33 Weeks!

Feeling like a rather pregnant mermaid in this colorful concoction!

I am Florida girl with a Florida baby after all so this is still entirely appropriate for our "Fall/ Winter" down here that doesn't want to dip below 85...

Viva la sunshine!

Kisses,

K

Wearing a Lilly Pulitzer dress (non maternity but delightfully stretchy), Prada sunnies, and jewelry by Argento Alchemy.

(All images created and owned by K. C. S. Please ask permission prior to use.)

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Argento Alchemy Projects

On my work bench lately...

Working on a new pretty for the Argento Alchemy Esty site!

Kisses,

K

(All images and designs created and owned by Krista Carson. Please ask permission prior to use.)

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Back To School: Studio Work

My Fabrications course is going well so far and I'm really enjoying it!

I'm learning so much!

Both my teacher and my classmates are so awesome and inspirational!

Since a lot of the work we do is rather unglamorous (I smell like machinery and oil when I leave, lol) our studio is reflective of that. It's real, not aesthetically pleasing but not un-so either. We work at jeweler's benches and get to "play" with loads of awesome tools!

This rather blurry shot (sorry) shows our torch station where things get hot and also awesome.

Here's the sketches I did for my current project: an Art Deco inspired pendant.

In the baggy above is hematite cabochon that I'm going to bezel set on my piece and the square is actually sterling silver (my preferred material) in sheet metal form.

We trace the deign onto tracing paper and glue it down to the sheet metal.

Then we very slowly and patiently saw the design out.

P.S., this glue? Fantastic!

I don't want to fall behind in class (I'm pretty fresh to most of the techniques and everyone else is rather advanced.) so I had lots of homework to do.

I don't have a bench yet but an old Ikea table works for now.

Here are my parts all cut out. They still need a LOT of work!

Lots of filing and soldering yet do!

I love how as you work you end up covered in teeny tiny sparkling metal specs that glimmer and glitter!

Incidentally, you sweep that precious stuff up and save it! All "scrap" can be re-melted and re-used, it's still rather valuable. You save money and are environmentally responsible at the same time. I'm a big fan of both!

Kisses,

K

(All images created and owned by Krista Carson. Please ask permission prior to use.)

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Easter Snapshots

Church yesterday morning.

The lace and silk bunny ears I made for Easter.

I think they'll be fun at Disney too.

My first Easter casualty... ;)

The boys and the Westies. (My husband is on the left with Abigail our pup and my little brother is on the right with my parents pup Piper.)

Abigail all dressed up in her Easter best.

And the Peep squeak she got in her basket from her Grandma.

And us trying to take an Easter pic to text to my family not there.

Outtake 1.

Outtake done.

My sparkly Easter bracelet stack.

(From the top down: Cushion cut rock crystal bracelet Christmas present from Blue Nile online, Argento Alchemy made sterling silver sister morse code bracelet by me, Aquamarine bracelet from my siblings when I graduated college, London Blue Topaz and diamond sterling Ippolita bracelet from my Husband, and a pavè white Saphire bangle bracelet from my Mother for my wedding.)

And lastly, a deliciously yummy dinner of homemade stuffed cabbage over mashed potatoes for dinner. My absolute favorite!

Hope your weekend was a great one!

Kisses,

K

(All images created and owned by Krista Carson.)

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Inspire Me Tuesday: Design Day

Spent today recuperating from my long weekend and designing for Argento Alchemy.

I used bits and bobs from a Project DIY box in addition to other rocks and minerals that I've collected to get a inspiration reboot.

I love how using unexpected materials that are out of your usual comfort zone can really get your creativity going!

I used this Project DIY Ice inspired matte clear bib base to give my gems a new perspective. I have to wait till everything sets then I can peel the white backing off... I'm excited to see how it comes out!

This pear shaped crystal was meant to be attached to chains to make a pretty bracelet but I felt it was destined for this agate first.

Then I attached a small simple backing to this earthy agate slice...

Added a Project DIY jewel and...

I'm liking where I'm going so far!

Have you been up to anything creative lately? Even in the kitchen or with decor or style, please share!

Kisses,

K

(All images and designs created and owned by Krista Carson.)

 

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What I Wore

I put on some weight last year due to a medication I had to be on.

And by some, I mean 45 pounds.

And it doesn't want to leave. Like ever.

My doctors warned me it might not ever go away and I'm healthier now (I have a chronic health problem) than I was then so... I decided to try to figure out how to dress the body I have now in a way that makes me feel good and confident.

In an effort to do that and embrace myself how I am now I decided to start doing occasional outfit posts here. I'm a great person and it's time I stop hiding my light under a bushell and treating myself like I am!

So here we go!

I don't have a huge budget so I try to use pieces I already have or make or that I can find on sale like this Christian Siriano striped jacket that I paired with comfy skinny jeans, black ankle boots, and a long sleeved black tee for a chilly day.

I also paired it with a new pale pink lipstick I tried out that apparently looks terrible... But Che sera sera, that's why we try things, right?

On a different note... I threw on my favorite french blue Raybans, my "grown up" Italian black leather purse (With the Project DIY tassle keychain I made here.), and my Argento Alchemy made chunky semiprecious gemstone necklace (That includes jade that my sister brought back for me from her travels. Shoutout Stacy, awesome present!)

I also finally got a hold of the real Downton Abbey book so I'm pretty psyched about that! Have you read it yet? Are you reading it now?

I know I'm a work in progress and am just learning how to dress my current body and shape but I think I'm off to an okay start. Besides, the best you can do is always good enough.

Kisses,

K

(All images created and owned by Krista Carson.)

 

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What I Wore; Happy St Patricks Day!

I know most people celebrated over the weekend but today is St. Patricks Day so in honor of the ocassion I donned some of my luckiest green pieces today.

I built my outfit around this cute sparkly and metallic green tee from Disney. (I purchased it in Mouse Gears inside of Epcot but I'm pretty sure you'll be able to find it in Disney stores around the country and definitely at Downtown Disney locations.)

Then I added this multi-green and navy tweed pencil skirt from past seasons at J Crew.

Next cam my favorite part, accessories!

I layered in a semi-precious and precious gemstone and sterling necklace and matching chrysoprase earrings from my past Argento Alchemy works as well as a braided wrap bracelet.

I also wore a vintage green crystal clip earring from my Grandmother that had lost its mate as a brooch. As well as a Honduran inlaid sterling cuff, a Michaud cuff, and a large green druzy ring.

Here is a more detailed shot (bottom to top):

Large green druzy ring

Hand dyed silk, hand forged fine silver link, and black pearl braided wrap bracelet.

Michael Michaud eucalyptus cuff

Honduran inlaid cuff

Since I work at home I can get away with a Mickey tee and tons of jewelry but...

For those of you who don't I also pulled together some more office friendly inspiration above.

Details: Argento Alchemy petite chrysoprase briolette dangles on German sterling huggie hoops, vintage green crystal clip earring worn as a brooch, and work appropriate bangles in jade from Chinatown in Chicago and navy, green, and white cloisonné from France.

Just swap out the tee shirt for a white or blue button down plus heels and your work ready instead.

Hope you have a lucky Monday!

Kisses,

K

(All images created and owned by Krista Carson.)

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Things Lately

Here's a peek at things lately.

(If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen some of these already.)

My sweet pup on a cold day modeling a sweater from Grandma.

Tiny heart shadows in a porcelain candle holder.

The adorable 3-d anniversay card my husband gave me!

My "Secret Love" Morse Code necklace for Argento Alchemy.

Enjoying driving my still fairly new car. (And still enjoying my sparkly blue diamond engagement ring too!)

Kisses,

K

(All designs and images created and owned by Krista Carson.)

 

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