Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize.

First this week, an apology. If you checked in to find some thing fab-u-lous last week, you’d have seen that I had let you down. Sorry. I could say that it had slipped my mind or that I had lost my mind, or both. I have no good excuse other than I started my find late. Then my youngest son, who seems to be teething forever, woke and I spent the rest of the night with him. I awoke cranky and Sunday was much of the same, the ‘if you don’t pick me up now I am going to scream really loud until you do’ followed by ‘if you put me down I am going to continue screaming’. And that, dear friends, is why there was not a find in sight last week.

So I have to work doubly hard this week.  And upon request I have decided to launch into the world of accessories.

Now I have to admit that I am not the best person to be talking about accessories.  I’m lucky if I change my earrings once a year – seriously!  I wear pearls and that is it unless, that is, we are off out somewhere special, which is about as rare as a blue moon.  Scarves, I love, they are quick and simple, provide warmth and colour to an other wise ‘boring’ outfit.  See our first week for more on scarves.  I think necklaces come and go in our lives as a mummy and what you wear round your neck is very much dictated by the age your children.  However, my one love that I do keep up with is bracelets. I am getting quite a collection.

The stunner at the beginning is by Unity a Fair Trade company.  Handmade of glass beads and brass, this adjustable cuff has accents in teal, olive, and plum colored beads on brass wire.  Truly lovely!  And for under $13 you really can’t go wrong.
Made by women artisans in New Delhi, India, they are also the source of these beautiful wooden beads which come as a set of 3 for under $15!  Paired with a simple white shirt and jeans, you would look completely put together.

This beautiful creation comes from artist Amy Fulkerson. She envisions and designs elegant handcrafted eco jewelry at her kitchen table alongside her four children and bowls of fruit!  Amy believes that Hopeful Creations are a re-creation of our earth’s natural and artistic self into beautiful wearable and usable art.  “Emma” is a combination of recycled beads from Indonesia. Diamond-cut square brown grey recycled beads and hand-cut rounded teal beads are created in partnership with a fair trade factory.    Each handcrafted bracelet is unique because of the imperfect nature of recycled beads. What a great Eco Gift idea! Available through CeleryStreet.com. Take a look at the other beauties there!

I love the colours in the multi-coloured Tagua Petal Bracelet from Earth Lover. Hand made from the Tuaga Seed, it is a real natural beauty.  The seeds are very similar in structure to elephant ivory and can also be carved into jewelry, chess sets and scrimshaws.  The spiny female palm seed pod weighs up to 80 lbs., may have upwards to 40 to 80 of these encased beautiful nuts or seeds that when polished and cleaned make a wonderful worry stone or paper weight. This is a natural rain forest product that can generate five times the artisan income than banana plantations or cattle ranches – therefore the purchase of Tagua Seeds is an ecological incentive for preserving the rain forests. I lifted that little description straight from their site as I couldn’t have put it better myself.  A true beauty to adorn any wrist and eco friendly too.

Wanting something a little more elegant?

Visit esty here. Simplysurina has far too many gorgeous items than I could ever post so you are going to have to take a look for yourself, but these are 2 of my favourites.

This is a stunner I’m sure you’ll agree would make the most women feel simply divine. Pearls from Japan, AAA Akoya pearls with a faint simmer of pale pink can be made into this delicate bracelet, also available with gold instead of silver.

Black onyx and black cloisonne beads come together to form this triple layer bracelet. The bracelet uses 14K gold-filled metal twist beads to create the metallic sheen of the bracelet.

So what do you think? I also fell for the Blueberry Panache Double Strand Bracelet of Blueberry Quartz, Peacock Pearls, Czech Vintage Fire Polish Crystals but you will have to take a look for yourself.

Final fun goes to Celery Street again! A big, chunky cuff style bracelet made from recycled or re-purposed materials.  Original eco handcrafts support Brazilian artisans in underdeveloped communities and initiate social economic change while adhering to fair trade standards. This is one that even the most determined toddler will not be able to pull off your wrist. I love the vibrant colours.

There are so beautiful bracelets out there. What ever your choice, chunky, delicate, natural material, eco-friendly, bright and bold or otherwise. They don’t have to be expensive but sometimes in purchasing they can help others. One of my favourites is a simple single stand of coloured wooden beads given to me by my husband for Valentine’s Day several years ago. I have worn it so much that the paint is chipped off and I lost the green version somewhere in Texas. It didn’t cost the earth, but I wouldn’t change it for the world!

Speaking of Valentine’s Day, is there anything out there you want me to help you find??? I have a few ideas but it would be great to hear yours.