I must first exclaim, Helllooooo! Howdy, Bonjour, Hola! Then I must share a bit of something that seems like a secret, but it is not a true secret, of course…I was talking to a darling wonderful friend who frolicks amongst olive groves and peacocks in Marrakesh. She was stunned with this piece of information. Or maybe more, intrigued? It has to do with…..
Jewels. I have been travelling through vast desert lands in search of treasures beyond your wildest imagination. Stones and metals, crystals and gems…All in the name of, "An Incredible Piece of Jewelry." I have been doing this for 10+ years. I own, run, design, and peddle vintage trunk loads of these sparkly creations for Vanessa Valencia Designs. My very own little jewelry business. I have not shared much of the jewels with you because, they go quickly in the real world. I never have enough time to get them on-line and the process is so tedious…But, I am working on bringing them closer to you, so stay tuned…It could be great fun!
It is no secret that I adore jewels. I have gone so far as to create sort of..shrines, if you will, to house my own collections…Some hanging on very old wooden dolls from religious processions….
Others, so precious to me, that I lock them under glass, peering in at them like a child, who is seeing the sparkly stuff for the first time…
It is funny to see people who I know have never been into jewelry. Many are actually people I know. They tip-toe around the jewels at my trunk shows…Not really even considering a piece for themselves (who by the way, broke down and are now jewelry fiends). I think many people don't think, "I could own a piece of jewelry like that, I could wear that…" People usually have their gold jewelry in a safe, hardly ever wearing it. But, did you know that you have the option to wear a huge wonderful bohemian piece of jewelry?
Have you given yourself that option? And, not just for special occasions, but with your favorite dress or shirt? With jeans even?You can throw on a huge piece of turquoise or a long strand of crystal quartz mixed with coral, for no reason at all???? YES! And, so many people who purchase my jewelry, were previously non-jewelry wearers. Do you know what the realization of funky fine jewlery wearing does to them??? WOW! Talk about options….Of course, you also have the jewelry junkie, which I so am…And that is great too! They go home with bundles a plenty. Calling in the middle of the night, saying they can not sleep because they have been thinking about that one piece….OH, YES! Jewelry can be magic.
I must confess though…I adore all kinds of flesh adornments…Have you been over to the Contrary Garden? I love her garden inspired treasures, and skeleton keys on chains….Another favorite, which houses much intrigue is Paraphernalia. As they state, "We are much inspired by both vintage illustrations and 19th century magicians." See for yourself… And, you must visit Sulu Designs work. I frequent her blog often, she is wonderful!
Okay, enough of body decor…But only for now. As I must remind that Mother's day is on the way! Of course, you all know this, but all of a sudden it will be the day before mother's day and you'll find yourself at some random card store…I know you! So, take a second and go here for sheer delightment…Bella Muse.
I suppose I still have not confessed why I was away for so many days? Besides filling some jewelry orders and painting, and actually working in the real world…I have been packaging all kinds of treasures…Yes, the goblin in me had to put together some some magical goody bags, to ship off to places…I can't say anymore, I will give it away….
I am off to the studio. 10 steps and three stairs away from the computer. Which, by the way is a disaster…The studio I mean…Still a bit dark early in the morning, when I first started writing this post…And now it is afternoon…Time…..it slips…
But first, I have to ask and say. I used to get my feelings hurt, when I would leave comments on people's blogs and they never ever responded…And, I want you to know, if I have ever done that to you, please know… I appreciate all the comments and feedback and blog-love more than you can imagine. I am trying to find a way to balance all of the things I have going on, and sometimes, I am just not that good at it. I never want to be a snooty artist type who never gives back. I mean, this blogville is the reason I am so inspired to create these days. Thanks a million to all my blog friends! You are the best!
That is a great studio. I am getting back into wearing jewelry after a long dry spell (little kids). Where do you sell your lovely pieces in the real world?
Hi babe….I love your jewellery, we are just soooo similar I can’t believe it. I’m working on a few chunky pieces at the mo too. I know exactly what you mean about accessories and the way it changes peoples lives. I think it is where many women find their confidence with colour before they move into print and pattern in their wardrobe. Thanks for your lovely coment on my blog today….can’t wait for the day we eventually meet up!
Love Michelle
http://www.michelleparrish.typepad.com
No, my dear. It is you who are the best.
Aw thanks so much for that nice mention! I was drooling over those piles of juicy crystals and saw my name and was like..hey! hahah
I can’t wait to see more on the jewelry front…and I am a big sulu fan as well!!
Mary
don’t apologize… we all get busy – it’s an ebb and flow!
[and i for one can’t get enough of jewels! tee hee!!]
Delicious post !!!…and guess what? I am presently awaiting a piece from Paraphernalia!I bought one of the silouhuetted pieces ,called swallows and umbrellas(I think). Can you say great minds think…,oh I forget how it ends.Darling your jewels are juicy, and yes its all a balancing act!
I, too, was wiping the drool from my keyboard while gazing at all of your baubles and beads and was so pleased to see my name among it all. Thanks so much for the sweet mention. I can’t wait to see your creations. You’ve kept them a secret long enough!
I love your shrines!
I love jewelry but always find it hard to buy pieces for myself. I always want to spend that money on jeans or a sweater. You’ve inspired me to consider buying some more pieces for my collection.
I love gems. Morgen, from A WOrm Named Alice, sent me some fabulous red gems. Although I lived without them before, I can’t seem to live without them now that I have them. No problem about the Rod. My life will go on. I have been listening to Natasha Bedingfield’s song “Single” all day. I’ll be fine. I think I am going to stick to that fancy frou frou lady’s advice from Under the Tuscan Sun: There’s nothing a magnum of French Champagne can’t fix. BTW, I LOVED the red and blue header, this one is too water colored out. I like the bold colors and the cupcake hanging from the ribbon.
My hunny shweetie shuga baby! Oh I love your sparkles and fluff!!! Seriously, I have a confession to make and your last paragraph made me log in and comment. You KNOW how much I idolize you???? Well I do. From my french manicure toes to the gray in my hair (which I shall not call grey, but I shall call “wisdom!”) So I beg your forgiveness for not commenting lately even though I try my dammdest to keep updated on your postings. Really, I have to check in often to see what eyecandy you’ve posted and then sometimes that’s all the time I have. I’m so sorry 🙁 here… smack me upside the head. I deserve it. Because I know what you mean when you write that, I do. Sometimes I feel the same way so I should know better. So that being said, I shouldn’t really be here right now! But I had to tell you that when I read that and then I had pangs of guilt because you are so on the ball all the time with your replies!!! Who luvs ya!? Moi!
yrmmoab 😉
Vanessa, you are a magpie with a shiny trinket, a gypsy peddler with a baubles flashing sunlit facets. Craftswoman, artist, shrine builder. All these things. I love being your neighbor in Blogville.
I would love to hear more about this jewel side of you 🙂 I am known as queen of the crown jewels at work, was awarden on a Christmas lunch one year. I never wear expensive things, but love bright colours, size, fancy and so on. My newest treasure is a blue and white neclace of Murano beads which my youngest daughter bought me on Murano/Venice last week.
Do you know Victoria Finlay’s book about Jewels? It is on my wish list.
I’m excited…I have been a jewelry junkie for years, as are all my goddess friends. I still have a shoe box full of 80’s stuff that is back in I style! Would love to see what treasures you make…in fact I was moaning to myself about my favorite broach I broke a few days ago….I loved that glittery piece of pink junk! It made me happy….my daughter suggested I break the other couple of points off it and wear it anyway…I many do that since the glitz is still there….respond to comments…oops I didn’t think you had to…my bad!! It would be a full time job, visiting and responding too….most people don’t respond…I never give it a thought,,,instead I visit them!
How beautiful as always miss fanciful…
all ur treats and delights! x x x
its funny cos’ this morning ive been adding a few lines to my blogger about trying to find a piece of jewel that had got hidden…
so we both have jewels on our minds!!.
ur blog is such a delight….
and its so nice to have someone come visit mine…u made me feel loved in the blogging world when i thought there was no-one else out there to read mine- thank u sweetie x
x x x x kazzy x x x
Vanessa – please say your jewel’s will make their way to the world we know as Etsy! You know they will be snapped up by adoring lovers of all things fanciful… and I adore you for the fact that you answer your comments so beautifully and your visits leave a joyous and happy mark wherever you go!! I unfortunatly often forget to put in the letter code thing after commenting so my words disappear into thin air and i don’t even realise!! I must check it every time…..
I love your jewelry shrines, so very magical, you should try to put some jewelry up for all of us to delight in more often!!!
I missed you when you were away, but reading this reminds me of the million and one parcels I need to prepare to go out.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
oooh! Shiny Things! Those are so beautiful, Vanessa. You truely are an endless supply of talent, no? I will never get my feelings hurt by a delayed email or non-reply of a blog comment. I consider it a special warm-fuzzy bonus if I get one, though! I am the queen of bad time management and have difficulty, myself, with online correspondence. Eventually, everything gets answered– but sometimes it takes a few days!
Ooo can’t wait to look at the linkitos. You are fanciful and not really twisted but cannot offend me mi hermana…if you don’t respond! I will amor you anyway because you are busy crafting and I don’t want to slow a trabajo? in progress 🙂 Lo siento if I can’t spell. I need a chinga!
Dear V,
I love, love this post. I have this beautiful (huge) silver cuff that is a favorite and I only wear it when I really need to feel like Wonder Woman! I don’t have very many pieces, but you must have a bit a sparkly in your life and I say if you are going to wear it, go for the dramatic! My friend Shawna always wears a great necklace which she says frames your face beautifully, I have been watching her and she’s made me a believer. I love that the pretend people are wearing the jewelry. They look great!
Love your messy studio-by the way. A girl asked if she could visit mine the other day and I said, “MMMMmmmmm I don’t think so… only one person fits at a time.” It’s that bad. 🙂
vanessa, you are like a mind reader. i was just telling jordan yesterday that despite my current attempts to save money there is still much jewelry i am drooling over. in particular, the little bow dress necklace from paraphanelia. it looks like there is a chance i will get it for my birthday…
i am glad you are out here…blazing the way for bold jewelry and bold style in general…it’s kind of like a small revolution…and in support of your beliefs i am about to put on a big bold necklace and enter the world…(or at least take the bus south to go to work).
Love jewels, but don’t always wear them, please, please show us more. By the way did you know that Vanda of Paraphenalia has her own blog http://lunaparc.typepad.com/ she is Portugeuse,living in Manchester and very nice.
As a fellow jewelery junkie, i have amassed quite a nice collection of bohemien jewellery, and every time i go out it is difficult to have to decide on which one to wear…so now i wear multiples of strands of necklaces and i love matching up with my outfits…jewellery is fun, fun, fun!! I admire people who make the effort to wear lots of beautiful jewellery!
And i must say, with all that you do, i am amazed you have the time to comment on my comments and visit my blog!! Thank You Vanessa for that! Can’t wait to see what the goblin in you is creating for the goody bags!
Your jewelry shrines are wonderful! You must post more of your creations even if they are not available!
p.s I am back! and would love to chat with you via email about making something special for you!
What a lovely post! I hope we do get to see more sparklies! Buying them would be wonderful too! I have to say I am always so impressed with how wonderful your comments are and how many you leave! Thank you so much, I just love visiting and being visited!
Wow, everything is so delightful. What a beautiful bunch of jewelery!
Thank you for the mention! Just found your blog through carolyn, and it’s fantastic 😀
I remember when my aunt gave me a purse full of jewellery, I could spend all day playing with them (wear them all at once? why not?) Mmm sparkly, maybe I too am a magpie. I think your bakelite pieces are my favourites, aren’t they wonderful? I am also in love with the man with the red top in the bottom picture 🙂 -can I live in your studio? Can’t wait for the goblin grab bag to arrive-so excited!!
Egad, would you look at all these people who *lurve* you!!! you have SO many fans. How can you ever doubt yourself even for the teensiest minute. You remind me of myself when I tried out for the cheerleading team (yes, pathetic I know, but I wanted to be popular and use pom poms). Well, I was so insecure, I thought I just wasn’t well, everything enough. And I made the team!!! And you! I tell you, you have got it all going on. Of that I am so very certain. Not to mention that gorgeous hair of yours. (ack, I am sounding so superficial, it is downright scary)
PS And please, please, my life has been so very challenging of late – you know computer crashes, predators, etc. And so I really need to treat myself to a lemon citrine. I need you to make me a beautiful creation. Please don’t say no…
i love this post too! i adore jewelry, and have tons of it, none of it ‘precious’ except to me. i have my favorites that i don’t take off, and i never leave the house without earrings and bracelets, at least! and i started making jewelry too, because i wanted stuff that i saw, and thought “i think i can do that!”
What a jewel you are! Love the studio and all the wonderful sparkly things! Yummy with a capital Y!
Oh! Loving your blog, your jewelry, and your blogging ethic! It’s weird to be ignored on a blog, so I try to get back to comments. I have friends who say I shouldn’t bother, but you know, it seems rude to not at least say “hi” to a person who takes enough time to comment and not just lurk. So… GO YOU! 😀
Blessings on your creativity this week. 😀
Again, you`ve given me loads of energy…..love bohemian jewellery….
i love chunky fun pieces especially bangles, earrings and necklaces…for my fingers Im more into my timeless pieces…cant wait to see what you offer in your etsy store!
love the silhouette necklaces at Paraphernalia – thanks for the link!
oh you are too cute about the comments…haha…
How beautiful all the sparklies are! I have little piles of rhinestones here and there…I love them so much. My mother had the most amazing collection when I was growing up…and some of it is gone now, but I remember playing with all of it…such lovely memories. My mother and sister are both avid jewelry wearers…me? not as much…but I could be talked into it!!
You are fun. Fun, fun, fun! And a sweetie to so don’t fret a bit. Oh I love jewelery, but don’t get to splurge too often. My mom is finally at the point in her life that she gets to splurge and I love it. She picks out chunky colorful stuff too. It does wonders.
Wonderful post and I liked the one previous to this one also…great PJ bottoms…you find the greatest things.
I love, love, adore big jewelry…ethnic antique, artist creations, from TJ Max, anywhere…the bigger the better.
I was wearing this kind of jewelry when most of my friends were wearing the little gold chain and the small stud in their ears…I was wearing earings that touched my shoulder.
Now I either pile it on or wear nothing just to surprice…when I don’t load it on friends ask me if I am feeling OK.
Your jewelery collection is drop-dead gorgeous – stunning pieces and wonderful displays! I hope you do start selling some things (then maybe you can come to Paris). 🙂 xo
I really, really like this post. Yes, I am one of those people who never wears jewelry-except rings which I love. I never think jewls look good on me, but maybe that can be my next vintage challenge of myself over at the Duck. I love the doll shrine by the way.
Your jewelry and sparklies are so wonderful Vanessa! Thanks for the awesome post.
love violette
How i may contact admin this site? I have a question.
iijiivei