Today I sat with the balcony door opened.  I wanted to feel the cool breeze run through my living room, and pull my sweater a little closer as I thought about the new season approaching.  Though we don't get much of a true Fall in Texas, I cherish the respite from the heat and the "fresh start" that each season provides.  New wardrobes, new school year, and new projects all provide a renewed energy that make me excited for all of this change.  Ok, that and Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes...

I have to admit, I haven't been as dedicated to blogging and providing you with glimpses of my fabulous designs as I had originally hoped.  I am coming off of a very busy season with my daytime job as a Dallas interior designer with Astleford Interiors. However, I am hoping that this new fall season will be the beginning of some exciting things for amanda k.!

A few things on the horizon:
My Etsy shop will be going public in the next few weeks! Look for another post with details about where to go. I will also be posting about the wedding of a long-time friend of mine, who asked me to make her bridesmaids' jewelry this summer. A few more exciting events and fundraisers will be taking place this season, so grab your pumpkin spice lattes and scones, wrap up in a blanket, and check back in!

For now, here are some pretty pieces to pique your interest...

How about a little coral to start your morning? I wanted to share a few pictures with you of a long and fabulous coral necklace I just shipped off to a lovely friend of mine, Jaime.

Because of the natural coral and handmade design, each necklace is completely unique in look. No two are alike!

It hangs gracefully with a little bit of faceted pineapple quartz along the chain to add sparkle. When this stone catches the light, it has a beautiful glow!

This necklace is definitely a must have for the summer!

We've finally had several days of nice weather here in Dallas! This is about the time of year I start to dream of the beach... warm sun, vivid colors, the bright blue caribbean water contrasting with the stark white sand, and the sea breeze swaying palm trees. My family has traveled to the Cayman Islands every summer since I was young, so as the season approaches again I look forward to the familiar trip and the inspiration that awaits.

I love using color palettes and materials that are unique and are inspired by my travels. These particular amanda k. pieces are all designed and created with my favorite island in mind... enjoy them as you dream of your next vacation!

This piece is made of beautiful red coral slices, with a unique vintage Warner NY brooch attached. The painted enamel brooch adds the perfect, unexpected touch to the red coral. It is removable, though, to allow for versatility. It would look fabulous with a crisp and breezy white top or a strapless navy dress.

These earrings are inspired by a favorite restaurant in the Caymans, called Calypso Grill. The orange coral pieces and freshwater pearls are mixed with green glass beads, reminiscent of smooth sea glass found along the shore.

The large, smooth disks of jade in this piece look as if slices were taken out of the Caribbean, with the beautiful layers of blue and turquoise swirling together like waves and sand. Little princess-cut pineapple quartz beads adds a refreshing touch to this stunning necklace.

You are getting the first glimpse of the latest amanda k. line of necklaces, Modern Meredith! The name comes from my grandmother, who is a graduate of Meredith College in the early 40s. They were affectionately known as the Meredith Angels.  I visited the campus recently and stepped back in time, picturing the young, stylish women walking across campus with their skirts and heels and pinned up hair. I imagined many of them wearing pretty necklaces or special brooches, creating that timeless and iconic look we all seem to know. The necklaces in this collection are a more modern and fresh interpretation of what I pictured a Meredith Angel wearing, thus the name Modern Meredith!

Each piece is completely unique, there is (and never will be!) another like it. I have handpicked a lovely collection of vintage brooches and incorporate one into each necklace, giving it new life and adding character to the other stones or beads. Whether you wear it with a simple black dress or your favorite jeans and sweater, these necklaces are sure to be statement pieces!

Check back in a couple days for another peek at this growing collection!