Knots jewelry

Sometimes keeping it nice and simple packs the biggest punch and these handmade necklaces from Knots are perfect to add a little pizzazz to any tee. Made from wire, metal and wood these are casual enough for everyday yet still make a statement for those nights out. Win win.

images via knots

Dogs make great models

Dogs really are man's best friend and for jewelry designer Irene Neuwirth not only is Teddy her best bud he {or she} is her best model too. I'm sure all you pet lovers out there just sighed a big awww, I know I sure did. There is just something about putting our pooches in people things, I still think this shot of Uli in the husband's sunglasses is my favorite image of her. But Teddy takes the cake on fine accessorizing!

images via irene neuwirth

Create: my first necklace

Ok so it took me a while to get back to creating, turns out its a bit harder then I planned to get supplies and I've learned a list is my best friend. But anyway, wanted to share my 4th creative day challenge, a bright summer beaded necklace for less then $10. I had the sharpies on hand but bought chain, clasps and beads.. . and now have enough for at least a few fun creative days ahead.
To make these super simple necklaces, blend a few of your favorite colors on to the plain wooden bead. You can use either chain or fabric to string together, although I prefer the metal look. It was my very first go at jewelry making, I had to take a peek at my own jewelry collection to see how I should fasten everything but with the right tools and a little creativity I have myself a fun beaded chain that adds a splash of color to anything.

images by our designed life

Creative challenge: No. 1, No. 2, No. 3

Precious metals

I just love a good piece of metal, and these beautiful pieces from jewelry designer Fay Andrada are the perfect accessory for summer. Pair them with simple tees and jeans or with a long summer dress, Fay's collection has a wonderful assortment to finish off any look. I would love a collection of these suippo bangles... she even offers special sizing, perfect for my tiny wrists!

images via fay andrada

DIY accessories

I am a firm believer that you could never have too many accessory options and this DIY feather necklace from Alisa Burke is not only creative and unique its lets our inner artist out. Head on over to her blog for the full tutorial on this simple and colorful project as well as a beautiful look into hear creative world.

image via alisa burke

Accessorizing

Now that spring has sprung and flowers are in full bloom it only makes sense that we mustn't forget to adorn our neckline with color and whimsy. Urban legend is filled with beautiful vintage beads brought together in perfect pallets to match any outfit. I'm simply loving this top left one, it would be perfect paired with a basic tee, jeans and a blazer. If you are a necklace fiend like me, Urban legend offers a 3 month necklace of the month option for those who like to be surprised when you open up that mail box.

photos via urban legend

Wind and willow

Are you still as crazy about the hand dipped look as I am? I came across artist Araya Jensen's shops Dipped and Wind and Willow home and just fell in love with her colored beauties. With the two stores, she has a fun collection of home decor {both dipped and not}, jewelry and prints that are filled with color and flair. I'm totally digging the subdued hues, any and all of these would be perfect in my place!

photos via wind and willow

What can't you do with concrete?

I am always a fan of the slightly unusual and these hand crafted and hand polished concrete pieces from Dr Craze sure are fun to look at. It may not be the most go to material in the jewelry making world but these are brilliantly crafted mixing beautiful colors and fun shapes, so why not concrete? Back in college I wanted so badly to live in a loft with concrete floors and countertops so why not wear it around my neck? Makes sense. I just love how the cloud makes it seem so delicate and gentile, I wonder how heavy these babies are.

photos via dr craze

Bold and beautiful metals

Always a fan of a statement ring, these metal beauties from artist Stephanie Blackman of Metalicious jewelry designs not only make a statement, they make an exclamation. Individually handcrafted with love Stephanie has a wonderful collection of gorgeous pieces for your hands and neckline I just love the strong nature of these designs, I think that big ol' gold one is my favorite! Using recycled materials, these would make a perfect gift for any fancy lady and you still have a few days to order in time for Christmas.  Speaking of, I've got a whopping 3 presents done and wrapped. Must. Go. Shopping. Stat.

photos via metalicious jewelry designs

Small adventure

Every single time I see a buffalo I now think of my husband. He's been wanting to ink one of these giants onto his body for some time now and at first I was shocked; I mean, a buffalo? But over time they have grown on me and now I sort of can't wait for him to get it. I found this charming little guy over on Small Adventure and showed the husband right away, seems I'm more excited about the design of it then he is. I love artist Kekito Brodeur's style, very natural and minimal. You can also find a lovely collection of animals prints, holiday cards and adorable nature inspired jewelry in her shop.

photo via small adventure

Geometric love

If you have ever stopped by before, you know my love of all things geometric and these beauties are perfect for sprucing up the home or outfit. There is just something so simple about these shapes that make them the best accessory for everything, plus they would make for great gifts for that modern lady on your list. I also can't seem to get enough of those muted colors, that wallet is gorgeous!

photos via minoux, sew zinski, innad, ferm living

Quick break for sloths

Sometimes you just need a piece of jewelry that will make you smile, and this charming wooden sloth is not only adorable its a conversation starter. I can't remember a time ever meeting someone with a sloth around there neck, have you?

photo via sparkly pony 

Verabel

Looking for a splash of color for your neckline? Then look no further, these vintage brass lockets from Portland shop Verabel combine illustrations and screen prints to the trusty old locket giving it a modern touch. I just love these patterns and colors, this first one is perfect for fall don't you think? Plus they would make a perfect personalized gift with a few additional photos for that someone special, just saying.

photos via verabel

For the girls

I just discovered Francesca's Collections and my oh my are there so many great pieces to feast your eyes on.  Filled to the brim with carefully curated fashions, the girly girl in my is ready to pull out the well worn credit card.  And for the next 3 days they are having a fantastic summer sale, so go check it out, the deals are almost shocking.

photos via francesca's collections 

1. yellow bracelet, 2. late watch in purple, 3. coco bag, 4. starlet wayfarers, 5. garden state skirt, 6. peacock ring, 7. maritime necklace, 8. hello sunshine dress

Quick break for geometrics

You really can't have too many statement necklaces in your arsenal of accessories and this geometric piece from Stone & Honey is sure to be eye catching, even with the most casual ensemble.  The 'dispersion necklace' is available in sterling or oxidized silver or gold fill and its on sale right now!

photo via stone & honey

Natural beauty

I've been searching for the right stack-able rings as a casual substitute for my wedding ring for a while now, and these from Lex Luxe seem pretty fun and right up my alley.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my wedding ring, but the setting sits up really high on my finger {a good quarter of an inch!} and sometimes a flat band would just work better.
Anyway, back to the lovely Lex Luxe, I'm digging these hammered bands, a few of these bad boys could make for a wonderful substitute {wink wink to the hubby}.  Handcrafted in New York by designer Alexis Russell, each beautiful piece has been made with conflict free gemstones and diamonds and crafted using recycled metals.

photos via lex luxe

Accessorizing

Happy Monday friends, I had one seriously busy weekend how about you?  The husband and I managed to do all that we had planned, a trip to the Academy of Science, a stop at the succulent and cactus sale along with the local plant sale in Golden Gate park, a trip to a local flea market and even a late night concert last night seeing Mother Mother.  By the way, they are totally awesome!  But alas, the week is here again, so back to our regularly scheduled work right?

At least I have these beauties from Laura Lombardi Jewelry to lust over.  Made from vintage brass, these creations are just lovely don't you think?  I love a good statement piece and these are perfect for casual outfits, I totally want double triangle strand to wear with jeans and a tee.  How do you like to accessorize?  I like to rock giant necklaces or fancy cocktail rings with tone of color or bling.  You can never go wrong with accessories!

photos via laura lombardi

Statement pieces

And speaking of adding a little something to a darling look, these statement pendants from Greenfinch Studio sure do stand out from the crowd.  Over the weekend, Kaija owner of @greenfnch found me on Twitter and I am so glad she did!  These necklaces are beautiful, made from vintage broaches, earrings, glass rhinestones and even buttons, and all handmade in North Dakota.  Bookmarked these for sure in the 'things I want!' folder for future present ideas.

photos via greenfinch studio

Quick break for sparkles

Anyone have a couple of thousands laying around?  Anyone?  These beauties from Sarah Perlis are stunningly eye catching and incredible delicate considering the giant rock.  Might have to add one of these to the list of things to save up a little for!

photos via sarah perlis 

Nervous System

Seems I am still loving the bold look of clothing and jewelry these days, how about you?  I came across the Nervous System, a shop filled with nature inspired broaches, earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets.  Each item starts as a computer generated being, and transforms into these amazing shapes using rubber and metals. So incredibly cool.  And stop by their blog for wonderful images and video experiments, trust me, its worth the click.

photos via nervous system