Garden Party Part 2 - Baby Shower Inspiration

Recently I shared with you part of my design for a garden themed baby shower. Today I want to share the indoor portion of the party which included a garden themed buffet. Sticking to a coordinated color scheme of teal and pink really helped tie everything together.  Enjoy the inspiration!

Must Have Bohemian Jewelry for Summer

The new spring/summer collection from Valerie Tyler was created while dreaming of travels to exotic locales and a significant amount of wanderlust.  Culture, symbolism, and history were all drawn on to create a collection ideal for bohemians, artists, dreamers, creatives or anyone wanting to unleash their free spirit side.

Pieces are all handmade from brass, tha\en distressed and patinaed for a rustic, yet still modern look. Earring price in the new collection range from an affordable $20-48, necklaces $42-$100 and rings at $20-$45

Shop and learn more:

The Chevron Statement Necklace

Chevron Solstice Ring

Islander Haven Pendulum Earrings

Wayfarer Earrings

Dotted Ridge Teardrop Necklace

The Double Chevron Ring

Geometric Peak Pendulum Earrings

Dotted Ridge Teardrop Earrings

Sharing Positive Affirmations and Mantras - FREE PRINTABLE

While sometimes I've made jewelry simply because certain shapes and forms just beckoned to be made into something tangible, I also create pieces to inspire people.  I actually created my affirmation bracelet series to literally provide affirmations and mantras that can be worn as daily reminders of inspiration.  Today I'm also sharing a FREE printable poster that you can hang on your wall, stick in your planner, or give away to someone to encourage them (for personal use only not for resale) that incorporates many of the affirmations you can find on my bracelet series.

The poster is a bit of a round up of a few of my favorite mantras including:

Joy, which can be elusive at times but really brings meaning to life!

Joy Cuff Bracelet, Valerie Tyler Designs

Magic, believing in which keeps life from being boring or ordinary

Magic Bracelet, Valerie Tyler Design

Probably one of the most important of all is love.  It strengthens individuals and strengthens others. 

Love Cuff Bracelet, Valerie Tyler Designs

To send or print your free poster you can right click the photo below and save file as an image.  It's sized to be an 8X10 but you can always print it out whatever size you like. 

This poster is FREE from Valerie Tyler Designs, though I ask you please do not mass produce, distribute or resell it for personal gain. It's for personal use or to give as a gift only. 

Garden Baby Shower

As an artist the love of design tends to find it's way into other aspects of your life as well.  I shared my party planning and event design for a garden themed baby shower on another blog I used to manage (which I've since shut down to focus solely on my main business) Due to it's popularity and the demand for it, I'm re-sharing it here though.

One of the essential parts I find in planning any party is to first determine a color scheme.  Sticking to a few colors really helps coordinate and entire party and keeps you focused when shopping for decor and more.  This baby girl party was centered around pink, but also had a refreshing teal color for contrast. Today I'm going to share how the outside areas were dressed up.  Though it was a garden party, we continued the theme indoors too and I'll be sharing those pictures soon.

The wreath was actually a garage sale find for $1 or $2 dressed up with pretty ribbons.  The mailbox was adorned with layers and layers of tissue paper, which actually got a touch of pink from extra trash bags from the party (yep, crafty!)  A package of balloons and a helium tank can be used to add pretty eye catching accents throughout the party. Printable "wishes for baby" and "advice to mom" cards were part of the festivities to involve the guests to share their wisdom and wishes. 

Keeping all the door prizes and game gifts to a similar color scheme make for a pretty gift basket!

Tables were covered in pink and teal.  Flower garlands (bought with a 40% off coupon) were used inside and out to add accent. 

A little closeup of the flower garland wrapped around the umbrella.  A simple way to dress up a table!

I visited a local discount store's seasonal garden sale to pick up various plants.  A bonus is that they can continue to be enjoyed even after the event.

Easy Breezy Summer Style

Exotic, slightly tribal inspired patterns, bohemian jewelry, cork accessories, and a wide floppy brim hat all combine for a refreshing summer look.  

Easy Breezy Summer Style by valerie-tyler featuring a floppy hat

Cooper Ella boho top, $140 / Tribal skirt / Charlotte Russe cork wedge heel sandals / Calvin Klein pouch purse / Boho style jewelry / Charm jewelry / Floppy hat, $22 / Valerie Tyler Rocks Cuff Bracelet

Mother's Day Gifts Shopping Guide

Mother's Day is fast approaching but there's still time to order for timely delivery ahead of the big date. These are a few recommended items from Valerie Tyler Designs (both the signature line and the  personalized collection) that would make great gifts.

The Love Cuff Bracelet is a sweet, simple way to show how you feel about Mom.  Each one is individually handstamped and comes gift boxed.

For the mom you love to the moon and back, consider the Crescent Moon and Stars Necklace.  It's elegant and eye-catching. 

The double initial heart ring is always an incredibly popular choice, and one of the best sellers.  It can be personalized with any two hand stamped initials you'd like.  Great for kids initials! 

Too many siblings? Or perhaps you'd like a ring without initials?  The new relic style rings are perfect for spring and summer trends, but have a timeless quality.  They're made of rustic, distressed brass.  Each on individually handmade.  The double chevron ring is just one of the many relic style rings available. All are adjustable so there is no need to worry about that perfect fit. 

If you'd really like to splurge on Mom consider a one of a kind statement necklace like the riveted circles necklace in mixed metals.  The combination of sterling and oxidized silver plus golden brass rivets lends this necklace versatility, while the style is super modern and unique. It's a piece that's sure to attract attention.

A Few of my Favorite Jewelers Tools

Jewelers all have their own specialized tools and favorite pieces of equipment ranging from anything to a torch with changeable tips to a bead weaving loom.  My favorite tools tend to be metalforming, shaping and finishing tools like stamps, mandrels, a swage block, and lots of trusty hammers!