has increasing pain in his hips due to avascular necrosis from prolonged steroid use to prevent brain swelling. 

Currently, Greg is living with my Mom & Dad, in their bi-level home (translation lots of stairs).  He was forced to sell his home he worked so hard to buy, and has since sold one of his cars.  He's currently in the process of selling his beloved Camaro because "it deserves to be driven like the machine that it is."

Daisy Duke loves Greg!

If I had one wish, it would be to take Greg's cancer away.  But I cannot do that.  So I'm doing the best I can to help him maintain his mobility as his body decides not to cooperate.  Right now, my parents need to make modifications to their home to keep Greg safe & mobile.  The largest of those being to installed an electric Stairglide to allow Greg to get in & out of the house.  They also need to renovate their bathroom to accommodate his walker & wheelchair.  Additionally, because of the design of their home, they need to change their front door to one that opens outward so it doesn't bump against the track for the stairglide.  As Greg's mobility continues to deteriorate, an electric wheelchair will be the only way he'll be able to get around safely. In addition to Greg's medical bills, these modifications are quite extensive and my parents cannot do it on their own. 

Click photo to lend a helping hand!

Several of my friends from around the globe have personally emailed me asking if they can help.  Up to this point, as a family we've been balancing and managing through sacrifice & love.  Give & take... but together we've been able to take care of things. 

However, with these latest requirements, we are no longer able to do it on our own.  It takes a whole village!  If you feel in your heart you'd like to contribute, I've set up an online fundraiser to help Greg's Mobility Fund.  If you cannot donate, but want to make a difference, can you share Greg's story with a link to his fundraiser. http://bit.ly/GregsFightAgainstBrainCancer  Every donation helps! The love & prayers we've received since Greg's cancer returned have been amazing!  Love can & will make a difference!  And I appreciate you for helping me make Greg's journey more comfortable and safe for as long as we're blessed to have him on this earth. Sending love & light! xo, Dawn

Donate to Greg's Mobility Fund:  https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/mx75/greg-doucette-s-fight-against-brain-cancer

September 30, 2012 - Photo by Matt Mason Photography

July 5, 2014 - Photo by Ashlynn, 6 years old. ;)

Eye've got something to share with you!

Last week I shared the first of two project I created using these festive Halloween inspired beads & charms from the brand new Cousin Corporation 'Tis the Season collection.  The first project was a set of boo-tiful napkin rings with the instructions to create your own for a spooktacular dinner party!

Once the creative juices started flowing, my cuppeth runneth over and I had to create something with this totally funky eyeball pendant!  I rummaged through my supply of Cousin beads to find just the right compliment.  What spoke to me was the glass tear drops... and since I'm an incredibly emotional person (happy, sad - it doesn't matter, I cry at everything) I thought it most appropriate to make illusion of the eye crying... so without further adieu, my extra credit project because EYE can! ;)

You can get the entire line of the Halloween 'Tis the Season Charms at A.C. Moore stores beginning this month!  They are really quite adorable with a few spooky ones to play with too! And if you'd like the supply list and instructions for this jewelry project, message me over on my Bella Amore Legacy Jewelry Facebook Page:  http://www.facebook.com/BellaAmoreLegacyJewelry  Include your email address and I'll email you a word doc with all the deets!

Hugs & Love!
Dawn

P.S. If you'd like to see the latest piece of legacy jewelry I've created or discuss having something special and one-of-a-kind created exclusively for you, visit my website: www.BellaAmoreLegacyJewelry.com.  

Skip straight to Halloween - Do not pass Go - Do not collect $200

I'm one that likes to relish in the summer months.... sunny days at the beach, ice cream cones (now that I found a gluten free cone,) kids playing in the park, long days, lightening bugs... so imagine my dismay when I received my package as a Cousin Corporation Ambassador this month to see... HALLOWEEN beads & charms!  YIKES!  That's way, way, way to fast-forwardy for this sun goddess.

But I had to complete the mission, so I put on my best thinking cap (and I'll admit, that cap seemed full of hot air and not so many brilliant ideas) and I stared at all these really cool but Halloween (translation FALL, specifically October... END of October as in getting to the point where Dawn becomes a goose and flies South for Winter because it's too darn cold for this girl.)  So I had a mental block about even thinking about life after summer.

But when the inspiration struck, two projects came to mind.  First we were encouraged to making something other than jewelry... so something crafty.  Since I like to eat... napkin rings came to mind!  I used some of the new 16 gauge wire from Cousin Corporation and two sets of the charm from the 'Tis the Season collection which AC Moore stores will be carrying and voila!  Skip the eye of newt and your dinner party will be fabulous with these fun napkin rings!

And as part of my homework, I had to write instructions as to how to make these... I'm so not the verbose instruction writer.  I just make things... inspiration comes from the heart and I just create.  SO actually writing step by step how to do something... let's just say I might need therapy for that! ;) 

So if you'd like the instructions, send me a message via my Facebook Page - Bella Amore Legacy Jewelry http://www.facebook.com/BellaAmoreLegacyJewelry Include your email address and I'll send them right over to you.

And heck, even if you don't want the instructions, you can still pop over, spare a friend a "Like" and say hello! I'll be sharing the jewelry portion of my project soon!  Stay tuned...

Have a boo-tiful day loves!
xo,
Dawn

Freedom Fun and Family - F Yeah!

As we're heading into the 4th of July holiday weekend in the US, I want to take a moment to share my gratitude to all those who have given so much for our freedoms.  To the brave Veterans that stood on the lines and fought for our freedoms, thank you.  To those currently serving, we pray for your safety and we appreciate your service.  To the families that are celebrating this Independence Day without your loved one, we bow our heads and give you our hearts.  Your loved one is a true American Hero.  How can we help you honor and remember them?

While celebrating America's birthday, we're also celebrating my niece's 6th birthday!  And what a firecracker she is.  We'll be cherishing every moment with our family and hope you are creating memories with yours as well!

Happy 4th of July with Love,
Dawn

And next week we're fast forwarding holidays as I share my latest project I did as a Cousin Corp brand ambassador... it's featuring their brand new Halloween charms.... 

Turning My Beaded Art Jewelry Upside Down for a WOW Design

Jewelry Dilemma #87 - I've collected the coolest components for which I'm planning an extraordinary piece of jewelry.  I lay out the 3 main focals, get out a whole sheet tray (and then some) of beads, pearls, crystals and glass that just might fall into the design perfectly.  I start creating and everything is flowing beautifully. THEN I hit a brick wall... I need to back the pendant and figure out what the heck to do for the bail.  I'm thinking fringe off the bottom, but it's just not flowing right.  And back to that bail... what the heck was meant for this design?  Oy... creativity block kicks in big time!

Have you ever had the moment where you see a finished design in your mind's eye but the actual piece you're working on tells a different story?

So I put this piece aside... took a little trip, okay it was more than a little trip heading down to Florida to spend a week at the beach.  Just letting my soul feel the energy and love from the ocean and hoping to recharge my creative brain.  Letting the sun warm my skin as I claimed MY chaise lounge, ordered up some fruity drinks and watched the scenery go by... use your imagination! ;)

I came home determined to finish this f*@$&%g piece come hell or high water!  So I sat at my table, moved some beads around... the pendant stared back, giving me zero ideas.  Dawn, stand up & walk away.  So I did... for 3 days, then all of a sudden on a Sunday morning inspiration struck!  Holla!!!

Turn that piece upside down!  

It's not the first time I've done a 180 on a design and it always turns out better!  I have to agree with this piece.  It knew what it wanted... my brain was just a little too foggy to "get it!"  So the beach cleared things up and allowed my heart to listen to my art. 

The focals pair so well together in this piece!  I have to give props to my soul sister, Julianna Cannon - Julsbeads, for the amazing lampwork focal.  The druzy and arrowhead came from Cousin Corporation.  So did those super funky space rocks, mirror beads and nut & bolt toggle for the necklace!  The Cosmic collection of space age awesomeness is my favorite, favorite, favorite collection from Cousin!

As we're moving into summer, I have an amazing few pieces I'm starting of commissioned work.  One is another Tree of Life necklace similar to the design I created for myself.  I'm so excited to be working on that piece in particular because it continues to remind me and inspire me to stay true to who I really am.  Be rooted in my divine essence! 

Stay inspired and spread love my friends!
xo,
~Dawn

Bringing the Bling with Prom Jewelry

Most of what I design are detailed, legacy jewelry pieces.  However, when a friend reached out that she was looking for a special set of jewelry for a young lady going to prom that is like a daughter to her, I poured my love and energies into a set that she will cherish and hold as a great memory.

One of the reasons I love doing custom work is 1. No two pieces are the same.  2.  I can infuse my love into a special piece of jewelry that will resonate with the personality of the woman wearing it.

Shamballa Beads from Cousin

In this case, I knew the design had to be versatile as I didn't have the exact wrist size for the young lady. I also knew it needed to be sparkly and her dress was teal.  With those parameters, I set out to create something unique that would let this young woman feel like a princess even just for a night!

For this set, my inspiration was the Shamballa beads from Cousin.  They are a bright pop of color with lots of sparkle.  I incorporated crystals in a variety of shapes all designed to capture light differently.  Then added some seed beads to infuse that rich teal color throughout the bracelet.

Of course, one cannot have just a bracelet, but we needed matching earring to complete the beautiful ensemble.  I mirrored the crystals I used and included some adorable, flower earrings and channel set crystal also from Cousin.

The look turned out perfectly as a set of prom jewelry!  It would also have looked divine for bridesmaids in a wedding where the bride desires all her attending ladies to have matching jewelry.

If you have someone special in your life you'd like to give the gift of jewelry, I'd love to connect with you.  It warms my heart turning your desires into a beautiful piece of one-of-a-kind jewelry.  Apply for a complimentary design session so we can share your vision for the perfect piece of jewelry to showcase your beloved's personality. http://bit.ly/DesignWithDawn2014

Much love,
Dawn

P.S. I was sent this beautiful picture of Katie all dressed for Prom.  She looks just so beautiful.

Gluten Free Jewelry Making - Say What?

Now if you're wondering "What in the heck is Dawn talking about - Gluten Free Jewelry Making?"  It's this... making jewelry while eating the most amazing, scrumptious, ooey gooey chocolate chip cookies right out of the oven because I can AND the are gluten free!

Say what????

I have to share this with you because I love you... and because I know many of my friends are eating gluten free and I want to help as many people as possible to enjoy the simple pleasure of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies.

It's been over a year since I've had chocolate chip cookies.  G-free cookies just aren't the same.  No matter how hard I tried with the almond flour, rice flour... blah, blah, blah flour... there just wasn't a substitute for good old-fashioned homemade chocolate chip cookies.  Until now!

A fellow g-free friend suggested I try Domata flour... but the challenge was it wasn't easy to find.  It was only available in this one specialty store and that was a half hour drive.... read my lips not.convenient.at.all.  So I hadn't had a chance to try it, until I found it while picking up a "few quick things" (translation $150 of stuff) at our local Walmart! *It's not possible to run in & out of Walmart and not drop $100+ seriously, just not possible.

But this time... I didn't care!  I had Domata flour - and the part about Domata flour that's really, really awesome is that it's a cup-for-cup exchange.  Meaning you can follow any cookie recipe, add exactly the same amount of flour it calls for and continue mixing on your merry way!  No messing around with additional ingredients like xanthum gum or trying to figure out a conversion between regular flour and gluten free flour.  Domata flour is a rice flour that all ready has done the mixing of the extra special ingredients for you!  BRILLIANT! 

So Sunday I tested this in a cup-for-cup challenge.  I made my favorite type of chocolate chip pudding cookies.  Like I said, I haven't had a fresh baked choclate chip cookie in over a year.  And I'm really, really happy to share with you that they were devine... were because I shared a few and I've since polished off the rest.  Shhhhhh, don't tell my Beachbody coach friends that! :) But they were seriously that good. 

Domata also makes a seasoned flour mix and a pizza crust flour.  I'd be willing to try either of those after how good these cookies turned out.  If you are like me and you're eating gluten free for your health, try Domata flour for your baked goods.  I know I'll use it again soon... right after I burn the 3,402,287 calories I consumed from this batch! ;)

P.S.  So you're wondering about the jewelry I made... sorry, I can't show you!  It's a secret for a large retail bead store as an assignment for the Cousin Creative Circle.  BUT I'd love to take you back to a really happy, inspired cuff I designed that makes me really want to dance on the beach!  Visit this blog post for lots of fun, happy pictures: http://designsbydawnmarie.blogspot.com/2014/04/more-than-just-beaded-bracelet-its.html   AND follow it up by heading over and connecting with me on Facebook!  I'd love to show you what work is in progress in my studio as we speak!  http://www.facebook.com/BellaAmoreLegacyJewelry.com 

30 Word Thursday at Lake Geneva Beach

Winter ice has finally gone,

Open water lapping the shore.

Summer peeking around the corner

Sunshine is waiting to kiss our cheeks.

My heart is smiling at what is coming.

30 Word Thursday - Oops is it Friday Already?

Two years ago we had little snow,

The temps were mild and spring went wild.

This was my yard, trees were in full bloom...

the first week in April 2012.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The premise of 30 Words Thursdays is simple...

Take an image (preferably one you shot, or have permission to use).

Write 30 Words about it. No more. No less.

Post it each Thursday.

Add your link to the InLinkz on Erin Prais-Hintz 30 Words Thursday post.
(InLinkz code will be open for one week.) Enjoy seeing what others have captured by visiting them and leaving a comment.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

More than just a Beaded Bracelet - It's Wrist Candy

A bracelet by any other name is just a bracelet... but this bead embroidered cuff is like a kiss of Hawaii, a dance along the Florida Gulf and a sip of a Rum Runner all in one!  

And this is where I tell you if it had magical powers, my nose would be twitching like Tabitha, I'd be nodding my head like Jeannie and I'd be finding myself on the perfect tropical beach wearing this cuff... maybe just this cuff it's so delicious!

One day last week I woke up and said (in my best Jimmy Kimmel voice) "Dear Winter, thank you for the lovely blankets of fluffy, white diamonds you sprinkled on us, every.other.freaking.day (*rolls eyes).  For without you, I'd forget just how much I love summer.  Love, Dawn"

After that I was a one woman wrecking crew determined to bring sunshine and happiness to my little corner of the world.  I pulled from tropical vacation memories, from places and colors that make me smile and made my soul sing.  Lime, Fuchsia, Purple, Aqua... marry them all together and BAM!  It's like sunshine just kissed my wrist!

For this cuff, I used the coolest amethyst purple crystal buttons I picked up on the crazy Cousin shopping spree when I was there on the Ambassador Retreat.  I also pulled in freshwater pearls in peridot, raspberry and aquamarine.  I used some flat backed glass stones that have the coolest iridescent finish!  I backed this piece of happiness with a metallic fuschsia Italian lambskin leather and... you guessed it.  I haven't stopped smiling since!

If you like this and want one of your own, I'll gladly create the perfect Cuff of Happiness to fit your wrist exactly!  I can play with the same colors or I can tailor it to be exactly what you're looking for!  With warmer weather, we're gearing up for halter tops & swimsuits here! How about a little arm candy to make you smile every time you look at your wrist?

Follow my Facebook Page: Bella Amore Legacy Jewelry and we'll create magic together!

Peace & Love,
♥ Dawn ♥