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Adornments Watch

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Custom Jewelry

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Project Runway: Episodes 3 & 4!

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

Hello! Once again, we’re back to show you what our designers have been working on for our very own Project Runway Challenge. It’s been a little while so we’re going to do 2 episodes at once!

In Episode 3, the designers challenge was to create a high-end signature look and a look-for-less inspired by another team’s design. For this episode we were drawn to Anna’s sleek, classic jacket and dress.

ProjectRunwaySeason7Ep3Anna

Anna's Design from Episode 3

This dress seems to want just a touch of embellishment at the neck, so we designed a modern pendant using complimentary colored gemstones. This is a sterling silver pendant with a large, angular snowflake obsidian as the focal point with a smaller accent cabochon above.

Obsidian pendant

Design by Alexis Anbari

Here’s what the snowflake obsidian looks like!

Snowflake obsidian cabochon

Pretty stunning just on its own!

Here’s the design drawn on the our sketch of the dress so you can get an idea of how they fit together.

For the 4th episode, the designers created a signature dress for the Campbell’s AdDRESS Your Heart program. For this week, we chose Amy’s fun and flirty dress.

ProjectRunwaySeason7Ep4Amy

Amy's design from Episode 4

In keeping with the theme of the challenge, we designed a heart pendant to coordinate with this dress. This is a sterling silver pendant with red and white gemstones.

Design by Alexis Anbari

And with the dress.

So, once again, we implore you- let us know what your think! Leave us a comment or take our Project Runway Poll! :)

Project Runway- Episode 2

Sunday, February 7th, 2010

Our campaign continues this week with a look at two new dresses and the jewelry we would create for them!  This was a fun challenge taken from the classic phrase “She’s so beautiful, she‘d even look good in a potato sack!” To that end, the designers were to use burlap to create unique and stunning new looks!

First up Anthony’s design:

(click on the drawing to see the Project Runway photo of the original from the show)

Project Runway, Season 7, Episode 2, Anthony's design

This soft and sassy look left us a lot of skin to work with and begs for something spectacular- we rose to the challenge- check it out!  This necklace would be a netted silver wire collar with coral and fresh water pearls!

Project Runway, Season 7, Episode 2- Anthonys Design

Jewelry design by Adornments jewelry Laura Dugger

Just to show an example of Adornments’ spectacular wire work, check out this original piece by Alexis Anbari!

Adornments' Silver Wire Woven Copper-colored pearl collar

Adornments' Woven Copper-colored Pearl Collar by Alexis Anbari

The second dress that caught our eye was the design by Maya!

This fun and funky dress features metallic piping, demanding something edgy and elegant. (Again, click on the drawing to see the Project Runway photo of the original)

Project Runway Season 7, Episode 2, Maya's Design

Project Runway Season 7, Episode 2, Maya's Design

Check out this stunning design by Adornments’ own Alexis Anbari!

jewelry design by Adornment's jeweler, Alexis Anbari

This necklace would be made from silver wire wrapped around the neck and sprinkled with ceylon blue and white sapphires.

Convinced yet?!  Vote on our poll and be part of the decision to bring Adornments to Project Runway!!

Project Runway: Jewelry Makeover!

Saturday, January 23rd, 2010

As we mentioned in our post last week, we at Adornments have been pondering the merits of designer jewelry paired with the designer fashions of Project Runway. And last week was the first episode of the new season! Project Runway is off to an exciting beginning back in New York! After watching the show, and visiting their website (www.MyLifetime.com/shows/project-runway ) we decided to show you a little about what we’re talking about…

Sure, we’ve designed custom jewelry to accentuate designer clothing before- take a look at the necklace one of our jewelry designers created for this Romona Keveza wedding dress in 2009!

Amazing, right? Thought so.

So once again, we put it to you, gentle reader- shouldn’t the unique fashions of the designers of Project Runway be graced with equally unique adornments? Here are a few examples of what we’re thinking…

This first drawing is based on the design by Aaron, from episode 1.

Project Runway Season 7 sketch of Aaron's design

We felt this dress had a somewhat rock and roll feel to it and immediately started thinking that chainmail would be really complimentary. Chainmail happens to be a technique we are very practiced at. Here are a few examples of chainmail pieces we’ve done in the past to give you a feel for how it can look.

chainmail necklace with large coin pearls

Triangle Chainmail Necklace with large coin pearls

Chainmail choker

Here’s the drawing of the chainmail jewelry designs that we’ve created specifically for Aaron’s work! (Chainmail takes forever to make so this is the sketch design of the piece that will be made in the future)

Chainmail is amazing in that in can be extremely dense and heavy, or suprisingly delicate and lacey. Here we’ve gone for a more open, lacey  look on both neck and wrist.  Edgy, yet feminine this design would feature amethyst briolette drops (to match the purple of the fabric).

This second drawing is based on the design by Pamela!

Pamela's design from episode 1

The plunging neckline of this dress screamed for a dramatic necklace. The one of a kind showpiece that Adornments jewelers designed for this dress would be sculpted from Precious Metal Clay (PMC)  and slightly domed. PMC lends jewelry a great texture that would make this jewelry truly unique.

centerpiece of the necklace

Yep! Amazing!!

So if you like what we’ve done, leave us a comment or take our poll!!

Introducing: The Watch

Monday, January 4th, 2010

Welcome to the new face of Adornments Watch!

At Adornments we’re always looking for new ways to improve our customer service. With the new year, we decided to give our blog a make over!  So we are dedicating ourselves to providing you, loyal readers, with regular posts on a wide variety of topics. Everything from information about what’s happening in the Nashville art scene,  tips on what to look for when purchasing great gem stones, amazing DIY projects, hot fashion trends, to advice from professionals on how to plan your dream wedding!

And we are relying on you to tell us what we’re missing!!

So if there’s something you want to read more about (don’t be shy!), let us know!  And as an added incentive – all our readers who visit our new blog and leave a comment will be entered into a drawing for a free giftcard to Starbucks!!

And of course, don’t forget to stop by and visit us at our store, in the Factory at Franklin, near historic downtown Franklin!

Mention our new blog and get 10% off any item in store throughout 2010!

Completion of Lucinda's Quest

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

      Actually the quest was completed a week before Laura’s wedding when ‘The Dress’ was delivered by Olia Zavozina.  It’s gorgeous!  Of course, there was no point in posting all of this until you could see for yourselves my final choice.  The dress was perfect.  I received rave reviews from family and friends.  I felt good and both Laura and I were happy with my final look.  Enough talk you say…..I agree.  Here are the pictures taken at the big event.  In case you don’t recognise me, I’m the lady in dark silver.

Laura and Jim with her family

     Olia even made a shawl for me  for a little bit of coverage to deal with the evening chill.  Of course  it was cold and rainy that night.  We didn’t care.  Good food, good music and lots of good company.  What could be better?  Oh, you’ve got to see the necklace Laura made for me.  Isn’t it gorgeous? Lucinda's Mother of the Bride necklace       You know you’ve done well when you get a note like this one on your gift.

Gift box for my necklace      And yes, I was teary eyed when I read this….so I think the blurred edges are appropriate.  Thank you so much Zach and Jody Gray for all of the beautiful photographs.

The Pictures Are In! Check out images from Laura's Wedding!

Saturday, December 12th, 2009

October 4, 2009 Adornments’ own Laura Lempke married Nashville native James Dugger.

The Adornments team really went all out for the occasion producing announcements, invitations, and jewelry as well as calling on guest artists Charlie Thompson and Olia Zavozina for more!  As you can see from the images, courtesy of Gray Photography, the results were well worth the effort of all the amazing contributing artists!

The Adornments Ladies: Alexis, Laura & Lucinda

The Adornments Ladies: Alexis, Laura & Lucinda

Check it out!  All of us wearing Adornments original jewelry and Lucinda rocking an original Olia Zavozina gown!  Gorgeous!

Mother of the Bride Necklace by Adornments artist/owner Laura Dugger

Mother of the Bride Necklace by Adornments artist/owner Laura Dugger

Close up of the Mother of the Bride necklace by Laura Dugger

Wedding Invitation with Wedding Rings

Wedding Invitation with Wedding Rings handmade invitations by Adornments' own Lucinda Harshey!

Exquisite handmade invitations by Adornments’ own Lucinda Harshey!

Titanium, wood inlay wedding rings

Titanium & Wood Inlay Wedding Bands by Adornments artist Charlie Thompson

Custom wood-inlaid titanium wedding bands by Charlie Thomspon- Hurray for coordinating wedding bands with the wedding colors!

Program by Adornments

Ceremony Program by Adornments artist/owner Lucinda Harshey

Yes…we did the programs too…We couldn’t help ourselves!

Bride & Bridesmaids

Bride & Bridesmaids

Bride and Bridesmaids

Silly Bride- good Bridesmaids!

Bride and Groom

Bride & Groom: Jewelry by Adornments Picture by Gray Photography

Silver Bridal Necklace featuring hand-cut silver feather, white topaz and garnets by Adornments artist/owner Laura Dugger

Feather Bridal Necklace by Adornments artist/owner Laura Dugger

Close up of the Bridal Necklace

Adornments Silver & Garnet headband

Silver & Garnet Headband by Alexis Anbari

Close up of the headband!

Silver and resin feather groom's cuff links

Feather Groom's Cuff Links

Lest you think that Jim was left out of the Adornments magic- check out those custom cuff links!  Here’s a close up!

Silver Feather Groom's Cuff LInks

Silver Feather Groom's Cuff Links by Adornments artist/owner Laura Dugger

Leaving the Reception with Bubbles

Leaving the Reception with Bubbles!

We had a marvelous time and we all, of course, looked fabulous!  A truly special, custom wedding with all the Adornments touches!

Thank you Gray Photography for the beautiful pictures!

Holiday Sale

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

Holiday Sale!

Adornments is having a Holiday this week on Friday and Saturday! It’s just our way of helping you find gifts for all of your loved ones

Fall & Winter at Adornments- A Fashion Must!

Monday, November 16th, 2009

Fall has always been my favorite season- the best clothes, beautiful weather and lots of color!  This year is no exception!  Despite the rain, fall looks are coming out in all their colorful splendor and. of course, no look is complete without a trip to Adornments!  Come check out Fall & Winter clothing by Olia Zavozina: rich colors and textures sure to feel good and look great!  Pair that with some of Adornments’ one-of-a-kind jewelry and you’re on your way to having a stunning fall look!

This tunic is beautiful, soft and very comfortable!  A classy look that will keep you feeling cozy all winter long!

 

Brown Tunic with sash

Olia original Brown Tunic with sash & Adornments original "Mantis" pendant

 

 

Brown Tunic with sash

Olia original Brown Tunic with Sash & Adornments original "Mantis" pendant

 

Rich, beautiful color, luscious texture and a fun, funky cut make this jacket a must for this winter!

Olia Zavozina original jacket & Adornments original sterling silver earrings

Olia Zavozina original jacket & Adornments original sterling silver earrings

 

Olia Zavozina original jacket & Adornments original sterling silver earrings

Olia Zavozina original jacket & Adornments original sterling silver earrings

 

 

Not ready for Winter yet?  Get a jump on next year with on sale spring/summer lines by Olia Zavozina- paired with Adornments’ jewelry for a timelessly classic look sure to please on those last few warm summer-like days and give you something to look forward to for next spring!- a fashion must!

Lucinda's Quest – Revisited

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

I have been remiss in posting about my efforts to find the perfect dress for Laura’s wedding.  The wedding has come and gone, I was present and attired in a lovely gown.  Back to the efforts.  After spending hours in fruitless search at the mall (both Cool Springs and Green Hills) as well as online I was was feeling despondent.  Are there no more pretty dresses for women with less than perfect figures?  Frankly, there’s a lot of ugly out there.  Finally inspiration hit.  I have a friend who is a fashion designer here in Tennessee, Olia Zavozina.  We’ve done trunk shows for her in our shop and supplied our jewelry for her fashion photo sessions.  I asked her to create a dress for me for the wedding.  She came to the shop with her fabrics and Alexis, Laura and I chose some fabric and voila! a dress is created.  Have to tell you, I felt like Cinderella.  Imagine the scene where all of the critters are making her dress for the ball.  In my case it was Olia, Tamara (her seamstress), Alexis and Laura.  I just stood while beauty was made.  Ok, I got to hold the mirror due to a lack of birds.

Lucinda checking out the back of the bodice.

Olia gathering her pins after pinning me into the bodice of my mother of the bride dress.

This was a fairly painless way to get a dress.  Certainly less painful than running from store to store and not finding anything great or even good. Laura created this necklace for me to wear with this gown.  Then Olia adjusted the neckline to compliment the necklace.  How cool is that?  This was definitely and Adornments wedding!  I was soooo adorned.  Wait until you see the finished ensemble!  Thank you Olia and Laura for making me feel beautiful.

Laura's necklace and Olia's dress

Laura's necklace and Olia's dress

Adornments Creates Jewelry for Adoption Benefit!

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

GalaLogo

Adornments recently donated custom jewelry created with adoption in mind for auction at An Orphan’s Ticket Home adoption benefit.  All proceeds from the auction went towards helping families with the costs of adopting overseas orphans.

It was a lovely event coordinated by Courtney Hammons from “A Magical Affair” with live music by Sparrow Recording Artist, Britt Nicole,  and guest speaker and author of Fields of the Fatherless and Red Letters, Tom Davis.

Adornments donated two original pieces for this benefit:

A pendant entitled “Family” featuring a Copper and Silver parent figures embracing a 14k yellow gold child figure adorned with a ruby as well as a blue handbag entitled “It Takes A Village…” featuring Copper and Brass adult figures celebrating the first steps of a Silver child.

Here are some in progress shots of the pendant!

We started with a concept drawing. The red indicates the various layers of metal we plan to use.

We started with a concept drawing. The red indicates the various layers of metal we plan to use.

First step after drawing is cutting out the metal layers.

Silver & copper layers ready to be cut.

Silver & copper layers ready to be cut.

This is what the pieces look like just after sawing them out.. Are you scared yet?? :)

Silver & copper layers cutAfter the pieces are all cut out, we domed them slightly and then set them up to be soldered together.

Yikes! Fire!!

Yikes! Fire!!

This is the pendant just after soldering all the pieces together (well, ok, we cleaned it up a bit with sandpaper too). Ready to be polished!

Soldered "Family" pendant

Soldered "Family" pendant

Haha! Safety first!! I love what that mask does to my ear!

Suiting up to polish!

Suiting up to polish!

Polishing!

Polishing!

And, finally! The finished piece!

"Family"

"Family"

We were honored to be asked to participate in this event and had a great time at the Gala! For more information on an Orphan’s Ticket Home and how to get involved with this program, please visit http://www.orphanstickethome.org/. And on a final note, we leave you with this… love it when they have photo booths at events!

The Adornments ladies at the Gala!

The Adornments ladies at the Gala