Opening Night on Broadway - A Performance in Black and White

A journey blending opposing colors in an elegant jewelry design! 

Black & White

Yin & Yang

Darkness & Light

Off & On

As she sashays down the winding staircase, her heels click, click, click on the marble.  Her hand glides down the bannister and at last, she appears.  The woman of the night is here.  All heads turn, the room gets quiet.  Her sheer presence commands respect.

She's a vision adorned in black lace.  Pearls dangle from her ears and drape softly around her neck.  And on her wrist, she models an exclusive work of art.  Custom crafted beadwork all in black.  Accents in Swarovski crystal and pearls.  Women whisper, "I wonder where she got it?"  "I've never seen something so unique."  "That's so perfect for her!" 

The men smile ever so slightly, they know they'll be commissioning one-of-a-kind art for their wives too.  Maybe for a birthday, maybe for an anniversary.  A romantic dinner, flowers and the gift of jewelry will surprise her on a Tuesday night.  One thing is certain, you can win her heart with love and jewelry.

I want to thank Sally Russick for inspiring a group of creative souls to design in Black & White for this amazing challenge.  You can visit Sally and see the other incredible creations for this Black & White Challenge.

Turquoise Envy - Do you have it?

Yes, it's true, some people have Turquoise Envy.  It's what happens when one sees something beautiful made with turquoise and secretly covets it for themselves.  The good news is, there's a cure for Turquoise Envy!

I've been a very busy lady as of late.  I am taking my one-of-a-kind jewelry designs on the road to Scottsdale Arizona!  Over Memorial Day weekend, I'll be participating in an incredible event designed to help entrepreneurs price, package and promote their businesses to success.  Linda P. Jones is the master of wealth building and one really important component of that is having your own business.  So the intensive retreat she's hosting Memorial Day weekend is specifically about branding to appeal to your ideal clients.  (There's are just a few spaces open still if you are a business owner and would like to join us:  http://bit.ly/YMUtzp )

So in preparing for the retreat, I've been finishing a few pieces of jewelry that will be going with me to sell (including that turquoise and druzy cuff I showed a short time ago) and showcase what options are available to have designed in a custom piece of jewelry by me.  I'm really excited to connect with new clients and to help showcase their individual beauty through their jewelry style.  That's what makes custom-made jewelry so special... it's made exclusively for you, to your taste, color and style - and in turn is a visual image of who you are.  It's just so special that someday you can pass that jewelry along to your family as part of your legacy! 

Druzy Love Me or Druzy Not

As a child, I was a rock collector.  I loved picking up rocks with unusual colors or smooth faces.  When I was in junior high, I went with my friend Karen to her grandparents house in Indiana.  We went down to their creek (pronounced crick with a short i) and gathered geodes.  Little did I know at 12 how much I would still love rocks in my adult life - and that's not just the ones between my ears. ;)

Of course Diamonds are a girl's best friend... those are rocks that just ROCK!

What I didn't realize as a girl however is that the sparkly pieces of geodes I collected would re-enter my life in the form of jewelry design.  When we were wading barefoot in the creek we'd look for round rocks that when you picked them up and shook them, if you heard something rattle in there, it was sure to contain crystals.  We'd haul buckets (very heavy buckets I might add) back to Karen's grandparents house where Grandpa would break some of them open with a hammer to show us the "magic crystals"

Today, working with Druzy stones have me giddy like a little girl again.  What is a druzy?  Druzy is a layer of crystals that form within a mineral crust, like the inner cavity of a geode.  Natural druzies come from a number of different stones including agates, jasper and quartz.  As people have started to see more of these beautiful natural earth-born crystals in jewelry, their demand has grown.  Now companies have created treatments and coatings for natural druzy stones to give them a more sparkly finish.

In this piece I used a titanium coated druzy that has a beautiful iridescent finish.  It showcases a myriad of colors ranging from lavender to turquoise.  I really love that color combination, so I pulled in natural amethyst beads and more chunky turquoise beads.  I also incorporated some blingy bold Swarovski crystals that have a finish in the complimenting lavender hues.  Because more bling is better, right? :) 

I wish I could capture the true sparkle of this piece.  It really is magnificent!

A Walk in the Woods

This wasn't the first cuff I created with a druzy focal.  I created another cuff, "A Walk in the Woods" using a natural druzy focal and turquoise accents.  This piece was designed for The Challenge of Color blog hop hosted by my dear friend, Erin Prais-Hintz.  This cuff was purchased as a gift between girlfriends.  It shows how much we cherish those women in our lives that are there to laugh with us, cry with us and help us pick up the pieces if we've made a mess of something. 

As an artist, there are pieces that you create that just stick in your mind foever.   This piece will be one of those memorable pieces.  From the colors to the textures and the big sparkle, this is a piece that will be a showstopper for a confident woman that loves to look good and turn heads!

Here's hoping you have something sparkly in your week to make you feel like a million bucks - because you deserve it!
{Hugs!}
Dawn

Spring Inspired Jewelry Designs

Yes, we still have snow on the ground where I live in Lake Geneva, WI.  BUT I'm going to use the Power of Positive Thinking that Spring is on the way soon... she just had to stop and pick up a new handbag and killer heels.  :) And until she arrives fashionably late I'm going to stay inspired by pieces I've created that remind me of spring. 

Butterfly Kisses - Available for purchase

Fern Gully - Available for Purchase

Princess for a Day - Custom Order with JulsBead Focal

The funny thing where I live, the old saying goes something like this: "If you don't like the weather in Wisconsin, wait 5 minutes and it'll change."  Interestingly enough... it still feels like Winter.  However, this weekend we're supposed to be in the upper 40's (and maybe hit 50 - gasp!) for Easter Sunday.  So at least all the little adorable girls in the precious little white Easter dresses won't be too chilly.  They will have to worry about muddy shoes though!

GRAND Prize Winner - Romance in Bloom

Flowers for the Queen

I'm finishing an amazing cuff that I can't wait to share with you... picture this, chunky turquoise and amethyst with a druzy focal.  It really will be the bomb diggity when it's done... so off to the studio I go!

Walk in the Woods

Hope you have a fantastic day!
{Hugs!}
Dawn

P.S.  I'm still sporadically having that thing with the "no-reply" email address when I'm commenting on other people's blogs.  It just did it again yesterday when I commented on my superstar glass girl JulsBeads!  So if you aren't sure if yours is also working right, I'd be happy to email you and let you know... just include your email address spelling out AT and DOT so the quirky online gremlin robots don't spam you.  :)

Pink is the Color Of Passion

Winter in Wisconsin means white and a whole lotta grey.  Lucky for me, I have the ability to color my own world!  Enter a bright, cheery, summery PINK!

Similar to Honeysuckle, Pantone's color of the year in 2011, this vibrant fuchsia pink is HOT with a capital H-O-T. Not only is it happy, but it exudes love and you all know that's one of my missions in this world - spread love and happiness!  This year's Pantone color of the year is Emerald which I'm also in love with.  And no, it's not just because I'm a red-headed Irish lass, honestly! ;)  So I've got plans for something spectacular featuring that in the near future too.

I created this custom beaded cuff featuring a mix of black and pink.  I used different finishes of seed beads to create depth and texture.  This cuff is created on an oval shaped brass blank so it's a one-size-fits most, and being oval, it fits so beautifully on the wrist!

Now for the really, really awesome part... I backed this cuff with... wait for it... metallic fuchsia lambskin.  Yes indeed, it's so hot I'm going to have to call the fire department.  Seriously, I'm totally in love with this cuff, so much so I had to make a necklace to compliment it.

And because I love you ♥ now YOU can get this song stuck in your head today too... Pink by Aerosmith. Because Steven Tyler wears some amazing beaded jewelry by my friend Sherry Serafini!



Looking for something special?  I love custom orders.  Contact me to talk about what you are looking for and let's turn your vision into a one-of-a-kind piece of couture art jewelry!  I guarantee you'll turn heads in a Designs by Dawn Marie original!

http://www.facebook.com/LemonsLemonadeLife

What's that book I'm reading? Get your copy on Amazon!
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A Cuff Reminiscent of the 19th Century

Bead Embroidery as an art form can tell the story of a Greek Goddess or a contemporary diva... by starting with a blank slate and allowing your soul the space to create, each piece is unique and something truly special.

Lady Lilith Beaded Art Cuff

This cuff speaks to an elegant woman, someone who loves fine pieces and wears them well.  The filigree band just speaks to me, with is delicate cut outs and flower designs, it's almost like wearing lace on your wrist! 

The focal is loaded with sparkle!  Using Swarovski Crystal as the centerpiece and surrounding it with even more Swarovski crystals, this OOAK piece of wearable art brings out rich tones of eggplant, peridot, turquoise and topaz in a myriad of iridescent rainbow finishes.

Available for Purchase - Email Dawn@DesignsbyDawnMarie.com

When invited to a ball, dress like royalty!  This piece is the perfect marriage of the romantic, Victorian style with modern bead artistry!

Sequins are a Girl's OTHER Best Friend

I'm not going to diss diamonds in any way, shape or form because let's face it... they sparkle and they rock!  BUT sequins, they too sparkle and what I've found out is that they really can bring a pop of wow into a design instantly!

Welcome to the reveal for the Sequintastic September blog hop.  Our challenge as set forth by Sarah Sequin herself was to use sequins in a design.  For those of us that have never used sequins before this was a great adventure in exploration!

I created a bead embroidered cuff bracelet featuring a vintage glass button as a focal.  I loved the silver metallic and it played so well with my silver sequins!  The sequins I chose to use as accents in an asymmetrical yet balanced design.  The cuff is beaded starting with a black color palette in the center, then variegating out to greys using marble (the rectangle beads) and finally the very ends are white.  I actually used a clear AB sequin and cut it to line up perfectly with the beading for the final finishing touch!

I've used a fun button as a clasp with a sparkly crystal in the center!  I've had a blast wearing the cuff as it just keeps catching the light and turning heads every time I wear it!  If you'd like a cuff bracelet made just for you, contact me and let's have a discussion about what you're looking for! Each piece I make is one of a kind and made true to the personality of the person that will be wearing it!

So let's keep the party rolling!  Today is National Coffee Day - which is so fitting as I'm celebrating the anniversary of my entrance onto this planet!  How appropriate is that?  Here's to festive parties, cake and lots of sequins!



Please take a moment to stop by and visit Sarah Sequin and these other great sequin artists to see where the inspiration took them!  Sarah, your organization of this event was exceptional.  I had a blast and I'm sure lots of other designers did as well! Thank YOU for putting it together! Have a fantastic day!
{Hugs!}
Dawn

Participants!!!!

Host: Sarah... http://saturdaysequins.com

Dita... http://alankarshilpa.blogspot.com
Ambra... http://chicandfrog.wordpress.com
Audrey... http://hotpinkquilts.blogspot.com
Stacy... http://iridalsattic.blogspot.co.uk
Karen W...  http://baublicious.blogspot.com
Lori...  http://www.prettythingsblog.com
Lisa... http://lisabinkley.typepad.com
Carmi... http://resincrafts.blogspot.com

Dawn Marie...  http://designsbydawnmarie.blogspot.com <-- YOU ARE HERE

Jeannie... http://site.jkdjewelry.com/blog
Shirlee... http://www.shirleestuff.blogspot.com
Linda... http://www.lilysofthevalleyjewerly.blogspot.com
Corrine... http://www.sparkledaysstudio.com
Gutukas... http://atradimutakeliais.blogspot.com
Shannon... http://uptwnsh-fallingintothesky.blogspot.com
Mallory... http://rosebud101-fortheloveofbeads.blogspot.com
Cyndi... http://www.beading-arts.com
Maneki... http://wildrosesandblackberries.blogspot.com
Maryanne... http://zingalasworkshop.blogspot.com
Ine... http://jewelsbyine.blogspot.com
Karen... http://www.overthemoon-design.com
Kepi... http://kepirasmussen.blogspot.com
Jennifer... http://jenniferstumpf.blogspot.com
Misty...  http://thejollyfatelf.blogspot.com
Dot... http://speediebeadie.blogspot.com
Hope... http://craftyhope.blogspot.com
Cynthia... http://antiquitytravelers.blogspot.com
Micheladas... http://www.micheladasmusings.blogspot.com
Shirley...  http://www.beadsandbread.blogspot.com
Karla... http://texaspepperjams.blogspot.com
Eleanor... http://eleanorpigman.blogspot.com
Therese... http://theresestreasures59.blogspot.com
Rita... http://www.toltecjewels.blogspot.com
Robyn... http://rcponders.wordpress.com
Stepha... http://skwds.blogspot.com
Sue... http://suebeads.blogspot.com
Cate... http://fulgorine.wordpress.com
Amy... http://Loraamyjames.com

Custom Bead Embroidered Cuff for Anniversary Gift

Do you know how much I LOVE making custom orders, especially when I know the custom beaded jewelry is a special gift for a special person?  

This gift I was asked to custom design was like no other I've done.  The purpose of the gift is to celebrate many years of marriage between a husband & his wife, and the two very special children they've created.

First, celebrating the marriage... the couple has a logo they use for their family business and homestead.  It's a large M in the middle for their last name, with a slightly smaller C and a J for each of their first names on the sides.  So as a focal for the bead embroidered cuff, they wanted me to create something similar to their logo. 

Their two children were born in the months of March and August.  So the color scheme for the beaded cuff needed to correspond with Aquamarine and Peridot.  Where the color scheme got interesting was adding in C & J's birthstones Garnet for January and Sapphire for September.  Initially I was "garnet-challenged" as the deep red wasn't playing well with the peridot and aquamarine.  That was until I used both the garnet and sapphire as accent colors to add that pop of color without overpowering the color pallet.

Indeed, I think that was the right move because now I have faceted garnets and sapphire crystals to represent C & J, but their children who are their entire world are the focus of this beautiful cuff.

As I am out of town this week, at the time of writing this blog post, J has not yet given C her beautiful cuff.  Hopefully when I return home, I'll have an e-mail hearing what she thought about the bracelet.  C is an interior designer, so I really wanted to make a piece that was 100% easy to wear with an artistic flair. 

From idea to clasp this piece was inspired by the love that these two have for each other.  They have a very special relationship that continues to endure the test of time.  Ups & Downs are the path of life and these two together hold each other's hand and embrace the adventure!  Because let's face it, sometimes life takes us off roadin' - it's up to us to drop a gear and get back on track!

Happy Anniversary to C & J!  My wish for you is many more decades of family adventures!~
{Hugs!}
~Dawn

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Designs by Dawn Marie

Dawn Doucette is a jewelry artist in Lake Geneva, WI.  Each piece she makes is one-of-a-kind.  If you are interested in having something special custom designed for yourself or a loved one, e-mail designsbydawnmd (At) gmail (Dot) com.  She specializes in listening to what your dream idea is and turning that into a piece of custom beaded jewelry that will be passed down to future generations in your family.

Extreme Bead Embroidery Takes a Tropical Vacation -Now for the Umbrella Drink Please

From all white on white to extreme contrast with black & white, I decided to take a little journey with my bead embroidery to the tropics.  Somewhere from way out in left feel I was inspired to create something so beyond my "old shoe" comfort zone it's freaky.

I will say... brace yourself... I used orange *gasp*  as in tropical warm, sunshiney, happy ORANGE!  FREAKY again, I know!

Where is all this inspiration coming from?  Not sure exactly, but I'm loving playing with color.  

So this cuff started as an inspiration from the Etsy Bead Embroidery Guild.  The EBEG Beadfest challenge was fairytales... the variety that started as folk lore long ago and have been passed down through storytelling for generations.  My mind immediately thought of the tale of Hansel and Gretl, a German fairy tale told by the Brother's Grimm in 1812!  The tale is about 2 young children that are abondonded twice by their father and horrid step-mother not once but twice in the woods!  After the 2nd time of being abandoned the children get lost in the woods and find a house made of gingerbread and candy.

Being supremely hungry, the children begin to nibble on the candy home until they are invited in by a witch posing to be an old lady.  Suffice it to say the kids eventually trick the witch at her own game, find a stash of jewels she has hidden and with the help of a good storytelling, find their way back to their father.  His wife has mysteriously passed away and they can now live happily ever after thanks to finding the witch's jewels.

The focal of this cuff reminded me of candy.  Honestly it looks good enough to lick!  I added "jewels" in shades of lime both in beads and in the Nicole's beadbacking, aqua and accents of tangerine to create a bright, joyful "path" of treasure to emulate the journey Hansel & Gretl took.

While I'll be out of town while the blog hop takes place for the Fairytale Reveal during Etsy Bead Embroidery Guild's Beadfest on June 30th, I had to share this as it was truly a wonderful journey to create.  You can check out the other members of EBEG on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Etsy-Bead-Embroidery-Guild-EBEG/303381193012490 I never thought I would use orange - in fact I surprised a really good friend who was shocked I even had any orange in my bead inventory.  I tried the cuff just to capture a picture, and wouldn't you know, it decided to own me.  Yep, this baby is now part of my private jewelry collection!

Hope your day is inspired and your journey is sweet!
{Hugs!}
~Dawn
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Designs by Dawn Marie

Dawn Doucette is a jewelry artist creating OOAK bead embroidered jewelry in Lake Geneva, WI.  Inspired by the beauty around her, each piece is unique and something that can be passed down from generation to generation.  Much like a great painting, Dawn's bead embroidery tells a story and it's translation is very personal to each person that sees it.  Specializing in custom beaded jewelry, Dawn loves turning a personal experience or story of her customers into a OOAK piece of jewelry they will treasure for years to come!

A Peek Inside the Artists Brain

Okay, if you don't want to tour the grey matter between my ears... step away from this blog post now.  BUT if you're crazy (just like me) and you want to see my thought process when creating a piece of bead embroidered jewelry... stick around. 

On Wednesday, I participated in a fantastic challenge... The Challenge of Color blog hop organized by Erin Prais-Hintz over at Tesori Trovati.  Throughout this challenge I learned many things... I took risks and those risks were rewarded with a beautiful finished product.  When I finished my beaded cuff bracelet, even I stepped back and commented, "Wow, I didn't know I had it in me!"  Who would have thought!

So in an effort to document my process throughout the design of this embroidered cuff (now available in my online store), I took pictures throughout the process and put a video together.  It'll show you how I design and where my brain and the beads play together.  Remember though the beauty of bead embroidery is that every person is unique and so are your works of art!  Design what you dream!


http://video214.com/play/V6nP0IXkuWUtLs6R1dCHjA/s/dark

For Supplies:  I use Nicole's Bead Backing from Nicole Campanella (The Beadwright).  I tried Lacy's when I first started and was not happy as it kept "frizzing" and "fuzzing."  I purchased this druzy from a seller on Etsy.  Both offer SUPERB service! 

Well... that's a tour through my brain.  Hope I didn't lose you in the process!  Have a terrific weekend and live an inspired week!
{Hugs!}
Dawn

Learning and Growing - Sherry Serafini Class REALLY Expanded my Creativity

This weekend was such a weekend of extreme emotion.  Starting with a very hard good-bye to my uncle who was taken too soon.  He was an incredible man, father, husband, brother and son.  To my aunt, he was her soulmate... the person that could finish her sentences, make her laugh, show her the kind of love you only find once in a lifetime.  It was precious to be able to share memories, but everyone also shed so many tears - Bill was such a genuine wonderful person, filled with love and gone too soon.

Can you say WOW?? Stunning collar by Sherry Serafini

As if I was sent a message from Heaven, I also was able to take a great bead embroidery workshop from Sherry Serafini on Sunday.  The chances that she was teaching anywhere that I could drive to was miraculous on it's own.  I didn't know when I registered over 2 months ago just how much this workshop would be needed for my soul.  Honestly, I know things happen for a reason... this "happening" fell into place perfectly.

I had never taken a class... beyond college... but a class I was looking forward to taking for fun - this was a first.  The ladies at Funky Hanna's in Racine were so accommodating, answering all my questions and making sure everyone felt welcome.  Class was full and the energy amongst all the women beading was incredible!

The project we were working on was a component style pendant.  I'm about 75% done, so I'll post those photos when I finish.  We were also able to play in Sherry's stash.  I scored the MOST amazing cameo that I can't wait to turn into something extraordinary.

BUT even beyond the project was the little tips or "Golden Nuggets" that you pick up from Sherry and other beaders just working side-by-side.  I learned so much!  I can't even believe how crazy fast my brain is working right now.  Honestly.... this class was all about thinking outside of the box.  Making components that can come together to creating something incredible!

Sherry, if you should happen to land here on my blog, thank you so much!  I cannot express in words what I feel in emotions.  Getting a peek inside of how your brain works was so much fun!!!  Letting us "play dress up" with some of your amazing collars was inspiring!  Your kind remarks about my necklace was so, so touching.  I'm humbled, flattered and sincerely grateful.  I very much look forward to sharing classroom space with you again.

I was so busy taking it all in, I didn't snap many photos.  BUT here's the ones I did take! 

These were some examples of the Wavy Cuff Class Sherry taught on Saturday.

I fell in LOVE with this collar... seriously it was all sparkly with gorgeous Swarovski Crystals and gold... oh baby did it have some gold!  Honestly, reminded me of what royalty would wear in ancient Egypt!

Who's royalty now?

I told you I love that collar... It was stunning.  I am now an honorary member of Ancient Egyptian Royalty... seriously! ;)

 My lessons for the weekend:

• Surround yourself in love - family, friends, and business associates.  Life is too short to hold on to negative feelings.
• Say "I love you!"  Tell those you love how much they mean to you. 
• Surround yourself with people that have achieved more success than you.  You will learn something new all the time and continue to grow as a person.  
• Beauty is everywhere!  Embrace it!

Hugs and creativity to you this week!
~Dawn

P.S.  For anybody looking to learn how to do bead embroidery, I learned from Sherry's book The Art of Bead Embroidery that she co-wrote with Heidi Kummli.  That book was my bible and the coolest part is that it's almost like two books in one.  Sherry and Heidi share each of their styles (which are very different) and learning both styles let me figure out "Dawn's way" a style unique to me. Sherry was my teacher even before she knew she was my teacher!