Turquoise Waters, Gorgeous Jewelry and Island Life! A Pictorial Blog Post!

Hi Beautiful Readers! 

A lovely friend of mine on social media, recently tagged me to share some of my favorite photo's that I styled and posted in the month of February! I thought to myself, I cannot crop them all into a little square and share that way, because, well, I just have too many favorites! 

A pictorial blog post (with some added content). These are some of the pictures I have taken and posted throughout social media sites through the month of February. I love reading some of my favorite blogs to also see some of the photos clear and up close! Some of those beautiful details are more fun on a big screen!

A good place for me to begin is always with the ocean! I shot this on one of the many gorgeous beaches on the the island that I live on; "Driftwood & Turquoise Heaven!"  It is amazing how many different shapes and sizes of driftwood and tree trunks there are that grace the surf of our beaches. 

"Blue Waves, Sea foam & Succulent Love." I am in love with succulents. There is something about their colors and textures that make me want to photograph them and plant them all over the house! I finally bought my first and included this little baby succulent in the photo. I love so many gemstones. However, my favorite gemstones are all shades of blue. Could you tell? What is your favorite color gemstone? (For details on any of the jewelry, please click photo and/or contact me at the bottom of the page of my website, here. Thank you).
 

 From beautiful ocean inspired jewels to farm animals?! That is right. That is how you roll when you live on an island. It is a magical island surrounded, not only, by the glorious sea, but, many wonderful working farms and nature galore! It is a haven of amazing wild life and beautiful farm animals that inspire me creatively all the time. 
I do not live on a farm, however, it is so enjoyable to be able to walk a few residential blocks and suddenly you are in the middle of horses, rabbits, cows, goats, deer and sheep! There may be some alpaca around too! Among other beauties. 
This cute white sheep lives a few blocks away. I did not post the "baby shot," on social media. I will share it with you now. It is just too sweet!

 

Here are some of the beautiful babies who grow up and supply many of us with those soft wool sweaters. I love soft wool scarves and sweaters in the fall and winter. Don't you?

I am inspired by the soft feel of sand and the color of seashells that are washed ashore onto the aqua blue beaches. Labradorite and moonstone are my favorite gemstones and are what you see shining mysteriously below. They have all this fabulous iridescent flashes of color play when the light hits the gemstones. Blues, greens, yellows and reds.

I bought Amy Poehler's autobiography recently, Yes Please," and it was part of my pretty vignette that I styled and shot in the next photo. The blooms were from the bouquet my sweet husband gave me (from the Flying Bear Farm on Whidbey Island, WA). I called this photo, "Pink Flowers, Coffee, Jewelry, and A Good Read." If you like Amy Poehler and her work, I imagine you will enjoy her book (I haven't finished it yet, as I like to read many things at once. I may have to mention it again somehow in a future blog post. She is so inspiring and incredibly funny). 

I am in love with these natural raw slices of lavender blue agate you see in the necklace. They remind me of a treasure you would find beneath the sea. This is a one-of-a-kind necklace I made with freshwater pearls, golden citrine, and lavender blue iolite gemstones. If you prefer somewhat bolder pieces, I think this is such a beautiful spring and summer statement necklace. 

A little coffee goes with everything! The coffee that I brew nearly every day is a delicious organic espresso roast from the island (Useless Bay Coffee. I have to say this is some of the best espresso I have had in a long time). I am not a snob by any means. However, a coffee snob, that I am! It tastes like the espresso you get in Italian cafe's. I have been to Italy and I kid you not). I would never joke about good coffee! Ever! What is your favorite blend? I know there are a lot of coffee lovers on social media. Including myself!

It is time for a beach break! I do not think anyone could get enough of a relaxing and hypnotic ocean view! When I watch the sun sparkle over the sea it does wonders for my heart and spirit. It is amazing how every picture I take always looks different.

 

I love hand stamping jewelry! I have made many in the past and I am currently in the process of making a lot more (as fast as my two hands can go. Being a one woman show who does it all for her business really keeps me busy around the clock. I am so passionate about my work and where it can go that I love every minute of it and the possibilities are endless). Okay, I got side tracked there.

Here is the new mermaid necklace that will be available soon. The mermaid necklace (also available with, "Dog mama," "Mom," "Aunt," "Boss Babe," "Lady Boss," "Beach Girl," "Yoga Love," and "Wanderlust." (Or custom order what ever you prefer). 

The mermaid necklace comes with an aqua sea blue diamond shaped druzy that is removable for a two-in-one look (also pictured, the perfect aqua druzy bar. Like a wave on the sea. And a raw aqua crystal quartz). When chocolate has a flavor called, "San Juan Sea Salt," and wrapped in shiny silver, well that had to be included. If you love chocolate though, like I do, Seattle Chocolates are amazing! 

I love nearly everything that sparkles, glitters, shines and gives off light. I found this gorgeous photo via bloglovin and this nice fashion and beauty website They all hate us. She looks like a sparkly fashion boho mermaid who loves unique handmade gemstone jewelry!


 

 Time for some sea air. The moon was full the day I took this and there was a swell. The sun was already set and the sky was lit up by the magic of the moon. The water glowed. The waves were rolling in. I love sharing my personal photos of moments that truly inspire me in so many ways. I especially love sharing my beach photography because I know many of you can relate to captures that make your soul dance, like this one does to mine.

 

This is the same day. you can see the big beautiful full moon. It was so bright and full and the sky was the softest shade of lavender. It was a magical night.

After mentioning the magic of the moon and its light, this photo fits right in. Three beautiful sparkling simple modern necklaces. One is a really stunning moonstone, bezel set in sterling silver. Actually, that gemstone is said to have gotten its name from the moon, because of the magical light play it holds. The other two very pretty necklaces are beautiful petite druzy's. Like silver and black diamond (affordable ones). They are super for layering or perfect on their own.

 

The silver druzy above is even more sparkly in person! I did not share this picture on social media because I really think it needed to be seen larger to appreciate its full beauty! It is a really fabulous photo by a wonderful blogger friend, Shelbi. I feel so fortunate that I have had the pleasure of getting to know her thanks to social media. She is a lovely, down-to-earth, and very talented blogger (among other things) who has a terrific Instagram gallery! I recommend you check out her beautiful fashion and interesting book reads on her Instagram). Also feel free to check out her great blog, The Nobby Life.

Photo, Shelbi, The Nobby Life. Necklace. Marissa T Designs

 

I would love to share with you a vignette that I styled and shot for Valentine's Day! After a long and rainy winter on the island I was excited to find a few flowers in the garden! I was determined to make my own little floral arrangement for the photo shoot. Happily I found these purple, pink, and white blooms which were the first pretties to pop up in February. What is better for Valentine's Day than jewelry? Not too much! A long pretty hot pink lariat! 

A tiny bottle of Hermès Calèche pefume somehow added the right visual touch to the photo. What do you think? This darling bottle of perfume was a gift. I do not really wear perfume, but, it smells wonderful! All it takes is a tiny little drop!
 

I hope you have enjoyed my personal pictorial blog post with some snippets of information here and there. I hope you found something that peeked your interest and simply enjoyed the photos. Thank you for stopping by and I wish you a beautiful weekend filled with love and light!

Be Real. Be Kind. Be Sparkly. 

Marissa xo 

Beach BohoLuxe Jewelry and Inspiring Women!

Hello Beautiful Readers,

I love adventure, reading, traveling, and coffee (and of course Jewelry and Fashion)! These are a few of the fun things that I found I have in common with Shelbi on Instagram. We have been following each others' Instagram pages for a while and I discovered Shelbi is a unique and very talented blogger with flair. Her photo's are thoughtful, inspiring, incredibly beautiful, and interesting to read!
She has a lovely theme of pretty fashion mixed with witty and clever books, delicious food, and so much more!

I had a feeling she would be a delightful person to collaborate with and I am happy to say I was right! 

This is my favorite photograph of her, just stunning, in my One-Of-A-Kind Natural Agate Druzy Beach Necklace.

Photo of Shelbi, The Nobby Life/ Necklace: Marissa T Designs

The necklace on Shelbi, is a One-Of-A-Kind. However, I will be creating many One-Of-A-Kind Necklaces in this very style. I have another Natural Lavender Grey Agate Druzy in the same design, that I posted before. 

A beautiful full length photograph of Shelbi (below) in her Marissa T Designs Necklace and fabulous coat! 

Photo of Shelbi, courtesy of The Nobby Life.

Shelbi also has one of my minimal and pretty layering necklace that layers beautifully with the Agate Druzy Necklace or looks amazing on its own. The diamond shape natural silver druzy is like a sparkly diamond (without the price of a diamond).

Shelbi accessorizes her outfits wonderfully.  She wears cute, trendy, and classic boots, scarves and big leather bags (which are all my other favorite accessories). Isn't it pretty how she wore the small sparkling silver druzy against black here?

The necklaces are very versatile and I love how she appreciates that. She said she will be "wearing these lovely pieces for everything from going out with friends to events where I will be dressed up," She also added, "There is so much styling potential and I am eager to see how often I can get away with wearing these (because it's going to be often. Like every day.)."     

For other shots of Shelbi wearing the diamond silver druzy and agate druzy necklace please visit her blog post at The Nobby Life.
For all the fashion details (I want this coat wrap) visit Shelbi on Instagram.
 

I think Shelbi could wear any of my designs and look amazing! Wouldn't she look beautiful in some of these new crystal quartz beauties I created? 

I usually post many of my new jewelry pieces first on My Instagram (and My Facebook Page) where I also love to share my personal photography of things and surroundings that inspire me. Most of these natural crystal quartz, agate and howlite gemstone necklaces are new designs.

 

 I find it special to collaborate with beauty, fashion, and lifestyle bloggers that are unique like Shelbi, who shares my belief that smart and talented women should empower and support other like-minded women. If you want to follow an inspiring and relatable (I enjoy, how through her posts, Shelbi inspires the, Every Day Girl) woman on Instagram, Shelbi, is indeed, one to follow. 

 

I love to show my appreciation to returning customers and new ones!  So, through the end of January and possibly through one week in February I am offering a *fun special! I will be making you a "Free Surprise Gift" with any purchase you make in my online shop. Happy Weekend Everyone!

Be Kind. Be Real. and Above all else, Be Sparkly.

Marissa xo

Sunsets, Water, and Aqua gemstones. Happy 2016

Happy New Year Beautiful Readers.

I hope your New Year got off to a really great start! Did you make any New Year's Resolutions? I chose not to this year. I find, for me, it is better to focus on enjoying the present moment. The moment that you are in. Do not get me wrong, I am all about goals and planning (I am a big list maker).  However, I think you (or at least me) can do both. I can set goals for myself and also be the kind of person who focus's on being more present. Living on a island that is surrounded by glorious water gives me inspiration and helps keep me stay present. This is a photo that I took yesterday while out power walking. We have had a lot of gray days here. So, it is not all rainbows and magical sunsets. Finding happiness comes from within and I think we all have are different ways to find balance and beauty. When the sun comes out (and then it makes a magical sunset) it is really really incredible! I treasure moments like these. I find it really helps center me and I love sharing these photos and moments with you. The lavender and glow of the sun is so soothing and reminds me of some of my favorite gemstones.

 

Of course it is not always easy to be fully in the present moment. I think, it takes A LOT of practice to be fully awake in the moment. Being an artisan (who works for herself), I find it helps keep me centered and able to focus on the tasks I set out to do for the day (if I am aware of the moment and have just done some cardio or yoga for example). Doing yoga or cardio really helps me find my groove and reflect on that moment.

I recently shared a book on Instagram where the stories are all centered around water. It is a delightful and relaxing read! If you have been following me, you know by now, that water is probably my biggest inspiration and one of my biggest loves.  The book is called, "The Soothing Soak, A Bathtub Reader," (A Waterproof book).

We have had A LOT of cold and wet days here. So, I recently grabbed this book from my shelf for inspiration. If you love water, I think you will enjoy this book (You can read it anywhere, but, it is pretty handy that you can take it in the tub).

I like that it is a collection of many different and interesting authors with "Water-themed" stories, essays, and poems. Some of the authors in the book, include, D.H. Lawrence, Frost, Elizabeth Bishop, Diane Ackerman, Rumi, Mary Oliver, Anne Sexton, and Pablo Neruda. Water is so soothing and relaxing. It nourishes and awakens my spirit. Whether I am in it or just near it, watching it, photographing it, I get mesmerized. Does it do that for you? It is a kind of soothing escape (pure relaxation) for some people, being in water. For me, when I can swim in the sea, I am never more fully present than when I am immersed in water. Okay, the sea where I live now, is very cold (even in the summer), but that will not stop me from going in with a wet suit this summer! (It was very cold on the East Coast where I moved from a year ago and there I jumped in all the time in the steamy hot summers (without a wet suit). "It is no coincidence that water is tied to the spirit. We come from the water, and we return to the water, whether in sacred communion, relaxation, or wonder," (From the Introduction of the book).

My handmade necklaces I chose for the photo, have my favorite color of course! Aqua and blue are such soothing water colors. Water colored gemstones just draw me in. I think they draw a lot of people in because of the connection to water and the sea. I used natural aqua turquoise and round faceted aqua agate gemstones. Agate is a gemstone that is said to promote physical energy and also a soothing and grounding stone that can help calm you (according to folklore).

Each necklace also has druzy in it ( From left to right: A stunning natural lavender gray agate druzy; a small sparkly silver quartz druzy, and a larger flower shaped natural silver druzy quartz). I love that druzy quartz is said to be an energy and balancing gemstone.  I wrapped the flower shaped silver druzy around my wrist below (which if it is the right length, can function as a necklace or bracelet). I also put on more aqua agate bracelets for this "New Year themed" photo (that are coming to my online shop soon) with turquoise and a big gorgeous lavender purple amethyst druzy.

I took the next two photo's on New Year's Day! They are two beautiful photo's to leave you with right now and I hope you think so too. The sun was shining all day and I went on a huge beach hike (mixed with power walking) with my husband. We have a great tradition to go to the beach and get our cardio on every January 1st! Lucky for us (and everyone else on the island) the sun came out and we were able to enjoy the day a thousand times more! It seemed like everyone was out enjoying the sun! 

 

  

Whatever your New Year's goals or resolutions may be, I wish you much joy and focus while working on them. I also wish you happiness, health, and love in 2016! ****I am offering a wonderful special this January! You will receive a FREE SURPRISE JEWELRY GIFT with any one purchase you make in my online jewelry shop! Thank you for being here.

Be Kind. Real. Be Sparkly.

Love and light,

Marissa xo