Fetishes Can Be Dangerous

Especially when you drop everything else to fulfill your desires! 

I'm sure I'm not alone. I'm not the only one with crazy fetishes.  Here's my story: 

The mail came, an unexpected package was in the mail.  It was from my favorite lampwork artist Juliana Cannon - Studio Juls.  Hmmm, I could either wonder what was inside... nope, no time to wonder! I ripped open the package with the eagerness of a kid at the candy store. 

You know what I found? 

The most amazing, seriously lickable, lampwork glass cabochon that was screaming my name.  The color, the uniformity, the size, it's like we were a match made in heaven.  To me, I saw this cab and it spoke of ocean waves, sandy beaches, the romantic sounds of the sea. 

And Turquoise... so the fetish begins! 

Everything else got shoved right off the table so I could sit down and play. Like immediately...

The way this necklace came together was magical!  I have to thank Juls for giving me the privilege of playing with her glass and share it with you.  Here online store is loaded with brand new cabs, as well as her beads.  If you haven't used Juls lampwork before, you owe it to yourself to try it!  Each piece is perfection and I won't tell if you end up licking yours too! ;)

The aqua nuggets, crystal and copper accents are all from Cousin when I visited earlier this year.  I saw the nuggets in their warehouse and had.to.have.them!  Thank goodness I didn't need to wrestle anybody for them because you know who would have won... and I'm a lover, not a fighter. ♥

Have an amazing day, do something fun and make a difference in the world!
{Hugs!}
Dawn

Happy Birthday America!

As people in the US are enjoying fireworks, weekends boating on the lakes, family BBQ's and parades, I want to take a moment to reflect on the reason for our celebration.  Happy Birthday America!

To celebrate this special birthday (because I love birthdays & cake - tee hee) I wanted to give a special birthday gift.  I've posted it on my Designs by Dawn Marie Facebook Wall, and want to make sure you have the same opportunity.

This beachy inspired adjustable anklet is just screaming - "I need to see the world!"  Being summer, and America's birthday, I want this anklet to have it's wish.  SOOOOOOOOOOOOO... if someone adopts this anklet from my Artfire Store by 11:59 pm CST tonight, I'll also include a matching pair of earrings!  Aren't birthday presents fun?  :)

Sorry, the cake won't make it in the mail. :( 

To help this anklet fulfill it's dream, here's the link to give it a nice home. http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1445256

Happy Birthday America! :)  I hope all of your festivities are wonderful!

{Hugs!}
~Dawn

Up-Cycled Beaded Jewelry Set

So many of us have pieces of jewelry laying around that we aren't wearing anymore, or they've gone out of style, or they're treasures we collected that are attached to memories.  Such is the case for these lovely strands of sea shells.

The story behind these itty bitty sea shells...

Years ago my Aunt Diane took a trip to Kauai, Hawaii.  It was a wonderful trip that she'll cherish forever.  As her momento, she brought back these lovely sea shells.  While they are the perfect souvenir, it wasn't practical to wear on a daily basis.


A short bit of time ago, Aunt Diane won my un-announced contest on a family blog we run for the 300th post.  Yes, I have a big enough family that we all contribute to a family blog to stay in touch with each other on a more regular basis.  We don't let our distance keep us a part.  So for posting our 300th post I announced Aunt Diane had won and I was going to make her a special bracelet.


But rather than making something new, Aunt Diane asked if I could "do something" with these sea shells.  I love a challenge and was tickled she asked.  So she sent me the sea shells (and some absolutely delicious homemade caramels) and gave me free reign to do whatever I wanted.


I started with the necklace and was inspired by the tropical colors of the painted abalone pendant.  Sea shells were the perfect compliment to make a special piece.  But I can't stop at a necklace... after all, I had promised her a bracelet.  So I completed the set with a 4-strand sea shell bracelet and matching earrings. 

Here's my finished products!  I'm so excited for Aunt Diane to receive her package.  As a *Bonus* this year our family Christmas has the theme "Christmas in Hawaii!"  So I'm hoping the extra sea shell bling will accessorize Aunt Diane perfectly!  Love you Auntie D!

{Hugs!}
~Dawn

Summer Colors - Bright, Bold and Cheerful!

Summer means - days at the beach, bright cheerful flowers, bold, vivacious colors, popsicles & ice cream cones... and bees, but we won't talk about those! :)  It also means we can proudly adorn our ankles with beautiful baubles and our feet in sandals for the world to see!

Having celebrated Memorial Day weekend here in the US, it begins the "unofficial" start of summer.  Kids are nearing the end of school, parents are dreading excited about summer beginning, and with the beautiful weather we've had for the past month, our flowers and gardens look like we're nearing the end of June!  So thus, I'm beginning my "Day at the Beach" designs!

While I don't wear many bracelets, I'm always happy to adorn my ankles with a fun anklet in the summer... different chains, sparkly beads, jingle bells, sea shells... are just a few of my favorite embellishments.  So in the spirit of summer... here's an ode to the start of summer fun and a toast to great summer memories in the making!  Click here if this Anklet is a Must-Have for your summer wardrobe!

Cheers!
~Dawn