Mocha Latte - Chocolate - Love - Inspired Jewelry to Last a Lifetime

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it's time we talk a little about LOVE!  Personally, I show my love for all those I care about every.single.day!  Yes, in DawnVille, it's always Valentine's Day!  However some people need subtle reminders or gentle nudges about how to show their love and appreciation to those that matter.

This month, our assignment from Cousin Corporation was to design something that is Valentine's Day inspired.  My interpretation is your everyday Valentine.  

For my inspiration in my design, I think back to my first day with my sweetie!  We had a date at a coffee shop on a chilly fall night.  Drank mochas, watched the stars come out... until we saw floating orange orbs silently moving across the sky but those are for discussion on a different forum. ;)  I talked, he listened.  We shared stories until the frothy whip cream was long gone and the coffee shop was closing up for the night... so in honor of my first date with my love, this necklace is called Mocha Love!

For this necklace, I used a lampwork heart designed by Juli Cannon - Studio Juls and created the necklace with a mix of beads from Cousin Corporation.  The necklace has pearls, glass crystals, mirror beads, oval gemstone beads and copper accents. 

Every love is different, special and unique.  Meant to help us learn and grow.  Meant to cherish and represent a place & time in our lives.  Just like no two pieces of jewelry I design are the same.  Beadwork, stitching, accent beads... there will never be a necklace just like this!

If you are looking to celebrate your love with a one of a kind piece of legacy jewelry, apply for a free design session to work with me! http://bit.ly/DesignWithDawn2014  Not everybody appreciates art or celebrates love like I do.  But if this piece speaks to you and you'd like something original designed exclusively for you, I'd love to have a personal conversation!

For more pieces of legacy jewelry, follow Bella Amore on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

JoAnn Fabric and Craft Store NOW OPEN in Lake Geneva WI

For my assignment as a Cousin Brand Ambassador this month, we were challenged to show where we get Cousin's beads from.  I'm really excited to share this because we now officially have a JoAnn store in Lake Geneva, WI.   For those that have crafting projects on their minds for Christmas gifts, the timing of the Lake Geneva JoAnn's opening is perfect!

Located off the frontage road between Home Depot and Target, JoAnn's has everything from beads and fabric to needlepoint supplies and floral decorations!  While my jewelry assignment is a work-in-progress for the moment, I thought I share with you photos to get you in the season to get those holiday crafting projects done. 

Or if you're like me, Christmas always means new jammies.  As a kid, my mom always made us pajamas. Fuzzy, fleecy, flannel jammies!  I loved opening those and of course having matching jammies for my doll.  Now, I still treat myself to new jammies... or this year, my sweet brother picked me up a pair, adorable pink fleece with FEET!!!!! which I got this weekend, so I could be plenty snuggly as our local temps this week will feel like January!  Here's to having amazing family, creating special gifts for them and celebrating life's little moments together!  

There's something about all the pretty fabric looking like a rainbow - love it!

P.S.  As I type this, it's officially started snowing in Lake Geneva, WI.  YIKES!  Say goodbye to summer and fall!

Under Sea Adventure Necklace

Because sometimes when life gets hard, we just want to run away and put our toes in the sand and let the water lap over our feet all while looking for seashells and smelling the saltwater dancing through the air.

I'm so proud to share this necklace with you.  As my assignment from Cousin Corporation this month, we were shipped a box of beads, wire and findings that are part of a brand new line with one of their clients.  We were instructed to only use the materials in the box to create something really unique that would showcase our style and personality.

After daydreaming about playing in the sand and scuba diving (which I've never done, but really want to try some day) I was enchanted with the glass bugle beads I received.  They are the most luscious, elegant shade of teal with a silver metallic lining, making each one vibrant and beautiful.  Because I love to create jewelry that really creates drama and WOW, I paired those beads with over 170 tiny crystals in this dramatic necklace.

Each bead and crystal is hand stitched one-at-a-time.  Which means as I struggled to find peace and balance this month, each moment of time I was able to sit down and work on this helped me find my zen.

I love how this necklace turned out and I'm already anxious to have it back from Cousin so I can wear it out!  :)  It's being shipped down to be professionally photographed and get the royal treatment.  I love the bling factor, the teal is "totally Dawn" and the bib-style wears so perfectly with most necklines of my shirts, sweaters and dresses! 

Where do you turn when you need to find peace and balance?  Is it a person, a special place, a song?
Hoping you see the joy in every day!
{Hugs!}
Dawn

Druzy Jewelry for A Special Day of "I Do's"

Creating custom jewelry is an absolute passion of mine.  When I meet a client and get to know the woman, I can incorporate her personality, her tastes and her style into a one-of-a-kind piece of wearable art.  The process with which I get to know my clients is really special.  It's like dating... and it's ALL flowers and chocolates.  It's all about the mush love stuff and none of the awkward silence!

Why?  Because each piece of jewelry I design is exclusively custom made for a really special woman!

When I'm creating a unique design, I'm thinking about how the piece will be worn.  Is it for a special occasion, does it represent a family lineage, is it reflecting the personality of the woman I'm creating for?  Many times, I'm creating a piece of jewelry to accessorize a specific outfit.  The best way to design the piece is to see the outfit on my client!  With the help of Skype we can actually visit, you can show me how the outfit fits and I'll get a better feel for the piece of jewelry that would best compliment it.

Recently I was privileged to create jewelry for a very dear friend of mine.  Her daughter was getting married and she had an amazing dress as the Mother of the Bride.  It was spectacular, vibrant and truly showcased her sparkly personality to a 'T'!  I knew the jewelry had to compliment the dress AND absolutely had to show off her sparkly personality! 

The dress was a vibrant fuchsia pink with a vibrant paisley print in purples, yellows and whites.  I found the perfect paisley shape druzy focal with the most magnificent sparkle!  It became the jumping off point for a total rockstar cuff!  Because the dress was sleeveless, the cuff was a necessary focal piece.  I created complimenting earrings inspired by a tutorial in Beadwork magazine.  I pulled in all the hues in the print of the dress and made jewelry that can be worn with SO many outfits!

Druzy + Swarovski + Pearls = Art for your Wrist

In trying to capture the sparkle of this cuff, there was just no way to show you just how much it glistened in the sun.  I was so excited when I saw my good friend Kathy recorded a video of the cuff so you can see how the sunlight dances with the crystals and frolics on the druzy!  It's a whole bunch of happiness all packed into a one-of-a-kind custom cuff!  Thank you Kathy for recording this!



If you haven't had the chance to peruse some of my other pieces of wearable art, I'd love to invite you to "Like" Bella Amore Legacy Jewelry on Facebook!  It's really a delightful, happy place on the internet I know you'll be glad to visit daily! ;)

Meeting Tony Romo - Jewelry for his Wife AND Making My Brother's Dream Come True.

Can I tell you how special my brother Greg is?  And can I tell you I'd do anything to make him laugh, see him smile and make his dreams come true?

I had the experience of a lifetime this week as I was able to arrange for my brother Greg to meet one of his football idols in person.  Greg has been a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan (not sure how as he was born & raised in Wisconsin, but then I'm a Bear fan so I'll leave that alone).  Greg and my Dad even had a road trip a few years ago to drive all the way to Canton, OH to the Football Hall of Fame to witness the induction of Deion Sanders into the Hall of Fame and get his autograph... that's how big of a fan Greg is.

JOKE of the day... so a Bears Fan, a Cowboys Fan, a Packer Fan and a 49ers fan get into a car... yep, that was Myself, Greg, my sister Brenda and my mom... we're still laughing at ourselves.

Anyhow the Dallas Cowboys quarterback, Tony Romo grew up in Burlington, WI just down the road from where we grew up.  Once a summer, he returns to his hometown to host a football camp for young football players locally.  When I heard he was coming to town, I put my fingers to work and was able to contact someone who put me in touch with one of Tony's really close personal friends. 

As a team, we were able to arrange a meeting so Greg could meet Tony in person and get his autograph.  We were also able to sit in on a live press conference, that was really cool.  I gained a lot of respect for Tony via the message he shared at his press conference.  He spoke of making the most of your opportunities when they present themselves.  He spoke of having a dream and following it.  He also talked about how important it is to give back - in his case to the community, to charities and to the fans that are behind him through great games and "not so great" games.  His sincerity was touching and the way he connected with Greg and I felt like he was an old friend, someone we could go grab a burger and a beer with.

What was more amazing though, Greg didn't know we were actually going to meet him.  Greg knew he was in town for the camp and thought we were going to head over there with hopes we could catch a glimpse of him.  I envision him saying "Dawn, there he is... can you run and get his autograph" then having me take off in my flip flops running down the football field in pouring rain trying to catch up to the 6'2" superstar quarterback.  Now THAT would have been something to catch on video for YouTube.  LOL

So even with the thought that we might see him, Greg is always looking out for his big sister.  His thought was, well if we do actually get to see him, you should make a piece of jewelry for him to give his wife.  I'm sure she'd love your jewelry.  Okay, BRILLIANT THOUGHT dear brother... and why it never crossed my mind I'm still puzzled over.  So I did a little research on Tony Romo's wife to get a feel for her personal style, tastes and created something that I think she'll be pleased to wear.  She'll be able to root for the Dallas Cowboys without sporting that ginormous star logo.  The custom designed necklace I made would allow her to be classy and elegant, allowing her support for the team an her natural beauty shine. 

It was an amazing day and a great memory that we will all cherish forever!  And if Tony Romo and his wife want to come to our family BBQ anytime, we'd like to extend an open invitation.  Thank you for taking a sincere interest in making Greg's dream come true!

If you're looking for classy Dallas Cowboys jewelry or custom designed jewelry to support your favorite team, I'm happy to design something for you!  Making something exclusive and one-of-a-kind is my specialty and I'd be honored to help you support your favorite team and have a unique piece of jewelry you can pass down as your legacy!

Legacy Jewelry for Generations

Dawn Doucette discusses Bella Amore Legacy Jewelry in recent interview

Bella = Beautiful             Amore = Love

Have you ever spent time with yourself really searching for what's your passion?  What REALLY means something to you that you just want to dance down the street singing about?  What are you going to leave as your mark on the world?  What's your legacy?

I know that while I'm here on this earth I express my gratitude for my health, happiness and love every day.  In fact, it's part of my mission to spread love and happiness to as many people as I can touch.

Creating really special beaded jewelry is part of the way I spread happiness and love.  When I'm creating something custom for a client, the love pours forth in so many facets.  From our initial discussion through the creation process, I am pouring love into each and every piece.  Once that beautiful package is wrapped and shipped out, I anxiously await to hear the joy my client feels opening her present! :)

Joy, love, happiness... peace - Bella Amore is all that and more!

Recently I was interviewed on a radio show about my passion for the jewelry I create.  The hostess, Suzy Manning talks with guests focusing on how to help women in their midlife connect with what their true passion and purpose is.  I truly believe everyone is beautiful and everyone has something special to give.  Finding what your special gift is and sharing it with the world, that's where your legacy starts!

Listen to internet radio with SuzyManning on BlogTalkRadio

If above audio player doesn't work, click here to be taken to the archived interview.

Bella Amore is a brand created from the depths of my soul.  Seeing the beauty around me, spreading love and letting women know how special they are!  The pieces I create are unique, artistic, quality and a reflection of the woman within.  If you'd like something custom designed to showcase your personality, or to honor 3 generations of family, a sister connection or a special mother/daughter bond, connect with me.  I'd love to send some beautiful love your way! ♥

Hugs!
Dawn



Here's a P.S. Because family is so important to me, I have to share a few pictures from a family weekend we had at my brother's house!  We had an amazing bonfire, cookout and overnight!  It was really special for all 4 of the kids along with Mom & Dad to be together under one roof.  We roasted smores, ate burgers, laughed a lot and we were able to help get a lot of yard work done around my brother's house! 

With my "Little" brother - who'll always be wayyyy taller than his big sis!

My Family (L to Right) - Mom, Amy, Brenda, Greg, Me, Dad

More Family ( L to R) - Don, Amy, Greg, Dad, Mom, Bren, Ashlynn & Liam

I think this a combination of Cheese S'more!

Grandpa and a sleepy camper!

Turquoise Envy - Do you have it?

Yes, it's true, some people have Turquoise Envy.  It's what happens when one sees something beautiful made with turquoise and secretly covets it for themselves.  The good news is, there's a cure for Turquoise Envy!

I've been a very busy lady as of late.  I am taking my one-of-a-kind jewelry designs on the road to Scottsdale Arizona!  Over Memorial Day weekend, I'll be participating in an incredible event designed to help entrepreneurs price, package and promote their businesses to success.  Linda P. Jones is the master of wealth building and one really important component of that is having your own business.  So the intensive retreat she's hosting Memorial Day weekend is specifically about branding to appeal to your ideal clients.  (There's are just a few spaces open still if you are a business owner and would like to join us:  http://bit.ly/YMUtzp )

So in preparing for the retreat, I've been finishing a few pieces of jewelry that will be going with me to sell (including that turquoise and druzy cuff I showed a short time ago) and showcase what options are available to have designed in a custom piece of jewelry by me.  I'm really excited to connect with new clients and to help showcase their individual beauty through their jewelry style.  That's what makes custom-made jewelry so special... it's made exclusively for you, to your taste, color and style - and in turn is a visual image of who you are.  It's just so special that someday you can pass that jewelry along to your family as part of your legacy! 

Everlasting Blue Danube - Featuring Pantone 2013 Spring Colors

Designed to showcase a few of this year's Pantone colors, I set out to design this legacy necklace around a special lampwork glass focal bead.

There's a story behind that bead...

A long, long time ago in the land of Delavan, I was mailed this focal bead.  It came from Princess Julianna Cannon (owner of JulsBeads).  Her instructions were, "This is an UAB (ugly ass bead) but rather than pitching it, I thought you might be able to do something to make it less ugly."

I saw the beauty in this glass focal immediately, and waited for the right opportunity to showcase it in all it's glory.

Everlasting Blue Danube by Dawn Doucette

Into the picture enters a design contest to showcase Pantone's 2013 colors and as luck would have it, this UAB fit 3 of this years colors!

I embellished the natural beauty of this focal by bringing in some gorgeous crystal rondelles and some round glass druks.  My favorite part of this piece (aside from the flower focal) is the fringe.  I wanted to create a fringe that resembled roots, so I used the vibrant spring green to create a funky, root-like fringe.

My piece was selected as a finalist in the Beadaholique design contest.  If you like my design, I'd really appreciate your vote.  Voting is open to the public through April 17th.  Click this link http://ow.ly/jX37w and "Like" the photo of my Everlasting Blue Danube in Facebook. 

The beauty within this flower formed of glass will carry out it's legacy forever.  It will always beautiful and it will always sparkle.  There's beauty all around us, it's up to each one of us to appreciate the small things and see that beauty. 

 {Hugs!}
Dawn

Semi-Precious Gemstones - Rich in History, Beautiful in Art Jewelry

When I'm creating different pieces of art jewelry, it's interesting to me what strikes me to use in my designs.  When I'm designing with semi-precious gemstones, three stones in particular jump out at me.

Turquoise - Amethyst - Tiger's Eye

What's even more amazing is when you start digging into the meaning of each stone and the metaphysical energy in the stones, what they offer.  This piece uses a turquoise focal in the center, accented with rich, chocolate brown faceted crystals and soft coral beadwork. 

Turquoise is also used in the links and the necklace is finished with a copper chain.  Have you noticed how often you see turquoise jewelry that uses copper as the metal?  It's not a coincidence, copper enhances the effects of turquoise.

Here's some interesting turquoise facts:

• If given a turquoise by a loving friend, that stone would protect the wearer from negative energy and bring good fortune.  
• Turquoise brings peace to the home.
• Turquoise carries great wisdom of basic truth within it.

"Turquoise is a stone that has been prized for many years. The ancient Egyptians used turquoise in jewelry. Turquoise is greenish-blue or pale sky blue. The name means "Turkish stone" as it came to Europe by way of Turkey. Turquoise was mined more than 6,000 years ago in Sinai. The best turquoise comes from Iran, but not much is exported now. Much turquoise comes from Mexico and the United States today." via crystal-cure.com

It's not a wonder turquoise resonates with so many people!  What semi-precious gemstone speaks to you?