by Kelly | May 17, 2012 | accessories, art, Crafts, Henna
When it comes to knowing if the henna paste you are using is quality, the color of fresh henna is key. This is something only henna artist or henna enthusiasts know but henna powder is actually a leafy green color and when its mixed with essential oils, sugar, lemon and black tea, the fresh henna paste is a dark kelly-green color. After the paste undergoes dye release is when it changes to that familiar chocolate brown color and its applied to the skin. When I tell my clients henna actually starts out green, most are surprised.
Here is a collection of beautiful handmade items that remind me of the color of fresh henna powder and henna paste (as well as some other items that are just a lovely shade of green!)
This is a great “everyday bag” by Marbled Bag . I really like the large bow and the functional yet appealing quality of the design.
Hope Johnson brings us these hand built ceramic dishes that are painted with chartreuse green to make this simple yet elegant decoration. I really appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into these.
We always need an effortless, fashionable accessory and Rayna Robinson gives us just that with this chartreuse turban headband. .. and how cute is she?! hah
Can you tell I’m diggin the chartreuse? I just love the color and how it just makes items POP! and this elephant from The Original Animal Magnet is no exception! I can think of the perfect spot on my bookshelf for this little guy.
Yummy watermelon scented bath salts by Sudz ‘N Saltz ! A great way to take your relaxing time in the tub and make it a spa-like experience .
From Angie’s Sweatshop is a really AWESOME screen printed octopus on a chartreuse green skirt. I like maxi skirts and all things octopus and this skirt falls right into those categories.
Asymmetry is a great way to shake up the expected. I dig this asymmetrical black and green Czech glass beaded necklace with small lime seed beads by chr designs .
This “chuplette” by Chuppy Love is a baby “chuppy” Amigurumi – read as: an adorable stuffed friend made of yarn. These are some adorable creatures and I want a whole collection!
Bright Bold & Beautiful brings us this lovely watercolor print of a hydrangea in all its green-hued glory!
Do you know an adorable little boy who this bow tie by Sharp Dressed Little Man would look so cute on? I know I do and the cuteness level he projects would go through the roof if he wore this!
I admire hand beading and embroidery because it takes serious devotion and concentration to bring an overall vision together. Not to mention the amount of time attaching each thread or bead takes. Hats off to MillieICARO for this intricate beaded peacock sash.
Heron and Lamb‘s rustic moss necklace is such a uniquely designed accessory! “This beautiful, earthy design features a lead-free soldered glass circle, which encases live preserved reindeer moss. An ode to spring, this necklace is finished with an rustic antique copper patina and and sealed for maximum protection.”
I am a big fan of stacked rings that’s why these peacock stacked rings by CameraSHY Photography really caught my eye. I like that each ring is different by fits together as a cohesive set very nicely.
I don’t often find statement bracelets so when I came across this wire wrapped bracelet by Vera Nasfa I knew it had a special place in this collection. I am fond of the craftsmanship and attention to detail.
This stylish linen dress by Camellia Tune is custom made for each person! How cool is that?
Laura Kingrey presents a handmade bracelet with matte light green sea glass as the focal point accented with Czech glass, copper wire and bronze framing. I appreciate when something has such a hands-on & made-with-love look as this bracelet does.
A stunning blue-green turquoise cabochon ring with silver bezel from Bones & Stones finishes up the feature today. The long natural stone is just the right accessory for some henna-ed hands!
by Kelly | May 14, 2012 | accessories, art, Crafts
For weddings, its very popular to have peacock henna designs on the bride’s hands and arms. I have done many bridal mehndi designs involving peacocks and brides just love it. Peacock artwork has always been very alluring to me so I have compiled some peacock artwork in varying mediums. Enjoy this wide range of talent!
First we have Karen’s Fine Art print of an original oil painting of hers. Look at how vibrant those colors are and how much movement is captured! Her painting is described in this way : “Karen’s oil paintings express her appreciation of nature with a simple intimacy that conveys a quiet emotion and a gentle strength. A versatile impressionist, her forte is plein air landscape. With a subtle play of light, color, and composition, her paintings have a moving sculptural quality.”
We move from literal interpretation of the beautiful peacock to an abstract representation with these gorgeous statement earrings by mint lilly . “Elegance, romance and simplicity. Vintage and nature inspired hand crafted jewelry ” is the description given for these decadent jewels and I think there’s no better way to describe them.
When I stumbled upon this peacock hobo bag by Erica Maree I was stunned at the elaborate embroidery and design. The colors are so vivid! I would just love to own this bag…
This collar with peacock feathers and hand painted Viennese lace with a brooch and copper studs by Haus of Mirth is a total show-stopper! Walk into any event wearing this and you will have the most unique accessory (as well as the most coveted).
Katy Marie Creations has crafted these killer peacock-blue swirled polymer clay gauged earrings that make me seriously reconsider having just regular (boring) ear piercings.. I mean how awesome are these?! I love the curves and design of them. They are two pieces of artwork that mimic a fantastical version of a peacock feather that you can wear as earrings! Yowza!
Let’s get serious about having fun here. Take a good look at the amazing details of this Peacock Queene costume by Fairy Nana Land. From the whimsical peacock feather head piece and the velvet choker to the hand-stitched belted bodice and detachable silk train you have a handmade, unique peacock costume that is the best one I have ever seen. Amazing craftsmanship.
Would you like to rest your pretty head on some lovely artwork? Sure – we all would. This pillow cover from Pictorial Boom is designed with a print reproduced from an original painting of his. Its just adorable and super cute! The colors are perfect and I really like the henna design quality it has.
We all love TOMS shoes and the great cause that each purchase goes towards- but what if you could have a pair of TOMS and the donation to needy children PLUS a custom piece of artwork designed JUST FOR YOU? Well…. you can thanks to B Street Shoes . Each shoe pattern is custom designed for YOU, in your size, color and specification. This is a pair with glitter and hand painted peacock feathers.. could you get any better than that?
This peacock-blue Rivoli Swarovski Crystal bracelet by Ts Studio Jewelry would be a stunning addition to your jewelry collection. Look at the depth of color in the stones and the juxtaposition against the pure silver color of the setting. eep! so lovely..
Sofisticata offers a great way to jazz up ANY shoe with these “pearl and peacock” shoe clips. Add them to heels in the front, back, strap or the side to get a completely customized look. Great accessory for a glam Indian wedding, too!
Handmade from brass stamping and plated with silver, we have this beautifully designed pendant necklace of two peacocks in perfect symmetry by rossana. There’s something about the delicate balance of this piece that gives me a peaceful sense of calm. Wonderfully done..
From literal to whimsical and everywhere in between! I hope you enjoyed this selection of peacock art – I know I have.
by Kelly | May 13, 2012 | accessories, art, Crafts, Henna, mehndi traditional
When you get a rich, red henna color stain, it’s supposed to symbolize love in your life. When brides get their bridal mehndi done, its best to sleep with the henna paste on the skin to ensure that deep red henna color. That red color is a traditional way to show the world how much her husband-to-be and in-laws love her. In life, I like to think of red always representing love because I try to only focus on the positive in life! <3 To spread positive vibes, here are some handmade items for you to enjoy that are just lovely
When I had my son, he loved to be held snuggly and close. This deep garnet red ring sling from BabyEtte is superwide for extra close snuggles (and security). I always preferred this sling design and I would suggest this one to any mom-to-be.. plus, how cute is this picture?!?
When we try to be more eco-friendly and walk to the farmer’s market, the store, post office etc. its always best to have the perfect backpack to put all your goodies in. That’s where ottobags come in! A sea foam-green waxed canvas bag with a perfect red strap accent is light enough to carry around everywhere but study enough to tote your special things.
Handmade red flower statement earrings by Sysimust are ideal to add a FABULOUS flair to your day! I just love the different mediums used : fabric, bronze and beads! What’s not to adore?
Glasshouse Designs brings us these cute beaded bobby pins that can take your simple, everyday hairstyle up a notch with incredible ease! Place this pins in your hair and you’ve amped up your look without taking a lot of time. .. because we can use all the extra time we can get.
Another great way to jazz up your everyday look is this rockabilly hair bow by Oh Honey Hush. The red and white striped design is just one of the dozens of designs available. I think I love them all.
This necklace by Dawning Light has a Moroccan henna design that is ornate and terrific. The design is really inspiring to me as a henna artist! Makes me want to get out a cone and do a detailed Moroccan pattern. She also added a “black diamond” bead to give it more drama.(and awesomeness)
A medium I have never been able to become skilled with is clay. I think we all have considered a clay hobby after that certain scene in Dirty Dancing *sigh*……… anyways….
I cannot form clay into anything other than a big squishy ball which makes me have a real admiration for very talented sculptors like Clay Lick Creek Pottery . This hand thrown bowl is made with red earthenware clay and dipped into a homemade majolica glaze. Its hand painted, glazed and fired in a kiln over and over until something like this perfect red poppy is created. wow..
Hope these red and lovely items fueled some creativity in your life today as they have in mine!
by Kelly | May 12, 2012 | accessories, art, Crafts
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 .
Here’s a little about Norah from her profile:
“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. 
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.”
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.
by Kelly | May 2, 2012 | accessories, art, clothing, Crafts, 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.
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.
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!
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
The combination of turquoise pieces and freshwater pearls here with the statement necklace by AudreyJewelry is chunky yet feminine – in a perfect balance.
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.
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) .
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!
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..
by Kelly | Apr 28, 2012 | art, Crafts, Henna
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.
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 
created 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
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.
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
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?
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
