Inspired by Winter - A Pearl and Crystal bracelet for Cousin Corporation

Last Spring, the Cousin Ambassadors (aka my creative sisters) were given an assignment for Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft stores.  Many times when we get assignments like this we can't share them because the store needs to see them and be able to use them in their advertising and promotions first. 

The theme I was to create around was "Winter."  I'm giggling about that now as I type this because I'm sitting in my office in Clearwater, FL.  It's 81* outside and still getting hotter... so talking about Winter is truly ironic. 

Alas, there are parts of winter living in Wisconsin for 35 years taught me to appreciate.  There's much beauty created in the first snow or in the frost.  I love the hoar frost on the trees when the fog freezes to the limbs... I just didn't much enjoy the fact it lasts for 4+ months.

I just got the piece back and I'm really excited to share it with you... and to wear it because, what a coincidence.... it happens to be just my size! ;)

Wouldn't this be perfect for bridal jewelry?? Or to pop that vintage glam look??

This bracelet used 6mm round mirror beads and 6mm pearls from Cousin.  I used a multi-strand clasp with hook and extender chain to be able to give it versatility.  This piece was a whole lot of making links and connecting those links, but the finished bracelet is awesome!  And of course, I made earrings to match!

If you'd like to make this great bracelet and earring set, you can pick up all the materials at Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft stores!  And I have the instructions all written up!  Message me via my Facebook Page - Bella Amore Legacy Jewelry and I'd be happy to email them to you!

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 ♥

Pearls are a Girls Best Friend

Well Diamonds really fit that bill... but pearls rhymes with girls and rolls of the tongue beautifully!  So that's it... we'll stick with pearls!

WHY?  This is why...

This custom made jewelry set of pewter pearls with Czech FP rounds is striking... classy yet trendy with a pop of WOW!  I had gotten an e-mail from my website asking if I did custom orders.  It was from another jewelry artisan so I was immediately intrigued.  She creates jewelry, but doesn't work with seed beads, but she's always wanted a rope style necklace and bracelet that used Delicas and pearls.  So after making the copper and pearl bracelet, I sent her photos to see what she thought of that style!

It was a hit and is now en-route to it's new owner.  I know she'll love the way the pearl necklace sits on her collarbones!  It's really striking!

Today is the last day to vote for the Artbeads Make it for Mom Challenge.  If you haven't yet gotten in your vote, would you consider voting for my design Hope Eternal?  It was a labor of love from my heart with a very inspired message.  I greatly appreciate all those that have already voted and shared with your friends on Twitter and Facebook.

I hope you are having an inspired week!
Peace ♥ Happiness,
~Dawn

Pictures of Christmas

Thanks all for the Christmas wishes yesterday!  LOL  We had a DANDY lunch... full of laughter and catching up on all the latest juicy girl talk... you know the drill!  So despite the 38 snowflakes we had (which was just Mother Nature's way of reminding us she's still listening) we had a great time!

Before I show you a photo of the jewelry I made for Angela, I want to share a bit about her.  Angela is an RN that works in a rehabilitation facility down in Rockford.  Her specialty was helping patients that had serious spinal cord injuries that permanently changed their lives.  Fast Forward... She had a serious accident a few years ago that resulted in her becoming a spinal cord patient receiving the therapy she had been giving.  Life can change in an instant.  I admire Angela's spirit... she lets NOTHING get in her way or keep her down.  After much therapy, she's still working at the facility, but her job duties have changed.  She has a new level of respect and admiration for her patients as she's been in their shoes too!  They all relate to her and often form friendships and a support team for when they go back home. 

As a way to supplement her income and surround herself in positivity as she healed, she became a beauty consultant with Mary Kay.  The way the women pick each other up is inspiring.  Plus being able to share beauty with woman across the globe brings out a glow in women that nothing can compare with.

So as I thought of Angela, I wanted a piece that demonstrated natural beauty, strength and elegance.  Something that she could wear to a professional function with Mary Kay, or at work on the days she's doing administrative work.  SO without further adieu... here's my interpretation of Angela in jewelry form!

Hope you take a moment today to tell a dear friend how special they are.  Friendships and life are priceless, so cherish those that are close to you.  Life can change in an instant!

Peace & Love to you!
~Dawn