Procrastination...

   I am trying to write this presentation... I feel like it's mostly just going to come to me when I give it. But, in true Brandy fashion, I have to plan everything out. 

I am through the intro and working on the body. The intro took appx. 5 minutes so, that leaves 55 to fill.

   The slide show is coming along nicely, and the perfectionist in me is making it take 5 times longer than it should. My goal today is to write about Trendy Chic and The Delicate Balance... I'll be presenting 3 pieces from each line. The focus of the speech though, is my Vintage Redux line so the bulk of the presentation will be about that. If I meet my goal today I am going to allow myself to take off and go swimming! But, here I am procrastinating... in a good way though. 

   I got up early and hit the farmer's market and flea market! What a day for it!
I got a new hanging basket, fresh eggs, a bouquet of flowers from a very young entrepreneur, and some onions, OH and a basket cherry tomatoes grown here in Oklahoma! Yay, fresh tomatoes already!

   I also scored a bunch of goodies from the "Vintage Fairy" at the flea market. Check out what I dug up today. Happy first Saturday in JUNE! I love JUNE!

A Story from Grandma

   Last night my grandmother called me to visit, which tickled me because that meant that she was feeling better. She wasn't feeling very well when I was home to visit so we didn't get as much good quality time together as usual. 

So we caught up with each other, talked about flowers, buttons, and cooking pesto. 

   Then she starts to tell me her "snake" story. 

She spotted a large black snake creeping around her Martin house in the yard. She called for back up but my aunt couldn't help and my grandpa was busy at the antique store. 

   Grandma told me all about getting the hoe and rake and going at the snake. She said she hit it 7 or 8 times but never could get a good swing at it and that it slowly slithered away.... she thinks she hurt it and scared it enough not to come back!  My 80-something year old grandma... the mental images of this crack me up!

A photo given to me by my Grandma, it's her and Gramp's in their early years. I love this photo. It sits on my desk and I look at it all the time. I like to sit and think about how much times have changed since this photo was taken.

I've decided to start documenting the stories from and about my Grandmother. I hope you enjoy.

Just to catch you up.

  I am having a hard time keeping up with my blog. I stay so busy with all the other aspects of running my own business that I forget to post on here.
Just to catch you all up though...

  I had 8 shows in 17 days at the beginning of May.
It all started with First Thursday in beautiful downtown Fayetteville, Arkansas. I got everything set up and then it rained! But, that worked out in my favor because it gave me time to spend with my brother and a few friends. 

  From there I headed north and east to Springfield, Missouri for Artsfest on Walnut St. I was extremely honored to get into this show! It's a big deal for people that live in Springfield. I think this was the 30-some odd year for it. The weather was lovely, the crowd was lovely and I thoroughly enjoyed my showing here.

  A week later I found myself in downtown Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The weather wasn't so great for this show but it was fun nonetheless. I was set up right in front of DeVito's Restaurant which happens to belong to my aunt and uncle! Yummy food, good family time and a chance to see some long lost friends.
This was a busy weekend because I decided to double book myself! That's right a two day show ending at 5:00 on Saturday and then booking it up the street for the Reunion Show at Crescent Moon Beads at 6:00. Thank goodness my Mom volunteered to help me for a couple of shows. Her helping hand came in very handy! The show at CMB was so much fun. For those of you that don't know, this is where my beading obsession got kicked into high gear!

  After that I had a few days of rest and a little bit of extra time to prepare for two fashion shows and a street party. Rock the Runway for Education was Thursday evening, Ozark Couture was Friday evening and then the Block St. Party was on Sunday.

The lovely Esque models wearing their earrings.

Tassel earrings designed for exclusively for Esque, used in Rock the Runway for Education.

Block St. Party - huge success!

  I spent two and half weeks away from home! Whoa, it was a long time but at least I got to spend it all in Arkansas!

  Now, I am preparing for a HUGE presentation that I am giving to a group of women in Heber Springs in a couple of weeks. I am preparing for a one hour presentation followed by Q & A and a small showing of my work for sale. After that Matt and I are taking a week long vacation to North Carolina. I have also booked a show during this trip... it's always nice to test out the waters in other states.

  Back to presentation writing! Oh, and I am starting a new "job." I was hired to be a class instructor at Michael's Art and Craft store. I am going to go get some hours in on planning my new class schedule and making samples for the class.

Spring Sale! 40% off select designs!!!

   I am having a Spring SALE! Select designs are 40% off. You can view all the sale items in this facebook album. Please email me, brandy.elizabeth@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Making room for new designs and launching a new line in August. Stay tuned~~

Bella Vita Spring/Summer Photo Shoot

A couple of weeks ago I did a photo shoot with Brooke McNeely Photography in downtown Fayetteville, Arkansas. Hope you enjoy!

A jewelry designers jewelry collection...

   I've been making my own jewelry since I was about 11. I've been exposed to jewelry since I was a small, small child hanging out with my Grandmothers. From vintage jewelry with one Grandma to the other Grandma designing jewelry for her gift shop. I think I could say I was destined to be running my business designing jewelry.

Just to name a few of the designers; Holly Ertel, Kate Baer Fossils, Florine Thomason, Sophie Hollenberg, Reese Truesdale, Sadie Nuffer, Angel Court Jewels, House of Smash, Kacey Edwards, Erin Wilson and more but unfortunately I have forgotten the names...

  

   After almost a year of living here, I finally got my jewelry out and pinned on my jewelry board. This is mostly vintage costume jewelry that has been handed down to me by family members or gifted to me. There are some necklaces I have made too... I just love the way it all looks out on display. All the "good stuff" is locked away until I am in a more permanent place. I would be devastated if anything ever happened to my sentimental and valuable jewels!

Spring Flowers

  Yesterday I got a chance to go shopping for flowers for my flower pots. 

I chose primrose, petunias, African marigolds and slavia.

I haven't ever grown primrose, I couldn't resist these beautiful little flowers!

  The wind has been blowing at a constant 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. 

It is really insane. Yesterday it made me laugh, but after keeping me up all night I am not so fond of these winds. Apparently it is common for this time of year.

Hopefully my flowers and I will survive it :)

Excited for everything to bloom out and look full. My ferns are left over from last year so hopefully they will liven up.

Primrose, cilantro, African marigolds, salvia.