Owner: Blooming Lily URL:www.bloominglily.blogspot.com Join Date: Wed, 08 Nov 2006 13:40:33 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: This is an independent style blog featuring reviews and features of the most promising indie independent up-and-coming designers in fashion, jewelry, accessories, and design. Site statistics:Click here
Woman of Steel 2007-04-09 09:00:00 I happened upon the designs of Bozenna and Lukasz Bogucki of Bo's Art and was amazed at the materials that render this line of handbags inventive, eye-catching and totally unexpected! The Opera Collection is crafted entirely from multiple layers of stainless steel mesh of varying weights and textures (except for the chains used as shoulder straps). Yes, those funky peacock feathers, shiny ribbons and silk finish are actually stainless steel that is mixed with 24-karat gold plating, 23-karat gold leaf, copper and brass to give each hand-crafted bag the desired colors and textures. Truly, these are statement making, wearable art bags that have a totally funky and cool appeal. Prices range from $190.00 - $365.00 retail and are also available wholesale. Read more:Steel
Happy Easter 2007-04-08 19:00:00 Happy Easter
to everyone! I found this adorable picture on Flikr from the talented dutch photographer Erik Eti Smith! I love the little chick! Read more:Happy
, Happy Easter
Stitch to Wear 2007-04-10 09:00:00 These meticulously handcrafted earrings by LP Designs are a wonderfully fresh twist on the 60's fad of macrame. Made from chocolate brown cord that is handknotted over wire, I especially love the pretty touch of blue (brown and blue is one of my favorite color combinations incidently!). Cute and flirty, they look like they would just sway gently on the ears. It is hard to believe that they are made with knots and bare hands. See more of her modern take on the art of macrame at LP by rJax. Read more:Stitch
Buzzing Around in Style 2007-04-12 09:00:00 Hands down THE most stylish diaper bag I have ever seen, the soft and slouchy Sophia bag from Alexandra Bee easily fits into even the most sophisticated purse collection. Available in 9 designer fabrics, I especially loved the sumptuous red leather version. Made from the finest and softest Italian leather, the color is so punchy and would look fabulous with any outfit (and not just for toting my kids diapers around!) Luxuriously oversized, the Sophia is treated with a stain and water resistant lining and is designed to accomodate all your daily necessities (and then some) with its many interior and exterior compartments. Practical and pretty? How fabulous!! Read more:Style
Cool Site of the Week--Mr. Picasso Head 2007-04-11 16:20:00 This is a pretty fun site if you have some time to kill and want to express your inner artist. Mr. Picasso
Head, a modern day version of Mr. Potato Head, allows you to create a digital head and face using facial features reminiscent of those used by Pablo Picasso. Very easy, and fun to use, you simply click-and-drag from an assortment of faces, eyes, noses, lips, ear, eyebrows and hair. The only downside is that the site is in flash, so I could not save my image to post here. (this is a a generic one that I found to give you an example!). Also, although the site requests your email address so that you can access the image, I never received it! Oh well...It is still a fun and really cool site.
Funky Finds 2007-04-11 05:48:00 The great blog Funky
Finds (love the banner!!) has featured the Sherbert Ice necklace from my Etsy shop on her blog! Written by Jessica Hood, this is a really great blog that features the most amazing and funky finds from around the web, with a focus on products from indie designers. This blog has been on my daily reads for some time, so I am thrilled that she included me with her other talented artisans!! Thank you Jessica!!
Flirty Fresh and Fabulous 2007-04-13 19:00:00 With great attention to detail, Sandra Mardini creates timeless gorgeous jewelry from the finest materials such as sterling silver, 14K gold, semi-precious stones and freshwater pearls. I had a hard time picking a favorite because they are all so pretty, but the Petra necklace (pictured above) really jumped out at me. The oversized 14K gold filled chain paired with the chunky nuggets of red quartz, cinnabar and wood would add a pop of vivid color to any outfit. Flirty, Fresh and Fabulously Feminine. Indeed.
Go Ahead, Speak Your Mind 2007-04-15 09:00:00 So, I have come across a lot of products and goods in the nine months that I have been writing this blog and none have made me laugh aloud like these fabulously clever notecards by Just Another Day. Customizable by you so you can tell that um...special person exactly what you think of them, I especially love the card's simple and elegant design, lettering and lovely brown envelope and then...wham...the inside can be as rude, funny or crude as you want it to be. How I wish I had one of these when I quit my last job! The card above would have been great or, if you aren't quite so bold, one that simply said "I quit" for example. Oh, the possibilities are endless!! Now, lest you think I just have evil in my head...the bonjour card (pictured below) would be perfect for my french speaking father-in-law. 4 custom cards are only $7.50. However, considering the look that might cross the recipient's face, I'd say that's a bargain. No better yet, Priceless.
Shaken not Stirred 2007-04-16 16:05:00 Similar to how ocean waves naturally tumble glass and create beach glass, contemporary jewelry designer Rebecca Ward creates really stunning jewelry from cut recycled glass fragments that are tumbled to neutralise the sharp edges. From her current collection, I love all the pieces in the Bombay collection--frosty blue necklaces and earrings created from Bombay gin bottles, window glass and sterling silver. The oceanic hue is one of my favorite colors and really pops against the shiny sterling silver. Plus, since warm weather is rapidly approaching...I think any of these pieces would look amazing paired with a simple white t-shirt or tank where the frosty "gems" would appear luminescent against bare skin. Read more:Shaken
, Stirred
Cool Site of the Week--Deepwood Arts 2007-04-18 09:00:00 Growing up in Puerto Rico, Fran Lizardi of Deepwood Arts was surrounded by loud, bold and bright colors. These influences are married to perfection in her amazingly vibrant and colorful jewelry. As a person who loves colorful jewelry, visiting her shop is like a trip to the candy store. Talk about Inspiration! Some of my favorites are these cool glass drop earrings and these necklaces composed of her own candy colored beads strung on the simple yet colorful hand-dyed satin cord (so cool instead of chain!). Each of the tightly handknotted knots become part of the design and literally create a virtual explosion of color! Have a creative flair? Fran also sells her colorful beads and cord (in 40 colors!) so you can create your own masterpiece. Go on, be inspired to wear color this Spring!!
Going Bananas 2007-04-17 16:24:00 How cool is this? A banana shaped case to protect your bananas from getting bruised. Another fabulous find from Firebox, this is available for $8.95. The perfect idea to stop you from going...er, bananas!! Read more:Going
Delias Thompson 2007-04-20 17:36:00 Delias Thompson
is a precious metal artist who makes minimal yet totally eye-catching sterling silver jewelry. Her collection, organic forms with a decidely modern twist, result in unbelievably beautiful and timeless pieces. These dangly, spindly Criss Cross earrings have the most wonderful linear shape (where your hair back so that they become a focal point!) and are just so everyday sophisticated. However, my favorite piece (and which I actually bought for my mother!) is the Secret Poetry Charmed necklace featured above. Delias leaves her imprint on the pendant by hand etching the silver with this very moving excerpt of a poem that she wrote. Truly moving, this is the perfect gift to give anyone who has suffered any sort of loss or triumphed over hardship. Honestly, I was moved to tears when I first read it. I just received it yesterday and it is even more beautiful in person! Delias was kind enough to engrave my father's name on the bottom, so I know my mother will treasure this ne
Feminine Edge 2007-04-19 18:00:00 Individual, handcrafted beads from Murano, Italy mixed with various shapes of hammered and smooth sterling silver chain are what make this Secret Passion necklace by Sandra Eileen Artisan Jewelry really stand out. Beautiful, funky, and truly one of kind, this necklace is 46 inches long, so it can be worn long and swinging or doubled up. Very versatile, I would build an outfit around this beautiful piece and pair it with a body hugging tank and menswear trousers for a look that is easy, cool and totally sophisticated. See more of her elegant and colorful creations HERE. Read more:Feminine
The Sentimental Mom--Alli's Originals 2007-04-22 23:41:00 For the sentimental mom in your life, there is nothing better than a personalized gift. Alli's Originals is my favorite shop for any kind of special occasions. Specializing in personalized custom sterling silver jewelry, Alli has a wonderful selection of delicate, simple and always elegant charms and tags that are hand etched with your choice of words or names. Truly, what a wonderful way to celebrate a beautiful relationship. Read more:Sentimental
The Artsy Mom--JKral Art 2007-04-22 17:49:00 Since Mother's Day is rapidly approaching, I thought this would be a great week to showcase some fabulous finds and give gift ideas to anyone who is looking to buy a mom a gift. First off... These pop art inspired brightly colored contemporary prints by JKral are titled "A Mother Understands What a Child Does Not Say." Adopted from an old Jewish proverb, I think the title and sentimental pose are a really interesting contrast to the strong and lively colors. Each print is derived from an original drawing done in ink and then digitally colored. I think they would look great as a set and placed on a wall in a horizontal or vertical row. Check out more of JKral's artwork HERE.
The Naughty Mom--Gavin and Lily 2007-04-27 18:00:00 This sterling silver handcuff necklace by New York based jewelry designer Gavin
and Lily is the perfect gift for that naughty mom in your life. Tough yet Sweet, Sexy but Cute (in a tongue-in-cheek sort of way!), this necklace is sure to induce some smiles, get the conversation started, and maybe, if you're lucky, give your partner some fun ideas!!
Polymer Clay Artists Guild Contest 2007-04-27 04:45:00 Lately, I have been all about polymer clay jewelry. I think it is so cool how jewelry, wall art, and other functional objects can be made from clay. The closest I have come to using clay is making some really fun stuff with Play Dough. Oh wait...not exactly the same thing is it? At any rate, I just learned that the Polymer
Clay ArtistsGuild
of Etsy (PCAGOE) , a global group of artists working in polymer clay, has a fabulous monthly challenge and giveaway. This month, there are three incredible polymer prize packs valued at over $50 each (see pictures below!) Simply check out their site HERE and vote for your favorite entry. There are 25 entries this month and believe me, I had a hard time choosing mine... Each voter will be entered into a random drawing for one of the prize packs created by the talented members of the PCAGOE. You can vote once between noon on April 26th and midnight on April 28th. The winners will be announced/contacted on April 30th. What are you waiting for? Enter N Read more:Contest
The Fragrant Mom--BananaSaurus Rex 2007-04-26 16:00:00 Lavender is one of the most popular of herbs for its wonderful calming scent and medicinal properties. I have a small patch of lavender in my garden that I love to walk by in the summer so that the fragrance can envelope me. Lucky for me, I can now have a daily dose of lavender in my home with these gorgeous vintage hankies filled with dried French lavender. Available for $6.50 at BananaSaurus Rex, a delightful little store that beautiful vintage and recycled things for post-modern bohemian moms and retro-stylish babies, these little beauties are great to put in a lingerie drawer or linen closet, tossed into the dryer, hung from the rearview mirror of your car (a beautiful gosgrain ribbon is attached for easy hanging!), or even inserted into your stinky (no, not me!) shoes after a long day on your feet. Ooo-La-La-Lavender!!!
The Luxe Mom--Passementerie--Cool Site of the Week 2007-04-25 09:00:00 Like the ultimate flea market finds, these stunning necklaces by Passementerie are the perfect mix of old-fashioned elegance and modern luxury. The vintage sterling silver Art Deco locket in the Madailein necklace (pictured above) and the antique victorian 14k rose gold locket in the Devon necklace (pictured below) are made entirely fresh when paired with luminous blue topaz and Prasiolite (the Madailein) and polished pink tourmaline and faceted andalusite (the Devon). These are just so rich and ladylike. Truly, the ultimate splurge for Mother's Day. (Hint hint to my husband).
The Well-Dressed Mom--Sweet Tater 2007-04-24 16:30:00 For the modern and chic mom in your life, these silky elegant form-fitting draped tops (pictured above) by Sweet
Tater, and being sold exclusively at Intermix, are the perfect mix of fun and sex appeal. I especially love the voluminous sleeves and the plunging neckline framed with oh-so-delicate pleats. Perfect for a night out away from the kids, I would add some long swingy earrings rather than a necklace so that the outfit is all about the shirt! Sweet Tater also makes a more "day friendly" version of this tunic/dress in lightweight gauze and silky cotton (pictured below). These styles are so airy and floaty looking and could easily be worn to a play group with easy and comfortable khakis! Go ahead, be the best dressed mom on the block!! Read more:Dressed
Eclectic Jewelry Artisans Sale 2007-05-01 09:00:00 In case you haven't noticed by now, I love jewelry. And jewelry on sale is something I love even better! So, I was happy to learn that the EJA, a talented group of jewelry artisans specializing in modern, unique and fine jewelry, is having a Buy One Get One Half Off Sale starting today and running through May 3!! Some of the many beautiful adornments available during this sale include these amethyst and 14k gold wire-wrapped earrings by Mona Song Design, this fiery orange carnelian necklace by Cubicle Boutique, and this truly stunning sterling silver ring with the most amazing ruby red cubic zirconia inset stone by Art Created. There has never been a better time to support the indie community and get some fabulous jewelry at even better prices. And, since Mother's Day is rapidly approaching...this is the perfect time to buy all the special moms in your life some fabulous jewerly!! Read more:Jewelry
Hey, Mr. DJ, Put a Record On... 2007-04-30 09:00:00 Check out this colorful pendant necklace from Groovy Vinyl. Made from a vinyl record, (Rush's "Grace Under Pressure" to be exact!), I love the cool organic shape and the swipe of emerald green and cerulean blue oil paint. It reminds me of an iridescent oil puddle that you see at the gas station! Set on a simple black rubber cord, this pendant is just so fun and funky. What I really like about this shop is that all of the one of a kind whimsical creations are made out of vinyle records. Totally unique, each piece is truly one of a kind. See more of the unique collection HERE. Read more:Record
Go for the Bold 2007-05-03 09:00:00 Add an exclamation point to your neckline with this gorgeous sterling silver leaf pendant necklace. Hand crafted by Moon Fairy in her studio in Puerto Rico, the shell leaf is fanciful without being fussy and adds a warm and earthy touch to the chunky handmade chain and components. Finished with swarovski crystals and a tiger eye pendant, the dangly ornate closure on the back of this necklace makes it the perfect accessory for a backless dress or top. Truly stunning!!
Cool Site of the Week--Artchestra 2007-05-02 16:30:00 Artchestra is a charming on-line boutique that carries an exquisite selection of accessories, jewelry, art and home goods from some really talented independent emerging artists. Items range from ultrafeminine lampwork bracelets by Katie Gerner (the Kona featured below is one of my favorites), to beautiful clay boxes by Jennifer Lacour (all heavily embellished with copper, gemstones and beads), and simply stunning handformed clay bowls by Marea Palmer-Loh (the Honey Flower featured below has amazing pools of red and blue throughout). Colorful and cheerful, this is a great shop to do all your mother's day shopping at once. And, now through May 13, 2007, you can take 10% off your total purchase by entering the code MOM at checkout.
Pencil Me In 2007-05-04 17:00:00 I love it when an artist takes the ordinary and turns it into something extraordinary. Like Jennifer Maestre for example. She makes the most fantastic, amazing, and beautiful jewelry from...pencils. Yes, the pendant, earrings, and pin featured above are made of laminated pencils!! Each piece is meticulously created by Jennifer and then topped with a protective epoxy coat to give a lovely satiny surface. Beautifully crafted pieces that are striking, elegant, and totally unique!! I have never seen anything like this!! Now, thats something you can write home about. Read more:Pencil
All Wrapped Up 2007-05-08 20:30:00 One of the best parts about Spring is the weather starts warming up and I can start wearing my lightweight clothing. But, the nighttime chill demands a layer to be worn on top. The gorgeous hand-loomed knitwear by JAK Designs is the perfect solution to that dilemma. Made from 100% viscose, this lightweight Athena wrap is available in six lustrous colors and can be worn in a variety of ways. In a long drape, tied around the back, or tossed over your shoulder. Anyway you chose to wear it, you'll be wrapped up in style. Read more:Wrapped
Lemonade Party 2007-05-07 09:00:00 Sophisticated meets charming with the beautiful vintage inspired jewelry of Jennifer Morris. Each of her decadent highly detailed beads are hand-formed with polymer clay and then adorned with minature flowers and vines made from vintage rhinestones and swarovski crystals and polymer clay that looks like silk thread. I purchased the sunny yellow LemonadeParty
earrings (pictured above) and they are not only completely gorgeous in person but impossibly lightweight...I forgot that I was wearing earrings! Her pieces inspire me to become a collector--so I will be visiting her shop again. Check out more of her pieces HERE and you will be smitten too!
Modern Graffiti 2007-05-10 16:30:00 Here is an awesome gift idea for the little ones in your life. These paint by numbers wall strips in a variety of whimsical patterns are made for coloring and instantly and stylishly transform any room. The DIY friendly installation requires only water and is easily removed when the kids are done creating their very own masterpiece. How perfect for a party in the basement!! Don't have kids? I think the bright, pre-colored backgrounds and bold graphics look great on their own and would make a fun alternative to traditional wall art. A 15 foot roll is available for $20 at 2jane.com. Read more:Modern
, Graffiti
Cool Site of the Week--Tomate d'epingles 2007-05-09 09:00:00 Combining vintage, recycled, retro and new materials into totally unique creations, tomate d'epingles creates quirky, yet really wearable, handmade jewelry and accessories. Some of my favorite items from this shop are the earrings and pendants (top two images featured below) made from gorgeous vintage boiled leather and accented with woven gemstones and copper wire. The fabulous ring (third image) features a vintage wood button, the same gorgeous red vintage boiled leather, and an explosion of gemstones. Finally, I love the earrings made from vintage scraps and gemstones. Fun, lightweight and colorful jewerly that is just perfect for the upcoming warm weather. Also, check out their new line of fab-tastic fabric accessories, such as cuffs and wrist-warmers, made out of 100% recycled vintage threads.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side 2007-05-14 09:00:00 Take a walk on the wild side with these Savannah Nights earrings (pictured above) by jewelry designer Jackdaw. These gorgeous earrings have been handcrafted from an earthy selection of materials: brown glass beads, bronze freshwater pearls, tigers eye chips and rounds, mother of pearl disc, chain and a spectacular large shell rectangle focal bead. They are so bohemian and would look perfect with a white tank top and a tan!! I also love the Forest Delight earrings (pictured below) with a springy color palette of greens. Pop them on and dream of somewhere magical! See more of the imaginative pieces HERE.
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