For the Love of Jewels

The Christmas Holidays are gone and my decor is stashed away. This past Christmas I made myself a holiday wreath from vintage ornaments and it pained me to have to take it down and store it away. I pondered what I'd put on my door next. I hurriedly went to the local craft stores and contemplated on a Valentines Day wreath. I bought one but decided that I did not like how it looked on my door, for one, it did not quite measure up to my Christmas wreath, and two, it didn't have the shabby chic feel that makes my heart swoon. Therefore, I decided to make a "year round" wreath. One concocted out of vintage jewelry! For years, I've collected bits and pieces of vintage jewels and wondered if they'd ever serve a purpose. Guess what?? They did! After countless hours of hot glueing and burned fingertips, my wreath is up! I must say that it isn't finished yet but already looks STUNNING!

I must add that this wreath holds special meaning to me, not only because I crafted it and burned my fingertips as a result (lol!) but because its encrusted with vintage jewelry pieces handed down to me by my mother, whom my late grandmother handed down to her. Why have these beautiful treasures stored away when they can be beautifully displayed and cherished daily. :)

Here she is in all her glory!  Keep in mind that she will continue to be a work in progress.

This is a vintage bow that once belonged to a wedding dress...who'd a thought!

Notice the crown jewel...a definite must for my love of royalty.  Please take note of the aqua/blue encrusted piece for that is one of my late grandmothers heirlooms (stunning, isn't it?).

Sugar bears, pearls, butterflies, and everything nice.

You'll notice my love of cameos through out.  I don't collect vintage items for the sake of it being vintage...I only collect what catches my eye and fulfills my love of shabby chic and french delights.

Many hours of labor went into this wreath...as will many more, because like I said, she's not finished. 

XOXO,

Lizzette

Dreaming of a Pink Christmas

Hello my CandyLoves!!! As I sit and wait 2012 out, I thought it would be a great idea to let y'all into my little holiday home. With Christmas gone, it pains me to take down my holiday decor.  I figured, what better way to pay homage than to share it with those I care about.  Enjoy! :)

I must admit that I've never been one to go all out in decorating for any holiday.  This year, I owe my inspiration to the Christmas issue of Romantic Homes.  This has been one of the best issues EVER!  It sparked my love for holiday decor!  I thank Romantic Homes and its contributors for sharing their amazing homes in this issue! :)

I too am a lover of pink, sweets, cupcakes, and anything girly.   I chose to create a theme for my Christmas tree and modeled it after the Sugar Plum Fairy from the famous Nutcracker Ballet.  

Here she is!  The Sugar Plum Fairy herself!

This was not quite the tiara I had in mind, but it definitely did the job...well, after I added my touch. :)  Next year, the tiara will be OVER THE TOP!

Here she is all lit up.  She's quite a darling!

I really love that this looks like shimmering cotton candy!  OMG!

If you know me, you know that I'm notorious for taking pictures!!!  I often say that my life can be told through my pictures.  I really do believe that! :)

ta ta ta dum!  Introducing the Sugar Plum Fairy, yet again!

This faux cupcake I purchased on etsy...isn't it soooo befitting?!?!

& the Nutcracker himself (in PINK!!!)

This is my little pride and joy!  I tried to model it after the one featured in Romantic Homes using vintage Christmas ornaments.  I must say that I really love the way it turned out.  AMAZE BALLS!

She sits inside my door and I'm contemplating leaving her up year round...hmmm?

This sweet thing is a little plain for most but perfect for my love of shabby chic and pretty pink things.  She kept a watchful eye on the outside. :)

Pretty in Pink Tinsel.  My kitchen was in perfect company with this little number. :)

Here we have my beautiful Trinity...excited about her Christmas gifts.   She loves this time of the year!!!

...& my Damien, ecstatic on Christmas morning!

I had to share my pandora bracelet.  I must say that it really isn't my style but for some reason or other, I was definitely dying for one.  I received it as a birthday gift from my family and was excited to receive the cupcake charm and fleur de lis charm to add to it.   ...my family knows my love of cupcakes and french flair so well :)

I found these cupcake ornaments the day after Christmas.  I was not able to add them to my tree but guess what?  They will serve as the main ornaments for my upcoming Valentine's Day tree! 

What Christmas is complete without a great set of friends?  I had a small Christmas social this year at my apartment and the turn out was great.  I LOVE these people! Belated Merry Christmas!

Christmas is gone and the New Year is approaching.  I'm thankful for all the blessings I received and continue to receive.  May y'all toast to the new year with pink bubbly and may y'all have a prosperous New Year!  Enjoy!!!

XOXO,

"CandyFornia" Gurls, we're unforgettable!

And so we meet again! I've been on a bit of hiatus but I'm back! While so many of us are sweetly obsessed with Katy Perry and her fabulous CANDY GLAM~NESS, I deemed it necessary to pay tribute to her through my wearable candy jewels. Stay sweet & ENJOY!!!

Bedtime Story

We're never to old for a bedtime story! My love of History and fascination with "France's most iconic queen", are embedded in this remarkable story, Marie Antoinette; The Journey. This renowned piece of literature allows me to indulge in the royal decadence that was very well known at Versailles along with an intimate portrait of one the worlds most misunderstood queens. This piece of work shall continue to be my nightly ritual. Sweet Dreams!

xoxo, Lizzette

Candy at Versailles

These pretties truly embody the sweetness and elegance of Versailles. They are inspired by a girly vintage vibe that I wish to call "Candy at Versailles".

Marie's whimsical fairytale is embodied by frilly ribbon and snazzy little pearls. BEAUTIFUL!

A lil' piece of cake; don't you just want to take a lil' bite out of her. I thought this was the perfect name for this lil' beauty because it indeed resembles a piece of cake with it's frothy~like layered ribbons and candy colored pearls. :)

On a casual day, I fell in love with vintage and the shabby chic phenomenon. I poured my little soul into this Victorian concoction; a whimsy~like fairytale.

Her Royal Highness. This is a personal favorite! A girly girl candy treat. As sweet as

Ladurée's macaroons if not SWEETER! :) She's a dish, a dish I may just hold onto.

Last but not least, a classic cameo. Simply breathtaking! Understated; but never underestimated.

Enjoy!

Forgotten Treasures

I'd like to share a few of my treasured vintage possessions. Most would cringe at the thought of old, shattered, stained, or chipped dolls, but I on the other hand jump up for joy when I stumble across these beauties. Above is my ULTIMATE FAVORITE, a Marie Antoinette a la mode.

This beautiful head vase was found on a shopping road trip and I just couldn't seem to part with her. The little beauty next to her was a flea market find; she too is stunning.

This is a peek at my local doll collection. I say local because most of my dolly peeps are in storage momentarily awaiting for their masters' return. :)

You must believe that If I ever come across a Marie Antoinette inspired doll, she's found an owner. :))

Lastly, this sweet bit of sugar was a MUST HAVE for me! My favorite aunt owns a doll with the similar ceramic head that I've always admired, so when I saw this pink lovely, I knew instantly that she had found a home.

Frothy Frilly & Whimsy Whispers

As I sit in my lil' corner of bliss, surrounded by enormous sugary unfinished items, she stares at me with her effervescent stare and softly whispers that she wishes to become ornate. I shall comply with the Queen's request.

xoxo, Lizzette