A Princess Can Do Whatever She Wants

This is the latest entry in my "Jewelry You Won't Find In My Online Shops" series. I was sharing Princess Katie stories with my friend Loren the other night when I found the pictures from her 7th birthday where she received an extra special birthday necklace, her "Princess License".

As you might recall, it is a Tilley Family tradition that every year for the girls' birthdays I make each one a special piece of jewelry that somehow reflects where they are in their life at the time. A few months before turning 7 Katie latched on to her personal mantra "A princess can do whatever she wants." One day I was browsing the website of dear friend and fellow jewelry maker Bonnie Alvarez, owner of Birth Designs Studio, when a princess themed pendant she had listed caught my eye and my inspiration. This was before I was doing any metal stamping at all, but even if I had been, Bonnie's expertise and variety of stamping fonts and symbols was key to the design of such a princess-worthy piece. Bonnie created a custom sterling pendant for me with Katie's new catch phrase and marked with a crown.

Of course princess jewels must sparkle. My original plan for this necklace involved a different color scheme, but when we found a black and fuschia polka dotted dress for her birthday outfit the whole piece suddenly came together. Fuschia Swarovski crystal hearts and black, silver and fuschia Swarovski crystals dangle on either side of the custom pendant from sterling silver chain.

Yes, this child is spoiled rotten! And yes, she is most definitely an everyday princess!

First Ever Tilleyjewels Bride Giveaway

And it's a BIG one!!!

I've been creating and selling bridal accessories for almost as long as I've been making jewelry. But it wasn't until a little over a year ago that I decided to really expand my bridal line and open a seperate online shop to highlight the pieces in a manner I felt they deserved. Tilleyjewels Bride was born in January 2009 and I honestly feel this was the best business decision that I've ever made. I worked with almost 100 brides in the first year, in many cases creating custom pieces to perfectly match their wedding vision.

In celebration of the first year's successes and in anticipation of what is to come, I'm teaming up with Brenda's Wedding Blog for the first ever Tilleyjewels Bride giveaway! One lucky individual is going to win a $100 gift certificate to go shopping at Tilleyjewels Bride for sparkling jewels! And the great twist is that you don't have to be a bride-to-be in order to enter...

Enter Tilleyjewels Bride Giveaway Here

There are over 150 designs currently listed in the bridal shop, from sparkling headpieces for the princess bride to timeless pearls to accessorize any business suit. Go enter the contest and have fun daydreaming about what you'll choose if you win!

Tilleyjewels Be My Valentine Sale

Won't you be my Valentine? Or if you already have a Valentine, won't you treat them with the gift of handmade jewelry?

From now through midnight February 14th ALL purchases of $10 or more (before shipping) in my main Etsy shop Tilleyjewels will receive a 20% discount. This even includes the many items in the "Last Chance Sale" section. All you have to do is type the word "ROMANCE" in the "note to seller" box upon checkout. You may then either go ahead and pay through Paypal and I will refund your discount when I receive your order, or you may request a revised invoice prior to paying.

Surprise her with flowers that will never wilt or romantic heart shaped accessories. Or treat yourself to a little gift to counteract those winter blahs. All items come shipped in special Valentine themed wrap!