Nature's Spring Jewelry

Spring is my favorite time of year in Kansas City (fall is a close second). It arrives after what always seems like an endless winter (for me anyway). As soon as my tulip bulbs break the ground in February I count down the days until spring. It seems like this time of year is the only time in Kansas City when you can go outside and enjoy the weather and not get eaten alive by mosquitoes. Another couple of weeks and that won't be the case (at least for me). So, I spent a good hour in our front yard taking photos. Enjoy!All of the above pictured tulips came from a variety pack I bought at Home Depot.

Every spring I plant a flat of impatiens. Once established, they look gorgeous into November!
Lily of the Valley - I dug some of these up from the yard of a house we rehabbed a couple of summers ago and they are taking hold quite well!

Lamium - great shade plant. We also have a lighter green version.

Purple Sand Cherry - I like to call it the poor man's japanese maple :)

Azalea

Crystal Wrap Collection

I have been experimenting with plastics for a while and have come up with my first collection created out of plexiglass! Each piece was hand cut, sanded, softened in an oven, then hand molded. I accented each piece with varying colors and sizes of Swarovski crystals set in resin. I am really happy with the designs. I think they look incredible!

This photo is of the entire collection thus far, including rings, bangles, necklace and earrings. I am sending the aqua-toned group out to Los Angeles to be photographed. It will be featured in a LookBook for an upcoming fashion event. I cannot wait to see the model shots with the product!

Photo Shoot!

Recently I had the opportunity to collaborate with photographer Vicki Smith, make-up artist Jolie Carrillo-Allen, and model Sarah Nelson. It was actually my first experience being involved in a professional photo shoot! Not only did I learn a lot, I had a great time and made some new contacts I hope to work with again in the future. Thank you all for bringing my jewelry designs to life!

Eighties Leopard - Resin Heart Necklace

Hot Pink Leopard - resin heart necklace
Nailed and Ball Chain - resin bangles

Silver Rising - resin pendant necklace

Mardi Gras - hand painted wooden bead and fringe necklace

Neon Zebra - resin heart necklace

Pinwheel - resin pendant necklace

Purple Leopard - resin heart necklace

All of these items are available in my etsy shop, except Mardi Gras, which is available in my other shop on smashingdarling.com.

Special thanks to my collaborators: Sarah Nelson (Sarah is also an aspiring clothing designer: see more here. Vicki Smith Photography, and make-up artist Jolie Carrillo-Allen.

New Pink Symphony Collection!

The new Pink Symphony Duet Collection is here! Pink Symphony is my collaboration line with singer/songwriter Jillian Riscoe.


Music Shakes The City necklace and bracelet.



Hit That High Note To The Stars necklace and earrings.



Percussion Like Patchwork necklace and ring.

Trunk Show featuring music by Jillian Riscoe DECEMBER 12, 2008

I am SO excited about this upcoming event! I have been collaborating with local musician Jillian Riscoe and we are creating a new line of jewelry titled "Pink Symphony". There are three necklace designs and one ring design that will debut at the event on December 12th. Jillian will be performing a live acoustic set! We are going to raffle away a gift also! This will be such a fun event! There is no address on the flyer because it's taking place at a private residence. We will be giving the address of the event when people rsvp. Fun fun fun!!!

My First Taste of Press!

It's SO nice to finally receive some direct press coverage of my designs! Thank you to Heather Kraft of the Kansas City Star for featuring one of my pieces and doing such a nice little write-up on me!

Haute Market Rings!

I just made 100 of these rings for the Haute Market goody bags to be given out at their next event on July 17th. My fingers are pretty much raw and numb from hand-making all of these. The photo isn't the best (it was almost dark out and I had to ship the rings the next day), but hopefully the free publicity I get will pay off in the long run. I had an extra one I let my mom have and she's been wearing it almost daily. She's my number one fan and ya gotta love your number one fan! :)