Friday, June 14, 2013

Paper Posies, Pins with Organic Appeal!

perfect for a touch of nature with any outfit!

I started making paper posy flower pins a short while ago and they are finally up and for sale on Etsy!


This is one example of the pins, they are each unique and fun!  Stop by my Etsy shop to see more designs or by my website.


These will be perfect for any outfit or even as a wonderful accessory for a bride or bridesmaids (or groomsmen).  I can make almost any color or combination of colors.


Please contact me for more details!

Monday, June 10, 2013

Summer 2013 Color Trends, Part II


We have discussed about half of the Pantone color palette for Summer 2013 (below).  This is the palette;

Pantone colors for summer 2013

We already discussed; Lemon Zest (Pantone 13-0756), Tender Shoots (Pantone 14-0446), Dusk Blue (Pantone 16-4120), Emerald (Pantone 17-5641) and Grayed Jade (Pantone 14-6011).

Today let's discuss; African Violet (pantone 16-3520), Monaco Blue (Pantone 19-3964), Nectarine (Pantone 16-1360), Poppy Red (Pantone 17-1664) and, last but not least, Linen (Pantone 12-1008).





Sterling Silver Handmade Enameled Post Earrings in Violet and Fuschia

African Violet:

Purples are a forgotten color group in many people's homes and closets.  African violet can be used this summer in many areas, from carrying a tote with violet in it to wearing a headband or scarf with accents within in or wearing earrings that include it, like in these enamel sterling silver and fine silver earrings with organic finish.













Sterling Silver and Fine Silver Enameled Post Earrings in Pantone Color Monaco Blue Monaco Blue:

I am partial to the name of this color (although I have always been partial to the color itself) as it's my maternal grandmother's maiden name.  :)

The rich cobalt-ish blue is very saturated with intense color but will still be useful for summer.  Try sunglasses with monaco blue frames, fun flip flops or enamel fine silver and sterling silver "vessel" earrings which pack a punch of color within their 8mm centers!








Dangle Ename Earrings, handmade in copper and sterling silver, nectarine orange and denim blue

Nectarine Orange: 

Orange is a wonderful color for summer!  Bright and cheerful, it's bound to make even dreary days fun.

Many people avoid oranges, though, either because they aren't sure which oranges will look good with their skin tone or because they fear using too much color.  Even heavily saturated colors, like nectarine orange, can be used by everyone.  Start in small ways, like wearing some capris with an orange print or striping or a pair of handmade enamel orange and denim blue earrings like these.  Even small accents can bring color into your wardrobe!









Poppy Red:

Reds are terrific for most seasons but, during the summer, they are even easier to wear!

Lipstick is the natural choice for red, make sure to try a cool lipstick: bottom (with a blue base) and a warm lipstick: top (with a yellow base) at the store before doling out the money on one that might not look good on you.  Another site for finding out your skin tone (warm or cool) is She Knows; Beauty and Style.  The image, to the right, is also from that website and shows good examples of warm red lipstick versus cool red lipstick.





Handmade Faceted Mount Saint Helen's Ring with Square Shank, made from sterling silver

Red can also be used in accessories, of course; red pumps or slings or summer... red clutches or totes or red pieces of jewelry, to bring red into your ensemble in a smaller (more personal) way.

This is a faceted Mount Saint Helen's "stone" set into a sterling silver handmade and hand textured / hammered ring with a square shank.  One of a kind and perfect for summer attire (or any season, for that matter).

For more of my red items please click here.









Last, but definitely not least, we have Linen!

Linen is a subdued, delicate color that almost anyone will feel comfortable tying into their summer outfits, or home!  This light peachy-pink will be easy to accent (as a main color) or to use as an accent for other colors.

This clutch is a prime example of how Linen can be used any day, any time!



Those are all of the summer 2013 Pantone colors, in a nut shell, with various ways they can be used and worn.  I hope that you have enjoyed this summer sneak peak, thank you for reading!

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Summer Color Trends for 2013

Every season we are graced with a new (or re-newed) closet full of clothes.  We, of course, have our favorites but, when shopping for new clothes, sometimes we are torn between our "staple" color palettes and trying something new.

Pantone, a system of accurate color measurement, has listed it's 2013 summer palette and I am going to share it here, with you, in case you're not sure if that nectarine purse that you bought will be able to survive the once-over by your fashionista sister!


2013 Summer Color Trends for Fashion and Jewelry

As you can see some wonderful colors are in store for us this summer!  They are not, however, for the feint of heart. 


 
lemon zest enamel earrings in fine silver and sterling silver

Lemon Zest:  lemon yellows and golds are surprisingly easy to add to a summer palette if you're someone that likes to wear gold.  Instead of wearing gold try silver jewelry (which will highlight your sun-kissed skin) with gold or yellow enamel accents.  The try one or two other touches of yellow (a skinny belt, purse or scarf etc.) and you'll be ready for 2013's summer!

Gold also can be used for makeup accentuation as well.  Try a little gold shimmer powder on your eyelids or a tiny bit on your cheeks and nose to bring a natural spring glow to your face.




tender shoots pantone color on fine silver and enamel earrings
Tender Shoots; this chartreuse - ish green color will be a lot of fun to bring into your wardrobe!  Don't be afraid to try small touches of it throughout your outfit and remember... "opposites attract".  If you're not sure what color to pair a bright lime with (besides the old faithfuls of black or white) try it's opposite; dark red - ish purple.

A coctail ring, pair of neon lime earrings or another small accessory item will pair well with many other colors, from robin's egg blue to purple or even orange, when used sparingly.



grayed jade pantone color, labradorite stacking ring
Grayed Jade seems like an odd color for a summer palette... it's indecisive... does it was to be green or gray?  Maybe it wants to be a gray-ish blue?  Either way this color will work well for those that like to limit their fashion's 90's level and avoid all-things bright or fluorescent.

This labradorite ring is a prime example of how, albeit subtle, grayed jade can still be interesting and not dull!

Rainbow moonstones or Larvakite (Norwegian Moonstone) have similar properties to the Labradorite, should you like those colors and some "flash" on your gems!





dusk blue pantone color, summer 2013 fashion palette.  oblong hoops with vintage beads.

Dusk Blue:  Dusk blue is probably a color that most people have worn already, especially during the summer.  It can be found in light colored denim, blouses etc..  It's a wonderfully soothing color and, although fairly subdued, still rich with intrigue!  Focal earrings, like these oblong sterling silver, hand made and hammered hoops with vintage beads or a nice head band with blues in it or even a pair of flats that can be dressed up or down, depending on where the mood takes you!






Emerald pantone color for summer 2013 fashions
Emerald:  When you look at the palette, above, and think about the comment "opposites attract" you may come to the realization that another of the colors on this palette fill that bill; linen.  It's a light pink (and also the opposite of a dark green color).

Using linen and a smattering of emerald you could cause quite a stir at your next family BBQ, or when out on the town!

The richness of emerald makes everything more opulent, like this "mood" necklace of sterling silver with emerald colored enamel and intricate Celtic knot work.















That's all for this installation, we will discuss the rest of the summer pantone palette for 2013 in our next installation.  Thank you for reading!