Christmas!!!!

It's Christmas time again!

I love this time of year.  I do live in a desert so you don't get the proper winter feeling that you might in colder places such as the UK but the temperature has dropped today to a balmy 24 degrees!!! Apparently this is cold...she says with slippers on!  But I love our family Christmases because for us that's what it's about - family!  I wouldn't change them for the world.  I do get a little stressed with the Christmas shopping though.  To me Christmas gifts, as with any gift should have a certain amount of thought behind it.  I really hate it when there is no thought put into presents.  Last year due to tight budgets my family and I decided we would do handmade gifts only!  So there were hand decorate Christmas jumpers, felt laptop cases, jersey scarves!  It was so much fun!  

Pinterest is my new favourite app and I have got so much inspiration from it for presents this year.  I have tried to keep it fairly homemade this year but i can't tell you what I've done as that'll give the game away.  One thing I can say is that Jewellery wasn't the main bulk of my present giving and it probably won't be again this year.  Purely because everyone who will receive a gift has already invested in some statement Christmas jewellery from me!  Thank you by the way!

My Christmas line this year hasn't differed much to last years purely because of demand.  You like the current stuff far to much obviously!  I do know that I need to step it up for next year though...I am already planning designs!

Don't forget....firstly; Christmas is about the thought....Put some thought into a present and no matter how small, it will be appreciated much more.  And secondly; I do custom pieces....

Have an exceedingly Merry Christmas and a very fabulous New Year!

The Flying Ducks

They're here!!!!

Finally The Flying Ducks have landed and I'm so excited about them! They have been a work in progress for so long now and I am so relieved that they are here.  

It is always very difficult for me to leave the "making" process up to someone else as this is one of the processes that I love the most!  However sometimes, especially when you don't have the tools to produce something like this yourself...you have to let someone else do it.  

Anyway, time delays aside...I hope you love these as much these as I do!

The Flying Duck Necklace is make of acrylic perspex.

The necklace base is clear perspex and the ducks are white however can be customized upon request to a range of block colours.

The findings and chain are a mixture of silver and base metal.

It's Easter!

I'm not at all religious so for me Easter is not about the Resurrection of Christ, it's about the coming of Spring.  A change of seasons can do wonders for ones change of pace within a year.  I feel like the grey/beige of the desert winter (or at least the last few weeks that have signaled the seasonal change as winter is beautiful here!) is now well and truly behind me.
Therefore for me Easter, this year, means a change of gear.  To step it up a notch.  Onwards and upwards as they say.


I think that if Easter was a reflection of my religious beliefs then I might move in the direction of crosses and divine-ness....  Well it's not going to and I'm not going go that way as I still haven't addressed the whole religious belief thing with myself let alone translating it into my jewellery.


It's Spring - a time of birth and new life.  And I intend to breathe life into new designs!  
I am travelling to a new country next week and not to make anyone jealous but I am insanely excited!  New places means new inspiration so watch this space!!!

World Cup Fever!

No I am not a fan of football! I am talking Horses!
There is no denying that the Dubai World Cup, featuring the world's richest horse race, is one of, if not THE social calendar's premier events.  But it's not only about the geegee's, with a strict dress code and best dressed competitions at each racing event throughout the season, each year brings something unique in the style stakes and hopefully 2012 will be no different!


The Jaguar Style Stakes, a must for any self-respecting fashionista, is one of the region's most hotly anticipated events for fashion trend setter, with the winner securing a 2012 Jaguar XK convertible for a year along with a bevy of other prizes. 


Judges will be on the lookout for style, originality, attention to detail, as well as appropriateness of the outfit for the race day.


Here are some tips offered by internationally renowned stylist, Mandi Kingsbury :
- Hats/fascinators are essential for ladies
- Style and originality
- Grooming and deportment
- Coordination of the ensemble
- Nude, pastel, lime green and off white colours are key for this season
- Go for elegant closed toe heels of sandals
- Dramatic clutches are a must-have but should not be too heavy.  Chanel inspired bags to sling around your neck are always a winner.
- Statement necklaces with a simple dress, if you are brave enough to carry it.


Last year, Vintage Chanel took the crown (pictured below) and I think this year will be no different: Vintage!

My rule of thumb for my race outfits is, apart from being fabulous and effortlessly stylish is comfort! The highest heels in my wardrobe last year were not a great choice when trying traverse the crowds to the bar or even the bathroom!  Standing still at the table or propping up the bar, they looked fabulous but past that...annoying!  I also try not to wear a dress from the current high street season as you can guarantee that someone or even multiple someones will be wearing the same dress!!  If you do decide to though, try to customize it in a big way.  The easiest way of course is with accessories!  A hat of a fascinator is a must! Other than weddings, when else do you get to dress up your head in such an extravagant way?  And of course the next best thing is jewellery.  Big and bold statement pieces, especially necklaces, are a must to stand out in the crowd this year.


I will be working on a few custom pieces for my clients and I am very excited to see how it all turns out.


Have you started thinking about your outfit yet?  Don't forget to coordinate with your better half for that extra touch.  30 days and counting!!!

Valentine's again...

I love to hate Valentine's day! As I say every year I don't really want to celebrate it but I secretly want to be showered with flowers, chocolates and any other kind of gift!!  I know that's not going to happen...it's going to be nicely low-key! I do love making jewellery for other people at this time of year though!


I can't post the custom designs before the lovely ladies get to see them so I'll have to hold off for a few days!


As you hopefully already know I love to mix the western and middle eastern styles together so today I'd like to show you exactly that!  This piece was originally meant to be made out of a solid piece of silver and the design cut out of it but I decided to do a little wire work instead and create it that way.  

This pendant represents the mirror image of "Hib" the Arabic word for Love.  I hope you love it as much as I do!


Happy Valentine's Day!