AthinaLaBella and Her Eclectic Essentials

Candylicious Christmas 2011

2011-12-09T17:18:00.000-05:00

Hello All!!!
Its has been waaaaaay too long. I have not written for sometime now and thought I would just try and catch up with you guys out there in the cyber world. The holiday season is upon us and its one of my favorite times of year, besides the beginning of the summer season. I take this time as an opportunity to bring some warmth and cheer indoors.

I do this with Christmas decorating and this years theme was influenced by a vintage feel. I love the look of christmas's past and how fun and kitschy it could be. Trees were silver, pink, white, and sometimes even made of peacock feathers. You would even have some with lighting effects and bubbling christmas lights. A couple years ago I played with the idea of a tinsel tree and some bubble lights and a loved it. The tinsel tree was cute, but it was so skinny and I couldn't go to town with all the ornaments I had in mind. So this year I upgraded for a still fun kitschy vintage influence with a bigger white xmas tree. Yay!! More space to add more ornies and pretties.

So here is the Christmas Tree of 2011....

I hope you like it. I love it and it makes me smile and warms my heart. <3 :D

The Year of the Copycat

2011-03-18T00:51:00.001-04:00

I was reading a blog post from fellow candy gal Jackie of The Hollywood Candy Girls about Steve Jobs and his thoughts on how 2011 is the year of the copycats.

It got me thinking who is to blame? Is it the copycat itself, who lacks vision but is motivated by monetary incentive. Or could it be that they are inspired and don't know how to interpret and use that inspiration in a positive light? Could it be our capitalist system and its dog eat dog mentality? Or are the parents to blame for not consciously teaching the kiddies right from wrong. It could be a combination of all of these things happening at the same time I guess.

I don't know about Mr. Jobs but for me the saddest part of being violated in this way, has nothing to do with the unauthorized "borrowing" of ideas, nor the potential sale that could have been made. But it has everything to do with what that potential sale could have represented. In my case, that sale represents freedom. The freedom to say one morning, "Nina lets go to the big diner for pancakes, mommy is tired from working last night." The freedom to go down the Jersey Shore whenever possible during the summer, to watch my daughter play in the sand. The freedom to homeschool my daughter and the valuable time and memories we make as each year passes. The freedom to surprise my husband with a candle light dinner out one night.

So, In my case its not a potential $ale that is being $tolen, but potential moments in my families life that could have been.

I know of a couple of Etsy Artists that are going thru the same situation and I hope that 2012 will become the year of FREEDOM.

To My Girls...and My California Girls

2010-09-18T18:43:00.002-04:00

Hey sweethearts, its been awhile and I hope everyone has enjoyed their summer. :)
I surely did...and a BIG THANK YOU to you guys for your part in making it happen. :)
Thank you to all the sweethearts old and new who helped me make my way down the shore this summer with my family. It meant the world to us and especially my little girl, who finally this year got on the rides on the boardwalk down the Jersey Shore in Wildwood. I think I was more happier than her. Ha ha. I finally got to go on the Carousel, YAY!!!

We celebrated her 5th Birthday for the weekend there and it was super sweet candy fun!

I made her a Candy Tiara and gave her a Barbie that I love btw.....

She had a great day and I am soo gracious and glad that we could do that for her. She tells me the other day..."Mommy I want it to be summer all the time." I said "Nina that means we would have to move to a place where its hot all year long" and I tell her like California, Florida, or Hawaii. She chose Florida. :)

So it was a great summer for me this year, I got to work on a lot of custom pieces for a bunch of sweeties both old and new to the shop, and even had one of my pieces worn in a music video. Thanks to connecting with sweetheart Amber of Poparazzi Earrings who does lots of celebrity work with her ear candy sparkling jewels.

I have made a little over a year now selling my sweet candy and cake inspired jewels and its been truly a wonderful joy. I can honestly say I love what I do. It gives me the freedom to express myself creatively and it has given me the opportunity to connect and share with others in a way I never had before.

I always felt the need to dim my light, for fear others wouldn't like me for being different....but now I am happier shining it for others to see. I have opened up myself to more opportunities and experiences, and found its better to share. We bask in it together . :) <3 We are candy friends, kindred spirits, and sweethearts riding on the same happy wavelength of time. I am glad to have crossed paths with you all from all over the world. :) Love you girls and guys. xoxo

I cannot but help from noticing that over the last year ALOT of the sweethearts that visit and that have blessed the shop are from the golden coast of California. I have always wanted to move over there at some point in my life...I hope to visit soon. When I heard the song and saw this video...I couldn't help but think of you guys. <3 This is for you and all the other sweeties out there who like what I do and just want to have fun. :) Thank you! More goodies coming your way, Yay! :) xoxo

Katy perry - california girls music video
Uploaded by tevochannel. - Watch more music videos, in HD!

She sells seashells by the seashore...The Jersey Shore :)

2010-06-24T22:49:00.001-04:00

Schools out...the sun is blazing and the waves are rolling in and I am ready to go down the shore. My favorite thing to do. Hop on the Garden State Parkway and drive through the forest of trees and go over the bridge. If you are from Jersey you know what I am talking about...that bridge where you know you can start stretching your arms and legs, open up the windows and start to smell the sea in the air. It soo exciting!!! I can't wait to go...I think I am going to have to break the piggie bank this year to go though. By whatever means I will be going!!!! I must!!!

With all this inspiration of sea and sun, I made a some pieces with a play on mermaids and the sea. Trinkets and treasures to wear throughout the day....

Mermaid Treasure Charm Bracelet

Fishy, Fishy Goldie Sparkles Chandelier Earrings....

I love the gold fish earrings!!! It has always been my dream to live by the sea and make jewelry. I want this to manifest itself soon. Living by the sea I can imagine would be sooo inspiring. Enjoy your summer friends!!! oxoxox

Candy Glam...

2010-06-16T14:37:00.002-04:00

Hello sweethearts!!! New pieces inspired by a candy classic Ring Pop. Lots of fun colors and sparkly jewels for sweet fashion fun on the scene. These baubles look soo yummy and are the same size of the actual real candy. Which one is your fave? Mine is the pink, the red, and blue. I love em' all but we always have our favorite one, two, or three. Summer is almost here and I probably will not be cranking them out as much as winter...but who knows? I am a beach bum and indulge in outdoor activities during this time of year. I may still get the urge to lock myself in my craft room and make a bunch here and there, but nothing beats the feeling of the sun and surf and the joy of quality family time. :)

I made some super fun necklaces back in April called Luxe Lolli's, which are another fun candy classic with the twist and added glam of Swarovski Crystal encrusted stick. Love those as well. So take look around and enjoy. Candy and fashion together=Soooo much fun!!!!

Hope you love em' as much as I do soo fun to wear and puts a smile on the face. :)

The Dynamic Duo...You can do it!

2010-05-18T16:58:00.003-04:00

With layoffs running rampant throughout the country and economy in it's current state. There are alot of people lost in the sea of faces feeling worried and anxious about what will be the next step, where their next pay check will come from, or looking for that next job. Sometimes these events can be a blessing in disguise, and an opportunity to do something you wish you had the time to dedicate to when you were on that 9 to 5 race.

Now is the time to stop and smell the roses, look within, and try that thing you always wanted to try. Take that knitting class, beading class, or t-shirt course from the Annex Magazine you saw one day on your bus ride through the city. I feel a wave of a huge indie movement right now and I personally know alot of friends who have started doing thier own little side projects while holding down their day jobs. Its exciting and I am soo happy to see people doing what they love and manifesting their dreams. It makes life sooo much more fullfilling and less mundane. Now that's living!

We are all creators and have the ability to take our dreams, visions, ideas, and make them a reality. Even if its doesn't turn out exactly as you planned, you can always know your tried... and not be left with the "what ifs".

So now is the time people!!! Become a gardener and travel the world like my friends Felipe and Leija are currently doing, become a photographer like long time friend Erik Motta, a party planner and crafter like my high school Class President Angie Tomala, collaborate with your kids interests and start your own skateboard company like our friends at Bump Skateboards. The opportunities are there you just have to open your eyes and pursue your dreams.

I am proud to be collaborating with my husband and friend of 17 years on a new design venture. We just opened up a new shop by the name of 2sleeves1collar and this will be an on going collaboration of projects and creativity. After his many pushes for me to do my jewelry, now this is something we can work on together. Here are some photos of our first t-shirts.

GET A MOVE ON IT!!! :)

OXOXOXO

Pink and Candylicious in Brooklyn...

2010-05-03T22:07:00.003-04:00

So I had my first showing in Brooklyn's Artist's and Fleas on Saturday. It was cool, but I felt soo out of my element. I tend to be very timid and quiet, and you would never guess that from my wardrobe and accessories, lol. So as you can imagine this was a very new experience for me, not just because it was my first showing, but because I put myself out there in a way I have never done before. I needed my Dysfunctional Party Tshirt ala Twillypop , lol.

I am soo used to doing my thing online via my Etsy Shop, so this was a very interesting experience and have no regrets doing it, although at moments I felt very awkward. Luckily I had my hubby with me and my new friend CandyBella showing with me as well. But still there would be moments when the awkwardness would creep in from time to time. Like when a person would approach the table, I'd freeze up and be at a loss of words. I guess this will take some getting used to and don't regret doing this, but wow this was soo different for me. I will have to do it a few more times and get comfortable with it.

Cool and quiet is what you get from me at first, but I really am sweet and soft. I am much more open and can communicate myself more freely through my work and writting. So this was the first time and won't be the last that you will see of AthinaLaBella at a table with her candiliscious treasures. Be sure to pass by the next, stay tuned. :) Enjoy the few glispes of Saturday's most beautiful and colorful table ever!!! lol. ;)

Feeling Smitten...

2010-03-11T02:27:00.008-05:00

The weather is warming up and the sun is shining brighter and I am super duper happy!!! Things in my life are getting better and better, and I am looking forward to the good things that are ahead. I have been working really hard and been busy, busy, busy. I have been creating pieces for a consignment deal I got with an eclectic art gallery called The Art and Soul Gallery in Washington State.

Funny how the universe works...just two days before this happened, I was discussing with my friend Candeegurl about her consignment. (Congrat to you girl!) I was excited for her and expressed to her that I wanted to go the same route, but I was intimidated by the thought of approaching some of the shops in my area. She had nothing but good things to say to me and some encouraging words. (Thanks <3) Then I thought to myself and realized..."You know what, get over it, just do it!!!" and said "What do I have to lose?...nothing."

So I then felt and knew deep down in my heart I could do this, and then Bang!!!! Two days later I get an message from a sweet lady over at Etsy who loves my jewelry and would love to carry my work and here I am today. I am soo filled with gratitude and joy. We are soo blessed sometimes and we don't take the time to stop and appreciate all that we have. I am soo gracious really. So I am looking forward to good things that will come and enjoying the now. The universe is definately listening and giving....you just have to feel it, see it, and be it and it will manifest its self somehow.

I just completed a few sweet treasures for the lovely ladies of "The Cottage" over at Feeling Smitten Cupcake BathBombs. Their cupcakes are "the bomb!" ha, ha, ha. The look just like real edible cupcakes, they smell so yummy too. Thanks a bunch to sweet lady Courtney, your a doll!!! All the cupcakes in the photos below are the Cupcake BathBombs by Feeling Smitten . Are they sooo darn cute? I love them!!! <3
Soo feast your eyes on these yummies.....

I think they turned great!!!!

Snow, Snow, Go Away!!!

2010-02-16T00:45:00.003-05:00

As I sit here typing this another snow storm sweeps on through, and I really want nothing but the sun like a lot of you out there as well. I want sea, sun, and flowers...that's all nothing over the top. I should move to Florida...oh yeah its cold even there now, lol. What's a girl to do? Well in the meantime, I have been creating floral theme jewelry pieces to keep me happy and busy during these deary cold days.

And those who are into sweets...

I did not forget about yous...Never forget about the sweets!!!

I hope I didn't tease you too much with the sweets, lol. :) Yum.

2010-02-08T20:12:00.001-05:00

After the frost must comes the flowers...
I have been longing the sunshine and warmth since the ball dropped on New Years Day. No more holidays...just bleeping cold weather and snow. I can't wait for Spring to come, I am a Spring Baby after all born on March 24th. I have been playing with flowers lately and have created my own indoor garden you can say, while I wait for the first blooms to peak through the ground. So here is a sneak peek at my happy flowers and more still to come....

These will be available soon and in different colors too...variety is the spice of life!!!

My Latest Sweetheart...

2010-01-20T12:56:00.001-05:00

My newest and cutest addition to the shop...an oldie but a goodie...
Madame Cupcake, she is an new version of the Madame Cupcake that sold recently in my shop.
You could say all items in my shop are somewhat one of a kind, this one still has the essence of the original version, but she is different has come into character.

Kitties love cupcakes too, and who doesn't love kitties and cupcakes, they go hand in hand. Cuteness and sweetness all pack into one lovely piece of jewelry.

And a cutie pair of earrings that were inspired by the sweet kitty cutness...

Glamour Puss Likes to Play Dress Up

These cuties are vintage inspired and remind me of rummaging through my mothers vintage costume jewelry treasures.

Another necklace making a reappearance in my shop with a new look is

So Delish Cupcake Necklace

A Gesture of Appreciation.

2010-01-15T15:49:00.004-05:00

After sort of a sad day I experienced yesterday, I was happy to get a convo this morning from my new Etsy friend iamveggieburger . She has put together this beautiful appreciation video of some of my handcrafted candylicious creations.

Here is the video and make sure to check out this talented artist's youtube channel.
Thank you sooo much iamveggieburger, never let people or obstacles hold you down. I see nothing but great things in your future. Good luck to you in anything you set your mind and heart to. oxoxo. :D

A Gesture of Love...

2010-01-14T16:48:00.000-05:00

I have been playing around with some clay again and have decided to give away my little creations as gifts with purchases of $50.00 or more. They are rings and I hope you like them. I think they turned out pretty cute.

Candy Couture

2010-01-10T22:14:00.000-05:00

Blending fashion accessories and candy. Sweet style and fashion sense.

I am working on pieces and should be posting some more for the Candy Couture Collection....

For now I have some more glittery goodness...

And of course new Valentines Day goodies are being made and posted daily....

A Letter To My Copycat.

2010-01-05T20:55:00.017-05:00

"While things may basically look or be the same, in essence it's the person who conceives them from their heart and soul, that radiates through them"

Its been awhile since I last posted some pics of my new creations. I have been busy with the holidays that came and went, I have been busy as a bee coming up with new ideas and creations. As a designer/artist I am constantly trying new things, evolving, and getting inspired everyday by other artists, things I may feel, see, and admire. I was surprised and very very happy to see that I even inspired someone recently. My friend, Cindy B. of EpoxyonYou , whose awesome blog "Inspiration Makes The World Go Round" , put a smile on my face. In this blog she acknowledges a few awesome artists (including myself), who inspired her. I really admire her for that. I am glad to see the love and inspiration we can share with each other.

Now on the other hand we can have the complete and unfortunate opposite. "The Copycat." Like everything else there is good and there is bad. Inspiration is great, what is not great is a carbon copy, a knock off, or cheap replica. I understand that what an artist might do is appealing and you might want to try it, by all means do so, but put your own imagination into it. Come up with your own spin on things, come up with something new because if you don't then you are not an artist/designer, what you will become is a human copy machine.

I have recently been having a problem with etsy seller SweetLove4U /Kawaii4U who finds satisfaction by replicating my style. At first I thought I was being paranoid, but then I had a few other people message me and confirm my suspicions. When I saw "my pieces" in her shop, my heart dropped! I felt like someone had ripped my soul right out of me. It is that personal to me. I confronted this copycat SweetLove4U , and she completely denied it, and called me the jewelry police and infantile. I was stunned, and then decided to move on. I started then to do some new designs and my very first collection, "The Eat Cake Collection" and then she took my new ideas & designs and again started doing pieces very similar. It was very frustrating, she then started taking photos with the same props, and similar backgrounds, and now even purchasing the same beads and materials. I mean, I don't think I am overreacting, I feel like this is all an insult to my creative intelligence. I stay up late at night coming up with different ideas for my pieces, and work very hard, and put all of my heart into my work, and then to have someone easily come along, rip me off and go as far as calling her imitations unique and original. That is not cool.
This etsy seller completely denies copying my style and refuses to even give me any credit.

I am now very hesitant to even post previews and progress on this blog of my upcoming work before putting them up in my shop, for fear that they will be replicated before I even have time to finish them. My whole intention of this blog was to share and inspire others and that has been taken away from both you and me :(
I know she visits my shop and comes here to my blog to study my pieces, my work, my everything. Then she goes and changes it a little and under prices it. It's just a sad experience. I love to inspire others, awhile back I even created a resin tutorial, so that others can use resin as a creative outlet as I have. So my intent is not to discourage others, but when someone tries to take my ideas and pass them off as their own, I feel like I have to speak out.

When I first joined etsy I was very inspired by many designers who utilized a combination of resin and candy. One day I decided to give resin a try. I experimented with some basic generic molds and candy that everyone in etsy seemed to be using. After getting comfortable with resin I was able to combine my own sense of style with this newfound tool.
My hope is that this person will live up to her shop's motto of being "unique, trendsetting, and imaginative". I hope she finds herself as I did, because there is no greater reward than having your creations come to life and having those creations be appreciated by others.

I would really like everyone's feedback on this situation...so please let me know how you feel and share your experiences.

Love,

Athina
oxoxox

Cleaning up shop....

2009-12-31T23:47:00.000-05:00

Making room for new stuff to come in the New Year over at my shop. So I am running a limited time BOGO promotion over at my shop. Go check it out http://www.etsy.com/shop/athinalabella?section_id=6669885

2009.

2009-12-29T03:59:00.000-05:00

I managed to pull myself away from my desk for the holidays, and have been a little slow in my lil' factory over here. I am a workaholic when it comes to what I love, and creating my latest pieces is my absolute most favorite. I am really loving what I do, and feel really, really, inspired and wish sometimes I had like eight of me handy, lol.

New Years is approaching and looking back at 09', I have to say this is a year I will never forget. I finally put myself out there, and found something I could put all of me in, my jewelry. I have always loved creating and can be a "jill of all trades", but I would always try new things, never finish or lose interest, but now I feel like I am really living my passion, my dream, and that is to create jewelry. I would like to thank my husband for the push, and that little voice inside of me that said to just, "let it go and go for it!". I am glad I did, and I will never look back. What warms my heart even more, is to see the love and appreciation that others share with me and my work. What I do is very personal, and I put all of myself and my heart into my work. I was always afraid to put myself out there, for fear of getting my feelings hurt, but I am glad that I finally opened up for the world to see. It feels great and I truly appreciate the love and have complete gratitude. I am looking forward to sharing more of me, living my passion, and dream. I love what I do, and its the best feeling in the world. Thanks to all...you know who you are. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!!!

Featured on new website...

2009-12-19T21:42:00.002-05:00

Eye candy for everyone.....
Check out the cool new website called hellowendysgems.com that I was featured on called
Bonjour! Color Revival.
Click here to view feature

Home is where the heart is, truly....

2009-12-18T17:19:00.001-05:00

One of the benefits of working from home besides freedom, is the special moments that are experienced. The moments you get to share with those most important in your life. For me these moments are the ones where my daughter and I get to act silly, sing and dance together. Its the laughter, the happiness, and the joy of just being in the moment that are most inspiring to me.

Cake it up sweeties....

2009-12-16T22:33:00.001-05:00

It all just came together over the last few weeks with out planning and I am soo psyched about it.
Here is my first collection The Eat Cake Mary Antoinette Collection. The necklace from my one of my recent blogs already sold and was my absolute favorite ( I had to make myself one). I sold a few of the rings and earrings and I am so inspired and can't wait to make some more designs and share them with you.

She showed up on my door step yesterday...and I <3 her!!!

**Note after just a few weeks of my pieces being on etsy, my Eat Cake Line is currently being imitated by another Etsy Seller, so beware of unoriginal "copycakers". The cake may look similiar, but it sure doesn't taste the same.** Thanks and enjoy!

Lacy Resin Tutorial

2009-12-09T13:54:00.003-05:00

Click here to view my featured tutorial on miseducated.net

Amusing...

2009-12-07T10:56:00.007-05:00

I was watching the film Marie Antoinette by Sophia Coppola a few weeks ago, and was reminded of why I loved the movie soooo much. The eye candy in this movie is so lovely, beautiful and inspiring to me. The color palette, the sweets, the clothes, the shoes, its just soooo gorgeous and captures an opulance and decadance that I just adore. In my pieces I incorporate an essence of Marie Antoinette, but with a modern funky twist as I did in my most recent pieces. I really admired her sense of style and its over the top luxurious fabulousness (I know that can't be right, but oh well, lol.) Love her or hate her she will continue to be muse for all forms of art, including my own. You should definately check the film out, a definate visual feast for those who can appreciate that aspect of the film.

*Note: Images are off of google images and will get them linked as soon as hubby teaches me, lol. Thanks.

New Stuff....

2009-11-30T15:05:00.003-05:00

Some new goodies for all you craving the cute stuff and wanting more eye candy. I did a few pieces last week and was extremly pleased with them and here they are...

The first of the two is Sweet Marie Antoinette Loves Emeralds and Pearls, a cute and fun necklace that you can dress up or wear with simple tee and still look sweet and sophisticated with a cute twist of course. Load of big pearls and crystal beads, sure to please the gal who like to do things big, and with style. And then there is the cutest little kawaii kitty in town, Ming Bling. A cute kitty filling your heart with joy and wishing you lots of luck. This necklace is adorned with tons of asian inspired trinkets and treasures and blinged out with glass iridescent crystals. Perfect for a lover of all things kawaii and kitties.

Oh! and by the way, I am giving a free gift with a purchase of $40.00 or more over at my Esty shop athinalabella.etsy.com. Take a look around, and give a unique gift to someone special, or even yourself, lol. ;op Hugs and kisses.

Holiday Hiatus...

2009-11-22T12:37:00.000-05:00

Its been awhile since my last post...I have been busy decorating and shopping for the holidays, working on my pieces little by little. I have a few new pieces coming in time for the holiday shopping frenzy next week...I am hoping (crossing fingers) for big things this holiday season. It will be my first holiday season in my shop, and don't know what to expect, so lets hope for the best.

In the meantime here is my new necklace Gimme That Good Stuff....Feast your eyes on this piece of eye candy...Its one of my most favorites so far, besides the Lick It Up Necklace which I just reposted since it went so fast. I also have lots of new cool bubble rings in various different color combos. Happy shopping this week and most importantly Happy Thanksgiving! Love & Kisses.

Sleigh bells ring...Are you listening???

2009-11-06T01:13:00.014-05:00

Its that time of year again...you can hear the holiday music playing in the store, and all the holiday displays are up. Thinking of what gifts you can get this year and on what budget. Well I started thinking about the holidays a few weeks back and have made a couple holiday inspired pieces that are inspired by a pastel retro color palette, and lots of glitter and sprinkles. This year in my home I will be going very retro too. I just love the tinsel trees, but don't know if I can spare the bucks for one this year. So for now I have my little pink cashmere tree in my office, up since mischeif night, for inspiration and just cause I think it rocks, I love it!!! I think I will leave it up all year round this time around, its pink and soo adorable. So how is everyone going to decorate their homes? What are your ideas and feelings? I would love to hear?

These candy looking sweeties will be rings and things....

My pink tree...I love her.

Sweet Joy...

2009-10-29T02:00:00.000-04:00

Sweet Joy! My inner child is doing cart wheels lately...I have been having soo much fun with my latest sweet resin obsession. I have always loved working with lots of color and have found the perfect thing to express myself with. I hope people love them as much as I do, I will keep making more of these cuties and if they don't sell, I am going to have alot of fun stuff to give away and wear, for me and my daughter. Time will tell.

A celebration...

2009-10-28T04:48:00.000-04:00

I have always been a fan of Madonna since day one, I was four years old and remember how much I wanted to dress like her. She looked different from anything I had seen at the time and I like everyone fell in love with her style, her look, and her pop music. And I was not alone it was Madonna Mania.

Two of my new resin pieces are inspired by my childhood fave. The trendsetter of the 80's with a look that inspired all girls to look like boytoys, and and dress up with bows and lacey gloves and layer on the accessories. A look that has very much come back with this 80's revival going on in fashion and jewelry. Layers of chains, big and bold, pearls, lace, bows, leggings, all of it. Its back in full force, and I love it, since I was too little to indulge in it as much as I wanted to. I have name too of my pieces after the earlier Madonna, necklaces Boytoy and Like a Virgin. They are fun, cute, sassy, sexy, and edgy. It a retro revival and I am loving it. The sequins, the lace, the high gloss materials, the corsets, and the big bold jewelry so chic.

Working hard and loving it...

2009-10-26T13:40:00.004-04:00

New stuff coming!!! I am soo excited I could hardly wait. I have been working really hard and soooo loving working with resin, its so fun and you can make anything your heart desires...speaking of hearts here is one of my new resin pieces. A delicious decadent chocolate heart, so yummy and soooo cute. I can't wait to finish some of my other pieces.

And a few more of my pieces that are new lots of glitter and shine for the holiday seasons....

Confessions of a Confection Obsession...

2009-10-20T21:53:00.007-04:00

Click here to read my featured article on miseducated.net

Missing Summer Days & Gonna Make It Work....

2009-10-20T04:16:00.002-04:00

I did it to myself...I started listening to my Malt Shop Memories Album. But It will do me some good this time around. I am feeling super inspired and will be doing some cool stuff. I just have to organized my thoughts and will try (crosses fingers) to narrow some things down. A tough task for me to handle, being that I love to try and do everything!!!! Oh boy, here we go. In the meantime come take a trip down memory lane with down in the Jersey Shore....I just love the Wildwoods and Cape May. Its like vintage and retro heaven, for me. I plan to get a house there someday, maybe if I sell enough jewelry, you guys could help me out and we can have pool parties and stuff, lol. ;o) Alot of my inspiration comes from the special times there with my family soo here we are having fun....

New goodies for the sweet lover in you....

2009-10-16T02:53:00.000-04:00

I just finished whipping up some of my new sweet stuff. I have been busy working on some new rings and things, and I love it!!! Resin, glitter, and sprinkles equal fun and new love, my latest obession of many. I have to make a few for myself, definately. I can see myself giving these to my loves for the holidays, how about you? So sweet, so fun...

Oh Sugar....oh honey, honey....

2009-10-13T03:22:00.002-04:00

I am the candy girl and I am just loving the fun I have been having with my latest obsession...resin!!! I just love working with the stuff and seeing the possibilities. I have done a few pieces before, but lately I have been making more time to play and have fun with all the sprinkles, glitter and candy. Its just soooo sweet and looks so good I want to lick it, and eat it. I am making lots of rings and things, new styles and designs, lots of learning and playing with the resin concoctions. Practice makes perfect, and I am loving this process so far. I will be posting my pieces on a daily basis @ etsy, so keep an eye out, and love the eye candy. Great stocking stuffers and gifts. They are soooo yummy.

On the rocks...

2009-10-06T22:53:00.001-04:00

Just finished another piece and I am loving it so much I will need to make another version for myself. It looks like chunks of ice around my neck. Its soo glam and soo luxe, and in your face. I love it. A perfect piece to have in the jewelry wardrobe for cocktails and dancing. Can't wait to wear mine. Now I am thristy and need a drink. On the rocks of course!

Childhood Dreams Realized

2009-10-03T16:07:00.007-04:00

I was just posting my fabulous new bracelet and realized that I was inspired (without realizing it) a pair of vintage costume earrings that I own by the one and only Miriam Haskell. I have always been drawn to costume jewelry. My mother used to collect it years ago, and fortunate for me, she has given me what is left of that collection. (I destroyed the rest when I was little playing dress up and jewelry store...If I only knew, shame on me!) So here I am today fulfilling my childhood dreams, playing with jewelry and running my little shop of precious treasures.

Accessories Make the Outfit.

2009-09-28T00:52:00.004-04:00

"Jewelry is very much a part of the woman wearing it. It expresses her personality and tells you a lot about her taste, her sense of fashion and feel for beauty. Choosing the right kind of jewelry is an art."

I came across this quote and could not agree more!!! I just finished this bracelet and it came out great. Pure glam!!! Love it. Posting soon in my shop.

Chains, Crystal, and Glass Oh My!!!

2009-09-27T03:45:00.026-04:00

Beading away on this chilly day and I just can't stop!!! Lots of pieces in process and thinking up some more. But for now the fashion forecast has been saying....Chains, crystals, and more chains!!! This will be the look for this season to watch for. Lots of big statement pieces, statement necklaces, bracelets, and rings, with crystals and a luxurous look to indulge in for this fall/winter season, and up coming holiday season. So put on the glitz and shine. These pieces will be in heavy rotation for a couple of seasons and will be classic. Statement pieces will be here for awhile so build up that jewelry wardrobe and create your look. Things may be a little tighter in the pocketbook, but we women know how to make it work for fashion, even in the toughest of times. So with these crystals, gemstone, pearls, and chains dress like heiress even if on a tight budget.

"Stones, metals, beads, massive chains and crystals are of great value for Autumn/Winter 2009-2010." -

So this is some of my fall stash, that I have been playing with for now, and in the days to come. I have a few pieces to post soon, and I can't wait to create some more. I love the look of crystals and rhinestones. I am an avid collector and wearer of vintage costume jewelry, and alot of my inspiration will incorporate that mixed with some modern. So check back soon, I will be posting more soon.

Looking at Fall in a different light...

2009-09-25T18:42:00.003-04:00

I have a love and hate relationship with the fall.....I love the idea of a fresh new look and the layering of scarves and sweaters in cozy knits and textures. Snuggling up under the covers and drinking hot cocoa. The colors of the fall leaves and the anitcipation of the holidays, but what I do not like is saying goodbye to my fun sun loving summer, basking in the suns rays and taking in the ocean breeze is what makes me happiest. I dread the shorter days and even colder nights, but without the colder season I guess would not appreciate the summer as much as I do.

Anyway this time around instead of staying in and being glum and down about not having the sun as much around, I have my new venture of creating jewelry to keep me busy. So far it has made this transition fun and inspiring. All the new colors, and the way the sun casts a different glow in the sky and everything it touches, gets my creative juices flowing. It gets me wanting to translate that into a new beautiful piece.

I am looking forward to playing and creating with all the chains, crystals, and pearls I purchased recently. I was the cliche' "A kid in a candy store" with all of falls new opportunities for color and texture. So here are just a few of my lastest goodies. More to come soon, keep on checking back. In the meantime for a closer look and more pics and pieces go to my store athinalabella.etsy.com.