Swarovski Recommended Store

 Last weekend TBF had its official celebration of being a Swarovski Elements Recommended Store. We started the morning with a wonderful brunch catered by Astaria Restaurant & Bar. There's Ron and me checking out all the yummy food.


Next we had a great Trends Presentation (given by you-know-who) featuring inspirations Fall/Winter 2012/13. For this time period, Swarovski detailed five current cities that impact and influence modern design, capturing them in a snapshot of time; Chicago, Copenhagen, Shanghai, Berlin and Istanbul. Swarovski says "It is here, in these clusters of collective creativity, that cultures merge and different views and values are not only afforded but actively encouraged. This season, the design world seeks greater acceptance and expression, and the city is the canvas upon which we paint our understanding and ideas. May we all find inspiration in the cities we choose to live."

After the presentation, guests were treated to a "make and take" project designed by Team America.  "Who doesn't love crystal?" is demonstrated by our guests checking out all the crystals placed on the work tables.

The rest of the day included our friends Sarah and Julie (left to right in their matching aprons!) from TierraCast demonstrating resin techniques using their wonderful radiant rings (which I love to use), charms, spacers and of course Swarovski Xilion chatons and flatbacks.

Thanks to everyone who made our day so memorable!

Fun With Filigrees will be in Tucson

Well, where has the summer gone! Honestly, I can't believe that I haven't blogged in so long. Lots of things have been happening. I've been busy doing some simple designing for Swarovski. I'm one half of Design Team America; the other half being Ron Rock, my friend, and Key Account Manager for Swarovski North America. We were tasked with designing simple projects for the DIY segment, which can be found on the Create Your Style website under the 'mini projects' section. 

For the summer, we designed using Swarovski's filigree components. These components seem to be under-utilized. These beautiful filigrees are set with luscious point-back crystals which create a serious sparkle to these components! Apparently, they were a big hit in Rhode Island too and Team America was asked to teach a selection of lovely filigree jewelry in Tucson. I've included a picture of one of the pieces. They seemed very 'royal' to me so the whole collection was named after Queens or Princesses! The one above is Isabella. I believe registration is open for all of the wonderful classes and 'make and takes' being offered in Tucson. If you'll be there, I hope you will stop by and say hi.