During a recent photo shoot, Portia misplaced the recycled glass earrings.
Luckily, she saw them in time, and avoided needing to touch up her pedicure!
Luckily, she saw them in time, and avoided needing to touch up her pedicure!
Have A Cup on One
What's not to love about a fabric coaster?
Lightweight, washable, and easy to swap out as the seasons (or your mood) changes. Over a year ago, I purchased a bundle of fabric scraps (fat quarters), but I wasn't convinced as to what I was going to do with them. Well, now that I have some fabric coasters, I want to make some myself! What a great gift to give!
What will make for a good fabric coaster...shape retention, and well co-ordinated fabric seem important. Quilted, or not quilted, I'll have to see. Here are some that I found on Etsy:
Lightweight, washable, and easy to swap out as the seasons (or your mood) changes. Over a year ago, I purchased a bundle of fabric scraps (fat quarters), but I wasn't convinced as to what I was going to do with them. Well, now that I have some fabric coasters, I want to make some myself! What a great gift to give!
What will make for a good fabric coaster...shape retention, and well co-ordinated fabric seem important. Quilted, or not quilted, I'll have to see. Here are some that I found on Etsy:
Upcycled jeans: La Chiffonniere
Chair silhouette: Squiurrel's Nest
One Big elephant: Noei
Fun Bikinis: Paisley Baby
Crocheted rounds: So So Rosey
Fun Floral: Food Phyte
Peachy Patchwork: Jewelz Creatives
Brown linen flowers: Donata Felt
A New Store
There are just so many wonderful, handmade goods in this world! And if you live near me, or within driving distance...you need to check out this new bricks and mortar store, featured here:
Mozy Rue Eco-Collective
And if you don't live near Winnipeg, you can follow these artists in their new blog:
Eco-Craft Collective
Or - visit them in their on-line shops!
Mozy Rue Eco-Collective
And if you don't live near Winnipeg, you can follow these artists in their new blog:
Eco-Craft Collective
Or - visit them in their on-line shops!
Staying Cool
Oh the heat!
Record heat waves are melting people across the country. Air conditioners buzz, water parks are full, and in my house, ice cream or slushy beverages are consumed daily.
Record heat waves are melting people across the country. Air conditioners buzz, water parks are full, and in my house, ice cream or slushy beverages are consumed daily.
After a recent photo shoot, Portia needed to cool down
And that got her to thinking...how could she stay cool?
How about a lazy picnic, under a beautiful tree, cool and cozy on a fabulous picnic blanket?
And that got her to thinking...how could she stay cool?How about a lazy picnic, under a beautiful tree, cool and cozy on a fabulous picnic blanket?
Or maybe you could just stay inside, watch the water and the sailboats, and enjoy a nice sweet treat with a friend!
Portia's Pick #2
She's back! Following a recent romp in the fresh green grass,
Portia decided that it was time to start thinking about sun protection! Obviously, sun block is her number one defense against the damaging and harmful rays of the sun. But, sun block is an invisible fashion accessory: it's in style to wear it, but who knows about it?
But a sun hat is smart and fashionable! Check out these flashy and smart picks:
But a sun hat is smart and fashionable! Check out these flashy and smart picks:
But what can you do when you are caught in the sun, without a hat? We caught Portia, with our trusty Polaroid camera, trying out a bracelet as a hat. What a hippo!
Wood and Shell Glam Glow Bracelet from emmsgems
Photo Shoot
We did it - emms gEM's had their first photo shoot with a live model! Dressed in a wardrobe provided by
Just like the Summer Necklace seen here!
Sew Dandee, Janelle rocked the gEM's we gave her to flaunt!Just like the Summer Necklace seen here!
Portia, the gorgeous hippopotamus, is still on contract for everyday, up-close jewelry photos. We always have new, natural jewelry to show you, and love the addition of Portia. But we hope that Janelle will return for some fabulous real-life shots in the future!
How to Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry
Ah, silver. Gorgeous - when it's clean, and free of tarnish. Unless of course the piece of jewelry is made with oxidized silver, like the earrings below from five forty on Etsy
But what can you do when your bright and shiny silver is dull, and black?
Clean it with baking soda, a piece of aluminum foil, and boiling water! It's simple and organic.
1. line a container, a vessel that is deep enough for the jewelry to be completely covered by water, with aluminum foil
2. sprinkle baking soda over the jewelry
3. pour boiling water over the jewelry, so that the pieces are completely submerged - bubbling will occur
4. use a wooden or plastic utensil to gently stir the solution, and ensure that all silver surfaces come in contact with the aluminum.
5. rinse the jewelry under tap water (don't lose any pieces down the drain!) and blot dry with an absorbent cloth
6. polish with a soft cloth. Voila!
But what can you do when your bright and shiny silver is dull, and black?
Clean it with baking soda, a piece of aluminum foil, and boiling water! It's simple and organic.
1. line a container, a vessel that is deep enough for the jewelry to be completely covered by water, with aluminum foil
2. sprinkle baking soda over the jewelry
3. pour boiling water over the jewelry, so that the pieces are completely submerged - bubbling will occur
4. use a wooden or plastic utensil to gently stir the solution, and ensure that all silver surfaces come in contact with the aluminum.
5. rinse the jewelry under tap water (don't lose any pieces down the drain!) and blot dry with an absorbent cloth
6. polish with a soft cloth. Voila!
This method of cleaning is recommended only for jewelry that is all sterling silver and those that incorporate plastic, glass or crystal beads. Some gemstones are affected by the baking soda reaction, for example, turquoise.
Portia's First Pick
Did you know that unlike other hippo's, mother and daughter hippo's form a social bond?
And when Portia wants to write her mom her note, she loves to use this personalized stationary:
And when Portia wants to write her mom her note, she loves to use this personalized stationary:
Custom Stationary from Paper in Style
These notecards are made with 100% recycled cardstock AND they feature a hippo that looks just like Portia!
Portia also includes a photo from her modeling portfolio, like this one of her with emms gEM's
These notecards are made with 100% recycled cardstock AND they feature a hippo that looks just like Portia!
Portia also includes a photo from her modeling portfolio, like this one of her with emms gEM's
Exciting News!
After intense and exciting negotiations, I am pleased to announce that a new feature will be added to this blog! We were lucky to lock in the gorgeous and worldly Portia to model our jewelry, and now we have signed her for a blog exclusive!
Portia's Picks
Charming and all-things forward, Portia the hippo is excited to share her faves with you!
Charming and all-things forward, Portia the hippo is excited to share her faves with you!
Jewelry, art, vintage goodies, eco products and more! You name it, Portia knows it and loves it!
Look for the jewelry shown above in my Etsy Shop !
Look for the jewelry shown above in my Etsy Shop !
My New Model
I finally have a model for my jewelry!
She definitely has some diva characteristics, and sometimes she just shrugs off the piece I want her to wear...but she does get the job done.
In my relationship/contract with the new face of gEM's, I will continue to make my pieces for YOU...not for her model size. You are the one who wears my designs the best!
But this little diva, Portia, has agreed to live with me, so she gets to try on my jewelry first, and have her photo taken.
Portia, is a hippo.
Please visit my emmsgems shop to see more of Portia, and the full details on the pieces she is wearing here.
She definitely has some diva characteristics, and sometimes she just shrugs off the piece I want her to wear...but she does get the job done.
In my relationship/contract with the new face of gEM's, I will continue to make my pieces for YOU...not for her model size. You are the one who wears my designs the best!
But this little diva, Portia, has agreed to live with me, so she gets to try on my jewelry first, and have her photo taken.
Portia, is a hippo.
Please visit my emmsgems shop to see more of Portia, and the full details on the pieces she is wearing here.
Make a Statement
Still hot this season - The Statement Necklace! Make it long, keep it short, dress it up, play it down, to flower, or not to flower...just wear one!
Starting in the lower right corner:
Spring Flower Statement Necklace in Pink white and Lilac $96
Shades of Blue - A Vintage Statement Bib Necklace
$149
Spring Beauty repurposed vintage statement necklace
$125
Rest Awhile, Butterfly - Necklace $35
Frindge bohemian chic - fringe statement necklace - FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE
$29.99
Garden Party Fiesta Red Orange Yellow Lucite Floral and Copper Chain Statement Necklace $55
Temptress of The Sea II Island Tribal Shell Pearls and Copper Lavender Creamy Golds Layered 2 Necklaces Chunky and Funky Bridal Wedding Beachy Statement Necklace $78
The Scribble Group Has a NEW Project!
A new project is currently being listed on The Scribble Group !
The art pieces for sale in the Scribble Group shop have been created by a group of Etsy artists (some pieces are group collaborations, and some are individual), and are sold to the public with proceeds going to a designated charity.
The NEW project is entitled the "Rip Off Project". Participating artists were randomly given the shop of another participating artist, and instructed to "Rip Off" a listing of their choice...using inspiration from the item, colour, title, or description!
Please follow the link above to check out our items - and support our charity!
The art pieces for sale in the Scribble Group shop have been created by a group of Etsy artists (some pieces are group collaborations, and some are individual), and are sold to the public with proceeds going to a designated charity.
The NEW project is entitled the "Rip Off Project". Participating artists were randomly given the shop of another participating artist, and instructed to "Rip Off" a listing of their choice...using inspiration from the item, colour, title, or description!
Please follow the link above to check out our items - and support our charity!
Green is Hot
The season is changing! The snow is melting!
I was able to get outside today - no jacket required - and get a few gorgeous product shots of some of my new pieces.
Spring is in the air - so why not wear green?
Spring is in the air - so why not wear green?
More Olympic Wear
How can I NOT mention the Olympic Curlers from Norway?
This is a sport dominated by black pants (and sometimes skirts and tights if you are Colleen Jones from Canada). An official Canadian Curling Rule book states that competitors MUST wear the same style of black pant throughout an entire competition.
This fall, that lead a young Manitoban team to wear their "pajama pants" for warm up, and then slip their black pants over top for the games.
A couple of years ago, another Canadian team introduced white belts and "spat" styled foot wear to their game wear...with black pants, of course.
But Norway...you have broke through the rings...with diamonds! Way to go!
This is a sport dominated by black pants (and sometimes skirts and tights if you are Colleen Jones from Canada). An official Canadian Curling Rule book states that competitors MUST wear the same style of black pant throughout an entire competition.
This fall, that lead a young Manitoban team to wear their "pajama pants" for warm up, and then slip their black pants over top for the games.
A couple of years ago, another Canadian team introduced white belts and "spat" styled foot wear to their game wear...with black pants, of course.
But Norway...you have broke through the rings...with diamonds! Way to go!
Oh Canada
Maybe you aren't interested in sport, but I imagine that you know that the Olympics are dominating the airwaves, the internet, and print these days. The Olympic Games provide a wealth of post topics, none of which I'm interested in sharing with you. Medal counts, safety, fitness, Olympic Spirit, world and Olympic records and the history of the game are for someone else to discuss.
But what about Olympic fashion? I'm certainly not the first to discuss it, but it seems like a fun thing to research. I enjoy purchasing a commemorative clothing item each Olympic year - so I decided to take a look back at what the Canadian Athletes have worn.
Have you seen those bright red, woolly Olympic mittens? If you are Canadian, I'm sure that you have seen them, or tried to buy them, and if you are watching the Olympics, you have probably seen them on the waving hands of Canadian fans. The red mittens are a much sought after everyday souvenir, similar to the "PoorBoy" cap of the 1998 Olympics. Robin Williams wore a poorboy cap to the Oscars, and Cindy Crawford has been seen in the Vancouver 2010 mittens!
But what about Olympic fashion? I'm certainly not the first to discuss it, but it seems like a fun thing to research. I enjoy purchasing a commemorative clothing item each Olympic year - so I decided to take a look back at what the Canadian Athletes have worn.
Have you seen those bright red, woolly Olympic mittens? If you are Canadian, I'm sure that you have seen them, or tried to buy them, and if you are watching the Olympics, you have probably seen them on the waving hands of Canadian fans. The red mittens are a much sought after everyday souvenir, similar to the "PoorBoy" cap of the 1998 Olympics. Robin Williams wore a poorboy cap to the Oscars, and Cindy Crawford has been seen in the Vancouver 2010 mittens!
Roots Canada and The Hudson's Bay Company have been the top vying "rights to the uni" owners. Here is a collection of past Opening Ceremony uniforms and Podium wear:
The tassels and cowboy hats of 1988, the Hudson Bay stripes of 1960, the psychedelic retro of the 2008 games, the mismatched reds of 2006, and the back-to-basics casualness of 2010!
I'm a fan.
You Can Wear it All!
Turquoise shell beads for the glam in you...rustic Robbles wood wedges for the nature in you
2010's Colour
Pantone's Colour for 2010:
Turquoise 15-5519
Inviting. Luminous.
Serene yet invigorating.
Exciting yet tranquil.
Elegant in silk, fun in cotton.
Turquoise 15-5519
Inviting. Luminous.
Serene yet invigorating.
Exciting yet tranquil.
Elegant in silk, fun in cotton.
Where can you get some turquoise...other than on a tropical vacation?
A chic wallet from LauraBucci
I want to share my collection of bags with you: my collection of Paisley Baby bags that I have bought on Etsy.com
From the top right:
1. Wet Bag
2. Overnighter Cosmetic Bag
3. Daytripper Cosmetic Bag
4. Cell phone pouch
5. Slim Cosmetic Bag
6. Bamboo Handbag
Paisley Baby isn't just for babies! Yes, the shop is full of bibs, hooded towels, and *NEW* wash cloth sets - all for a stylish baby! But there are great things for mom too...and friend, and sister, and grandma...
The women behind Paisley Baby are a mother-daughter design team from Montreal:
Dianne: a super talented seamstress who is the star behind the impeccably crafted items
Maria: product designer and buyer of the generous selection of gorgeous fabrics
They combine years of sewing experience and a love for fabric shopping!
And new this year, Shoe Bags!
The shoe bags, similar to the wet bag design, are lined in twill. The wet bags, along with the cosmetic bags are lined with a wipeable waterproof fabric.
Style - Quality - Practicality
From the top right:
1. Wet Bag
2. Overnighter Cosmetic Bag
3. Daytripper Cosmetic Bag
4. Cell phone pouch
5. Slim Cosmetic Bag
6. Bamboo Handbag
Paisley Baby isn't just for babies! Yes, the shop is full of bibs, hooded towels, and *NEW* wash cloth sets - all for a stylish baby! But there are great things for mom too...and friend, and sister, and grandma...
The women behind Paisley Baby are a mother-daughter design team from Montreal:
Dianne: a super talented seamstress who is the star behind the impeccably crafted items
Maria: product designer and buyer of the generous selection of gorgeous fabrics
They combine years of sewing experience and a love for fabric shopping!
And new this year, Shoe Bags!
The shoe bags, similar to the wet bag design, are lined in twill. The wet bags, along with the cosmetic bags are lined with a wipeable waterproof fabric.
Style - Quality - Practicality
