Featuring Charms made with Swarovski® Crystals

It's been a bit since I've had a project to do for Cousin Corporation as a Creative Circle Ambassador, but recently our ambassador team has been given some sparkly goodness to share so I wanted to bring you a couple of projects straight from my mermaid heart. 

I was given a set of Charms made with Swarovski® Crystals and asked to create something different and maybe out of the box.  So with the first two, I wanted to bring you a few designs where I incorporated the Charms made with Swarovski® crystals AND brought in a piece of my beloved Florida!  I used real seashells that I collected on Indian Rocks Beach.  These projects are great ideas if you go on vacation and want to create a momento of your trip that is beyond the keychain or magnet sold in the nicknack shops. 

The first project was a bracelet that I whipped up in no time!  The most time consuming part is waiting for the glue to dry!  Make sure you wash and dry your seashells thoroughly before creating  :)  Using an eyepin and adhesive of your choice (in this piece I used E-6000) fill the back of the seashell halfway with adhesive.  Insert the round side of the eyepin into the puddle of glue. Prop it up at an angle that will allow you to create a wrapped loop later for the bail.  Then wait... tick... tock... wait for that glue to dry.

 Once it's dry, fill the remainder of the seashell with adhesive and let it dry.  This is a multi-tasking part of the design, while you are waiting for the glue to dry you can bake cookies, clean, finish other projects, call your mom on the phone to tell her you love her, write a little note to a friend that you haven't seen in a while and send it .... or sit there and watch glue dry.  I opted for several of the above.

Why do we pour the adhesive in 2 phases???  Because eyepins have a tendancy to want to float to the top of the adhesive puddle.  So by pouring the adhesive in 2 phases, the eyepin is locked into the middle of the adhesive ensuring you won't loose your seashell pendant.

Once everything is dry, create a wrapped loop on the top of the seashell. Using the handy lobster claw that comes on the charm, clip it onto the wrapped loop of the seashell.  Now in this design I was given a peridot birthstone Charm made with Swarovski® crystals for the month of August.  The birthstone charms come with a rivoli and a second charm with the month and smaller birthstone on the back.  So I used a jump ring and attached the smaller charm too.

Then using a premade 7" bracelet (available from Cousin at most large craft stores) I slid the seashell pendant on the bracelet, clasped it and voila!  Nothing like a little quick and easy project to remember your favorite beach by!

GIVEAWAY:  Now if you've read this far, I want to thank you! I'd like to give one lucky winner this seashell bracelet.  Here's what you need to do to enter:
1.  Post a comment below letting me know who in your life has an August Birthday you'd like to give this to.
 2.  Share this post on social media... tag Dawn Doucette or Bella Amore Legacy Jewelry so that I can see you shared it.
3.  If you like my designs and want to follow me, I'd love to stay connected.  You can find a link below for all of my social media accounts.  Feel free to follow and share, but it is not necessary to follow to be entered to win!

I will pick one lucky winner next Monday, October 3rd to win this bracelet.  Good luck!  Stay tuned for another Seashell Design from the heart. . . it's coming soon!

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/BellaAmoreLegacyJewelry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/designsbydawnmd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawn.doucette/

Gifts From ALASKA!

Just when you think the frozen tundra can't get any more frozen, a package from ALASKA shows up in my mailbox!  Actually from the now famous WASILLA, Alaska!  And because I'm over the moon with excitement, I had to spill right here in the middle of blog land.  LOOK at what my friend Dawn sent me...

Now are you drooling too?  This stunning bracelet was created by Dawn Horner of Northern Adornments.  Dawn and I have just connected recently in a forum we both particpate in. (It's The Hive, and if you're an artisan and haven't checked it out, you must!)  Both being "Dawn's" it's like we're kindred spirits.  Dawn operates Northern Adornments and creates BEAUTIFUL chainmaille jewelry.  It's funny, because I don't think I'd have the patience to connect all those jump rings one at a time. At the same time, creating pieces with seed beads brings me to a very peaceful, zen-like place.

Dawn was inspired to create this piece because I was challenging myself and whomever wanted to join me to create piece for the Happy Mango Beads Valentine Contest.  For me, Dawn's beautiful bracelet just spoke to me.  I love the vibrant red mix with the shiny sterling silver.... ahhhh, I could continue for hours.  Because I keep glancing at my wrist as I type this, and that bracelet keeps smiling back!  LOL

When I commented on how much I LOVED the bracelet Dawn sent me a really nice e-mail back.  She was incredibly appreciative - BUT- She doesn't like red!  GASP, for real?  Somebody doesn't like red?!?!  Whoa.... I better sit down for this!  So Dawn offered to do a Jewelry Swap! 

So while I create a piece especially for Dawn using colors that I know she loves, she sent the bracelet out right away before she got snowed in for 3 months. :o)  After all, it's Alaska!  It's the first piece of chainmaille jewelry I've ever owned and I just love it.  Dawn, your talent is incredible and your friendship is so special to me.  Thank you for welcoming me to The Hive and continually providing encouragement and inspiration! 

I'd really love it if you took a moment to connect with Dawn!  

She's a true gem and a wonderfully talented artisan!

Northern Adornments Website:  http://www.northernadornments.biz/

The Hive:  http://creatingthehive.com/akvarmit

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Northern-Adornments-Jewelry-Designs/177126032325657

Cinderella went to the ball...

And my dear friend Stacy gets to go to the ball too!  She's actually going to the Marine Ball which is a very elegant event for anyone that is serving in the Marines or in the case of Stacy's husband a retired Marine.  When Stacy asked me to design her jewelry, she sent me a photo of her gown and specified that she wanted something in red, white and blue that was elegant and classy.

I chose to use dark blue crystals, with fire polished czech glass beads in a garnet shade and clear Swarovski crystals to add ALOT of sparkle to the set.  The set just glistens out in the sunlight... oh how I love Swarovski!

For those that don't know Stacy, she's a true sweetie.  Stacy is a master of up-cycling and breathing life into treasures that most people overlook.  She's an exceptional crafter and foodie extraordinaire!  To see her great recipes, brag books and amazing customized Charlie Bags, check out her blog:  http://slmpetersen.blogspot.com. 

Stacy, I'm sure you're going to look like the queen of your castle all dressed up for your prince!  I hope you have an amazing time at the ball!

{Hugs!}
Dawn

Super Sparkly Custom Order

I received a message in my FB mailbox from a friend I met via one of the many home businesses Chris & I tried to build before I decided to take control of my own future.  While those businesses had challenges from a corporate leadership stand, we were blessed to meet some really terrific people!  Kathy was one of them!  If you met her... you'd never forget her, she's really that wonderful!

Kathy is a Social Media expert and will be speaking at a huge conference sharing everything she knows.  So as the star of the show, she wanted stunning jewelry that was guaranteed to be one of a kind.

Here's what Kathy was looking for: "I Love Sparkley!  I'm looking for something in browns, golds or neutrals.  I don't want it to short (like a choker).  I'm undecided what exactly I'm going to wear, but this will give me lots of options.  Oh yeah, and earrings to match too, please."

Enter into Kathy's world pearls & swarovski crystals... I created a Bib-style necklace because it offered lots of sparkle and yet isn't chunky.  This way Kathy can handle the microphone like a pro and not let her jewelry get in the way!  I used bronze pearls with Crystal Swarovski rounds & bicones.  I also added some small Lt. Colorado Topaz to add sparkle and color that was a perfect match for the pearls.

Thanks so much Kathy for trusting me to add some sparkle to your already sparkly personality!  I know you'll do well and people will be enthralled with the message you are delivering.  You're the best in your field dear and I guarantee your message will be well embraced.

To learn more about Social Media, you can find Kathy on Facebook where you'll get to know her and find the link to her website:  http://www.facebook.com/KathyStoverCA

I loved working on your custom order Kathy!  Designing with a purpose, for a special person or personality is a true pleasure.  Thanks for allowing me such joy!

{Hugs!}
Dawn

Custom Wedding Jewelry

Crystals, pearls and sparkles - Oh My - Crystals, pearls & sparkles - OH MY! (♫ said to the rhythm of Lions, Tigers & Bears - Oh My ♪)

Yes, I'm in the middle of a wonderfully busy wedding jewelry season and I'm loving it.  It really feels special to be able to add my touch of love on a bride & grooms special day!  The trend this year in wedding jewelry is very simple designs, but with BIG sparkle!

Brides put countless hours into finding the right dresses for their bridesmaids, so they really want the dresses to stand out.  Therefore the jewelry for bridesmaids needs to be complimentary... not statement pieces.  I'm using pearls and Swarovski crystals to add a classy look with a whole lot of sparkle that only Swarovski can provide! 

To my friends that are brides, thank you for trusting me to add the bling on your special day!  I feel blessed and love designing one of a kind jewelry for your bridesmaids!  I hope the sun shines on your special day as much as those Swarovski earrings! (wink, wink!)

{Hugs!}
Dawn

Pictures Speak Louder than Words

  

Swarovski Tanzanite Chandelier Earrings

 

Swarovski Fire Opal Earrings

 

Pearl & Lampwork Glass Bead Anklet

Hope you are enjoying a beautiful weekend with family or friends!

Don't forget to Vote for Beads of Courage at the Pepsi Refresh Project!

Thanks a bunch if you've already voted today! :)

{Hugs!}

Dawn

Oh Yummy - Cantaloupe!

Yummy for the eyes that is!  Yesterday I received a package of Swarovski Crystals that I had ordered and one of the shades I really wanted to see in person was Cantaloupe.  Why?  Because in my youth I was fascinated with the Hyper-color T-shirts and mood rings!!!!!

Imagine my squeal of joy when I first saw my beatiful, sparkley crystals... purple when I took them out of the package... but then.... I put them under my desk lamp and they changed to a vivid springy green!  I LOVE THEM!  It's not sunny here today or I'd go outside and take pictures (sorry, Mother Nature didn't get my memo), so you'll have to take my word for it.  In the mean time, here's a photo from Fire Mountain Gems that shows three different colors of the Cantaloupe Crystals in different lighting.  I can't wait to play!  Stay tuned for more delicious updates!

On other news, I'm putting the finishing touches on my new website.  I'm quite pleased with how it's coming along.  As my gift to you, I'll be offering a special discount to my newsletter subscribers when my website goes live!  So, if you want to receive your special invite and discount, sign up for my monthly newsletter on the right!  I promise you'll be glad you did! :)

{Hugs!}

~Dawn

Something old, something new, something borrowed....

SOMETHING BLUE!!!!  Yes, I'm not sure about wedding traditions in other cultures, but this is a customary tradition here in the US. 

So feast your eyes on this....

Fit for any bride... there's crystal, there's pearls and of course, there's blue!  I designed as an anklet so any bride can wear it with her gown and it's not going to upset her new Mother-in-Law by clashing in the pictures.

It's been 80's and sunny her in WI, so I've been playing in my gardens - loosening up soil, planting seeds, splitting plants and being incredibly grateful for everything around me.  I'm one of those crazy people that LOVES both the heat and humidity... I know, what am I doing in Wisconsin, right? 

Hope your day is sunny, and if it's not... bring sunshine with your smile to someone who needs it!

{Hugs!}
~Dawn

Custom Order - for a Paris Wedding!

One of my BFF's asked me to make her some custom jewelry for a wedding she's going to in Paris!  It's so wonderful when you can design from the heart for someone that's more than just a friend, but really like a sister to me.  She's been there to support me through miles of life changes and so this set of jewelry is supremely special.

Her dress is a guava color - which I say is like a tropical pinky orange with clear A/B crystals in a cracked ice pattern at the bottom of the skirt.  It's a strapless dress, so I wanted to make a huge statement while keeping the necklace light and not klunky.  :)  Thus enter Swarovski crystal into my life... and my infatuation with big bling!

I created a triple strand bracelet, chandelier earrings and coordinating necklace featuring crystal and padparadascha Swarovski crystals.  I love how the light reflects off the bicones and crystal cubes.  I'm developing an even greater love crystals and formal jewelry! 

This week I'll be putting out my May Newsletter.  If you haven't signed up to receive my free monthly newsletter, fill in your information in the box on the right.  As my gift to you, you'll get a copy of my e-book "Twitter Marketing Made Easy" for free! :) I look forward to sharing great updates about summer trends and all things related to jewelry!

Hope your week is absolutely stellar!