Ramblings of an Eclectic Orchid

Hello Laundry Room...Nice to Meet You!

2011-06-23T07:05:00.000-07:00

The laundry room and I have never really been friends. I'll be the first to admit it. We meet from time to time, mostly in passing. I bring the laundry room some dirty clothes, stock pile junk that has no other home, leave the recyclables by the back door....get in, get out and quickly shut the door. Yes, my friends, sad but true it had come to this...

Please keep in mind that I had already picked up a ton of stuff before I remembered to snap a few before pics. Picture, if you will, laundry on the floor, miscellaneous odds and ends scattered about...getting a good mental image? I've always loved the large baskets over the washer and dryer, until everything started spilling out of them. See the Halloween stuff? And the poor little red shelf...a junk collector for sure. And why is the monkey pirate nutcracker still out in June?

Well, I had finally had enough. I needed a space that was inspiring and made us happy. Even more, I needed the space to be a pretty room that just happened to have a washer and dryer in it since this room is right off of the kitchen and also the entryway to our future upstairs addition (strange, I know). So, here is the new laundry room...

We started out by painting it Du Jour. Yes, I know it's white, but I always pick my paint colors because of their names. I feel like it gives the room an identity before it even comes to life. I am really enjoying the new space. I'm not saying I enjoy doing laundry any more than I did before, but the space is really easy on the eyes now ;)

I wanted to fill it with lots of vintage, salvaged, thrifted and antique treasures. The goal was to use as much of what we already had for decor and maybe a few new pieces here and there.

More storage was key. I wanted a place to store cleaning supplies and chemicals, and completely fell head over heels in love when I found this piece at a local antique mall! It is the tiniest little antique metal cabinet with etched glass. It had already been redone in a glossy white paint, which was perfect!

Lots of storage for supplies in the lower cabinet, with plenty of room left on top for pretty dishes and glassware.

I put one of my favorite thrift store finds on top...a pretty vintage floral picture in a chippy white frame, along with an old clock, a buddha (I have one in every room, so serene), and a turquoise vase with flowers.

This key rack was a great find at a garage sale, and a great little organizer...

I covered one of the walls with art. The two large vintage syle ads were in the laundry room previously. I found the little bicycle print on clearance at Target. The embroidery hoop art was made with scraps of colorful fabric I already had. I found the vintage frame and tiny mirror at a local thrift store (the store is less than a mile a way and will be the death of me I am sure).

My favorite, however, is the silhouette of my daughter, made by a local artist. He looks at his subject and simply starts to cut. Absolutely amazing! He did a wonderful job! Such attention to each little curl on her head and her long eyelashes...

We replaced the wire shelf above the washer and dryer with white shelves from IKEA. It makes the space more modern and allows more storage space.

The biggest change is probably the lighting. The old light fixture put out a diffused glow and the space seemed darker. The chandelier puts out a lovely light with a lot of sparkle. Did I mention I love sparkle? When the light plays with the crystals it make the prettiest twinkles on the ceiling...

Thanks for letting me share our new space with you. Well, guess I'll do some laundry now. haha

Have a beautiful day!

Love,

Have you heard...

2011-06-17T05:49:00.001-07:00

Have you heard? Eclectic Orchid is having a summer sale! Yeah! 20% off everything in the shop! Just type in the code "summerlove" in the coupon box during checkout to receive your discount. Hope everyone is having a lovely summer!

HAVE FUN!

One Fine Day

2011-05-27T11:32:00.000-07:00

Well, it is anything but one fine day here! Intervals of rain with the sun making an appearance here and there. The kind of day where you have just enough rain to make everything a sloppy mess outside. Since it has been a stay-inside-kind-of-day, I decided to participate in the FPOE (Female Photographers of Etsy) Treasury Blitz. Very fun concept- show your fellow photographers a little love by featuring them in a treasury, take a peek and comment on all the lovely treasuries, and hopefully get some of these beautifully curated treasuries to Etsy's front page. My treasury offering is One Fine Day, here's a little screenshot:

Sunshine, fun, happiness, romance, travel, lace, flowers, turquoise and yellow....they make me smile!

On a side note- New necklaces, earrings, and headbands coming to the shop soon in gorgeous summer colors! Here's a peek:

Have a wonderful weekend!

Much Love!

2011-05-24T12:42:00.001-07:00

Well, even though summer doesn't officially start for another month, I thought it would be fun to kick off the season with a summer sale! Come on over to Eclectic Orchid and pick up some great new accessories for summer! Flower pins, necklaces, earrings, jewelry, headbands- something for everyone! Just type in the code summer15 at checkout and receive 15% off your entire purchase (excludes shipping, can not be combined with any other offers, not applicable to custom orders)! Happy shopping!

A Day on the Farm- Engagement Photos with Aerin & Ben

2011-04-12T05:32:00.000-07:00

Well, when you think of a farm you may not think of balloons, but I can assure you that on this particular day on the farm there were indeed balloons. I'll get back to that later! When my cousin Aerin called me last week to see if I wouldn't mind taking some engagement pictures of her and husband-to-be Ben, I was of course so excited! Where did they want to take pictures you ask? On the farm belonging to Ben's family. Okay, now I was ecstatic! Thomson Farm (aka Blue Lake Farm) encompasses over 1200 acres of land, which meant so many idyllic settings for dreamy, romantic pictures. It also meant a day of riding on four wheelers through green pastures, forests and fields of wildflowers (and also the occasional cow patty, but let's just focus on the pretty things, okay?). I mean, just look at this place...

Did I mention they raise beef cattle? I was a bit worried about a stampede but was assured I would remain trample free...

Some of the land borders the Broad River. So pretty!

So, here is a little sampling of the photo shoot. While I am no means a professional portrait photographer, it was so much fun to capture these special moments and I am pretty happy with the results! Have a look...

Ben is a volunteer at the local fire department...

Remember the balloons? They have a lot of old farm buildings spread throughout the property and I thought the brightness of the balloons against the old wood would be fun. Besides, balloons put a smile on anyone's face. Pure colorful happiness...

Hay bales anyone?

Aerin is a romantic at heart and a big fan of Pride & Prejudice. I think we captured a bit of that in this picture...

One of my favorites in a beautiful field of tall yellow wildflowers...

Aerin wore my For Whom the Heart Exists necklace for the shoot. I hand stamped it with a "B". Thought it was fitting for the occasion... You can see this necklace and more romantic styles over at Eclectic Orchid.

Thanks so much to Aerin and Ben for letting me capture this special time in your lives. It was so much fun and I am truly honored! Lots of love to you guys and best wishes for the future!

Also thanks to the Thomson family for allowing me to photograph some of their beautiful land. Truly a magical place!

Have a wonderful day all!

Much Love!

Good Morning Copycats

2011-04-09T06:31:00.001-07:00

This morning I headed over to one of my favorite blogs, Violet Bella's World, and found this great little flyer. Her post this morning is interactive and she encourages everyone who agrees with this sentiment to repost on their own blog. In Laura's words, " Lets spread the word in a fun and creative way that its not so cool to be a copycat." Couldn't have said it better myself! So, head on over to Violet Bella's World and help show those copycats that we won't let them get us down!

Neglected and Sad

2011-04-01T14:02:00.000-07:00

It's true, I've neglected you, made you sad, poor little blog! Life has gotten so busy and you have been tossed aside like a dirty dish rag. I'll try to do better sweet friend!

Lots of new lovelies are slowly making their way into the shop for the spring! Here are a few...

Head on over to Eclectic Orchid to see more of the new spring collection!

And I'll soon be introducing my Ring Around the Rosey custom fabric flower necklaces in gorgeous, vibrant colors. Below is a sneak peak at a spring photo shoot by local photographer Lindsay Hess who was kind enough to use my new necklace (shown here in teal blue). How gorgeous is this photo? See more of this lovely photo shoot over at Lindsay's Facebook page!

Last, but not at all least, I am one of the sponsors over at Violet Bella's World blog for the month of April! It is a gorgeous blog with dreamy images, inspiring reads, and lots of heart. Take the time to visit if you haven't already- it's totally worth it, I promise! Have a look around her Etsy shop, Violet Bella, as well. Oh my- its lovely!

This weekend is supposed to be a beauty so I am hoping to get my fill of nature- sprucing up the flower beds and planting a vegetable garden. Hope your weekend is wonderful as well!

Lots of Love~

Bellawonderella is open!

2010-10-07T13:54:00.000-07:00

I've been neglectful of my blog as of late. Life has just been so terribly busy! Where do the days go? When I find out, I'll be sure to let you in on the secret!

Just wanted to let you all know that my Etsy photography shop, Bellawonderella, is now open! I am so super excited about this. Photography has always been such a great passion of mine and I am beyond thrilled that I am getting the opportunity to share that passion with others through my fine art prints. I'll leave you with a few of the images available for sale in my shop, but feel free to stop in at Bellawonderella and see some of them for yourself!

Have a lovely day!

Message from a Bride

2010-08-24T06:10:00.000-07:00

A little over a year ago I received a message through Etsy from lovely bride-to-be Jenni. She was so happy to have found my Bows, Pearls, and Girly Things Necklace in bright tangerine and knew it would be perfect for her bridemaids to wear on her wedding day. Of course, I was thrilled to make them for her, and couldn't believe she was ordering them a year in advance! Can't get more on the ball than that!

To my surprise, I recently received another message from now lovely bride Jenni. A year later and now she is married and once again thanked me for the necklaces. To my delight she even shared some pictures of her beautiful wedding and her bridesmaids wearing the necklaces! Take a look at these amazing photos! Such a lovely wedding!

OOPSIE!

Well, it seems the pics have disappeared, but a great big THANK YOU to Jenni nonetheless for letting me add a little bit of beauty to your special day! Congrats to you and best wishes!

If you are a bride in need of unique jewelry or accessories for your wedding, please visit my Etsy shop and contact me! I love to hear from brides-to-be and will work to create something perfect just for you!

Wishing you lots of love and a simply wonderful day!

A Taste of What's to Come

2010-08-18T21:48:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a while. I have had a wonderful summer spending time with my family. It's a beautiful thing and we have made so many wonderful memories this summer. I am finally getting to work on the shop again. New packaging- adorable pale pink boxes with ribbons and a dainty flower.

I ordered some mini moo cards today. They are amazing tiny business cards with some of my original photography on them. They also make great little bookmarks. I'm hoping they will be a nice surprise for customers and a great addition to the new packaging.

I'll be getting the shop stocked soon with lots of new fall lovelies! Chains, flower pins in fall colors, and oh yeah! Rhinestones! Did I mention there will be rhinestones? Here's a little taste of what's to come!

Post Earring Sets

Hearts

Flowers, Crystals & Rhinestones

Have a beautiful day!

Fortuneless? Not Me!

2010-04-10T07:52:00.001-07:00

Well, yesterday turned out to be a fabulous day! The day started out with my ruffled flower bib style necklace, Caramel Chocolate Delight, featured on Charlotte's FOX News Rising!

You see, it was Fashion Friday and I was one of the lucky artists whose creation was chosen for a segment on local jewelry designers! I was beyond excited to see my little necklace on tv. Such an honor! You can see the segment here:

http://www.foxcharlotte.com/rising/90360209.html

So then we met my husband for lunch out in Charlotte. My daughter is obsessed with a chinese food place there, so naturally that's where we dined. And then, the fortune cookies arrived...

So we all got some pretty great fortunes. Apparently, this coming Friday will be an exciting time for my 4-year-old (strange), my husband's friends will soon give him a great surprise (which is quite funny since we always joke he has no friends), and my investment of time in work this week is important (yeah! will it finally pay off?). Pretty profound, I thought! But, alas, dear cousin Jessie- you were fortuneless. An empty fortune cookie is never fun. But maybe we were looking at this the wrong way. Maybe it means good luck. Maybe it means you are free to create your own fortune.

We finished off the day with yet another trip to the Sleepy Poet, where I found the prettiest little bone china floral tea cup. Oh, how I love you little tea cup. Then a few random pics since the light was so pretty and the backyard has become lush and green.
So, takes some time to stop and smell the gorgeous spring flowers. Life is beautiful! Have a lovely weekend!

Good Morning! What's Blossoming?

2010-03-29T04:38:00.001-07:00

Good morning! Hope you had a beautiful weekend! Well, we (the family and myself) took a ride out of town on Saturday and low and behold, the peach trees were in bloom! Row after row of those gorgeous blossoms are truly stunning. On the way back home we picked up the most delicious strawberries from a local fruit stand. Yummmm!

Yesterday was one of those continuously gloomy days (except for the spot of sunshine I caught peeking through my window). While it didn't rain much, it was dark and windy. I didn't really mind though. I took advantage of being indoors and used the time to complete a large wholesale order I've been working on for the past couple weeks. It was nice to work and listen to the sound of the wind in the trees and hear the lovely chimes.

A few new things will be "blossoming" at Eclectic Orchid this week! I have lots of new Spring goodies, just need to find the time to fill the shop with them! Check out my newest addition to the Whimsy in the Garden locket collection on the left.

I'll also be adding new large, feminine and romantic flower brooches topped off with vintage rhinestone buttons or repurposed vintage earrings.

Hope you had a wonderful weekend too! Here's to a fabulous Monday!

Dreaming this morning...

2010-03-25T06:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true. I'm dreaming of travel this morning. This is a picture I took last summer of one of the streets of Venice. Isn't it glorious! The colors, the vibrancy, the ummmm, laundry? haha. But these are not the only things I'm dreaming of. How about the...

Lovely blooms blossoming in abundance on balconies.

Windows thrown wide open to the unbelievably beautiful blue Venetian sky.

A quiet morning on the Grand Canal.

Gondolas on silent waters before the start of a busy day.

And, yes, even...

Fresh laundry hung out to dry in the warm Italian air.

Well, I think I've dreamed quite enough for one morning!

Bought the loveliest little camelia bush yesterday. It has the softest pink buds I have ever seen. Going to find a wonderful place to plant it today!

Hope your Thursday is filled with dreams and beauty!

Best Vintage Find...EVER!

2010-03-20T17:37:00.000-07:00

So, this morning I took a ride with the family to my favorite Charlotte antique mall, The Sleepy Poet. I must say, the name itself lures me in, but in addition to the dreamy name this place is loaded full of vintage lovelies! So much to take in! I'd say it seriously has to be the equivalent of modern day pirate treasure, ummm, if pirates liked antiques and old stuff that is. So above is the few treasures I collected today. I was pretty picky this trip.
I found the cutest little rose teacup and saucer (and on sale-yeah!), a few tiny silver spoons, some old earring bits to repurpose for use in my jewelry, and these funny little vintage lady wooden cutouts in stands. I enjoy the whimsy and humor of them, and they add a lovely bit of quirk to my workspace!
But, yes, I have saved the best for last, the Pièce de résistance if you will:
So I know you are thinking, it's just a picture of a rose. Well, I guess you would be right. At first I was taken in by the lovely colors. The roses were done in either watercolors or markers (yes I should be able to tell the difference, but hey, I am no expert) and I just love the contrast against the carved black frame. The big surprise came when I flipped the frame over to check out the price. On the back of this frame lies the most endearing sentiment I have ever laid eyes upon:

That Paul sure does have a way with words, doesn't he? We got such a chuckle over this that I knew no matter the cost, it was coming home with me! Such a treasure was mine for only $6! Can you believe it? hahaha

One rose teacup- $5

Bits of old beaded trim- $10

Old silver spoon- $2.75

Letting the world know just how much you love your mom's smelly feet- PRICELESS!

Paul if you are out there, I just want you to know that I will treasure your work of art always. Not only does it look great with my little art and mirror collection, I know that if ever I have company over and am in need of a conversation starter, I can simply say, "Have I ever shown you my lovely rose picture?" If that won't get the conversation started maybe it's time for the company to go home- haha!

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend!

Hello Spring!

2010-03-19T11:22:00.000-07:00

Well, I wandered around downtown the other morning while my daughter was in nursery school. Low and behold the crabapple trees were covered in blooms. Truly stunning! Practically overnight mother nature had replaced the dark dreary winter sky with the glow of spring ushering in singing birds, patches of fresh green grass, and an unbelievably blue, almost cloudless sky. Lets not forget the emergence of flowers. Beyond happy about that! Yes, after this long cruel winter I think we can say hello to spring! I've been working on what I hope will grow into a beautiful cottage garden, and have also been creating new lovelies inspired by spring, like these little flower earrings:
and this sweet little pink and white flower brooch:
Both will be available at Eclectic Orchid soon! Hope you are enjoying the start of this beautiful season as much as I am! Have a lovely weekend!

Slow Start

2010-03-04T08:13:00.000-08:00

Well, we started off our day very slowly today. By we, I mean my daughter, my little fuzzball, and myself. Some days are meant to be slow- take in the beauty, savor it! I sat down to a good cup of coffee this morning and began to peruse a wonderful book on illustrator/writer Tasha Tudor that my grandmother loaned me. My grandmother simply adores Tasha Tudor, and after reading a few pages about her life, I can see why. I soaked in the pictures and words, enjoying the glorious sun that is streaming through all of the windows in my home today. I also took some time to enjoy the gorgeous bouquet of flowers that my husband had waiting for me in a vase on our kitchen table for our anniversary. All the while, my daughter is playing with her princesses in our living room. She has such an imagination! I wonder what she will channel her creativity into when she grows up? Tasha has inspired me to plant bulbs outside today the colors of a rainbow. I have gladiolas and dahlias ready to go, but I think we will take a trip to the store to see if we can find some peonies and wildflower seed. Tasha's motto is in my head- joy is there for the taking, life is to be enjoyed.

Thank you Tasha and grandma (since you loaned me the book) for inspiring my day! I leave you with a quote that I found particularly magnificent:

"The gloom of the world is but a shadow; behind it, yet within our reach is joy. Take joy."

Have a beautiful day!

Sneak Peek at Spring Collection

2010-03-02T10:51:00.000-08:00

Well, I've got lots of new pretty things coming your way, just have to find the time to list them! New embellished lockets, flower pins and headbands, brooches and fab new necklaces! Lots of soft Spring colors, romance, and flowers! Oh yes, lots and lots of flowers!

For now, I'll leave you with a little sneak peek of things to come!

My Prettiest Little Lovely

2010-02-23T05:59:00.000-08:00

I love looking at all the pretty sparkly jewels and beads I have collected for my jewelry making. I have a grand time rummaging through all of my vintage treasures, especially my sparkly button collection. Nothing, however, puts a smile on my face like my prettiest little lovely- my wonderful daughter. She reminds me just how special every day is and how beautiful and magical the world can be through a child's eyes. And did I mention she is hilarious? After sitting down this morning to answer emails, check the shop, and proceed with the usual morning ritual, she informed me (in her exact words), "Mom, I am going to get big like you. I am going to get my own house and buy breakable things." I do't think I have ever laughed so hard. I didn't know she wanted breakable things that badly! So, in honor of my prettiest little lovely, I think we will have a fun filled day taking it easy, playing, minor cleaning, and maybe...just maybe...we will go out and buy something.. breakable (maybe that little mirror I had my eye on- I know even my daughter will appreciate it-4 year olds love their own reflection)!

Have a beautiful day!

A Glimpse Into My Creative Space

2010-02-10T16:39:00.000-08:00

Well, the weather continues to keep us indoors as it has been blustery and cold, but at least the sun was out today. I have been spending some time getting things tidied up around the house, and organizing here and there. It is quite a feat for someone who who would much prefer to dwell in chaos, but it might be fun to actually know where things are for a change! This especially rings true for my little creative space, otherwise known as my studio/guest bedroom. The light coming into the room was so beautiful this afternoon, that I decided to snap a few shots of my favorite space and the special, pretty little things within it that inspire me! It may look a bit cluttered, but I love to be surrounded by things that bring to mind thoughts of fairy tales, happy memories, and beauty, color and whimsy. From my grandfather's old worn hat, to a vintage dress form clad in my mustard dress and a scrap of lace, everything in this space inspires me to create. The room is filled with fun antique shop finds, thrift store treasures, my paper umbrella collection, tiny mirrors, colorful art, and my own photography. So, come on in and grab a glimpse into my little creative space! Hope you enjoy seeing the world of Eclectic Orchid!

Much love!

Happy Birthday Little Man!

2010-02-02T09:42:00.001-08:00

Well, yesterday was my little man's 6th birthday! I really can't believe he has been a part of my life for so long! And yes, I am speaking of my dog. In this house your birthday is celebrated all the same. He dined on his favorite meal of pancakes and was begging for more. You may wonder (or not-haha) how we do indeed know that pancakes are his favorite. Well I'll tell you a little story. When he was just a wee pup my husband and I had just finished up a delicious pancake breakfast and were sitting at the kitchen bar sipping coffee. In the corner of my eye I caught sight of my then tiny pup dragging a pancake across the kitchen floor. Yes that's right- he had taken one peek into the garbage can and decided that tasty dish was not going to waste. I have never again seen him dig anything out of the garbage, so that's why we are absolutely certain they are his fave. Make's sense, right?

My daughter and I surprised him with a delicious box of doggy gourmet cookies (which my daughter was upset she could not taste) and a few fun toys- a sock monkey stuffed with a water bottle that crackles super loudly (also encourages recycling which is cool), a squeaky popcorn box, and the best dog toy I have ever seen, a squeaky doggy beer! Needless to say, I figured it was time this pooch had a beer since he is 42 in human years and seriously needs to relax. It is hilarious watching him walk around with the bottle. Don't worry- it's just a chew toy!

So Happy Birthday little man! Couldn't ask for a better friend!

Resurrecting the Blog

2010-01-29T21:35:00.000-08:00

Well, I have spent a better part of this night bringing my blog back to life. I've freshened it up, added a bit of pizazz in the form of some of my favorite tunes, and had hours of life sucked out of me that I will never get back- heehee. C'est la vie! I think it's time to head off to the land of nod. Hoping to awake to a winter wonderland complete with pretty fluffy snowflakes and not an iced over death trap, aka the stairs to my front door after freezing rain. Goodnight and sweet dreams!

Glorious Day!

2009-05-19T06:17:00.000-07:00

Well, finally after days of gloomy weather and wind, it looks like the sun has decided to make a guest appearance! The weather is wonderful! So, if you have a chance today, stop and smell the flowers, feel the breeze on your face, listen to the sounds of the wind through the trees, and gaze at the gloriously blue sky! Here's to hoping that you have a wonderfully beautiful day ahead of you too! (below are some pictures that hopefully inspire your day)

New Listings

2009-05-18T20:37:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Well, Monday is almost over, so here's to that! Actually, I have to say that this was a pretty good Monday. Hardly even felt like a Monday! Beautiful weather and a fantastic day with my daughter! Can't really top that no matter what day of the week it is! Anywho, I was able to list a few new pieces today. Here they are:

"Classic Love Story"
- inspired by Romeo and Juliet and my
upcoming trip to Verona, Now that's amore!

"Ma Petite Fleur" in pink
- just like cotton candy in the form of a
rose for your finger! How fun!

I have also been hoarding, I mean collecting, a lot of vintage pieces lately. I hope to incorporate them into some terrific new designs! Be on the lookout for them as well as upcoming blog, facebook, and twitter sales! Good night and have a happy Tuesday!

Featured in Treasuries!

2009-05-15T10:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday everyone! I am so happy that I am currently being featured in two etsy treasuries! Yay!

The first is my Bicyclette Rouge necklace in "Waiting to be Found" by Kim's Crafty Apple. Check out her shop for fun baby clothing, quilts, bags and more: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5665286 Precious!

The second is my Freedom set of bracelets in "Wishful Thinking..." by Studio Elan. Check out her colorful shop for handmade wheelthrown and slab built pottery/sculpture: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5001632 Simply gorgeous!

Also, thanks to cynmb for featuring me in her "Adorable" treasury earlier this week! Truly appreciated!

Thanks so much guys! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T12:52:00.001-07:00

Good afternoon all! Hope everyone is having a fantastic Sunday, especially to all of my followers who are mothers! Such a great day to celebrate your most fantastic gift in life- your children!

I am especially delighted to be featured in a lovely little treasury today called "Adorable" :http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=53447. Check it out if you have a minute. It echoes the season perfectly with it's beautiful pastel tones! Well, hope the rest of your day goes well! Enjoy!

Going Back to Europe

2009-05-06T11:42:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been almost 7 years, but I am finally going back to Europe! I fell in love with Italy on my honeymoon years ago, and always said I would return. Sometimes life has other plans for you! Well, it looks like my time to return has come. I have a ticket to Venice for June and I am beyond excited! We are going to travel through Austria, possibly some of Germany, and back to my beloved Italy! Hoping it will be a fantastic trip! Unfortunately Eclectic Orchid will be on vacation for periods of time over the summer. But I hope to find some wonderful pieces to create with when I return home! Scattered about are a few pics from my last trip to Positano, Italy. Husband and I look so young!

Hope everyone is having a terrific week! Ciao!

New Pieces

2009-05-06T11:35:00.001-07:00

I have been working on new pieces to add to Eclectic Orchid, and I have to say that my newest are quickly becoming my favorites! They are colorful, sparkly, and fun! Now, if only I could find more time to list them! Let me know what you think!

The Dauphine

2009-05-02T14:38:00.000-07:00

Just added a new piece to my Let Them Eat Cake line- The Dauphine. So delicate and feminine! Did I mention pink and feathers? Hope you like it!

Mother's Day Sale Ends Tomorrow!

2009-05-02T13:41:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that my Mother's Day Sale ends tomorrow! 10% off your entire purchase (pre-shipping). Lots of goodies to be had! You may even find something for yourself too! I love custom orders as well! Hope everyone is having a great weekend so far!

First Craft Show

2009-04-28T11:26:00.000-07:00

Well, my first craft show was a bust! My friend and I had been working hard for weeks gathering our products and coming up with a set-up that we felt really reflected the look we were going for. I thought that the show would be absolutely wonderful because it was right in a busy part of the city. Live music all day, good food, decent amount of vendors. Boy was I wrong! Nobody attended the show! The music and food were wonderful, but where was everyone? I maybe saw 100 people, and I think that is a pretty generous estimate. Not to mention, it was hotter than Hades (90 degrees in April)! All was not to be lost however! Although we did spend 7 hours in the heat, got a bit sunburned and slightly dehydrated, it was a fun day! How come you ask? I got to spend the day surrounded by all of the things I have created out there for the world (okay maybe just Charlotte) to see, enjoyed terrific live music, ate good food (funnel cake for lunch, yumm!), created new little lovelies, and spent the day in the company of a good friend. Not to mention our booth was everything I hoped it would be. Discouraged- no way! Point me in the direction of another show! I'm ready!

Mother's Day Sale

2009-04-27T11:02:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a while, but I would like to announce that Eclectic Orchid is having a Mother's Day Sale! Eclectic Orchid would love to help you show your mother, or the mother in your life, just how much you love her! Lot's of special, fun and unique items to let her know just how much you care (of course a hug, kiss, helping hand, and declaration of your love will also do-haha)! I also love custom orders and am always glad to help you create that perfect little gift! Receive 10% off your order (pre-shipping) through May 3. I can either create a revised listing for you or refund through paypal. Your choice! So, come on over and pick out something special! (Oh, and the picture is me and my mom- I thought it was fitting!)

Another Monday...

2009-04-13T16:18:00.001-07:00

Well, I hope everyone had a good monday and a beautiful Easter weekend. We were a bit down in the dumps that my brother-in-law had to return home to Louisiana, but the beautiful weather helped to perk up our spirits. Easter day was about as gorgeous as it could be- warm, sunny , and the flowers in full bloom! The dogwoods are absolutely amazing! I didn't create very many pieces over the past week, but I did make a new piece for my Twilight collection and listed it today. Clearly you can tell whose side I'm on! Hope you call had a good day!

Madame Flutterby

2009-04-09T17:09:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been an amazingly busy week. I have family visiting and have been busy gearing up for the upcoming art festival. It sure is a lot of work and I really hope it pays off! Well, if nothing more, I am hoping for a fantastic day of glorious sunshine, good company and great music! I haven't been listing much because I am trying to keep things aside for the festival, but I am pretty pleased with my latest creation. I call her Madame Flutterby. Why flutterby you ask? It seems etsy is loaded with Madame Butterflies, and personally I think Madame Flutterby has a nice whimsical little ring to it. She wants to be a bit different, wants to stand out on her own! I am hoping to list her really soon! Hope you like her!

Time to get moving!

2009-04-02T05:34:00.000-07:00

Yes that's right! It's time for me to get moving and shaking creating things for the upcoming Central Piedmont Community College Arts Fest. It looks like it's going to be a dismal Thursday, so I am going to work on my tent setup and some new pieces. I am hopeful that this is going to be a fantastic event! If you are going to be in the Charlotte area on April 25th, check it out: http://artsfest.cpcc.edu/

It was also time for me to join twitter. Not sure what its benefit to Eclectic Orchid will be yet, but I'm hopeful! Follow me: http://www.twitter.com/EclecticOrchid

Have a good Thursday all!

Fun with Polymer Clay

2009-03-31T06:51:00.000-07:00

I LOVE polymer clay. So many possibilities! I have been having a bit of fun with it lately, and have come up with some pretty unique pendants. This is the first of many more to come! Hope you like it!

Bisou Bisou Beads Giveaway

2009-03-30T14:24:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Happy Monday (happy that Monday is almost over because I can't stand them-haha)! What could make this a good Monday? The fabulous Claire over at Bisou Bisou Beads ( http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5740561) has started a terrific giveaway today with the prize being my new little vintage locket necklace. I call it "Black Tie Affair". So head on over to her blog, http://www.bisoubisoubeads.blogspot.com/, and check out her terrific Etsy shop! Thanks Claire! Good luck all!

Just got back...

2009-03-28T13:43:00.000-07:00

from a trip to the Bead Lady in Concord! Fabulous bead shop! I am like a kid in a candy store in there! So much fun! Bought a lot of new treasures! To top it off, I had a package of supplies waiting for me from a lovely etsy seller when I got home. So many new things to create with! I am giddy!

Boo, hiss! This weather stinks!

2009-03-25T14:56:00.000-07:00

So, I thought winter was behind us but the cold is back and so is the rain! I know we need it, but I am tired of all this stinky weather! I think I am going to try to bring back spring with some earrings based on a lovely tree I saw in Savannah a couple weekends ago. And if warmer weather comes back, I will definitely know that it was all due to the creation of these earrings and then Eclectic Orchid will win world wide notoriety as having earrings that can alter weather patterns. The impact will be astounding- did I take it too far?

PS- Check out the way creepy "haunted" house behind the lovely flowers. Seriously, could not get enough photos of this place!

New lovelies listing soon!

2009-03-23T21:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been busy trying to create fun new jewelry pieces for Eclectic Orchid and for the upcoming art festival at Central Piedmont Community College! Hoping to list a lot of new things this week- I just need to find the time! So, keep your eyes on the shop for new little lovelies!

Happy Monday!

2009-03-23T13:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday everyone! Although I am not a fan of Mondays and never have been, I have been taking the time today to reflect on what have been a few exciting weeks for Eclectic Orchid and myself! First myself: Took a much needed weekend trip to Savannah a couple weekends ago with the girls and picked up some lovely new beads from a shop downtown. I also spent the past week gearing up for a baby shower that I hosted for a friend this weekend. I think she really enjoyed it and it meant a lot to me to see her happy and relaxed (if even for only a few hours).

Next Eclectic Orchid: Met (virtually speaking) a wonderful lady named Jade Bourdeaux a couple weeks ago who happens to live in my neck of the woods and completely loves my jewelry. She was fantastic enough to feature me in her blog and have a fantastic pay it forward giveaway with my cherry earrings as the prize!

Thanks a bunch to Jade and her terrific blog! Check it out:

http://theonecurlyfry.blogspot.com/

Congrats to Shanna for winning the giveaway (http://shannalane.blogspot.com/), and thanks to a New York City Housewife In Training (http://nychit.blogspot.com/) and Yours Truly (http://yourstrulydesign.blogspot.com/) for mentioning Eclectic Orchid and some of my jewelry in their blogs!

Last but not least, on Friday I brought some of my jewelry over to Charlotte magazine to be photographed for their May issue! I am super excited to say the least! Thanks to all of you who continue to support Eclectic Orchid! You truly make me feel like this adventure is worth while! Thanks for all of the hearts and love! Look for more goodies soon to come!

Sign up and become a follower of my blog and then mention that you read my blog for 10% off your next Eclectic Orchid purchase through this week (ends 3/29/08)! Of course this is good for existing followers as well! Thanks you guys!

What is this blogging thing anyway?

2009-03-09T02:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I am going to try out this new fandangled thing called a blog. To be completely honest, I am mystified and oddly intrigued by the whole thing. I guess that's all I have in me right now. Give me a break...I have been up since 3AM.... Well, 7:20 AM and I am still awake as ever. My daughter stopped coughing hours ago (by the way, that's why I was up in the first place), but since I am practically nocturnal, I never really can sleep at night anyway. Why is it that my creativity has to flourish every night when I try to lay my head down on the pillow and close my eyes? I swear that's when my best ideas are born. So, since I can not sleep, I am off to create! Crossing my fingers for brilliance (once can have high aspirations, can't they?)!