Norah Downey – Jewelry Designer

Norah Downey – Jewelry Designer

amethyst, crystal, necklace

green, sage, agate, druzy, necklace

 

 

 

 

 

I came across Norah Downey – a jewelry designer – on etsy and I liked so many of her pieces, I couldn’t choose just one to feature here so I decided to just feature a bunch!

She has two shops on etsy: Your Daily Jewels and Rustic Rock Jewelry  .

white, czech, glass, necklace

Here’s a little about Norah from her profile:

pyrite, druzy, ring“I love designing jewelry in my mind, creating it with my hands, and knowing someone is wearing my work and it is making them happy. Since childhood I have collected shiny and sparkling things: beads, stones, and baubles. As a new Physical Therapist, I needed ways to motivate my young patients with multiple disabilities. So, I dug into my lifelong collection of goodies that had been untouched for years and made some simple jewelry for them. I told them the funny little stories behind each bead or stone in their jewelry and they loved it! My pieces were a hit, my patients progressed, and I discovered a new creative outlet. lotus pendant, necklace

Now, everyday I am excited to get home to my workbench, to study and learn more about the art of jewelry design, and to create modern, glamorous and affordable jewelry that women will feel great wearing everyday.

I proudly use 100% reclaimed 99.9% pure silver combined with gemstones from ethical vendors in many of my pieces. As I grow, this number grows. The options for custom design in reclaimed or recycled metals are endless. When using recycled or reclaimed metals, the negative impact on the environment during mining, and the potential for human rights abuse and poor/dangerous working conditions is eliminated. As much as possible, I purchase gemstones from Fair Trade businesses that commit to fair wages, cooperative workplaces, consumer education, environmental sustainability, respect for cultural identity, and public accountability.”

purple, geode, necklace

That’s the kind of business owner we should all strive to be and to support. I’m very happy I found a business woman like Norah who is a great inspiration of creativity and environmental responsibility. 

Mehndi Party Accessories

Mehndi Party Accessories

Henna really lends itself to the warm spectrum of colors – red, orange, brown and yellow. I’ll be featuring some great red, yellow and orange accessories to have for a Mehdni Party in different mediums today.

This handmade necklace by Chocolate Angel is such a yummy, warm honey yellow with such intricate detail in the tiny seed beads. It has a Moroccan feel which would go great with symmetrical Moroccan henna designs.

yellow seed bead, necklace, honey color

Amber browns, oranges and reds melding perfectly in this nice necklace by Beca’s Beaded Jewelry. I also really like the added beauty with the copper clasp at the ends.

autumn brown, red, orange, bead necklace

Michele Buttons  brings us a beautiful piece of art.. that can also be a reusable grocery tote bag! Seriously, can you think of a more lovely way to support your “green spirit” other than this? Made from  100% cotton canvas, this unique tote is great! You can have these for party favors at your mehndi party!

cotton tote bag, orange floral print, reusable grocery bag

Whimsical and adorable, this handmade polymer clay pendant by Flowertown Originals is hung on a hand-braided cord as well. Super cute!

polymer clay, pendant, floral necklace

I was shocked (in a great way) to find out that these beautiful red floral beads were made by hand! Here’s how Blue Morning Expressions explains the creating process “My handmade polymer clay beads were created on a lemon yellow base, with yummy blue berry flowers, pink cherry and orange flowers and lime green wire wrapping woven in between the beads…Every polymer clay bead has been completely handcrafted and hand rolled and all the flowers have been added individually before baking.”   bravo!!

blue, yellow, clay beads, necklace

If you are looking for something orange & fabulous for an upcoming mehndi party or Indian wedding, this pendant necklace by TartanHearts, inspired by The Hunger Games, is a great accent to add to any outfit.

hunger games necklace, orange, color, copper

And who doesn’t love bright red and orange poppies? They make me so happy when I see them … but pair them with a turquoise background and an antiqued chain you can see me do a happy dance! This necklace by Wear It Out!  is one I would cherish in my collection. ( I’m sure you would, too)

orange flower, necklace

That wraps it up for red and orange accessories (today, at least..) Hope you found some pieces that you adore.. I know I have!

Druzy Jewelry

Druzy Jewelry

Annnnd my love of druzy jewelry will be illuminated here seeing as I am dedicating an entire post to it. Druzy “is a coating of fine crystals on a rock fracture surface, vein or within a vug or geode” according to Wikipedia. According to me, druzy is gaga gorgeous in every shape, color and variety. I especially love flowing, floral henna when its paired with something so course and tactile as druzy.

Without further adieu, let’s check it out some of the best druzy jewelry on Etsy.

First off is this stunning natural druzy necklace that is brown quartz from Little Metal Merchant. Raw and lovely.. the brown in this would be amplified against the brown henna stain.

raw brown druzy, druzy jewelry, etsy, necklace

This Citrine cluster of druzy really has a special sparkle. Its large and makes a statement naturally, but 443Jewelry paired it perfectly with a delicate gold colored feminine chain that would go great with a dress for a mehndi party.

orange, citrine, druzy, pendant, mehndi party, gold chain

Druzy can be both bold and quietly understated as we can see in these next two examples of rings:

This white druzy agate ring by Vivid Design is classic and delicate. A perfect accessory to add just a touch of glitter to an elaborate bridal henna design. najlepsze gry hazardowe online

white druzy, agate ring

Sharply contrasted to the white druzy ring is this luscious, rainbow show-stopping ring by NaturalGlam . Wowza!  Look at the differences nature can produce…

rainbow, druzy ring, etsy

Need sparkly mint-colored druzy? Who doesn’t. Find what you are looking for in these lovely earrings by The Wooden Nest with antiqued brass.

druzy earrings

This next piece I would wear everyday – a bracelet of pure white druzy centered between lilac-blue angelite beads from Julianne Blumbo.

white druzy bracelet, beads

Another great rainbow druzy piece is this wire-wrapped pendant by Bead Bargains  . I really dig the variety of colors. fortuna zaklady online

druzy pendant, rainbow

A great example of the beauty of pure amethyst druzy is this pendant by Magic Loot . Its also set in gold- how awesome is that? (very!)

amethyst, druzy, necklace

And that wraps up my overall obsession with druzy.. hope I spread it to some of you.

Turquoise Accents for Henna

Turquoise Accents for Henna

The brown/red/orange color of henna goes so well with the vibrant color of turquoise. I just love it. Here is some great turquoise jewelry and accessories that accent henna perfectly.

This vintage 1950’s art deco necklace from Kettle of Fish has pretty turquoise-colored floral accents.

turquoise, art deco, necklace

When you get your ankle & foot henna-ed, you can accent it with a pretty bracelet like this brass and turquoise anklet from Xtra Virgin.

turquoise, ankle bracelet, brass

Ah! Gorgeous turquoise cuff! from Startup Sterling!  I love the bezel and how it has a henna quality, but in metal . العاب ماكينات Picture a full arm covering in lovely red henna and with this turquoise wrist cuff.. مراهنات على كرة القدم *sigh* so nice!

turquoise, silver bracelet, cuff

If you’re going to get all henna-ed up, you’re going to need a beautiful mirror to gaze upon the loveliness right? Well that’s where this gorgeous, vintage turquoise hand mirror from EightySix56 comes in “handy” .. heh

turquoise, hand mirror

The combination of turquoise pieces and freshwater pearls here with the statement necklace by AudreyJewelry is chunky yet feminine – in a perfect balance.

turquoise, bead, pearl necklace

I know I always have a purpose for a cute clutch.. and this one would be no exception! This unique, Russian floral print clutch made by JordaniSarreal is a cozy home for any items that can be easily misplaced.

turquoise and red, hand bag, floral print

Delicate, paisley, turquoise bead, silver… what’s not to adore here? Nothing?… exactly. This handcrafted necklace by Noria Elements would be a great gift for someone special in your life (even yourself) .

turquoise, silver necklace, paisley

A turquoise shirt with a henna print? ربح المال مجانا The loveliness of this speaks for itself. NaturalHennaArt’s  line of henna print shirts are just fantastic!

natural henna art, turquoise shirt, screenprint

And to round out the turquoise post, let’s remember that henna-ed feet are happy feet – anyone will tell ya that! But what makes them even happier is having a CUTE turquoise and copper toe ring like this one from The Whimsy Wire . Oh.. I can barely get over the cuteness..

turquoise, copper, toe ring

Inspiration from Kite Flyer Art

Inspiration from Kite Flyer Art

I love being in the art world. There’s just something so sincere about artists. When you come across someone with a real passion for what they do, that’s something special .

Here’s an interview with artist Christina Steele of Kite Flyer Art . As I read her reasons for creating its truly inspiring!  I hope you really enjoy it, too.

light in darkness, kite flyer art, painting

Q: How did your business get started? What was the motivation?
Christina: Kite Flyer Art got started in 2008 shortly after I graduated college with my BFA. I knew from day one that God  henna hands paintingcreated me to create, so I made an intentional decision to pursue art as a career. I started out teaching art lessons and painting simply to develop my portfolio, but in 2010 I started my Etsy shop (which was original art and prints), began showing in galleries, and began receiving commissions. It felt so epic! It wasn’t until last December that I began working with the pointe shoes, and when I listed them in January, they quickly began selling. Everything I do is motivated by relationship! it is all birthed out of my relationship with God. I want to share that relationship with the people, and display it to the best of my ability through the art I create. العاب ماكينات

mehndi pointe shoes, hand painted

Q: Where did the inspiration come from?
Christina: I’m a bit of a chameleon and pull inspiration from all over the place, but my deepest inspiration comes again from my relationship with the Lord. He shows me images, designs, dreams, we have conversations…I see the most amazing things and want to share them with people. That’s what happened with the pointe shoes! They were given to me by a close friend and fellow ballet dancer. They sat in my studio for nearly two years. I was laying in bed in December (certainly not thinking about them) and God showed them to me with the mehndi designs on them. Each pair is different. I usually sit down, begin, ask Him what He thinks and if He has any ideas. He always shares designs with me. We basically work together.

peacock painting, kite flyer art

Q: What’s your process in creating your products? 
Christina: My process in creating my pointe shoes is somewhat simple. I have had shoes old and new donated to me. I prep the old shoes by cutting off unraveled fabric, re-gluing parts as needed, and by making them presentable while still preserving their history. Then I simply dye them with fiber-reactive dyes. Once they have dried, I apply the mehndi designs with acrylic paint using the same application methods as most henna artists. لعبة قمار اون لاين

ballet pointe shoes, kite flyer art, henna

Q: Are you planning on expanding your product line?

Christina: Well…I’m never entirely sure where things will go next. Does expanding my product line on to skin count?

kite flyer art, painting, artist

Q: What’s your most popular item? Which is your personal favorite? 
Christina: In the 1.5 year I’ve been open I’ve always offered prints and original art. It wasn’t until January that I listed the pointe shoes, but those have by far been my most popular item! It is so difficult to pinpoint a personal favorite because I pour all I’ve got into each piece I create. ربح المال مجانا

Q: What’s the future for your business?
Christina: In the immediate future, I will continue to creating and developing the shoes. With time I would like to move onto skin (but not abandon my paintings). I have a deep love for body art (henna and tattoos). I’m not sure when or how that will happen, but God always brings things around in perfect time when I’m hanging out with Him!
-Christina

Thank you Christina! Keep up the amazing and inspiring work <3
Henna Art – Off the Body

Henna Art – Off the Body

Here is a beautiful array of henna art in many forms off the body! Showcasing artists who have taken the allure of henna designs and used them on other mediums.

A great example of henna design off the body, but still lovely traditional design, is Carry The News’  mehndi-inspired wedding invite. And what’s better? You don’t have to wait for these to be shipped to you because they are PRINTABLE! When you send your info, Carry The News emails a file for you to print and email to your guests. How awesome (and green-friendly! الربح من الانترنت مجانا )

henna art, wedding invites, mehndi hands

I really like this henna-inspired peacock by  Sometimes I Swirl  because of the bold colors and the fluidity of the motion.

hand drawn, henna peacock, painting

But the embroidery by Sometimes I Swirl is equally as impressive.. I don’t know which one I like more.. !

embroidered mandala, henna inspired, purple

Lime and Purple! Such a hot combination. <3 Then add a high heel and henna design into the mix and you have one radical shoe! العاب كازينو اون لاين These yummy heels from Kezbirdie make me drool a little on the keyboard….

hand painted, henna, heels, green, purple

Like elephants? Like vividly colorful elephant paintings? Me too! That’s why this next painting by Masala Memories is a favorite.

colorful indian elephant painting

From fellow Michigan Henna Artist Be*Henna*ed  we get this great “Iceberg Blue Canvas Henna Mandala” – Perfect title for such a saturated, deep blue and stark white design.

Oh! Did someone say hand-painted pendant glass necklace with a henna design?!? Because that’s right up my alley. العاب ربح الجوائز حقيقية Awesome design by Mehndi Glass with a antiqued copper frame.. yes!

henna, hand painted, glass pendant, necklace

And last, but certainly not least, we have an adorable painted  tea cup and saucer by Heather with my favorite : flowers and paisleys . I love her description here, too : “Spot of tea? Oh, live a little – impress your grandmother with this hand painted porcelaine tea cup and serve in style.”

hand painted, henna, tea cup, saucer

Henna Accessories

Henna Accessories

I get so thrilled when I see amazingly creative people making such cute things! How about these henna accessories? Its great to wear one thing like this everyday just as a little “pop” of color to brighten up your day or to add some flair to your step.

Having a sturdy cuff around your wrist adds a bit of confidence to your day. This hot, handmade leather artisan cuff from STRAP by Alexander is just the one you want.

henna cuff, leather cuff, bracelet, custom

Rainnua Art Pendants showcases this lovely silver OM Pendant with a mehndi design. Gotta love that!

om pendant necklace, henna pendant

The day I discovered Tagu seed jewelry I fell in love! They are seeds from a palm tree found along the Amazon river. Look at these “henna red” tagua seed earrings from Dennise and Jon. I see them and think “spicy” !

red tagua nut, earrings, henna red

Hand drawn henna shoes by Stealth Fox! These are so popular and I just adore them. Such a great feeling putting on a clean pair of white shoes but then add custom artwork and you have a unique pair of kicks that give you a boost all day!

henna shoes, custom design

Speaking of giving you a boost, bright red lip stain says to the world “Yes, I’m ready for you.” This water-proof lip stain by  Henna King is special because its organic, chemical free made with only Henna, JoJoba Seed Oil, Mica, Rose Petals, Burberry Root, Bees Wax and Water. Can you say “sexy”? .. I can.

organic, red lip stain, no chemicals

 

Henna Wedding Items

Henna Wedding Items

Henna wedding invitations, cookie favors, shoes & jewelry  – watch out ladies  – this is a TEMPTING post! <3

Before you have your amazing wedding, you need invitations. That’s where Citlali Creativo comes in with their beautiful henna inspired wedding invitations .

https://www.etsy.com/listing/93149966/mehndi-layered-wedding-invitations-in

Next you need your delicate henna style silver necklace and ring by AbellaBlue

Henna wedding necklace, silver

henna ring, silver

For your Mehndi Ceremony, wear Kelka Jewelry ‘s stunning gold Moroccan henna cuff

henna wedding, gold cuff, mehndi

This hot, hand painted, henna style heels from Coco Belle Boutique are show stopping!

henna wedding heels, shoes, hand painted

And to give all your guests, these yummy and cute sugar cookie elephants from Baked are a great wedding favor

henna wedding favors, cookies, elephant

 

Enjoy these great ideas for your perfect henna wedding!

 

Henna Clothing

Henna Clothing

Henna clothing – clothes with mehndi & henna print! Could there be a better way to show off your love of henna? – I think not! With these amazing henna clothing items, your love of henna doesn’t have to fade after 2 weeks! It can last forever <3

From Cyveroptix, see these henna style ties for your man! Perfect accent to a Mehndi Ceremony or even a wedding reception.

henna clothing, henna ties, wedding

From Meg Stang , these adorable hand painted henna shoes are perfect for everyday wear to say to the world “I LOVE HENNA!”

Henna clothing, Henna tennis shoes, hand painted

From V.O. CLOTHING, this sexy henna inspired asymmetrical top is ideal for going out with your girlfriends for a night .. rrawr!

henna clothing, henna shirt

 

So there you have it! Three great new henna clothing items – one for your man, one for everyday and one for a great party! Look for more henna inspired clothing items soon!

 

Henna Decorated Tray

Henna Decorated Tray

Here’s a quick serving tray I decorated with a henna style design for my neighbor’s wedding anniversary. I used Copic Markers and a thrift store found wooden serving tray. Enjoy!

henna serving tray, decoration, design, copic markers

Big Bang Theory Poster!

Big Bang Theory Poster!

Big Bang Theory Poster.

I made a poster for a Big Bang Theory craft swap on Craftster.org . I love The Big Bang Theory and have been a big fan since its first season. I had the idea of drawing the characters and putting the quotes in the background like wallpaper. And here’s the result!

The poster is 18″ X 24″

big bang theory, poster, drawing, quotes, wallpaper, craftster, swap

Big Bang Theory Poster

Mural @ Children’s Center

Mural @ Children’s Center

I like to give back to community organizations when I can. where to inject ivermectin in goats The past 3 days I volunteered my time to paint this mural for The Children’s Center in Detroit, Michigan. “The Children’s Center is proud to offer a continuum of more than 20 programs and services on a multifaceted campus in midtown Detroit. Compared with other child and family agencies in Michigan, we offer the largest number of specialized therapeutic programs for at-risk children and youth. ivermectina nombres comerciales colombia All our services are strength-based, family-focused, and embody a holistic approach to treating children and their families. where to buy ivermectin Our mission to help children and families shape their own futures is an ever-present commitment in our menu of services.”

My inspiration for the painting of it came from this great book “I Love You So” by Marianne Richmond.

i love you so book, marianne richmond, book

"I Love You So" Marianne Richmond

Here is it: ** the hallway is very very narrow, so I could only take a pictures from the side. **

kids mural, childrens center, detroit, michigan

kids, mural, childrens center, detroit

trees, mural, childrens center, detroit, michigan

Henna in Michigan – Novi

Henna in Michigan – Novi

Henna in Michigan – Novi

For an event at the Dirty Martini Bar in Novi I needed a model. Here are the henna tattoos I did for Farah, my henna model.

Enjoy <3
henna, shoulder, model, farah, novi
henna on hands, henna tattoo, model, novi, michigan
henna tattoo, michigan, novi, model, shoulder

Mehndi on Hand

Mehndi on Hand

Mehndi I did on my hand today. I also made a henna video of this design. I like designs on my hand to feature flowers and paisleys. I don’t think that’s a surprise =-)

Enjoy!

henna, tattoo, artist, flowers, michigan, kelly caroline