Outside the Box

I'm so very lucky to have taken a class with Terri Brush (http://www.terribrushdesigns.com). She's the person who taught me to solder. I'm even more fortunate to be working with her on the next Jewelry Affaire. You will be able to see some great new pieces from her come October 1 in the magazine. What truly is a testament to Terri is her students. It seems like everyone she teaches develops a love affair with jewelry making. In the upcoming issue a few of Terri's students will have their work featured as well.

I was so tickled to receive this necklace from Terri. It has my favorite elements: ribbon, words, soldering, bling, and slight wire wrapping. And did you see the box?!?! This is maybe the best box I have ever seen! I have never liked a box so much! Stamping and jewelry elements appear on the outside, along with my name. I just love the color scheme and the creativity. Thank you Terri, for thinking and creating outside of the box : )

You can make something equally gorgeous too. Terri can show you how. Visit her website or blog, http://terribrushdesigns.blogspot.com/ and sign up for a class. There might even be a magazine mention in your future.

An Evening With Enzoani

One of the great perks about my job is being able to attend fashion-related events. I was so very excited to have been invited to the Enzoani show in Newport Beach, at the gorgeous Marriott, Fashion Island.

Enzoani is an eveningwear brand, specializing in bridal, prom, and other formal wear. Their offshoot labels include Blue by Enzoani and Love by Enzoani. Several people at the event wore their Enzoani duds and dresses were all over on display.

Unfortunately though, it was ridiculously hot and the staff was very unorganized. So unorganized in fact, that my colleague and I left before the actual fashion show. I love seeing fashion shows, so that should give you an idea of how disappointed/frustrated I was with the event. I don't mean to come here to complain nor do I mean to put this company down in any way, I just wanted to share the reality of the situation. Hence the lack of photos. Enzoani really does make some glamorous dresses, but sometimes things don't always go as glamorously as you had planned. Such is life.

The silver lining: there were complementary cocktails. At the end of the day there are always silver linings, good company to be had, cocktails to sip, and hopefully, another fashion event.

Toss the Bouquet

My friend Julie (www.julienuttingdesigns.blogspot.com) showed me this Etsy shop, saying she thought of me. I'm totally blown away by these bouquets. Some are made with fabric, others buttons, others satin, and then there are the bejeweled ones. These beauties range in price to accommodate any bride's budget. I think this would be a great way to incorporate heirloom family jewelry without worrying about wearing it all. Visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/reallybadkitty to see more. These are obviously not bouquets you will ever want to toss.

Red, White & Blue ... Well, Sorta

Just added these three beauties to my Etsy faves and thought they looked nice together ... nice enough to post. I know I am a little fashionably late in paying my patriotic respects, but I think these gems are well worth the wait.

Top: Dreams of Persia by Christine Wallace (www.christinewallacevintagejewelry.blogspot.com). Christine is one of my new favorite jewelry designers, look for her in the Fall issue of Jewelry Affaire (out October 1, 2011).

Center: Vintage and red hair bling from one of my all-time favorite Etsy shops, www.etsy.com/shop/ohfaro.

Bottom: Jamie always out does herself (www.simplymeart.com).