Sparkle and shine!

I got together with girlfriends last week

for some creative fun and jewelry making.

I had this wonderful sparkly crystal necklace with me 

and decided that instead of repairing the vintage crystal lovely

I would pull off a few of the beads 

and create a completely new look in my favorite color scheme.

I'm pleased how it has a whole new look with the vintage

 baubles and the display with my ceramic creations!

Thrilled to have it shared in Jewelry Affaire Magazine!

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Merry bling, bling, bling

with vintage finds ...

and a simple silver beaded wreath,

layered on top of another wreath

this one a little larger

and the process continues ...

until I am happy,

or maybe there is no more space !

I LoVe layering

throughout my cottage home and garden,

in my wardrobe,

in my tablescapes,

in my creative endeavours

and here with all the sparkly treasures

used to create this holiday wreath !

Merry bling, bling, bling,

makes my heart sing !

Tabletop treasures

Romantic Homes Magazine asked me to share a few

tips and tricks...

for adding holiday sparkle to our tabletops in this months issue.

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Here are a few suggestions...

Consider using mirrors in a variety of ways on your tablescape,

mirrors are wonderful for reflecting light & colors

and even better when paired with candlelights flickering!

Silver with whites are great neutrals.

Add a pop of your favorite holiday color to the neutral color scheme

even pink or turquoise,

by piling your treasured ornaments into a beautifully cut crystal bowl.

Costume jewelry is great for additional holiday sparkle,

raid grandmother's jewelry box for embellishments

on place tags, napkin holders, wreaths and Christmas stockings.

Grandfather's pocket watch adds family history,

sentiment and interest.

Combining old, cherished pieces with new purchases creates original recycling chic,

especially when using collectibles with a family history.

Silver spray paint on dried leaves, berries and pine cones

are rich embellishments and cost so little,

displayed with a nest created out of tinsel

and a bird topping it adds to the sparkling nature scene.

Consider decorating the table with positive quotes

in place of name tags

or as the focal point of the centerpiece.

Whatever you choose to do,

enjoy the process and have a happy holiday !

To view how the mirror tree was created click here

Grateful for the opportunity to share the fun !

Ralph Lauren inspired choker necklace

I've always been a fan of Ralph Lauren and his design sense.

He has a classic timeless quality to his designs that I am drawn to

So when I came across this choker necklace in his

2011 spring collection runway show

* * * * *

my imagination sparked !

I had a fabric swatch in front of me for a clients window treatments

and a pile of fun jewelry bits and bobs

( yes, I seem to live with little piles of creativity throughout the cottage )

folding the fabric on the bias gave me a more interesting pattern

and the swatch was just large enough to fit a neck size

my excitement with the possibility builds !

I know I may be odd this way but it is how my imagination works...

Bits of chains are laid out for visual, and the fun begins

needle and thread, glue and wire cutters are rounded up

and the actual design begins to take shape.

Want to see what I ended up with and the cost nothing ?

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Partridge in an acorn tree

I trained a climbing fig plant over this topiary frame

it has become the perfect perch for the partridge

acorn ornaments were added,

a tiny corner of the window ledge is styled for the holidays

view more about the jeweled tree here.

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Embroidered ribbon purse

and belt created with 2 1/2" wide fabric ribbon.

I lined the existing width of the ribbon with a black fabric and added Velcro to fasten it closed for the belt.

The clutch was created by sewing 3 widths together before lining and adding a cord loop and button closure.

These adorable ballet style Rocket dog's are all dressed up

with the addition of clip on earrings in a gold tone.

preparation for the holidays begins...

Fun in the sun Summer Sandals

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are enhanced with a bit of embellishing

seashells, buttons, bits of lace, vintage jewelry...

Miscellaneous creativity continues at Summerland Cottage...

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