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!
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 !
