I love giving behind the scenes looks for you guys, because I think knowing the love and time and intention that are put into each piece gives value to what you're buying.
Watch this video for a behind-the-scenes look:
The process can take a few minutes to a few hours or even days! Sometimes I have an idea in my head but don't execute it for years. Then, one day, I pull it out and it practically makes itself, it happens so fast. Other times, I will leave a necklace in-process out on a tray and work at it for weeks without being satisfied with how it comes together.
I have even been known to finish something and then months later, cut it up and make it into something new if it's not sitting well with me! Some of my most favorite pieces have come from reworking a design that just didn't work.
Stringing beads can be tedious! I cannot tell you how many beads I've lost by dropping them on the floor. In our house now, we have all wood floors, so that helps with recovering escaping beads. There is little more frustrating when making something and be nearly complete, just to drop it and lose all your beads and progress. It happens more than you'd think!
It's no secret, I've been working behind the scenes on something fun for your HOME: Carefully CURATED and COLLECTED pieces hand-picked by me! These will be vintage, antique, or just plain cool things that I have taken time to source and can't wait to show you how to use them in your own home.
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I will drop a small collection of fun finds periodically, via Instagram stories or the website. If you want to follow along and know when and how these curated collections will be released, and get previews of what I find, sign up here and we'll add you to the VIP List. TRUST ME, you will want to be on this list.
Don't worry, your favorite amanda k. jewelry isn't going anywhere!
We've been working on creating Inman Studios, re-branding, and providing an umbrella "brand" for me to add in other creative projects alongside the statement jewelry. This is still in the works as we figure out the logistical side of making it happen. Stay tuned!
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With a background in Interior Design, I have always found connections between all areas of art, design, and fashion, and I can't wait to be able to share more beauty through the expanded wings of my business. I'd be honored if you'd follow along!
Amanda
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Our recent trip to the California coast just north of San Diego was filled to the brim with rest, inspiration, and beauty from all angles. I wanted to share a little of that beauty with you, with the hopes of brightening your day, giving you a window into a place you can't travel to right now, and perhaps even let you in on the secrets of a designer. (Wink.)
Beauty doesn't exist as an end unto itself. It is my belief that beauty always has a purpose: to draw our attention to the One who created it, and to give Him all glory and praise. During a time of crisis especially, I truly believe that beauty is helpful, even crucial, to our understanding of God and our ability to give Him praise. While some might deem it unnecessary or frivolous, I propose that beauty is a reminder of the HOPE that there is a kind, Creator God in heaven who cares about the tiniest of detail, including the beholder of such beauty. (That's you, friend!)
So, I'm sharing some of my favorite [beautiful] pictures from our trip. As you look through them, consider this: what do they tell you about God?
After you scroll through, leave a comment with what comes to mind! I'd love to know your thoughts. [Don't miss the commentary throughout; also, that last photo... my wide eyes and wispy fly-aways are just evidence that I couldn't be more excited to be at the beach with my husband.]
Color schemes are shapes are popping out of this colorful coastline photo. I am planning a series to show you photos of jewelry pieces that tie closes with these inspiration photos.
The Aqua Terra Jasper layering necklaces made their appearance at the beach, and paired perfectly with a pair of turquoise cluster earrings my husband bought for me in New Mexico! The jasper beads are nearly the same color as the foamy ocean waves in the next photo.
While combing the beach, I kept noticing piles of black rocks scattered along the tide's boundary. After closer examination, I realized that the majority were actually other colors... brilliant colors, in fact! From a distance, they had looked almost monochromatic. There were black rocks, but I could not believe how many other colors I found. This collection I snapped a photo of was only from about 30 minutes of picky selection. There were actually many more variations of each color, varying in shade and tone. It's fascinating to me! Such an easily overlooked, small detail, but one that communicates such creativity and attention to detail if our eyes are opened and willing to see.
Any time I see a color scheme or details that catch my eye, I try to take a photo of it. My camera roll on my iPhone is FILLED with photos from random places and moments. Do I always go back to them later or use them as specific inspiration? Hardly ever. But, as a designer, I've found that these moments are actually captured in my mind and filed away, often to come out in a project or piece I'm working on down the road. Perhaps physically taking a picture of them with my phone is a representation of that.
I almost always stop for a good wall photo. And the Macrame Fringe Hoop earrings are the perfect accessory for any mural photo.
Next time you go outside, or scroll through Instagram and see beautifully captured moments, or flip through a magazine and happen upon a beautiful photo, ask yourself what that BEAUTY tells you about God?
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Ever wonder how I got started in this biz? It's actually the number one question I get asked by people. The follow up query is where I find my materials. That's another story for another day.
Ten years ago this summer, a handful of months after I started my career as a residential interior designer, I found myself only working part time and in need of another source of income. I grew up with a bit of an entrepreneurial and independent spirit and had always been encouraged by my dad to do something for work that I could do anywhere. With time to spare and a desire to start a business of some kind, I started playing around with a bunch of different ideas and eventually landed on designing jewelry. I taught myself the skills I needed to start making earrings and necklaces, bought a few strands of beads and tools, and began creating things for friends and family. Coincidentally, around the same time, I had also been given a few vintage pieces of jewelry by my maternal grandmother that were broken or she no longer wore.
One look into my grandmother’s jewelry box and I was hooked. This was what would set my business apart from others. I fell in love with the idea that each of her pieces had their own unique history – their own story to tell. I began to realize that these pieces were timeless and could be given new life by deconstructing them and combining their parts with new and fresh styles, colors, and textures. I began designing bold statement necklaces that featured vintage elements but had a modern yet timeless appeal.
Style is always evolving, but what we design and wear today continues to have roots in the past. Elements of the styles of my grandmother’s generation are still seen in our current trends; those timeless styles inspire me to find ways to further connect them to the present with my jewelry. I love finding inspiration in the details of life; nature and creation, art, architecture, music, history, and travel all shape my current style.
Though I started my business ten years ago, it has ebbed and flowed during that time as I have also pursued interior design and other creative endeavors at the same time. As an artist, I see clear evidence that every project I work on influences other areas of life and impacts how and what I'm designing. Thus, my residential design experience influences my jewelry design, and vice versa.
In school, we learned that the principles of design were applicable to any kind of design, not just interiors. And I see that play out in any of my creative endeavors, whether it be in designing a necklace, a painting, a flower arrangement, or a space for a client. My eye has been trained to create and spot good design. It's in my veins and I see pattern, color, texture, shape, balance, proportion everywhere.
In the last year, I've enjoyed exploring more avenues of creativity and have a longing to create more space to add offshoot projects as they come up. As I mentioned, the principles of design and art are evident no matter the medium. And creativity can be exercised in endless ways. After all, we were created by a Creative God in His image to be creative men and women! I see all of these projects and businesses as mutually beneficial to each other, just as I see them holistically working together hand-in-hand in my life. And I can't help but think that approaching them as connected businesses rather than separate entities would not only make me less of a crazy person, but could also encourage and inspire YOU, my trusted and most beautiful followers, customers, and clients.
I have such a passion for encouraging women to see themselves as beautiful daughters of the king who have been created in the image of a beautiful, creative God, and who have been given authority to steward well their homes and wellness.
I believe these conversations can start with jewelry, wardrobe, space planning a new home, or the choices we make regarding our beauty and wellness. Whether you're an accountant, teacher, stay-at-home mom, designer, or anything in between, we all have the capacity to exercise creativity in one form or another, and it's my desire to empower and embolden you to creatively engage in all aspects of your life.
If you do, I believe it will spark some new life within you, and bring freedom from having to be like everyone else or do what everyone else is doing.
Hopefully this fall, you'll be seeing some new things around here, maybe even some new branding and names in the process. Don't worry, the things you love about amanda k. jewelry aren't going anywhere. We're just exploring ways to encompass even more of what we do around here so we can bring those goodies to you.
If you don't follow along over on Instagram, head there now for a glimpse at what we're up to, including our latest travels or newest pieces. You're be inspired and encouraged for sure, and maybe even find a few ideas worth saving for your next project.
Gratefully,
Amanda
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Paintings and tapestries dating from the late 17th century show horses adorned with brasses. Most brasses that are found today were made between the years of 1860 to 1890, with the largest manufacturer ceasing production in 1910. So we know they're old! What I have found to be cool about them is that each is unique in its symbol or design. Over 1200 designs have been documented, and they have significance about when and where they were made, as well as the owner of the horse and their occupations.
For example, one that we have shows an anchor and capstan wheel, which refers to a Naval horse.
We have another that shows what looks like a deer, which looks like a brass design that was from a Wiltshire Estate in England.
We also have a daintier chain design, one of which features a brass with a peacock, which would have been a colonial-type brass.
What a unique way to wear a piece of history! As with any of our other vintage and antique pieces, I'm always wondering what the story behind them is... who wore it, when, what was the meaning behind it. If these brass medallions could talk, OH the stories they would tell. I'm just sure of it.
We're always finding other brasses tucked away in forgotten places, so more will appear in the shop soon. If you love the concept, but want a specific emblem or figure on your horse brass, don't hesitate to reach out! We can be on the lookout or reserve one just for you! In the meantime, check out our collection online here, and many others at Titch & Burt's Mercantile, a boutique shop in Waco, TX.
Please help me welcome our first guest post written by Ellen Elizabeth, a dear friend and loyal customer.
"My Amanda K jewelry makes me feel Confident. Beautiful. Secure. Valuable. "
When I first moved to Dallas, Amanda and I were in a small group together. She always wears her jewelry. Always. And I admired it – it was beautiful, unique, and eye-catching. But those weren’t things that I was comfortable pursuing for myself. I was raised in a faith tradition that taught us to be plain. We drove black cars (occasionally navy blue, or a dark green if you were really daring!). We couldn’t wear makeup or any jewelry – even wedding rings were forbidden. Our hairstyles were simple. Especially as women, we were taught to be gentle, meek, and mild; never stand out, and never draw attention to yourself. But it never quite made sense to me. I saw the world around us that God created and it had so much beauty – flowers, sunrises, and sunsets. Our garden produced a bounty every year, and I saw so many colors and textures there – crisp green pears, red-ripe strawberries, the smoothness of a watermelon, the rough green leaves and silky tassel of corn. And I didn’t understand why we had to deny ourselves when God had created this beautiful world all around us – didn’t he want us to enjoy it?
We all appreciate beauty on some level. If you have ever admired a sunset over the ocean, smiled at a baby in the grocery store check-out line, browsed through an art gallery or museum, or based your online dating swipe on how hot the fellow is (or isn’t…) – then you have pursued beauty. Deciding what to wear every morning takes an intuition of what colors, styles and shapes work together. Everyone one of us picks out furniture and some sort of décor for their home, chooses what color vehicle to purchase, has certain styles of clothing they would never purchase. Very few people would purchase a house with lime-green walls and move in without repainting. All of these involve making decisions based on factors that aren’t intrinsically practical– that’s where the creativity, and style come in. We know what we like and what we don’t (though this can change over time).
Growing up, the pastor’s wife had peacocks. And we would admire those beautiful birds when they put on their mating show, scooping up any discarded feathers. And another pastor’s wife kept a flower bed full of beautiful blooms. But if I used fabric with brightly-colored flowers to make a dress, or added lace or buttons to my dress, that would have created a scandal. There were rules upon rules to be followed. Nobody could really explain why – it’s just how we did things. And sometimes, maybe I think we do the same thing with ourselves. We make rules without really having a reason, and then we stick to them – something like “It’s just not me to wear a big necklace”, “I will stand out too much if I wear bright colors”. And because we judge ourselves so harshly, we assume others will judge us as well – “If I wear something that stylish, will people think I am shallow?” Rules are easy to follow and give us a quick checkpoint to make sure we are on track (and a way to compare ourselves with others). But Christianity has never been about rules, though people have tried to distill it down to that, time and again (Pharisees, anyone?). Christianity is about relationship, and relationship provides freedom that rules never can, but it comes with a greater level of responsibility to examine your heart. Because the proudest woman in the room may certainly be the simplest in her attire. And the humblest one may the loudest.
Genesis 1:27 tells us that people were created in God’s image. And as his image-bearers, one of the things that gives us is his gift of beauty. And we have a responsibility to use the gifts that he has given us (Matthew 25:14-30).
We were placed in a beautiful world – mountains and valleys, rivers and lakes, zebras, tigers, and parrots – the list goes on and on. God gave us this world to enjoy. But as his image bearers, we also have those gifts of creativity inside of us – to express through pottery, painting, sculpture, music, and other ways. Amanda expresses her gift by making unique jewelry. And part of embracing our status as an image-bearer is finding ways to live out that creativity that He gave us. Boldly, without apology, with a freedom to break away from the masses, and be ourselves. Being willing to blaze a trail, if that’s where our path leads. That may mean buying a piece of jewelry that is a little bolder than you would normally wear. It may mean signing up for a class to learn the skills to steward your gifts better (or even experimenting to find out what your gifts are). Because as we embrace and make time and space to express our own gifts, we become more supportive of those around us embracing theirs.
As the old saying goes, beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder. We all have a different sense of style and beauty, we have been given passion and inspiration to create different things. What dreams are in your heart, ready to be birthed into the world? It’s certainly a messy endeavor – new life always is. But the process is exhilarating.
I love how encouraging Ellen is in her words on beauty. I did no prompting when I asked her to write, yet she spoke directly of the things I've pondered for years. And so much of these thoughts are where my business and creativity stem from. See my about page if you're curious on any of that.
I want to thank the always amazing Susanna from Southern Pines Photography for our beautiful photos and a fun afternoon interview that felt more like hanging out with friends.
Until next time, lovelies!
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The shop that welcomed us this weekend was Christi's, owned by Christi Proctor, formerly of Trading Spaces on HGTV. I had connected with Christi while I was a student at Baylor when she spoke at a meeting our ASID group held. She remembered me when I went by her store back in August, and we struck up a conversation about my jewelry. She loved my equestrian necklaces in particular, because she had owned a horse herself.
The vibe of her store (and her custom bedding line Moon Rein!) fit perfectly with our jewelry, so we're giving it a shot! If you're in Waco or nearby (likely visiting Magnolia) then make sure to stop by and take a look. Her sister store Titch and Burt's Mercantile next door is also a great place to get unique gifts and home items. There are so many great little local spots to shop in Waco now, and these little places are right there at the top of the list.
Our birthday week celebrating my wonderful husband Chase included this delicious banana cake with brown butter cream cheese frosting, which I had intended to make to try to replicate our wedding cake. I agree with Sally, why has it taken me this long to try brown butter cream cheese icing?! We made this cake gluten free using Namaste GF Perfect Flour blend. It's a dense and decadent treat, and my husband loved it!
Wedding cake by Feastivities, Flowers by I Do Floral & Decor, Wedding photography by Bow Tie Media
My cake, using my vintage inspired jadeite cake stand!
Since we were asking about it several times over on Instagram, I decided to share the recipe I used. Make sure you visit her site to get the full recipe! Now I can't wait to have our wedding cake that our moms saved for our 1 year anniversary... it's coming up soon!
This week will seem a bit dull compared to all the celebrations last week, but honestly, I'm quite ok with that. This introvert is ready for some down time. :)
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These Classics earrings are probably THE most complimented earrings I've ever made, and I literally wear them with anything and everything. (Statement necklaces included!!)
They were one of the first things I made when I started this business (9 years ago?! gasp.) I've never been able to remake them, UNTIL NOW.
So here's the exciting news: We've decided we're going to revive a few of our classic and original designs, starting with these! I have a limited number of them available, and they're up on the website as of tonight! They're $60, which is a steal considering how much I know you'll wear them. (Wink.) Go get your pair before they sell out! xoxo #amandakjewelry
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Often, when a bride wants to make a fun or playful statement on her wedding day, she opts for the colorful or funky shoe. But we'd like to point out (ahem) that this trend is rarely visible except for the occasional special shot by the photographer when getting ready. What about choosing a statement necklace for a more modern and unique look, that would actually be seen and admired by everyone?
We may be biased, but it has been our experience that statement necklaces add elegance to any outfit - the signature element that completes an entire "look." What girl wouldn't want to add a touch of elegance to her bridal ensemble?
One of our brides that selected a stunning blush statement necklace for her wedding day said this, "I've been to wedding after wedding, and every bride looked the same to me. And none were very memorable. I wanted a more modern, elegant look that added another layer of 'wow' factor to my dress." And we couldn't agree with her more. By choosing the right statement jewels for your frock, you will enhance the beauty and details of the dress, rather than detracting from it.
Oh, and did we mention one of our pieces would count for your "Something Old"? Each necklace features a vintage element that we have hand picked during our treasure hunting adventures.
Want to wear a statement necklace with your dress, but don't know where to start? Send us a message and we'll work with you to design and hand-craft your very own one-of-a-kind accessory based on your unique details and specifications. We also love making special gifts for your bridal party, too! These bracelets were a custom order for a client who gave them to her bridesmaids. How sweet would it be to give them as a "Will you be my bridesmaid?" gift?
And don't forget to have your photographer capture some fun images featuring your wedding day details! We have to take a hot minute to brag on our talented friend Susanna Simpson, of Southern Pines Photography, who captured these STUNNING images of a bride wearing one of our favorite pieces (which is still available for sale, ladies! Go snag it while you can!) Her artistic eye and attention to detail and candid expressions is a true talent, and we can't recommend her enough. If you're looking for a wedding photographer, you simply must check her out!
Flowers by Gardenia.
Dress by Blushing Bride Boutique.
Settee by Gold Dust Vintage Rentals.
Event by Katie Frost Weddings.
Venue: Hawthorn Hills Ranch.
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Today I wanted to go in a little different direction and share with you about one of the new groups of people I've been able to connect with in the entrepreneurial world. I thought those of you who are also managing your own businesses would love to learn more about a group that supports us and is an encouragement to me.
The Rising Tide Society was introduced to me by my friend Elizabeth Hambleton, of Hambleton House Studio. On the second Tuesday of each month, entrepreneurs across the country gather together for local meet-ups and discuss a topic provided for them by The Rising Tide Society. Elizabeth and I had just been discussing over coffee how hard it has been to be a creative entrepreneur, and the various struggles we had encountered along the way.
It's tough being out there running a business on your own. Not only are you the owner and CEO of your company, you are the accountant, the CFO, the Marketing Director, the Supply Manager, the public relations team, and in a creative business, you may even be your own photographer and design team. Wearing all these hats can be challenging, overwhelming, and lonely all at the same time. Elizabeth and I shared with each other how we were looking forward to being a part of a community of other small business owners where we could ask questions, receive feedback, and collaborate.
The first time we met up, it was great to see so many new faces of people who are wanting to connect with other small business owners. We met back in June at Oddfellows, and the consensus among the group was how incredibly refreshing and encouraging it was to meet other company owners.
We've covered topics about Instagram, the customer experience and gathered ideas for other areas where we tend to struggle in business. Truly, it has been so much fun getting to hear others' viewpoints! The best thing about the heart of the movement has been #CommunityOverCompetition, which essentially means that we see the value in choosing to cultivate community as business owners, rather than cut-throat competition. We each have different experiences and knowledge to share, and can build each other up by cultivating real relationships with other creative professionals.
To see if there is a #TuesdaysTogether meet-up near you, click here. The Facebook and Instagram communities are also a fun, beautiful and encouraging way for social media platforms to connect with others in business. I have been inspired and challenged in many ways through these connections.
I'd love to hear if you've been to a Tuesdays Together meet up in your neck of the woods, or if it's something you'd be interested in learning more about. If you're in the Dallas area, leave a message for me here or email me, and I'd love to connect with you at our next meeting so you can have a familiar face!
I'll be sharing how Amanda K. Jewelry got started six years ago in upcoming blog posts. I hope that it inspires and encourages you if you're on the fence about starting your own business.
]]>I recently dropped off a super fun and bright custom piece with a customer in California, and can't stop thinking about how stunning it is! No, I normally do not make cross-country personal deliveries, but this one was created for a dear friend and colleague, and I happened to already be traveling to see her for a business trip anyway, so it worked out.
Because I am often asked about the process behind the making of statement necklaces and the jewelry we sell, I wanted to take you on a little tour of what the process looked like for this particular piece. If you are considering working on a custom piece with us, this will give you a small glimpse of what to expect.
We briefly discussed the materials she might want, but mainly focused on color. The piece that we were designing around was the beaded circle element shown below. Though it isn't vintage, it held special meaning and represented a particular style that she has branded for herself and her business called Hacienda Chic. The beaded circle is actually a piece she picked up several years ago in Africa on a trip that was focused on finding ways to design and build sustainable housing in different communities there.
Today I'd like to share what the process is for making a custom piece:
1. First, my customer shares the piece with which they want to design a custom jewelry piece around. We discuss how they sourced it, and why it's meaningful to them. My jewelry line is all about making meaningful connections with the past through our jewelry. We talk through styles that the client wears, as far as what colors are in their wardrobe and the style and length they generally prefer. I love to hear if the client has anything specific in mind, but I typically prefer not to see any of their inspiration photos, simply because it clouds my vision when trying to design a necklace!
2. Once I have the conversation with my client to get a feel for what they want, then it's time to get started! I do ask for a $100 deposit to start the process, with the rest of the payment due upon completion.
3. Next up is the design process! As I begin to think through the beads that I already have on hand, I may also go and purchase a few more options that would coordinate well with the client's piece. This portion of the design work is highly therapeutic and creative to me. I love letting my imagination run with possibilities!
4. After I've laid out two or three options that include the custom piece, I will take photos and price the various options. I send these ideas over to my client and we talk through any questions or thoughts they may have. I have to admit, sharing this work for someone who is designing a custom piece can be a little nerve wracking, because ultimately I want my client to be happy. But I have had wonderful experiences with my clients and designing custom pieces is such a fun part of this job.
5. Once the client decides on a piece, I will finish it up and either make a local delivery or ship it off once payment is complete. Pricing for these pieces generally runs along the lines of my other pieces, and it really depends on the beads that I use to complete the new design that will determine the price, in addition to the cost of my time.
To work with me on a custom piece, please contact us here. If you have additional questions that are not answered on our FAQ page, please don't hesitate to reach out!
]]>If you've been around here for long, it's no surprise that I love color. Today I've picked four travel necessities that I really can't do without, and of course, they all come in amazingly vibrant colors! As an interior designer, I value new experiences, other cultures and visual inspiration. Travel is a great way for me to grow personally, as well as professionally, and so I try to take advantage of as many trips as possible throughout the year.
For travel-savvy info on airfare rate and insider tips, I enjoy reading The Points Guy's blog. If you want to learn how to get the most out of credit card points to fly for free or stay in luxurious hotels for very little, I would recommend spending some time on his website.
Once I've booked a trip, I begin to round up the items that I simply can't live without, and a few really great pieces that make traveling so much more fun. (And you know for me, this means bright hues!) Read on for four essentials I can't travel without.
1. Customized Passport Cover from Etsy Shop Owner, "designbysewandsew." I got to choose the leather and the inside lining, and there are pockets for credit cards or Global Entry cards, and a flap for your airline ticket. Truly, she's thought of everything!
2. An awesome statement necklace – Whether I am on an airplane, meeting with a client, or just headed to the grocery store, throwing one of these pieces on instantly brightens my mood and makes me feel like a million bucks.
3. Ara Collective Laguna Weekender & Pouch -- I got to meet the founder of Ara Collective recently, and it was absolutely delightful! I love supporting other small businesses, and this company helps create jobs for the makers of these products, which I love!
4. Jackery portable extra battery – Being a designer, I am constantly pulling my phone out to take pictures or document something. This little thing charges my iPhone about 2-3 times before needing to re-juice. I don’t go anywhere without it.
Those are four of my favorite travel items right now--what did I miss? Tell us in the comments!
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Our chevron earrings are some of the most popular earrings in our shop, and today I'm sharing my thoughts on why I love this pattern and why I think so many of you all do, too! Currently we have the Fearless Red and the Fearless Green earrings available.
This captivating pattern inspires a bit of boldness, and it's easily worn on our Fearless earrings to complete an outfit.
You may or may not know that in addition to my jewelry business, I am a full time interior designer. So when I think about this in terms of interior design, this bold pattern inspires movement, and I love that. It's dynamic and visual, and I think that's what makes it so appealing to many people.
In doing a bit of research about the history of the chevron stripe, I discovered that it has roots in the military, as the "V" was used to indicate an officer's rank. Over time, though, it has grown to be much more than an indicator of rank, and it can now be found on a wide variety of clothing and decor items.
One of my favorite Instagram feeds lately has been "@ihavethisthingwithfloors," which is a feed dedicated to incredible tile pattern design. What I love about the few I selected below are the graphic contrast in the pattern and how they are so eye-catching. Here are just a few chevron favorites:
What do you love about bold prints and patterns like Chevron? I'd love to hear from you in the comments!
And also, if you'd like to receive special offers and be the first to know when new items are coming to the shop, I'd love to add you to our email list! Just scroll to the bottom of the home page and enter your email in the space provided.
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Pairing necklines and necklaces can be a bit daunting sometimes, so we've pulled together several photos from our founder's Instagram feed to give examples of ways to wear your statement jewelry.
Amanda K. Jewelry is all about statement necklaces, and as you can see, no pattern or color is too bold! Our mission is to invite women to connect with the Creator, the ultimate creative.
Since each piece is a custom vintage creation, most of the necklaces pictured above have sold. However, Amanda K. Jewelry offers many original designs, and we've rounded up several similar pieces we think you might like!
Long & Simple Necklaces: The Prayer Necklace // Fine Feather
Medium Length: For the Love of Sun // When Lightening Strikes
Shorter: The Strength Within // The Stars at Night (pictured, bottom right)
As you can see, patterns can be mixed and matched to varying degrees, like lace with leopard print, larger florals with skinny stripes, and colors can accent in a necklace or become the main event in an outfit. Truly, the options are endless!
If you haven't signed up for our emails yet, now is the time to do it! (Either use the pop-up to enter your email, or use the box in the lower lefthand corner.) You'll receive more in depth and exclusive tips on how to wear different necklaces with the necklines you find in your closet.
Find inspiration in these photos, and feel free to follow our founder on Instagram, too!
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The sale was from the estate of a well-known women's clothing store owner in Dallas, Lester Melnick. You can imagine I was thrilled to discover this, and knew it was a sale we couldn't miss. One of the first sights upon entering the house were these brightly colored sofas and dimensional art. He was definitely a fan of color!
There were tons of funky details throughout the house, including these unusual barstools that tied into the decor in the adjacent living room.
One of my favorite finds was this rare brass tea service set. It had such a unique design and shape - vintage, yet so modern - and was unlike anything I have ever seen before! It's a good thing I was on a mission and had a budget to stick to, or else this beauty would have come back to the studio with me and I'd have to find a way to use it on a necklace! Kidding, of course.
Luckily, there were mounds of vintage jewels down the hall to distract me. The piles captured in this picture only represent about one third of all the jewels at the sale! I had my work cut out for me.
After lots and lots (and lots) of digging, sorting, and deciding, I narrowed it down to a handful of special pieces that caught my eye.
A few stones are missing on the yellow and black clip on earrings, but it gives them such character! I can only imagine the events these beauties attended, and the dresses they were worn with.
I already have some ideas for these unique pieces swirling around in my head, and can't wait to get to work. Stay tuned to see what becomes of them!
]]>Each of their businesses in some way supports women and artisans around the world. Melissa Moriarty, owner of Azulina Ceramics, partners with local artisans in Columbia to create vibrantly-colored hand-painted dinnerware and serving ware. The fresh and vibrant patterns are hand painted by women artisans in the small town of El Carmen de Viboral, continuing on a tradition that began over 100 years ago.
One of the things that I love about these ceramics is the super-white base that is so crisp and fresh, making the colors and details pop. The age-old tradition began in the late 1800s when quartz and feldspar were discovered in the hills of Columbia. According to Moriarty, the combination of these two minerals are ideal for making pottery and ceramics. This was a fun fact to learn, because when found in gemstone form, these two minerals are some of my favorites to use in jewelry. (Labradorite, Sunstone, Moonstone, Aventurine, and my personal favorite Amazonite are all feldspars, and quartz has many varieties, including rose quartz and pineapple quartz.)
Each Azulina product is completely unique and a one-of-a-kind piece, which you know we love! Moriarty also recently ventured into the world of linens, and has started working with a co-op of single mothers to create beautiful embroidered linens that compliment the vibrant ceramics perfectly.
I already have a self-proclaimed dish fetish, but these ceramics make me want to completely smash all of my other dishes and start over. I found some tiny bowls and a set of blue on white embroidered napkins that I couldn’t live without, but I wouldn’t be surprised if more of her collection makes its way into my cabinets some day.
The blue and white designs went perfectly with my existing table settings. It's like they were meant to be together!
Mariemae is a line of printed goods that are designed by women in countries like Rwanda, Ghana, and Kenya, and then printed right here in Dallas. For every product sold, the owner, Jillian Ryan, provides one hour of business skills training to a woman entrepreneur in a developing market, through her mentorship program. I love her desire to see other women succeed in their business dreams, and help provide ways to support their families. For more about her heart on why she started her company, visit her Mission page here.
These "Thank You” cards are so fun and colorful. Can’t wait to send a few!
Betsy Brown, of Quintessence Textiles, has a fabulously luxurious line of home goods, from linens and bags to vases and leather goods, all using ethically sourced materials and made by artisans in East Africa. Modern and minimalist designs are combined with Ethiopian heritage and craftsmanship to create global products that are providing sustainable job opportunities for artists and makers and access to new markets through Betsy's company. I came home with a stunning and simple ivory on white diamond embroidered scarf, but wanted so many other things.
While all of these women had great lines of product and fabulous taste, it was each of their hearts for adventure and the mission behind their businesses that truly captured me. Something that has been on our minds and in our prayers around here at Amanda K. Jewelry is how we can give back to people in need in a way that relates to our business and core values. We are currently in the exploration phase of this concept, and would love your thoughts on it! Do you have a favorite organization or a people group that has your heart? We would love to hear about it. Drop us a line at hello@amandakjewelry.com or leave a comment with your ideas. We can’t wait to see where the Lord leads us.
Be sure to follow all of these lovely ladies and their business adventures on Instagram!
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If you follow us on Instagram, you may have noticed that I go out to San Diego several times a year. It has become one of my favorite places to visit, as the weather is gorgeous, the beach is always nearby, and the landscape is so lush.
The colors in Southern California are so vivid, and I am constantly being inspired by nature and God's immense creation when I visit. It's no coincidence that the designs and jewelry you see on the pages of our shop and scrolling through our Instagram feed seem to be connected or color coordinated to my travel photos. I am truly influenced and inspired by the places I visit and spend time in. As a creator at heart, one of the best ways I have found to fuel my creative process is by traveling and choosing to live life "eyes wide open," being inspired by the things I see and people I meet.
Here are a few of our favorite photos captured in the last two trips, in case you missed them or are looking for some travel inspiration.
The 360 degree views from Double Peak Park near San Elijo Hills are amazing. On a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of downtown San Diego, Catalina Island, and Tijuana.
Breakfast by the ocean is a must! I can never quite get over the vibrancy of the blues in California.
During the trip in January, we went to see the famed San Diego Zoo, and I was inspired by the stunning pinks of the flamingos and the vivid blues and greens donned by the peacock roaming freely around the entrance to the zoo.
We also wandered around Balboa Park, which has gorgeous Spanish architecture and such a quaint atmosphere. At dusk there were twinkling string lights, street musicians and artists, and glowing fountains. It was like we were in a small European town.
One of my favorite places near San Diego to visit is La Jolla, and after a quick meeting with a client, we happened upon a stunning view of the coastline from atop the hills. It was a gorgeous day!
Sunset on the beach never gets old, and is an absolutely must after two full days of meetings.
]]>I have a mix of styles that can only be attributed to being young and unable to start from scratch, but am slowly collecting some great pieces along the way. Take a glimpse at the photo tour below for a peek into some of my favorite spots! (But don't be fooled, it's not always this picture-perfect! Let's be honest, there was laundry on the floor under the tripod in the bedroom and huge stacks of paperwork on the office console you can't see! Wink.)
The Lounge, aka the living room and breakfast nook. This has to be one of my favorite spots in my house because it is so bright and cheerful. And, life happens here! Guests are entertained, conversations had, movies watched, and true community is lived out.
The office, where business deals go down, conference calls happen, and fabric schemes are created.
Plenty of evidence throughout the house that I am a Baylor Bear, including my favorite neon bear painting by fellow grad Jennifer Moreman, and hand-painted "Sic 'Em Bears" wooden block by alum and Little Branches owner Becky Leach.
One of my favorite ways to make a space personal and bright is to add collections of original art. It doesn't always have to be expensive, but you have to love it. Original art can be an old painting you picked up in a vintage shop, your child's artwork, or a treasure found while traveling.
The Studio, where all the beautiful jewels are made! Since we're friends and being authentic here, I will admit that it is in a constant state of "creative chaos." A lot happens in here! At any given moment, there could be several pieces in progress, and a handful of other designs being hashed out, while a photography shoot is happening (right on that white poster board!). Inspiration is everywhere and I never know when an idea will strike.
I leave you with a quaint little picture of my patio I recently posted on Instagram, including the lights I put up a couple weeks ago during some unseasonably warm weather.
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They say you can never start too early. Frankly, I don't know who "they" is, but I do know that I am much more able to enjoy the holidays when I am not frantically trying to buy gifts at the last minute. Save yourself the headaches by coming to one (or all!) of our upcoming trunk shows, where you will find one-of-a-kind pieces that are handmade right here in Dallas. Get a preview of some of the jewels that will be at these shows by browsing the collection here, but be sure to remember that a lot of new things debut at shows, and never make it to the website.
These will be our last three shows of the year, so make sure to mark these dates on your calendar!
November 23Sunday, 1-5pm2724 Austin AveWaco, TX 76710 |
December 7Sunday, 2:30-5pm105 Haddington LaneMcKinney, TX 75071 |
December 13Saturday, 11am-2pm11479 Strait LaneDallas, TX 75229
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Each of these shows will have yummy treats to snack on, warm drinks to sip, and friends to chat with. Why not join us? Can't wait to see you there!
P.S. - Remember that time last year when we were featured in the Preston Hollow Advocate Holiday Gift Guide? ;-)
]]>Are you interested in hosting a trunk show, or doing something similar at your group's meeting? Let us know! Send us a message here.
]]>Get the first look at the latest Fall jewels at Designology Emporium, a small, local event the evening of November 6 featuring products created by people in the interior design industry, like amanda k. jewelry! This will be a fun event you won't want to miss. It's never too early to start shopping for Christmas gifts!
See you there!
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If you are planning to visit any time soon, you must, I repeat MUST, visit Otto's. They have done a remarkable job crafting a creative German Bistro fare, and the atmosphere is quite charming. Don't leave without having the Cambozola Cheesecake.
We also stumbled upon a fantastic gallery, The Good Art Company, that is bringing a fresh look to the Fredericksburg art scene. They had some colorful modern pieces, mixed with several impressionistic artists. We loved this hot pink sculpture out on the front porch!
Our favorite place was Vaudeville, a curated shop/gallery/bistro/coffee bar filled with unique items for the home or gifts. We loaded up here on the best coffee in town at least once a day (if not more!)
Root was a well-curated boutique that carried some great brands like Ella Moss and Alice & Trixie. We picked up some inspiration for new jewels that you'll see this fall and holiday season!
And just in case you thought this trip was getting too girly, we hiked to the top of Enchanted Rock early Sunday morning to get this fantastic view.
Even though each of us had been to Fredericksburg many times before, we enjoyed exploring new places and spending time together. We even did a mini-photoshoot for #StyleMeSeptember, an everyday outfit challenge put on by Hilary Rushford. Stay tuned for a look at a few of those images soon, and why I love what Hilary does.
Until then, stop by on Facebook or Instagram and say hello!
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If you need some inspiration for your next outfit, head over to our Pinterest board, "What We're Wearing" for a fresh dose of style and an inside scoop on how we style jewels.
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A big thank you to sweet friend Linde Giddens for hosting and letting us invade her (truly beautiful!) home for a few hours. For those of you who don't know her, this incredibly talented woman is an artist and painter, specializing in juvenile, baby, and children's design, as well as hand painted furniture. We seriously can't wait for all of you to get a glimpse of her home.
This holiday show will feature some new pieces, not on the website or seen at a previous show. And, as a special holiday treat, there will be a sale on select items. You really won't want to miss this opportunity to pick up some one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts!
See you there!
]]>Here are the details for the Waco show:
A big thanks in advance to my parents for hosting this event, and showing off their lovely newly remodeled 1920s home in the heart of old Waco! Details on the Dallas show to come soon. Until then, Happy Thanksgiving!
Who doesn't love a good party? Especially when it benefits others! We are excited to announce that three stunning new amanda k. jewelry pieces (including the two pictured here) will be auctioned off at the Going For the Gold Gala this evening, benefiting the Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing by providing scholarships for deserving students. We feel honored to help support these students in their pursuit of nursing as a higher calling. And such a worthy cause, too! We will all need a nurse at one point or another, and we are thankful that these students have chosen this path.
Our necklaces will be auctioned off alongside many other highly desirable items and experiences, such as trips to Europe, signed Robert Griffin III memorabilia, Dallas Summer Musical tickets, and more. It seems we are in great company!
We will be headed to the Gala in Cowboy Chic style (and decked out in amanda k. jewels, of course!) so stay tuned for pictures of the event!
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Last week I went on a quick trip to San Antonio with a mission to find some great artwork for a project I'm working on. (If you're not aware, I am an interior designer with Astleford Interiors here in Dallas, in addition to owning amanda k. jewelry. You could say I have a lot on my plate!) While searching through Sally's amazing monotypes, Ashley and I noticed we had dressed the part! Our outfits coordinated perfectly with a couple of our favorite pieces.
What you cant see in the picture of me is that I also have on green pants and yellow shoes... it was like I had translated Sally's monotype into an outfit.
And as an added bonus, we discovered we were all three wearing amanda k. jewelry! An impromptu photo shoot was necessary.
Another sweet detail to this story: Sally is Ashley's mother-in-law. She creates watercolor monotypes with all sorts of beautiful colors and textures. What a fun and artistic family!
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