Forsythia - Sign of Spring!

A couple of times a week, I volunteer at the library teaching seniors social media and computer use.
The other day my student gave me a lovely bunch of forsythia branches and they are now flowering so beautifully in my front window.
A lovely reminder that spring weather is on the way!

Dandelion Beauty

 

1. SweetHarvey  2. Talktothesun  3. MyBelleBoutique09   4. Papermoth  5. Karmabeads


A few years ago our community decided, for health reasons, to ban pesticide. As relieved as I am to have less pesticides in our soil, the dandelion has become a bit of an eyesore.

Well, today I'm embracing the dandelion! After seeing these gorgeous pieces of work, how could one not love the dandelion.

Take some time to browse through these talented artists shops. You'll be delighted at what you find.
xox

The Color is Coming Back to My Garden

The warm weather is early this year and it's a delight to see the bursts of color in my garden.  My peony is just budding and I believe it will be flowering in a week. I can't wait. I also planted some cosmos last weekend as I like the gorgeous pink and lilacs of the flowers.

We've planted our vegetable garden too as well as some planters and hanging baskets.

How's your garden coming along? Trying anything new this year? Any gardening advice?

 

Colorful Daisy Earrings - New at Jacaranda Designs

Stunning Italian Floral Window Boxes and Planters

While traveling through Italy in the Spring, I took dozens of photos of the vibrant window boxes and pot plants everywhere. I was so envious as I always struggle to keep mine healthy throughout the entire summer. Here's a sampling of the beautiful displays.

New Autumn Designs at Jacaranda Designs

I've been extremely busy lately readying my shop for the holiday season.  There are many new jewelry designs in lovely earthy as well as vibrant colors.  Here's a snapshot of a few pieces. Head over to Jacaranda Designs to see the entire new line. As always, many of of my designs are one of a kind. However, I do make duplicates of some pieces so if you require  multiples, please contact me and I'll see what I can do.

Fresh From My Garden

I picked these from the garden and placed them in a vase in the kitchen. Later we went out for a few hours and left all the windows closed. When we arrived home the beautiful scent of these roses had permeated the entire house.

Sunday Afternoon in the Garden

On Sunday afternoon, Jake and his friend were playing badminton in the back yard. We were pretending it was the French Open of Badminton (not that it really exists!) and I was the paparazzi with my camera. After taking tons of photos and nearly getting my lens hit with a badminton racket, I moved on to photographing plants (my favorite).

Whilst poking around the garden, I happened upon a robin's nest high up on the drainpipe of the house under the eaves. A perfect spot that is sheltered and that the squirrels and raccoons can't reach. It looks like the initial nest fell sideways and then they built another on top.

Hope to see some little baby birds sometime soon.

A Tasty Giveaway From The Bear Foot Shaman

For all you gardeners out there, you're going to love this next giveaway. Spring is just around the corner in this part of the world and if you're like me, you're starting to poke around the garden looking for signs of the warmer weather. Of course, with Spring comes the opportunity to start a vegetable garden and reap the delicious rewards of your hard work during the summer.

We've had a vegetable garden each year for about the past 16 years and each year I try a different type of tomato in addition to my favorites. If you don't have a large area of a garden to cultivate your vegetables, you can also grow tomato plants in pots. This year I think I shall purchase some heirloom seeds from The Bear Foot Shaman and give those a try - they look too good to pass up.

YOU have the wonderful opportunity to win some heirloom tomato seeds courtesy of The Bear Foot Shaman. The Bear Foot Shaman specializes in Aromatherapy, Herbal Medicine, and sells Heirloom Seeds.  They hope that everyone can enjoy the wonders and health a garden has to offer. They are kindly putting together a package of the following seeds:

Heirloom Organic Black Krim Tomato Seed Vegetable Garden Seeds

 

Heirloom Organic Yellow Pear Tomato Garden Seeds Vegetable Seed

 

PIF Super Sioux Tomato - Wonderful Organic Heirloom Seeds - Perfect Garden Tomato Seed

 

Organic Heirloom Gypsy Black Tomato Non-GMO Garden Vegetable Seed

The giveaway is easy to enter...

Please leave a comment describing which seeds from The Bear Foot Shaman you would include in your ideal vegetable garden.

You can enter once per day and you must include your first name and etsy username or email address with every entry. If you're worried about spam email, you can spell out the 'at' and 'dot' rather than using the standard email format.

Receive additional entries:
- if you follow or subscribe to my blog
- twitter about the giveaway and/or blog about the giveaway
- become a fan of Jacaranda Designs Facebook Page
- feature any of my items on your blog
- follow me on twitter

Just comment/leave a link letting me know!
Go ahead, have fun and spread the word please!
This giveaway is open to everyone, worldwide. Giveaway ends Wednesday April 6th at 5pm.

 

 

 

Beautiful Spring Irises

This week is somewhat chaotic as the boys are enjoying March Break. I also have my in-laws visiting for the week so time to work on my jewelry and my blog is somewhat limited.

I was having some fun on the weekend practicing some photography tips I was given. I had bought these lovely irises on "special" at my local grocery store last week. They didn't look like much when I first arranged them in the vase, but three days later they were looking spectacular. Such a splash of color in this otherwise rather gray winter weather.

New Hair Accessories For Spring!

Recently I've added to my line of hair accessories at Jacaranda Designs. They are available in a myriad of colors and make a lovely Easter gift. Pop them in your hair for a spontaneous splash of color.

New Spring Jewelry at Jacaranda Designs Jewelry

A sneak peek at a few of the new additions to Jacaranda Designs Jewelry. I'm having so much fun making these designs. They're colorful and fun and a perfect match for your spring and summer wardrobe.

A Lovely Sunday Out

This morning I arranged to meet a good friend for brunch. Sitting there, chatting, it dawned on me how well we get along and how infrequently we see each other. I get caught up with the "busyness" of life and sometimes don't make the time to get together with close friends and just relax. I need to make a concerted effort to make time!

After brunch we passed by a local flower store and I bought a couple of bunches to brighten up the kitchen on this dreary winter's day. I always seem to choose the lime green flowers as they're certainly my faves but today I mixed them with some peach carnations and I think the combination is perfect. Of course, my flower arranging skills could use some help, but I love the way they look anyway...

New Jewelry Designs For Autumn

Hello everyone!

Well I've been really busy lately designing new jewelry pieces for my shop and so here is a sneak preview of one of the designs.

It's a vintage style sunflower pearl necklace. It is available in antique silver or antique gold, with the following color Swarovski pearls - dark gray, mauve, bronze, green, burgundy, dark teal... if you'd like one made in a color that isn't available yet or you would like it in a different length, just contact me for a custom order.

This necklace can be worn every day or as evening wear. Gorgeous design for a wedding party too.

Dark Gray and Antique Gold

Dark Gray and Antique Silver


Mauve and Antique Silver


Mauve and Antique Gold


Bronze and Antique Silver


Bronze and Antique Gold

Green and Antique Silver