Deal Bomb Unveiled!

What's a deal bomb?  I don't really know any better than you do, except that it means you score big time in terms of savings!  We wanted to have a little fun this holiday season, so during November, we'll be randomly choosing our favorite items to offer at an incredible price, and 'bombing' our shop with them for a limited time.  For example, our first deal bomb is one of our lovely pearl & sterling necklaces (shown); you can snag it TODAY ONLY for $9.  We're only offering five at this price.  Visit our shop or click on the photo for more details:

http://www.meadowbellemarket.etsy.com/

 

It's a Golden Vintage Fall

I can't believe it's been almost a year since I got married!  My time flies; I'll trust that's a good thing when speaking in reference to my husband. ;)

While reminiscing, I came across this test shot our photographer, Josie Kern, did during our engagement session.  The deep golden wallpaper backdrop is actually in the hallway of Josie's house.  She lives in one of Kansas City's many historic homes - our city's little hidden gems, in my opinion.  Some of the most stunning are now part of the Kansas City Art Institute campus, including Josie's massive stone abode. 

Eveything about the home is somewhat magical and whispers of days gone by with a sprawling staircase fit for Scarlett O'Hara and rich woodworking that invites you to feel its smooth curves.  I especially fell in love with this wallpaper (hence the dreamy gleam in my eye - apparently I was imagining how the decor would look in my reading nook rather than thinking of my betrothed). 

Here's to the robust magic of bountiful fall harvests, to all things tried-and-true and the glow of love; and please let me know if you ever find some old rolls of wallpaper half this stunning!

What's your favorite fall memory?  Please do share...

Fall Is In the Air (or Boutonniere?)

With the hum of late summer bugs and shorter days, we're pretty sure of one thing: fall is right around the corner--and our new fall boutonnieres are already here!  Inspired by cooler temps and the colors of changing leaves, find styles to infuse your fall affair; be sure to snag one for your fall formal or autumn wedding.  Guys and grooms alike are sure to love these! www.etsy.com/shop/MeadowbelleMarket?section_id=6009426

Get Ready! Our First Ever Sample Sale!

Approximately one year ago, Erin and I (Aundrea), began adding a new line to our online jewelry shop.  We began designing and creating handmade items for a personal and stylish touch to your wedding event.  Now, after one wedding fashion show and a recent trunk show, we have decided to offer our unique, first-of-a-kind, and one-of-a-kind items to you!

Refreshed by a brief hiatus at the beginning of July (Erin and her new hubby decided to take a vacation get-away, while Aundrea and her husband celebrated their wedding anniversary, the fourth holiday, and each of their birthdays which happen to fall in the first two weeks of July--of course, Erin was back just in time for a collective birthday celebration with Aundrea.  Sisters (and twins) always celebrate together!), we are ready to share our latest and greatest with you.

Here are a few sneak-peak photos from our most recent trunk show.  Look for more exciting items soon in our online shop!  http://www.meadowbellemarket.etsy.com/
*Photos courtesy of Melissa Lin Ellis Photography*

Love Necklace Sends Love to Haiti: Donation Update

The final tally is in.  Inspired by the outpour of hope and help for Haiti, our Sterling Silver Loved Necklace was created to benefit the recovery from the 2010 earthquake.  From the sale of each necklace, $15 dollars was donated to the relief fund.  As of July 2010, a total of $225 has been donated. 
We would like to sincerely thank everyone who has made this donation possible--without you, we couldn't have done it!  Words simply are not enough. 
(*Read more about our Loved Necklace here: http://www.nbclosangeles.com/blogs/want-this/WANT-THIS-Loved-Necklace-81924337.html , Or to request your own personalized necklace, visit our online shop: http://www.meadowbellemarket.etsy.com/ )

One Life Reaches Many Others in a Profound Way; Real Stories, Real People {A Series by Meadowbelle Market}

Immediately stirred by the tragedy of the earthquake in Haiti, we created a 'Loved' necklace to support both the brave survivors and the volunteers from all over the world, ready to lend their assistance, rescue, and relief to a devastated nation. From citizens in the US to nations far and wide collecting food and water, to doctors and rescue workers worldwide, never did we imagine how the tragedy of a nation would coincide with the tragedy of a family's loss.

Among everyone who showed their support to the Haiti relief fund by purchasing a 'Loved' necklace from our store ($15 from each purchase is donated on behalf of Haiti relief efforts), the friend of one family touched us the most. Inspired by love, dedication, and generosity, we have been moved to create a series in which we would like to share the first 'real story' of 'real people' with you.

Often one may wonder what our own life has meant or what it will be once we are gone.  The impact one life can have on many became evident when Paula lost her 23 year old daughter Alexis to cancer.  Clare (Alexis' obstetrician), who delivered both the joy of Alexis' infant son Caelen, and the devestating news of her advanced cancer, was determined that the honor of a young life well lived, but gone all too soon would not only be remembered, but continue to serve a further purpose.

After purchasing a 'Loved' necklace from our shop, we received the following message from

Clare:

"Dear Erin and Aundrea, I received your LOVED necklace and card so beautifully wrapped that I was almost in tears. It moved me so much I decided to give it to Alexis.  Paula put the necklace on Alexis before she was buried.  Many thanks. I think it was a great idea for Haiti, and Alexis would thoroughly approve of that."

Clare followed up by making sure that each close friend and family member would recieve a necklace as a symbol of the impact Alexis' life had held, not only on herself but others as well.  Now Alexis' young son Caelen who was just four months old when his mother passed away, Caelen's father Peter, her sister Karla, brother Sean, Mum Paula, aunt Karen, and best friend Nicola will carry with them a small daily reminder of the beautiful soul that lived, and was surely and undoubtedly 'Loved'.

Getting Organization Out of the Gray Area

For days the sky has been gray. The kind of enveloping gray that leaves the hour non-descript, uncertain if it is late morning or afternoon. Along with the resolute gray and much like the last thawing piles of Christmas snow, memories of the holidays are melting into a murky pool of bygone memories. However, the new year is young, and the resolutions are fresh, so despite the dreariness of the late days of January I've decided to make the most of this mid-winter lull.



My decree for the new year? Organization. Not very original, I know. But with the unyielding weather outside, I've decided to clear the fog of disorganization. The theory is this: I will spend x amount of time getting organized, then all remaining time will be spent in a flurry of absolute productivity. Ambitious, yes--but it's worth a try.

Similarly, many a generally well-organized individual gets engaged and suddenly turns into a perplexed bride wondering where to begin planning. Often times a wedding also means a move to a new location, or learning to co-habitate. Enhancing your organizational skills can improve the efficiency of your wedding day decisions and help you merge a household full of two individuals belongings, plus the addition of wedding gifts.

The Plan: Since everything is all about the details (for me), and nothing gets done without a list, I will break down my organization into tasks by identifying the "problem areas". You can adapt by making your own list. For example, tangled electronic cords are wearisome in our house. They can be found clustered anywhere--and yet they remain unused and unidentified.

My first simple goal began with organizing the notorious pile of cords into a manageable spot. I started with a through search to pull all (unattached) electrical cords from various drawers, cabinets, and closets. Once I had a satisfying cluster of cords sitting in front of me, I untangled and labeled.

{BRIDES}: (If you are a new bride, choose an important task, such as "catering" and make a list of your ideals--such as menu, number of guest, price, etc.).

The Materials: I picked up an array of labels in various sizes and styles to have at hand, plus markers for labeling, of course. You may choose one color (I used black) or pick a punchy color that you love, just be sure it's easy to read.

{BRIDES}: (This is the part where you start compiling a list of caterers contact info.--or whatever category you have chosen for this task. Start by asking for references, then do some research online. Always check reviews.)

Storage: Once you have everything sorted and labeled (be sure to toss /donate any cords for discarded appliances or electronics), choose a bin and a spot to store your newly organized stash. If the cords are used often, you might choose to place them in a silverware tray with dividers and store them in a drawer in your office or main living area. If the majority of cords are "extras" for your current electronics, a basket stored on a closet shelf will work fine.

{BRIDES}: (Start calling the vendor for your chosen task. Make appointments to meet with your top vendors, then choose "the one"!).

Congratulations! You're on your way to a more clutter free New Year!

REMEBER - {STORE LIST}:

* markers, pens

* sticky labels, various sizes

* bins, basket, or drawer organizer

Commited to Recyling in Style: New Life for Old Containers

Fresh fruit and fabric flowers. What do they have in common? A plastic container, it seems:

It has been a while since the announcement of Meadowbelle {Market} on Etsy. Along with an engagement--(congrats, Erin!)--our store has seen it's share of changes. One of the most recent developments has included wedding related items to our {Market} shop, courtesy of Erin's now "anything wedding" obsession. Among the additions, fabric flower fascinators have been quite liked--and due to their sometimes delicate nature, we have also been forced to become quite creative in packaging to be sure they arrive at their destination looking just the same as when they left our little workshop.

The solution to our delima has also been our contribution to recycling, which has found it's way in unlikely, empty fruit containers. Washed and dried, a plastic container that would have otherwise gone straight into the trash becomes the perfect traveling companion to a lovely and delicate fabric flower. Add a sweet little label, and you've got something that looks good enough to--well, reuse.

Now our challenge to you is: How many ways can you reuse this re purposed recycled fruit to flower container?

We've thought of a few, to get you started:

1. Wrap a friend's gift (include tissue paper and a pretty ribbon)
2. Organize a drawer
3. Hold make-up or jewelry
4. Protect your favorite pair of wool gloves or a scarf (add some cedar to repel moths)
5. Save delicate items from snags in your drawer
6. Put a few sachets inside or line with tissue paper & add some herbs to scent any space
We're sure you've got a few good ideas, too. So please, feel free to share with us!

Washed, wrapped, and packed with flowers -ready to ship to you.

{P.S.} We recycle our shipping packages, too!

Bluebirds Beat the Blues and add Silver Lining

Although it means relief from the traditionally scorching days of August and infamously sticky, humid air that spells out summer in Kansas City, I'm not sure if I'm quite ready for fall just yet. We've suddenly had a week straight of downright cold, rainy days. Now I'm sorry (just a little) for all the complaining and moaning about the crushing heat of summer. My obsession with hanging on to the last of long sunsets, warm night breezes and symphonies of cicadas is manifest in my latest phase of jewelry creations that have trended towards more traditionally spring themes with flowers and bright colors. www.meadowbellemarket.etsy.com

I also found a lovely little funky-fun etsy store, pinkynoodles, that's helped recreate those fresh spring days in my latest work. Check out the results of perusing her store for oodles of fun accents to my sterling silver wearable art (above). I added these sweet cellulose kissing doves. Find pinkynoodle's supplies at http://www.pinkynoodles.etsy.com/.

Meadowbelle Market Has Begun!

This summer Erin and I are finally combining our talents and interests to let the world enjoy right along with us!

On July 28th, 2008 our store was launched on Etsy. Artists from the very begining (the day we were born, that is), we have made jewelry, drawings, sketches, painted, and utilized countless media.

Now our latest creation, Meadowbelle Market: www.MeadowbelleMarket.etsy.com combines Erin's jewelry and my photography into an online store. As an encore to Meadowbelle MARKET we launched Meadowbelle VINTAGE: www.MeadowbelleVintage.etsy.com as an outlet for our vintage and retro finds. We believe good design just never goes out of style!

In addition, we are currently in the works combining Aundrea's love of lighting (photographer--see the connection?) into a project in conjunction with our vintage finds. Enough said for now, you'll just have to wait and see! (Look for the project's appearance in Meadowbelle Vintage soon.) Check back here for more updates!