Crowns and Sparkles!

Wouldn't you love to have a crown designed just for you? Or a ring made of leather with the sparkle of a star? Or a lightning bolt to wear on your finger? Shannon of Pink Whiskey is offering new and beautifully unique designs that include custom designed leather crowns, bags, necklaces, bracelets and expertly crafted rings. 

Recently, I received the rings pictured on the tiny wrapped leather boot in the photograph below and fell in love with the uniqueness of design and eclectic creativity. The rings feel as though they belong on your finger forever and are soft, yet are made to last. They show true craftsmanship infused with a bohemian edge by the creator, Shannon. 

And, let's not forget the crowns! I've included a photograph of a crown she designed for her niece which is truly whimsical and so amazing in its design. What child or adult wouldn't love to have a crown to wear? It takes me back to Valentine's Day in graded school when I was the Queen of Hearts and wore a foil-covered, cardboard crown decorated with red sticker hearts. Shannon's crowns feature beads, metals and other materials and are made in various designs.....whatever you would like. From a jagged cut to a straight cut....whatever the wearer would love to have. Or, she can custom design a crown and surprise you with inspiration from her muse! 

Check out her Facebook page, “Pink Whiskey”. There, you can see photographs and contact her about her designs, to place an order or to make a special request.

 
Keep watching......more to come!

Metallography......Inspired Jewelry Designs!

Pewter Cross with Fleur de Lis

Over the past weeks, I have been searching for new artisans on etsy.com and found beautifully crafted metal creations made by Maggie of Atlanta, Georgia.  Her etsy.com shop is entitled “metallography”.  As she says in her profile, she “loves making something out of nothing” and it has become her passion and motivation with her unique creations.  Metalsmithing re-entered Maggie’s life through a series of happenings and she now creates beauty to be worn using techniques in this new venture that had been hidden away.  As well as creating unique designs, she also sells pewter crosses and fleur de lis to other “creators” that they incorporate into their own “pieces”. 

 

Heart Pendant

My personal favorites are her hot-stamped metal hearts and a very unique pendant with a tiny scroll within its rim.  She describes the process of hot stamping as taking either a cut piece of brass or copper, adding solder and heat with a blow torch to the melting point, and while the metal is molten, it is pressed with a rubber stamp, taking on the imprint.  No two pieces are alike making them one of a kind, further enhancing their individual and eclectic beauty. 

Friendship Scroll Pendant

Maggie's pipe bezel pendant, which is entirely handmade, features a fleur de lis soldered onto the side.  The rosary-style chain is hand-wrapped and made with cut amazonite beads.  Hanging from the bezel is a tiny cluster of mother-of-pearl beads in aqua with a crystal hand-cut teardrop beneath.  Held within the bezel is a message on handmade paper ”...it’s the friends we meet along life’s path who help us appreciate the journey”.  Beautiful!  It reminds me of the friends I have made along the way and the wonderful people – designers and sellers of eclectic creations in this world – who have changed my life through their love of what they do.

I highly recommend Maggie’s creations and her etsy.com shop.  Maggie’s designs can be found at www.etsy.com/shop/metallography ......you will love them! 

Rags Rock!

My love of “rocker and bohemian chic” motivates me to seek out designers and sellers inspired by rebellion of convention.  During one of my late night jaunts on the internet, I came upon a site that cannot be ignored.  Rags Rock of West Midlands (AKA The Fashion Bank Ltd.) in England which launched in 2012.  They carry high end “celebrity” fashion brands such as Muubaa, Blue Valley, Barney’s Originals, French Connection, Hype, and many more at very low end prices for both women and men.  They ship worldwide and offer a diverse selection of designs, with exceptional customer service!  Believe me when I say, you will be able to spend hours looking at the offerings of this company’s site for the perfect dress, jacket or accessory.  Along with the biker style leather jackets by Muubaa, they offer beautiful dresses with an edge by Aqua and Ex-Asos, as well as accessories by Tom Ford and Vivienne Westwood.  They also feature an “Outlet” section on their website.  New offerings include creations by Spirithoods, Forever Unique, Religion, Love Rocks, Jocasi and Local Celebrity.

You can find Rag Rocks at www.ragsrock.com including links to their Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest pages.  They also have their very own fashion blog that highlights their newest additions, as well as showing great style.  

Forever Unique Skye Playsuit

Muubaa Flax Biker Jacket

Highlighted are two beautiful designs from their website…….the rebel-inspired Muubaa “Flax” distressed leather jacket which features raw edged seams in soft lambs leather, an asymmetric front zipper, buckled neck and side tabs at the waist, zippered cuffs and sculpting wire at the hem, front opening and the collar.  Amazing design and unbelievably unique color.  Another stunning offering is the Forever Unique Skye Playsuit with three-quarter length sleeves and attached “shorts” embellished with hand sewn “jewels” on the shoulders for a stunning look, with a concealed rear zip fastening.  Eclectic and versatile!

I know I will be watching their site for the newest arrivals.  Check out the Rags Rock website…..you will love it!  Amazing company and over-the-top customer service!

Paula Carvalho Jewelry Designs.....

Silver XO Bracelet

In my never ending search for the eclectic and artisans who create beautiful designs, I found Paula Carvalho of Livermore, California.  Her jewelry is a reflection of her heart in a myriad of designs including forged cross and "XO" bracelets.  She also creates pendants, necklaces and silver cuffs.  Some reflect a medieval edge, while others speak of the ocean and love.  Crosses and hearts play a major role in her collections but personal requests are welcome.  She utilizes semi-precious stones and silver, which give her designs an "old world" presence with a modern edge.  What began as an outlet for her creativity became a passion-turned-obsession in her life!   

Below is a photograph of the silver hand forged bracelet with distressed leather cord and silver cross closure that I just received.  I can say without any doubt that her creations are beautiful and comfortable to wear.......and truly stunning!  Check out Paula's facebook page via the link below where you can see an unlimited range of designs and get in touch with her or visit her website at www.paulasjewelry.net! 
 

Silver Forged Cross Bracelet

Pink Whiskey.....

I recently discovered a beautiful ring made from leather and set out to find where I could find it and the designer behind this unique creation.  I was brought to the facebook page, “Pink Whiskey” where I found photographs of organically crafted jewelry and accessory designs including handbags with a true bohemian edge, made from various metals and leather.  Truly original designs…..yet another muse with a distinct style……one whose designs belong in a high-end catalog without a doubt!

The designer behind “Pink Whiskey”, Shannon Marie, designs and crafts stunning jewelry and accessories from natural materials.  Made from fine leathers and metals, each ring, necklace or handbag is unique in its design. 

Shannon began her career working at an upscale cleaning business that handled fine clothing after attending fashion school in Manhattan, as she had first thought of making custom-made couture clothing.  During this time, she felt “side-tracked” and realized her passion for jewelry design which evolved to sketching and designing rings, which then led her to the design of necklaces and handbags.  She is now pursuing her dream of being a creative designer.  As she says, “….when I create a new design that I love, it is even better when other people love it too….!”

If you would like to know how to order any of Shannon’s designs or contact her with any questions, she can be reached by email at pinkwhiskey1881@yahoo.com or on her facebook page, “Pink Whiskey”.  Shannon’s facebook pages features information about upcoming shows and a myriad of photographs of her inspired creations.  Click on the link below to be brought directly to her facebook page.   Her first “official show” will take place this weekend at the Holiday Craft Fair at the Airport Mall in Bangor, Maine on Saturday, December 22.  Wish I could be there! 

Check out her Etsy Shop "PinkWhisskey"!

Fairy Muse........

Another breathtaking creation by Gibbous Fashions from the "Flowers" collection..........

SUGARL!PS.......Moscow Transit Coat!

The Moscow Transit Coat by Sugarlips Apparel……..a jacket fit for a true rebel.  Edgy in its military-style design from light gray fabric that shimmers with silver metallic thread just enough to capture attention…..to the belt that can be worn tied at the waist or in your own style…..closed, untied……however you prefer “your look”.  The jacket is lined in soft black fabric and adorned with black embossed buttons.  The icing on the cake is the faux fur at each wrist with its unique wave design…….such an eclectic touch!  I highly recommend the Moscow Transit Coat by SUGARL!PS for the spring, fall or winter....or even on a cool summer night.  Sparkle and glimmer but oh so subtle!  Mystery defined.  Fit for the rebellious muse that resides within……..a jacket that will inspire you to discover places that will bring new adventures!  Check it out at www.sugarlipsapparel.com!  

Eclectic Creations by a Finnish Muse.......

In my ongoing search for inspired designs, I found this true creator of beautiful and one of a kind handbags, "GarbageBag" (by GarbageGirl aka Anne) made from upcycled materials and fabrics on www.etsy.com.   I am fascinated with the various lines she has made and named, including "The Return of the Snowmaker's Son's Revenge" which features a corduroy barrel-style bag with various hardware and buckles which she says is "inspired by Johnny Depp's outfit in Tim Burton's classic movie Edward Scissorhands."  Then, other lines such as the "Rather Ripped" collection which is inspired by her favorite band, "Sonic Youth".  There is always a story behind each series.  There are more, such as "Trans-Siberia ", "Crime Wave", "Holly's Breakfast", "Neubaten" and many others.  But, so far, I have to say my favorite series is that of "Metropolis", named for her favorite movie of the same name, which I will have to see - an original silent film made long ago.  Glittery silver with silver tone hardware......these bags remind me of an alien Halloween costume I made long ago and still have stored away.  I may have to buy one of these metallic bags as a birthday gift to myself! Pictured is the "Metropolis" triangle-shaped clutch!

Sugarlips.....Muse with an Edge......

In my search for creative and rebellious fashion, I wandered upon Sugarlips Apparel and found the greatest faux fur vest.  Not only does it have a great "edge" to its design, but it is reversible to a sequined, leopard print.  Great design from a company that has inspired the muse within me!

Evolving Fashion

Fashion is ever evolving.....so why shouldn't our own clothing change as we go from year to year? For so long, I have wondered what to do with my wedding dress and now the perfect end to a new beginning and a new life. Gibbous Fashions, of San Francisco, utilizes vintage fabrics, trinkets and the like to create their amazing and beautiful creations. In the coming months (.....and as soon as I am able to get it out of its storage box and in the mail!), I will be watching to see what they create from pieces of my dress. I am so excited to see what these talented and inspired designers are able to do with it............it will be reborn, perhaps, in several creations after being held captive for so long.

Briolette Perfection

I love the Sundance Catalog jewelry....it's so organic and so beautiful and I am told a great deal of thought and review goes into selecting any jewelry that is included in their offerings. Each ring or pendant has a unique name that highlights its beauty. In my search, I discovered a designer, Anne Sportun of Canada, who has designed a unique diamond briolette necklace with matching earrings and wanted to share them with you. If you would like to see the earrings, click on "Sundance Catalog" in the "link list" at the end of this page!

Just Breathe.....for....."Ever After".......

One of my favorite movies, "Ever After", about a true rebel heroine who saves herself in the end and lives a life of happiness with a rebellious prince.....but so many hurdles and obstacles along the way and, yet, in the end she triumphs - light wins over darkness. The beautiful and eclectic dress she wears one night is ethereal in beauty and design - one of a kind, made by the costume designer, Jane Law. A true work of beauty and art.

The Beauty of Felting

So many amazing artisans and creators on etsy.com! Today, I found this wonderful artisan from Latvia, Inga Veilande of "CreartingAC", who creates works of wearable art out of wool felt combined with silk, alpaca and bamboo. This designer also makes journals, bookmarks and necklaces out of leather and creates upcycled fairy-like sweaters. Her creations are beautiful, rustic and inspired!

Once Upon a Time.......

As a true "fan" and follower of the new series, Once Upon a Time, I wanted to write a bit about the amazing actors who portray the characters and the inspired costumes that are featured in each episode. So far, my favorite characters are Belle and Rumplestiltskin, as well as Mr. Gold and Emma......one must admit the costumes for these characters have been amazing, especially those of the Queen and "Rumple". If you haven't seen the show, take a peek on Sunday nights at 8 PM on ABC........it is rebellious and full of fairytale lore and "magic"! Here are a few costumes from the show that have caught my eye!

A "Fateful" Find from the UK

As I perused etsy.com for another unique designer, I came upon Penny Sampson of WyrdWear, a maker of "Upcycled Avante Garde Fashions". After reading about her and the origin of the shop name being connected to the "Three Fates" or "Sisters" of Scandinavian mythology, I was compelled to show one of her designs. Inspired and made by a fateful muse!

From a "Beautiful Place"

In my search for more eclectic "finds", another caught my eye. The etsy shop "BeautifulPlace" features handmade items that are handknit or felted including this very unique "treasure bag", with the title, "Lady of the Morning Mist".

The description by the shop owner is magical itself! "...once we spied her, far away through the tall pines... just as the morning mists arise, she walks on softly in her quiet realm...rustic handknit from soft handspun curly mohair in natural greys, undyed and accented with recycled sari silk ribbons in grey and purple and old rose. long and drapey wrapped tassles. the opening is rimmed in soft curls of handspun kid mohair in natural dark grey/brown...braided strap of soft baby boucle wool yarn and silk ribbons...a soft and gently sparkling woodland wandering in mists bag..."

A beautiful bag by an inspired muse!

A Dream of Eclectic Fashion, Design and Writing

In October 2010, I came up with a concept for a line of clothing and accessories called "Rebel Muse"......only in the past few weeks have I finally created the blog and facebook page and am finally on my way to hoping I can make this dream come true......this connects with my love of fashion, design, the eclectic and writing, as well as being able to share my own unique "finds" with you and to be able to offer my own ideas along the way......all in one.......love it!

A Rebel "Romance"

A true nordic-inspired tailored trench coat from Finland. Yet, another beautiful, romantic design by Lumme Designs. Another timeless piece for the "rebel"!

A Dress for a True Rebel Muse

Another beautiful muse-like creation from Gibbous Fashions.......just love how they create eclectic designs out of scraps of recycled materials! This dress is called the "Willow Gown". Their description illustrates in words how inspired the designs really are.......

"......a gorgeous gown for a spring fairy...tiers & tiers of ruffles explode
from a beautiful textured bodice,
making for an amazing silhouette~
lace, tulle, antique precious pieces,
they are all quilted together
in a sea of stitches.
lovely pale green strips are sewn
all over the bodice in
pretty diamond formations.
It zips shut in the back
with a vintage corset zipper,
and is adorned endlessly with tiny
antique buttons & flowers.
The straps are also from
vintage corsets, and are adjustable.
a dream come true, this gown is
awaiting a very enchanted girl."

Inspired by a Muse.....

I just could not help but notice the beautiful and eclectic design of Bella's wedding shoes in "Breaking Dawn". I finally was able to see "Part 1" of the movie this weekend and was struck by the one-of-a-kind design. As for the dress, not only did it rival another very famous wedding dress of last year......it may be more unique in design. The shoes......so "fairytale"!