Holiday Jewelry Giveaway Time!

Hi Everyone! I am having Holiday Giveaway!

I'm Giving away one of these gorgeous copper (they are 99% pure copper and fabulous) necklaces!

My giveaway is live on Instagram. You enter here
on my website. 

Enter to WIN your choice of Necklace! I'll handstamp anything for you (words only). If you win, you can select from the beautiful shapes above. Yours will be blank and I will customize for you (letters only).

To ENTER, the two first steps are the most important!

**1) Enter any greeting in the BOX, at the very bottom of the front page of my jewelry website.  That's it.

2) One lucky winner will be picked! *You have to following me on Instagram.

3) The GIVEAWAY runs from 12/17/17 to 12/22/17 11pm. PST.

4) If you repost the image from my insta-stories on your instagram gallery and my hashtag #marissatdesigns , that will give you an extra entry!

* I'll email the winner 12/23 by 11pm PST! Good luck!


Free Shipping to U.S. Entries. Any International entries will be responsible for shipping. Thank you for understanding. Your instagram profile MUST BE PUBLIC TO ENTER AND CANNOT BE A False account. Thank you everyone! You will adore this copper. I will add more photo's during the week as this giveaway runs all week, until Friday!

Be Well, Be Sparkly~

Marissa

A Blog Reborn with Nature and Sparkle Everywhere!

After a long break from blogging, I am ready to start blogging again for my shop! For the beauty of jewelry, sparkle, nature, love and life. I have been very busy making and selling my jewelry designs while I was not blogging. I could tell something was missing for my online shop (another way to share my story, show more behind the scenes, and share more exciting collaborations to come). I was honored to be interviewed by a beautiful European Shoe Company this Summer who make exquisite shoes (The company is all about Sparkle, keep reading).

First, I am very excited to share my new copper designs! I am obsessed with the purity (99.9% copper), quality and color of this copper! Copper is an essential mineral found in plant life and in the human body. Copper is said to be a very healing metal (You need to use Pure copper which is 99.9% that is not coated) to get the health benefits when wearing on your body. My copper is that pure. Copper is said to help with inflammation and arthritis in the body. I find it interesting too that holistically, it is said to be the grounding metal for the human body and spirit. Silver is the metal of the spirit and gold is the metal of the mind. If you would like to learn more about the healing benefits of copper I found this great article here all about it.

Do you see the cute paw print on the copper bar?! I have been happily donating a portion of any online sale and artisan market sales (all throughout the summer and continuing into the fall) to an organization close to my heart and directly connected to the beautiful island I live on in the Pacific Northwest.

It is the, W.A.I.F. Whidbey Animals' Improvement Foundation.  Any purchase you may make will be helping an animal or pet owner very much in need. I encourage you to click the link above and see all the wonderful things the W.A.I.F. is doing to help dogs and cats!

I am doing this for a few important reasons. The first is, in honor of my fur baby, Morgan, who passed away over a year ago (it keeps his spirit alive). I cannot tell you what a trying time it has been without our little love. He was 16 when he passed on. We had him since he was a puppy and as you can imagine, 16 years with a special love like that, is beyond beautiful! My husband and I miss our chocolate Labrador, Morgan, every day. However, his long life and all the special things he taught us should be celebrated! In his honor, I donate to the W.A.I.F. and keep creating more hand-stamped jewelry for animal lovers.

Beautiful Copper Vertical Bar and Circle. Other Sparkly beauties..

Our Dear Morgan. His eyes always sparkled! The sweetest Chocolate Labrador. Ever.

These are so popular. Click to find them. I use fine silver pewter and the smaller ones are deluxe rhodium plated.

The Perfect Copper Name Bar next to the cutest puppy ever. Don't you think so?!

The second reason I am donating a portion of my online sales, is as important as the first! I love animals beyond belief. I am one of the biggest animals lovers on the planet. This is one of the reasons I relish the island I live on now. There is an abundance of amazing wildlife, farm life, and sea life to enjoy! Okay, well now I have to show you some!

We have Deer Everywhere. Here they are hanging out in our yard.

Watching these beauties leaves a sparkle in my eye. I am always inspired by their beauty, grace, colors and movement. So on to more Sparkle! I have been obsessed with crystal quartz this summer and will continue to be implementing more crystals in my designs!  My more elaborate Elestial Crystal Pieces have been selling at the artisan markets and online. I am currently working on making more!

Elestial Crystals are special type of quartz (they have a bit of citrine in them) and they are tuned into the angel realm. They are healing (like powerful crystal quartz) and are said to protect from negative energy. They are said to be a very grounding and calming gemstone. Below are my popular earrings that I cannot keep in stock and several more elaborate necklaces that have recently sold too.

I will be making more of these gorgeous Elestial Crystal Quartz Necklaces for Fall and Winter Season. The silver satin finish of the leather and bright sparkle of the quartz is perfect for everyday or holiday parties!

The Silver leather I use (I also use gold) is the perfect transition into the interview I was featured in for Roccapina, a European Shoe Company. The silver satin finish is just like the shoes.

 They are all about crystals and gorgeous sparkle. You can find my interview here. Look at the beauty and detail in their shoes.

Photo by Roccapina.

This is Mellie the designer, who interviewed me. She is a woman I can relate too and I admire.  I do use the hash tag #IhavethisthingwithSparkle for a reason.

Melie. Desinger of Roccapina. Photo by Roccapina.

I also want to say hello with a photo of myself. My Handmade Gemstone Jewelry, Made with Intention. Always ocean, nature, and fashion inspired.

Thanks for reading. As always. Be Well. Be Real and Above all Else. Be Sparkly.

Love xoxo

Marissa

Beautiful Handmade Jewelry and Fair Trade!

Hello Lovely Readers~

I am excited to share with you that my handmade jewelry is now available at a special retail shop on Whidbey Island, called, "Fair Trade Outfitters."  A selection of my handmade one-of-a-kind (or *two-of-a-kind) gemstone necklaces can be found there!

These are two-of-a-kind handmade designs that I am so happy to share with you. (These exact two will be available in my online shop and the other two at "Fair Trade Outfitters.") I added an array of beautiful sea aqua colored gems in both necklaces. The top necklace has a heart-shaped pink chalcedony quartz and a crystal clear blue topaz dangling from the bottom. It is a very fun necklace filled with natural beauty, happy colors and semi-precious gemstones that give off good energy.  I named it "Pink Beach Party."

Available at MarissaTDesigns.com and Fair Trade Outfitters in Langley, WA. (Whidbey Island). 

The necklace below "Pink Beach Party," is such a real stunner! I call it "Mermaid Dream Necklace." I was inspired by all things sea- life related. I used fine moonstones that dangle like fringe at the bottom (the one at Fair Trade Outfitters has little aquamarine briolettes at the bottom of the moonstones). I used only the prettiest aqua and green colored gem; such as: aquamarine, pearl, fluorite, and amethyst. I wire-hand-wrapped all of with fine oxidized sterling silver wire and chain. 

The Fair Trade Outfitters on Whidbey Island is also where I have bought some pretty clothing! The shop is filled with wonderful women's fashion clothing by many different designers. If you are not familiar with the Fair Trade concept, let me share a little about it.  Products that have the "Fair Trade" logo "come from farmers and workers who are justly compensated. Child labor is prohibited and the fashions are also good for the planet! Many of the clothing have organic dyes and materials. So, you are not only helping people in other countries earn fair wages, you are also doing something amazing for our planet by supporting fair trade fashion. (*Fair Trade).

The shop also has these wonderful soaps (and other great gift items in addition to my beautiful jewelry). I just bought a handmade soap bar (in the picture above) by the company Hand in Hand.  For every purchase from Hand in Hand, a child in Haiti (or a child in need) gets one month supply of water and a bar of soap. They have many fragrances. I bought Rose Water and smells like flowers!

Why stop there! Some of the other Marissa T Design necklaces in the shop are One-of-A-Kinds (*see below). A hand carved Ocean Agate Fish that I added many lovely clear quartz and some aquamarine too the (*recycled) stainless steel chain. The second necklace matches it but can be purchased separately. It is the top one that looks like sparkly diamonds (I added silver charms and the smooth clear crystal quartz briolettes to it). It adds the perfect light and sparkle to your face and goes so well with many of the wonderful tops and T shirts available in the shop.

I created a one-of-a-kind boho chic freshwater coin pearl (is the center necklace below) and shell necklace I collected the seashell from one of my favorite beaches on Whidbey Island. (Any shells I re-purpose in designs have been properly sanitized). You are not only getting one of my handmade pieces but literally, a piece of our island too.

I also really love creating personalized, monogrammed and hand-stamped jewelry! I have been (and will be) adding many more hand-stamped selections to my online shop. I created two custom (one-of-a-kind pieces for Fair Trade Outfitters). Here is a better look at one. I hand stamped "Whidbey" on both of them. If you love Whidbey Island and want to remember it forever, this would be the perfect piece for you or a gift for a local!

One thing I do in many of my designs, is add extra gemstones (so you get two or three necklaces in one). Both "Whidbey" Necklaces have aqua and lavender chalcedony briolettes added to them. You can take them off or wear both. They are two necklaces in one. I will be offering an array of hand stamped pieces in my online shop (I love custom orders and working closely with my online customers to make sure they are absolutely thrilled with their purchases).

So if you happen to visit beautiful Whidbey Island this summer, you know where to shop fashions and some of my unique one of a kind handmade jewelry pieces.  Shop Fair Trade Outfitters in downtown Langley and I always invite you to come visit me at Marissa T Designs. 

Be Real. Be Kind. Above all else be Sparkly.

Love, 

Marissa 

Beauty is Everywhere..

Hello Beautiful Readers..

Beauty is everywhere. Beauty comes in so many forms. In people. In fashion and jewelry. It comes in love and nature. There are so many forms and ways we can find beauty and be inspired by it.

If you have been following me, you know I will most likely lead you back to the sea. Lead you back to all things blue, all things salty (I know I was a mermaid in my past life).  I want you to see some of the new things I have been up as well (from the studio, accessories and photography). I am finally back to blogging. I hope I can inspire some of your senses.

The smell of the sweet saltwater, I can never get enough. If I could bottle that sweet delicious smell, I would. The sea was wild on this day.

"Recent Beach Day"

The Sea was Wild This Day. Once of the Beaches Where I Live, Whidbey Island. Washington (All photos by me. Marissa T Designs)

"Under The Sea Gemstones. Minimal. Modern. Simple. Beach Colors"

There is something so beautiful about the natural sea-like patterns on some gemstones. Jasper and Agate above. I love how the Jasper gemstone is called "Ocean Jasper." (The New Ocean Jasper Necklace just flew out the shop quickly. I will be making more soon/am offering a promotional price on "Modern & Minimal Sea Necklaces") It has its own

 sea like pattern that reminds me of beauty you would find under the sea.  I have a small and sweet collection of natural amethyst geode pieces. There is such raw and delicious beauty in these. You can see their natural purple beauty (above). They look like candy. Being a jewelry designer I am drawn to natural things that sparkle. What are you drawn to?

"Mermaid Treasures Along the Shore"

Sometimes the shells go on forever. 

"For Any Mermaid or Water Lover. The Mermaid Bracelet"

I have a thing for mirrors. I love this antiqued venetian mirror. I recently moved to a new house and am unpacking a lot of boxes. It's wonderful to find my collection of mirrors and find new places for them again. I love the all the extra light you can bring into a space with mirrors. After the photo shoot below, I think, I will be using more mirrors with my jewelry.

The blues are so soft and pale in these beautiful agate gemstones. I see these shades of blue in so 

many beautiful things. From home decor, jewelry, fashion to paint colors (wall and nails)!

Mirror, Ballard Design. Photo's  by me. Marissa T Designs

 "Beauty in Fashion. When fashion sparkles and has gemstones in it. Well, that makes me giddy."

I had a lot of tiny little pearls and crystals in my wedding dress (they were very tiny and spread through out), when I got married many years ago. Someday I will have to share a photo of that gown. It had a lot of layers of dreamy white organza.

Photo via Seabois/Tumblr

 I love wearing tops in these shades of blue! I have this French Trumeau antique mirror that is gold and the prettiest shade of aqua blue. I bought this when I lived on the East Coast (I love French and English Style Antiques). This was an amazing find that I scored in an online auction (on Ebay, from an Antique Dealer). You never know where you'll find a treasure you're looking for. What was one of the prettiest (treasures) things you found in the most unlikely place?

My Trumeau Mirror. Gold and Soft Aqua Blue. 

One of My Favorite Mirrors.

All the Chippy Goodness in the Gold and Blue Paint.

"Beauty in Nature. Beauty in Flowers. I can never get enough of both."

Photo by Me. Marissa T Designs. New Necklaces Coming to my shop. (The Small Ocean Jasper sold quickly. However more are in the making)

"Flowers from the Spring. A Beautiful Piece of Raw Amethyst & one of my many Hand-Stamped Necklaces. Breathe."

Breathe. Hand-Stamped on Fine Silver Pewter. One of A Kind. Green Amethyst and Freshwater Pearls.

"Beauty in Art" 

I enjoy meeting and making new connections on social media. I am so happy to be friends with the incredibly talented Gabrielle Heckenbucker.  Her work is stunning. I recently did a grid feature on four of my favorite artists to follow on Instagram. I invite you to click on the photo and discover Gabrielle's magical water color world.

Artist and Photo by, Courtesy of Gabrielle Heckenbucker , www.koloristik.com 

"Beauty in Soft Taupe Colored Woodland Creatures & Bright Green Boxwood & there is Blue Again"

"Beauty is All Around Us. Back to the Sea"

The Lavender and Delicate Pink Shade of the Sunsets in the Pacific North West make me dream out loud. The glacier blue water and snow capped mountains have a way of reminding me; that some of the most beautiful things in life (or moments) can be experienced in the wildness of the sea and sky.

The Mesmerizing Colors of Nature. Beauty is Everywhere.

Until Next Time.

Be Real. Be Kind. 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

Jewelry Layers; Fall Fashion!

Hello Beautiful Readers,

I love this time of year when the leaves are changing colors. It is awesome to see the leaves change colors in the Pacific Northwest too! As you know, I used to live in Massachusetts not long ago (just a year now) and the foliage is gorgeous there. To my surprise, we have some really pretty foliage here on the island too! Transitioning into fall is fun, especially when it comes to picking out new jewelry to wear; layering necklaces; scarves; sweaters; boots; and pretty coats! 

I met a fashion blogger on Instagram,  Jess, from ElegantlyDressedandStylish and we put our fashion and jewelry beauty together and decided to do a fun collaboration. It is all about the accessories for that special outfit. From a beautiful handmade dazzling gemstone necklace to a sparkling statement necklace set!

I have a new collection of layering sets consisting of many one-of-a-kind necklaces. This is the New Demin Druzy and Aqua Kyanite three layering necklaces, I made with Jess's beautiful style in mind.

I selected the druzy gemstones and designed the look for a very elegant and boho luxe look. I have several new boho glam necklaces and sets as well. Many have these fabulous diamond cut silver beads and different colorful semi-precious gemstones. I love to layer not only clothes, but, jewelry as well! Layer layer layer!

I love purple and dark blue together. Jess's outfit choice could not have been any prettier. I love her Banana Republic sweater dress in that beautiful aubergine (eggplant) rich purple color.  

Jess is rocking these necklaces with her stunning red hair and long neck (She reminds me of Nicole Kidman).

I really enjoy the versatility of the necklaces I made, and I know Jess appreciates that too. She can wear one, two, or all three! They are really pretty for day or night. She can mix and match with other silver pieces she may have as well. Here are some more designs I have made in my Boho Glam Collection.

 

This is a custom design (below) I made for a beautiful woman (blue howlite with zircon pave pendant, black onyx, silver beads and an aqua blue opal on the shorter necklace). I love custom orders. I will have another necklace with a turquoise pave gemstone in the shop soon. 

Here is the whole beautiful outfit Jess chose to wear with my Demin Blue Druzy Necklaces.

For all of the great outfit details please visit Jess at ElegantlyDressedandStylish

 I love the leaves in the backdrop! Those are the cutest grey tights! Don't you think? 

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

Marissa xo

Sparkle During Exercise, Purple Flowers & Pink Drinks!

Greetings Beautiful Readers~   (There is a surprise at the end of the entry..so keep on reading)

Summer is in full swing and I hope you have been having an awesome summer so far! On some days I feel like I live in California again. (I am originally from Southern California and lived there through college, before I moved to the east coast). Well, it feels a bit like California because we have had some very warm days in coastal Washington (on the island I live on)!  I still have to get out there and exercise; so it is a must to stay hydrated! I drink at least 8 glasses of purified water a day (always been a big water drinker). After water, I have been drinking a lot of this delicious flavored water beverage.  It comes in many pretty berry flavors, zero calories (my kind of drink). My favorite these days is the "Pink Grapefruit." Great for parties! In addition to your cocktail bar, this would be a refreshing non-alcoholic drink (for the kids too) for a fun summer outing. The colors are beautiful. 

Pink Drink, "Cascade Ice." Nail polish mentioned in next photo. Because I adore turquoise! and jewelry (& photo) well, you guessed it, by, me!

 Staying cool is essential and it's not always easy to look good while doing it! I dressed up my wrist (arm party) with my yoga & beach bracelets. They are so easy to put on and look fabulous with practically everything. I recently posted on instagram (the next picture below) and mentioned how awesome these bracelets are and how I literally throw on one or two (& a cute necklace, really, I do) before I head out to power walk (I wouldn't recommend all my handmade jewelry when exercising, but, the yoga and beach bracelets & many of my necklaces with stainless steel chain are perfect for MELLOW exercise). 

There is nothing like the feel of real (of the earth) organic gemstones on your skin. Real gemstones have such vibrancy and wonderful healing properties (according to folklore). Let's face it, they are really fun to look at and add beauty to your style, and pretty self.  I wear a lot of casual clothes (don't get me wrong, I LOVE fashion and beautiful clothes {affordable however, sales are this girls' best friend}) around the island; so adding a beautiful necklace (or two, or three) and some bracelets to my outfits really feels good & adds that extra sparkle. Do you always grab some jewelry before you leave the house (like I do)? A lot of the women I see on this island have wonderful taste in jewelry and wear it daily! I love that.

Jewelry & photography by me, Marissa T Designs. My favorite sneakers for power walks these days are, New Balance, and I'm in love with this turquoise nail polish called "Brisk Blue," by Sally Hansen. (Those lace cap hydrangea are so beautiful and blooming in my backyard)

I'm in love with all the purple, blue, and pink hydrangea growing on the island right now (not to mention the lavender & lilies). All the beautiful hydrangea in the pictures are from my home garden. They really make a statement (don't you think?) and have always been my favorite flower (it is a toss up between hydrangea and peonies). I think they may be upstaging my new necklaces (in the picture below)! wink wink. These necklaces (Druzy Quartz, Silver Spike and Circle Love Necklaces, coming to my etsy shop soon) are strung on beautiful silver stainless steel which looks like platinum, will never tarnish, and has the durability for, yes, you guessed it, power walking or mellow exercise!

I love the purple & blue palette. Here are the colors of my hydrangea flowers (the best flowers to have around the house). They are very hardy. They grew in abundance on the east coast and thrive out here in the Pacific North West. Great flower to plant! They will give you many lovely bouquets and dress up your garden beautifully!

Signing off for now. Here I am (below/Purple Druzy with Aqua Spike Quartz Necklace & Caribbean Aqua Blue Apatite Petite Earrings, available in my shop) giving you a smile, because I am happy that you are here. Send me inquiries or ask me product or jewelry questions anytime.

Thank you so much for following me. 

"Stay real. Be Kind. And above all else, Be Sparkly."

~Marissa xo

COUPON CODE! Coupon code going on now in my etsy shop! Code : BeSparkly15 (use during checkout). *****Take 20% off anything in my Etsy store ($20 minimum purchase). ***** See anything here you want (and it's not in my shop yet)? Message me on Etsy, Direct message me on Instagram, @MarissaTDesigns,  or feel free to leave me a message here!

Happy Spring! Happy Bling! Who doesn't love Flowers and Jewelry!

Happy May Beautiful Readers!

Flowers Everywhere!

I love this time of year when everything around me is blooming! Flower buds are everywhere. Color is everywhere. Every plant seems to have new buds popping out.  What was sleeping during winter is waking up and saying hello to the sun. Can you tell I am loving spring time in Washington?

The Pacific North West, (my new home for the last 6 months now), has a long beautiful spring season. The enormous & gorgeous fir trees are always green too. Knowing they are there, giving color and oxygen is a good feeling. On the east coast, where I used to live, there is usually a very short Spring and a VERY LONG Winter. So, for me, to have evergreen trees literally ALL around me in the winter, is a breathe of fresh air. Spring on the east coast is unfortunately too short. You blink and then it seems as if you just survived a brutal winter and then comes the blistering summer heat and humidity. I kid you not.

  To my surprise, I had no idea flowers started blooming early here, in February and March. We had tulips bursting through back in March. The colors and varieties are exquisite. Being a flower and nature lover (and someone who lived for a long time on the east coast) I am appreciating and soaking up this special time. 

I went to the spectacular Skagit Tulip Festival (a month ago) that is very well known in Washington State. It is comprised of dozens of fields and fields of incredible tulips (Many farms are involved).You literally feel like you are in tulip heaven. There are some below and some other pictures I snapped around the island of the flora.  If you adore nature or just flowers (I don't think I know any girl who doesn't love flowers) you may find the pictures a petite feast for the eyes. 

Being a jewelry artist (& amateur photographer), nature is one of my primary inspirations for my creativeness. I have added some really lovely new jewelry pieces (I've recently made). All of which are inspired by flora and fauna. Or just simply, nature.  (Most of the jewelry listed is available for sale in my etsy shop for affordable prices).

Below are some fabulous pendant necklaces that I made. The one on top is a big gorgeous Ruby in Fuchsite natural gemstone. Like this one, many of my pieces are one-of-a-kind. The colors are like red tulips and its soft green petals. Click on photo if you wish to see all the interesting details. The middle one is not listed yet. The blue one is. It looks like a lovely feather to me. It is a natural agate druzy geode slice. I adore this one and I love bringing you luxury for less or better know as lux for less. They truly are statement pieces.

One more of the Feather necklace. It is amazing what natural organic gemstones look like. I added a cobalt blue druzy gemstone to accent the feather shaped gemstone. I believe the copper chain adds a bohemian and artistic feel to it. The warm color of the copper compliments the coffee colors in the pendant nicely. What do you think?

 These lovely earrings are very much nature inspired. Both the sea and flora are constant forms of inspiration for my jewelry designs. These natural gemstones are like looking into the sea. Beautiful flower colors too. If you look closely, they are not only blue, but have hints of purple  in them too. I added some tiny flower pink tourmaline stones as well. Click the photo for more details if you wish. 

I have always included a small handful of fresh dried lavender in organza bags (my packaging when I mail jewelry to my customers). Ironically, the last batch of lavender I had bought from Etsy and brought to Washington IS Washington grown lavender! Hmm, fate telling me something. The lavender on this island grows in abundance. Some varieties of it started blooming several weeks ago. Power walking on this island is like walking through some of the loveliest flower markets in Boston or New York City. It smells like heaven & looks like it too. I already bought some local dried lavender from our island, for future customers. There is a lavender farm on the island. 

I think two more pieces of bling are in order before I sign off. I've made this necklace with a one of a kind dreamy slice of lavender amethyst druzy. Modern. Chic. It is truly a statement piece (Lux for less). 

I sold these earrings not too long ago and made another pair. You can see below.  I call them, "After the Rain Earrings." One of my all time favorite gemstones is labradorite. It's a magical gemstone. It's grey, and when the light hits it, these amazing flashes of iridescent blue come out (a jewelry tip, it has to be very good quality labradorite to have the flashes of blue, green and sometimes even yellow and red). Modern. Simple. Gorgeous.  The spectacular intense purple of the herb, lavender, reminds me of this gemstone. If you like simple, modern, yet unique, maybe they're the pair for you.

I am off to my studio to create more pieces of jewelry. But, first, a vibrant power walk through town to get my adrenaline pumping and soak up more floral inspiration.

Smell the flowers. Wear a Colorful Necklace. Enjoy spring. You are beautiful, like a flower.

Oh yes, and above all else, please don't forget, 

Be Sparkly~

Marissa T. xo