I was already feeling shackled to the indoors because of the blazing heat outside and then jewelry designer Sarah Swell has to go and send me a link to her gorgeous jewelry inspired by the organic shapes found on the beach and in the ocean.  I’m really impressed that she can take inspiration from items that I usually associate with being hard and coarse like fish scales, barnacles and coral and make them into such delicate creations.  Of course now in addition to wanting the “flotsam and jetsam” necklace below all I can think about is refreshing breezes and lying on a boat anchored out at sea! Shop for Sarah’s jewelry here.

Summertime is party time and these beautiful bracelets from Taylor Kenney are the perfect accessory for all of your party time outfits.  See more from Taylor Kenney’s jewelry collection here and here.

I’m a big fan of little necklaces, especially combined with other necklaces of varying length and size. That’s why I loved seeing all of the necklace combo’s in the 2010 SI Swimsuit issue. Yes, I bought the issue myself and I’m not ashamed to admit it.  Most of the little necklaces featured on the models were from Dogeared, whose mission is to spread positive energy throughout the world via their tiny jewelry with a big message. Check out their huge collection of beautiful, happy, jewelry here.

Marimekko “Taikamylly” fabric designed by Sanna Annukka

Donna Wilson Owl Cushion

Jaclyn Mayer “Leonora” necklace made from climbing rope and a steel chain.

Iso50 “1971″ Giclee Print. Check out their Tycho Music site too for cool grooves.

Erica Weiner Solitaire Emerald Ring

PataPri Sweet Home Hand Towel

Wow! This just might be one of my best giveaways EVER! One lucky lady or gentleman will win this stunning necklace from Loren Hope Designs.  After all, Valentines Day is just around the corner and this would be a lovely surprise for your lady love. Inspired by the vintage jewelry she plundered while playing in her grandmother’s thrift shop as a little girl, Raleigh, NC based designer Loren Barham founded Loren Hope Designs in 2005.  Her love of color and vintage construction are obvious in this fabulous statement piece, the Peyton Bib Necklace.

Here’s how you can enter to win:  Leave a comment telling me where you would wear this beautiful handcrafted necklace? You have until Monday night to enter and Loren will choose the lucky winner. I will announce the winner Tuesday morning.

I would wear it to the All-In Ball a fabulous benefit to help raise money to support my friend Tyler, who by the way would look amazing in this necklace.

And the winner is….Maglie!

]]> http://littlewillow.com/2010/01/14/friday-giveaway-loren-hope-designs/feed/ 24 http://littlewillow.com/2010/01/13/amy-nordtrom-new-collection/ http://littlewillow.com/2010/01/13/amy-nordtrom-new-collection/#comments Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:43:49 +0000 lilwills http://littlewillow.com/?p=4605 I’ve been a big fan of Amy Nordström’s lucky clover jewelry collection since the hubs gave me a pair of the sterling silver clover earrings for my birthday a few years back. Recently I joined Amy’s Facebook fan club where I learned she has a new collection called the Cassia Collection.  I wrote to the Sausalito based Amy to find out more about these gorgeous new designs and what inspired these new shapes. Here is what Amy shared with me:

“The Cassia Collection came to fruition after deciding to  base my 2010 collection around shapes found in nature as well as try for pieces that were more organic, textural & fluid. Within the Cassia Collection there are 3 designs that reflect this: the Honey Locust leaf, the Lotus flower & the Cassia Leaf. The great Cassia O’Black (of Green Apples fame) was with me in the studio when we found pictures of the Cassia Tree (which grows mainly in Hawaii & Asia). Needless to say we thought it would be the perfect name for the new collection (Cassia also thought some proceeds should go to her but I had to shoot that idea down ”

I have to side with Cassia on this one. Also I think I might need this amazing cuff bracelet to complete my own personal Amy Nordström collection.

Brevity, the jewelry project from Anna Corpron of Sub-Studio is nothing short of gorgeous.  I don’t know where she finds the time to be so creative, between Sub-Studio and The Working Proof, she and her partner Sean Auyeung are becoming quite prolific in the design world.  My favorite collection from her line of jewelry is Horo, her necklace collection of gold plated and sterling silver clock hands. They have a romantic, old timey feel that I love.  If you happen to be in the NYC/Brooklyn area this week then head over to the Brooklyn Flea’s Gifted Holiday Market from December 14th through the 20th to see these items and more in person.

Tyler and me

Dear Readers,

I wanted to take a moment for something a little more personal today. My good friend Tyler Manchuck, who also happens to be one of the funniest and most joyful people I know, is fighting cervical cancer and needs our help.  Tyler has already had a hysterectomy at 33 years old and been through two rounds of chemo and radiation.  Unfortunately the “c” word has returned and as she heads into a third round of chemo and radiation she needs all of our thoughts and prayers to help her kick this thing once and for all!!

A great way to support Tyler is to purchase one of these FIGHT WITH TYLER necklaces or bracelets by jewelry designer Sally Baker. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Tyler.  Tyler begins treatment today at noon PST. If you are reading this please take a moment to send her a wish for a positive outcome.

Thank you!!!

Larkyn

FIGHT WITH TYLER Collection

One of my readers Mia turned me on to Courtney Kaye’s beautiful accessories, thanks Mia! Courtney Kaye began her life in-style as a model but quickly realized her talents were better suited for jewelry design.  After studying at the FIDM in LA and interning with the fabulous Alexis Bittar she launched Courtney Kaye Design in 2009. Her gem encrusted headbands have a real art deco feel that would make the perfect accessory to your Blair Waldorf inspired outfit or any classic, tailored outfit for that matter. Courtney’s entire line is very romantic and feminine. I am in love with the long tassel necklace with rutilated quartz and the matching smoky lantern earrings. Make sure to add Courtney to your Etsy favorites, she’s one to watch!

These sweet little necklaces from LuLu Bug put a smile on my face this morning.  I have been an apple eating machine lately. I’ve especially liked green apples which I’d never liked before (except in an apple pie of course), so that green apple necklace has my name on it.  The designer Sue Urquhart makes each necklace by hand using silver and concrete. Who knew concrete was capable of something so pretty?! She is clearly on an Autumn inspired kick right now and I love it! Visit her Etsy shop to see more flora and fauna necklaces.

These are my babies. A love of a city that instills in me more inspiration than an endless well all poured into each piece of jewelry. I think some of these are so amazing that they could be the answer to an engagement, commitment or promise ring.  Some of the rutilated topaz, a rare form of topaz, are 3 carats and some are as large as 25-30 carats. They have stunning red veins which are the most rare and therefore the most prized. In these economic times and for the discerning, conscious bride they are an absolutely stunning replacement for a diamond - Shamila

Minaret Stacking Rings – These stones were cut specifically for me. A shape never seen before, these minaret and lotus inspired stones are a culmination of some of my favorite symbols and cultures, from the mosques in Istanbul to the lotus of Thailand, this ring is the absolute wanderlust symbol. A series of rose quartz, lilac amethyst, flawless citrines, swiss and london blue topaz set in sterling and 14 k bands.

Rutilated Topaz Cloud Ring: Rutilated Topaz set on a hand crafted 14k gold of special alloy on a cloud shaped band of sterling silver, entirely hand made. A truly magical ring. One of a kind. Size 6.25

Whale Ring: Inspired by the Indian motifs I use on my website this bold yet delicate ring just like whales and mermaids are….is a stunner. Rutilated Quartz like never seen before. This is the only etched version I have. The etcher is the only one of his kind of such expertise in pretty much the entire jewelry community in Istanbul. This ring is a true labor of love.

Mojok Rutilated Topaz Rings: A set of 6 rutilated topaz with the most stunning array of rutiles. The ring band is inspired by the Aquarian or Kova – in Turkish the water bearer. I feel like the bands are reminiscent of a byzantine water vessel. Various sizes, 14k gold and silver. Absolutely comfortable and screaming “i do”.

Lately, with my expanding middle I’m not feeling very goddess-like in clothes, especially maternity clothes.  The site of my body in the nude still gives me a little bit of a shock even as I revel in the wonder of what my body is capable of and the joy of every little movement this baby makes.   Jewelry on the other hand is so sentimental and something I can wear even after the arrival of our little boy.  I keep going back to Shopbop to visit Gorjana’s beautiful gold jewelry.  Her Willow and Vine designs look very Roman or Greek to me.  I think a piece of her jewelry might make me feel more goddess like in my current state, after all the Greek Goddess Circe is said to have planted a riverside with willow tree’s in honor of the moon which is often related to fertility.  To the hubs if you are reading this take note, if you want your pregnant wife to feel like a goddess, this jewelry would be a great place to start, wink wink.

Growing up in Buffalo, NY I understand what it’s like to be from one of the Rust Belt cities where you often feel like you are just another sad statistic when the economy is tanking and completely left off the map when the economy is good.  I have been buoyed by some positive articles about Buffalo in the recent past and I’m hopeful for its future. Detroit, on the other hand, has had it worse than usual lately with the demise of the car industry. So I think it’s time to give them some love. What better way to support the Detroit economy than to shop one of their local boutiques, City Bird!

Siblings Andy and Emily Linn, who both have degrees in the arts from the University of Michigan, have combined their eye for design into cool Detroit themed housewares, accessories and jewelry. It makes me happy to hear about locals who understand the opportunities available in their hometown cities even if they do fall under some unfortunate statistic from time to time. By returning to the nest these locals become a part of the positive change that will give these cities the boost they need.  Visit City Bird here!

Here are just a few of the beautiful items available from one of my new favorite online shops, Fey Handmade.  Fey Handmade specializes in what else, delightful handmade things. Christine Lindstrom, the curator of the online shop, focuses on unique pieces with a eco-conscious slant from a variety of individual artists.  I will definitely be bookmarking Fey Handmade for help with my Christmas shopping list!

Melissa Loves, and so do I, this funky embroidered geometry necklace from Etsy seller Spint Thread. See more unique jewelry from the South Beach artist here.