Excessive Heat Warnings Today - I’m Swooning!

I know, I know - It’s hot where ever you are!  You’re right - tank tops and Daisy Dukes should never be worn by anyone over 15 - but at least they’re cool!  For those of you that have suffered intolerable heat this summer (and who has not) - just remember, 110 - 115 degrees is NOT uncommon for Arizona!

In the midst of all this excessive heat, I got a phone call last week from Maryanne at Beadboard UpCountry that she was sending me a batch of images from her upcoming knits trunk show.  Maryanne knows I am a big fan of the line and wanted to get my opinion.   When the images arrived, I swooned - not from the heat, but from the gorgeous designs and colors.  We decided that it would be nice to coordinate some of my jewelry designs with these chic ruanas, capes and scarves.  I spent several hours Saturday pairing up the images and having the absolute best time doing so. This wonderful line of couture knits is simply perfect for our temperate winter climate in Arizona.

If you are now swooning from fashion fever, click here to go to Beadboard UpCountry.  Now is the time to place your orders for some of these gorgeous knits.  When you’re all snuggled up and looking like you just stepped out of Vogue this fall - you’ll be so glad you did!


P.S. - If your favorite jewelry designs have already sold - send me an email (karensugarmanitr@aol.com).  Although the jewelry is one-of-a-kind and limited editions - sometimes, I can reproduce the designs. Tweet

July 4th Fun!

Steve Maciejewski via Flickr

I live on a golf course - but this is the best July 4th idea I’ve seen so far!

Eileen Ludwig via Flickr

Lounging by the pool - when it’s 105+ degrees!

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Watermelon - yum!

Maxxbass via  Flickr

Maybe next year!?!

KTB83 via Flickr

I miss the Boston Pops on the Esplanade with the fabulous 

fireworks displays!

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Angel Art Photography

One last thing - Don’t forget to attend the Summer Soiree Sale!

www.karensugarmandesigns.com

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After Christmas Sale - Save 25% to Over 50%

                                                                                             www.karensugarmandesigns.com

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Aaah! - The Perfect Thanksgiving

Okay, Missy - Thanksgiving is all about the food!  Yes, we all know  you will be planning,  grocery shopping and preparing for days - but, the deliciousness of the turkey is directly proportionate  to whether you actually wake up to the 5:00 AM turkey buzzer on Thanksgiving morning after pulling an all-nighter!  

Designed by Karen Egan of Karlee Enterprises for IFDA Tableau 2009

Designed by Debbie Conforti of Waterleaf Designs for IFDA Tableau 2009

On the other hand, it’s a great chance to amaze relatives with your tablescaping design abilities!

It’s one of those times when the entire family gets together.

A chance to see how cute and “creative” your cousin’s two youngest boys are. . .

And to see how all the other adorable children have grown in to “delightful” teenagers.

A chance for some male bonding over football. . .

And some “girl talk” over coffee and desserts.

But. . .the best part of Thanksgiving is knowing that you do  not need to wake up at the crack of dawn on Friday to hit the malls for Holiday Savings.  Nope. . . no tug-of-war over bargains, standing in long lines for checkout or  searching for your car by clicking the remote key.  

Instead - sleep until 9:00 AM, slip on your fuzzy robe -  grab a cup of coffee, your laptop and head over to www.karensugarmandesigns.com  

Join us for the  Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale to feast your eyes on some amazing jewelry for every gal on your holiday list. . . or maybe even a little something for yourself!

Sale begins on Thanksgiving Day and runs through Midnight (EST) Monday, November 29th.

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From Room Jewelry to Real Jewelry - Gray and Gold

Via Fauxology

Carolina Herrera Dress - My Favorite Designer

I have always been enamored with all the little details that make a room take on a distinct personality.  Space planning is fun, but really just a necessity to keep us from bumping into objects - selecting gorgeous sofas, rugs and tables are inspiring and a delightful exercise too.  However, for me, nothing could surpass the delight of spending hours selecting beautiful lighting, mirrors and the just perfect passementerie for draperies - the details are what give a room it’s persona.  I always associated the selection of these minute details like adding just the perfect jewelry for a room.

Elle Decor

My Chippy Antique Italian Chandelier - I recently added new candle sleeves and shades.  Arizona heat/sun really damages the fabric on lampshades.

In between bouts of creating new jewelry designs for the holidays, I have also been very focused on finding the larger decorative accessories for my now 18 month Kitchen/Family Room renovation. Recently, I became very fixated on one of my favorite antiques acquired long ago - a gray and gold-gilded Italian chandelier that sits over the Breakfast table. There is something so soothing and elegant about the dusty gray color combined with the 24K gold-leaf accents in this chippy painted chandelier.

Devon Bracelet - Rough Cut Rutilated Quartz Nuggets and Luxe Gray Moonstone Briolettes 

My first attempt at combining the elements of gray and gold resulted in the Devon Bracelet.  I loved the juxtaposition of the chunky golden needle-embedded beads mixed with the oversized gray moonstone briolettes and deliciously detailed 24k gold vermeil feature beads.  Oddly enough, this bracelet sold about four days after listing to an interior designer from Boston.

Darla Bracelet - Round Rutilated Quartz Beads and Gray Moonstone Briolettes

Darla Bracelet - Gold Needle-Embedded Rutilated Quartz 

Staring at this chandelier combination - I was reminded of the gorgeous but smaller round rutilated quartz beads still left and waiting from a previous project as well as the recently acquired luxe gray moonstone briolettes. The combination of the more delicate golden needle-embedded beads mixed with the oversized gray moonstone and gorgeous detailed 24k gold vermeil feature beads have a more traditional and formal persona when compared to the earlier Devon Bracelet.  Who knows. . .maybe the Darla Bracelet will also find a home with an interior designer.

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Spooky Birthday Sale

Peggy Porschen

I’m not quite there yet. . . but in a few days, I will be celebrating one of those Spooky Birthdays!  It’s very apropos that this Spooky Birthday falls just before Halloween.

Peggy Porschen

Peggy Porschen

Peggy porschen

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Sadly, my sweet hubby had a business trip scheduled, so I will be celebrating alone this year - no fancy cake like these delectable confections by Peggy Porschen Designs!

Olivia (L) and Asher (R) - My Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Design Assistants 

However, wonderful hubby that he is -  he did take care of this birthday business before leaving.  He asked me to come into the Family room with our little “fur babies”, Asher & Olivia and sit on the sofa (seriously, I thought I was about to get a lecture that I had spent too much money at the gem show this week-end!).  Then the usual - “close your eyes and hold out your hands”.

Tiffany & Company - The Famous Blue Box!

When I opened my eyes, there was a wonderful surprise!  Let’s just say it involved that much coveted Tiffany blue box! 

In  honor of my Spooky Birthday (and NO. . . I am not telling you which spooky one it is!) - I decided I should share the birthday festivities!  Go to my web site here and see what special little birthday favor is yours!

Now, back to that cake. . .I think I had better celebrate with a tiny cake pop!

  

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What An Ego - My Own Design Project Inspires the Maggie Bracelet!

Bliss Design

I’ve spent the last eighteen months in an on again/off again interior design mode.  When I finally convinced my hubby it was really time to renovate the kitchen/family room - I agreed to play by his rules!  We would do the project in phases in order to keep a positive cash flow.  We are almost there. . .in the final stretch - but not quite ready for prime time!

Bliss Design

Bliss Design

From the beginning, I had to establish a color scheme that would be something we both liked, but also a projected guess of what might be in the upcoming color forecast.  Thankfully, my forte and strength was always my fearless use of color and I am thrilled that my choice of aqua and charcoal/grey was spot on!  I find that combination of colors very restful and comforting - particularly when infused with a generous dose of white and natural sunlight!

Well after the fact, I have found other beautiful rooms and vignettes that confirmed what an elegant combination charcoal/grey and aqua can be.

Maggie Bracelet - Notice the "blue flash" of the grey Labradorite

Strangely enough, my own design project became the inspiration for my newest jewelry design - the Maggie Bracelet.  It’s funny that we all seem to associate a name with a particular person and such is the case with the Maggie Bracelet. The Maggie I know is a very attractive gal that is tastefully modern and impeccably stylish. She would, of course, inherently know that this beautiful blue flash Labradorite bracelet would be a great addition to her wardrobe of currently fashionable gray, black and neutrals. Maggie would love the beautiful Peruvian Blue Opal Briolettes - not only for their dash of color, but for their asymmetrical texture and design.

After seeing the outcome of this lovely bracelet - I am sooo ready to see the final reveal of my own interior design handiwork! 

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