Following My Wild Heart - Heading Toward a Dream

I'm on a wild kick lately...  lots of changes are happening in my life and my inner creative soul is being set free!  I've begun the process of truly following my dreams and listening to my intuition as a guide to help me.  And friends, let me tell you, this is a big, Big, BIG dream... like moving halfway across the country in search of sunshine to design the life I've been building toward for years!  YIKES!

So in spirit of allowing my soul to run free and to be present in all my feelings, emotions and decisions I decided this year to create something special for a few of my very dearest friends.  They are like sisters to me, so I wanted to give them something that will remind them how much I love and cherish them in my life no matter the distance between us!

The fun part is, I found these super great leopard cabochons when I was doing some homework at Hobby Lobby for Cousin Corporation of America... which also coincided with planning the amazing For the Love of Greg Spaghetti Dinner benefit we had last October.  It was a really crazy busy fall for me, so my creativity just wasn't jiving then... but these spoke to me and I knew they'd become something amazing!

I used a steel chain from Cousin Corp so it's hypoallergenic and super light weight!  I beaded the leopard print cabochons to create a delicious palette of chocolate browns, black with a pop of irridescent finishes!  I love how they turned out, my friends loved them and even better... they'll always have a piece of my heart no matter near or far! 

Spread love & joy!
~Hugs~
Dawn

P.S. Follow my journey on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/BellaAmoreLegacyJewelry

Copper Jewelry - On the Edge of Being Rocker Chic

Copper jewelry is the perfect accessory to wear right now.  I see it as a blend of fall, going into winter and skipping into spring!  This month as a member of Cousin's Creative Circle, we were given the freedom to create anything that inspired us and to highlight where we get our Cousin products locally.  I was so excited to share a brand new Joann Fabric & Craft store that just opened up in Lake Geneva, WI.  I was there on opening day for photos and to peruse their beads and jewelry findings!  (They have super awesome papers for scrap booking too if you're into preserving memories in scrap books.)

The inspiration for the design this month came from an awesome pendant I have from Cousin.  It's a hammered copper (amazing texture) with circles in burgundy, lavender and eggplant.  The copper plays such an integral part in marrying the red family to the purple family.  Using a traditional pendant, I "Dawn-i-sized" it into a singular component of a much more extensive design.  I created a second component featuring a Swarovski rivoli and embellished that with amazing crystals and backed both pieces with a deep eggplant Italian leather in an ostrich texture.

I really had fun picking out chain in various sizes and textures to pull this whole Rocker Chic look together. It's bad ass, with a wisp romance and a touch of flirty!  The necklace is long and is perfect for accessorizing that warm, cozy sweater through the winter months!  It'll also be perfect for the fun cocktail dress to head out on Valentine's Day! 

I love the finished design and how the whole inspiration came together.  If you're looking for creative ideas for the holidays, visit your local Joann's.  They have tons of ideas you can create including projects the kids can do to make everybody included in the Christmas festivities! 

♥

Additionally, if you're looking for Christmas beads and charms to make fun jewelry and gifts for the holidays, Cousin has their 'Tis the Season collection available through AC Moore or online at PrimaBeads.com.  Super fun, lots of sparkle and so many fun ideas! 

Dawn Doucette, Lake Geneva WI becomes Brand Ambassador for Cousin

Sending you love and well wishes for a Rockin' Good Holiday!

Hugs!

 Dawn

P.S. If you want to stay in touch, message me via my Facebook Page - Bella Amore Legacy Jewelry.  I love staying in touch and sharing sneak peeks of what I'm working on giving YOU my loyal blog followers first chance to call dibs on legacy designs that catch your eye!

Where the Ocean Meets the Sand - A custom necklace inspired by Florida

Your walking along the shore.  You feel the wet sand under you feet.  Glancing back, you see your footprints leading the way back to where you've been.  Looking ahead all you see is possibilities.  You can go anywhere and your options are endless.  But you're called back to the water...

For my first custom design for Cousin Corporation, our assignment was to create something inspired by Florida because their company is based in Largo, FL.  We could choose anything at all about Florida to use as inspiration, but we had to use only Cousin beads in our creations.  Whether it was flamingos, citrus fruits, Disney, palm trees or something else all together.  I always chose the "something else" path less traveled. 

I created this custom beaded necklace I call Where the Ocean Meets the Sand. I started by laying out everything under the sun that might go into this necklace.  Initially I wasn't sure where my inspiration would take me... but here's what I started to play with.

Personally, I've always been drawn to water.  Sunrise, sunset, walks on the beach... and let's be honest, Florida being a peninsula has a LOT of beaches.  So I thought it was appropriate that my Florida inspired necklace feature the beautiful ocean and beaches.

As a focal, I selected an amber and teal colored geode slice. It's almost the shape of Florida (it's just missing the panhandle).  It paired perfectly with the teal seed bead mix and the amber seed bead mix from Cousin.  The mixes have a combination of bugle beads, 11/0 and 8/0 that worked to give this an organic, funky flow.  To finish the necklace I pulled in beautiful copper accents in bead caps and the toggle clasp, some amber gemstone nuggets and acrylic faceted beads.

A little wire-wrapping makes this necklace reversible

This is one of those pieces that will go perfectly with turquoise outfits all summer and will blend marvelously into the fall earthy tones.  It's artistic and fun.  It's asymmetrical and still balanced.  I think I nailed Florida so perfectly that this piece should take a trip to Florida just for good measures! ;)

And because I needed some instant gratification in the sea of seed beads and all the looping to make this necklace, I created a pair of matching earrings.  The kidney ear wires and copper charms with crystal accents are both Cousin products.  The lampwork glass beads are from Juli Cannon of StudioJuls.  Yet another staple in my array of turquoise and copper... can you say LOVE?!?! 

Click to Follow My Creative Inspirations on Facebook

Believe - Jewelry with a Message

be·lieve  

/biˈlēv/

Verb

1. Accept (something) as true; feel sure of the truth of: "the superintendent believed Lancaster's story".
2. Accept the statement of (someone) as true.

It's interesting what grabs our attention, as we're listening to music, watching tv, scrolling through Facebook and Twitter. As I'm dancing around on Pinterest, I have one board set up for inspiring quotes.  As I'm looking at it, I see a pattern in the words that capture my attention... Love, Dream, Believe.  I think everything in life has a message for us as we are all connected by energy.  SO it's no wonder that when I design jewelry, often these same words will show up in my custom creations.

I recently finished a custom order for a woman who has faced her own life challenges head on, followed her dream and now she's helping other people every single day.  She's using her gifts and her knowledge to help other people live better lives and literally feel better from the inside out. 

When we choose to follow the path to our dreams, it's not all straight and full of white picket fences.  People will think you are crazy at times to give up _________ (fill in the blank from your own experiences) which is well paying, has great benefits, predictable future in lieu of fulfilling your passion.

It's at this point that you need to look in the mirror, smile at the person you see looking back at you and tell them YOU Believe in them.  From the tips of the toes to the top of your head, believe in your dreams and work to achieve them. 

Why work tirelessly for someone else's dreams when you can put your energy and love into creating your own!  Believe...


What words speak to you?  If you'd like to have a special piece of jewelry custom designed with your special message, contact me via my Facebook Page - Bella Amore Legacy Jewelry.  I love designing exclusive pieces of jewelry that hold deep meaning.  My beaded jewelry designs are more than just jewelry - they become part of your legacy.  Show the world who you are and pass down your message for generations to come!

Love - Focus on What Really Matters, Pendant by Erin Prais-Hintz

Hope Eternal - Runner up in Make it for Mom Design Contest

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!