My Georgia: Teya Jewelry

 Katya Zharkova is wearing:
Necklaces: Elodie (Citrin; Amethyst; Onyx; Smoky Topaz; Blue and Beige Quartz)
M Valentia
M Verada
Leora
Jaden Leora
And Giorgina Cocktail Ring

Every once in awhile I try to post My Georgia series which is intended to introduce an average person to my home country of Georgia.  These posts are just quick tidbits about traditions, culture, food and people of Georgia.  Today I'd like to introduce you to a lady whom I never met in person. But because of her kindness and generosity I consider her to be my friend (we have mutual friends and now with Facebook seems like definition of word "friend" is quickly changing for better or worse).
 
Meet Teya Beradze, the jewelry designer behind Teya Jewelry.  She is originally from Georgia now residing in New York.  Teya turns semi-precious stones, crystal, pearls and vintage jewels from around the world combined with sterling silver and 14kt gold into truly exquisite elegance.   Every piece is crafted by hand, therefore, every piece is one-of-a-kind.  More info and purchase details can be found on www.teyajewelry.com.  Here are some of my favorite ones (all photos from Teya Jewelry Facebook page).

Double Lily jaw-dropping necklace

Elody

Eleonora

Giselle

Allegria

Antonietta

Athea

DIY: Girl's Dress from a Tee + Fringe Trim

my lil Nina modeling her fringe trim dress

I made Nina this dress last year for our annual visit to the Tennessee Pow Wow (Native American Indian Festival).  I bought the beautiful horse print tee at Walmart for $10 (also, available on The Mountain Tee site for $20).  It's an Adult size 2XL.  Did little cutting and stitching by hand and then attached 4" wide white fringe trim to the bottom of the dress (which kind of resembles horse's mane in the print).  Nina is able to wear the dress for the second year now.  Could possibly work even next year.

cut, hem and stitch

Moonlit t-shirt available from The Mountain T-Shirt Store for $20

DIY: Rain Jacket Embellished with Scrapbooking Rain Drop Stickers

After several weeks of very dry weather it's finally raining here.  My old umbrella broke and while shopping for the new umbrella I somehow ended up with this clear rain jacket from Performance Bicycle. 

It's made with vinyl fabric and has mesh side panels.  The jacket is cute but a bit boring and was begging to be embellished.  I attached Cloud9 Rain Dots (5 packages) to the back and shoulders.  The dots are self-adhesive (actually they are from JoAnns scrapbooking section) but just to make sure I sealed each dot with clear nail polish.

here's my new rain jacket styled over snakeskin print shirt (the shirt is available on my Etsy)

Different Concept. Similar Output...

I had to chuckle when I saw Shelter Serra's cast resin Fake Rolex in August 2012 issue of ELLE (p.115).  My first thought was "That's an easy DIY" immediately followed by "Hey! I've DIYed similar piece before".  My petrified time watch (see the post here) actually started as a frozen time piece (see here).  I kept painting over the face of the watch until reaching this look in 2010: 

white jelly watch from Ebay painted over with acrylics

My inspiration actually was Naughty Secretary's DIY of Tom Binns Non-Watches from 2008.  The idea behind my piece being kind of the opposite of memento mori.  As if saying stop worrying and enjoy the moment.  Fluidity and elusiveness of time vs. cast stone appearance (hence, petrified time).

Here are several examples of Shelter Serra's amazing works:

Fake Rolex available for $40 at shopgreyarea.com

Homemade Birkin Bag $2500 at shopgreyarea.com

New Shirt via

One Dozen Fresh Roses via

EDITED 7/20/2012
Thanks to the tips from Stephanie of Odyssey Home blog, I'm now discovering Natalia Brilli's creations for myself.  Natalia Brilli is a Belgian artist who works in Paris.  Her signature pieces are accessories encased with the finest leathers.  Interesting!

Natalia Brilli's Nolex watches via

Mint Green and Silver Nike Shoes

Nike Air Force 1 shoes and clutch - Goodwill

green KIWI shoelaces - local Walmart

I thought these Nike shoes were kind of unusual.  They are made of several shades of mint green plus some funky silver reptile print (or perhaps mythical dragon scales?).  I replaced original white laces with these pistachio and silver KIWI shoelaces from Walmart.  Wearing with my old trusty black maxi dress. 

Tunic, Shorts and Pointed Toe Slippers

Indian (?) tunic - Goodwill under $5

rusty brown pointed toe sequined flats - Goodwill $1.99

Sorry for the lack of posting this summer.  I've been practically living in shorts and old tees taking kids to their camps, movies, birthday parties etc.   Then, a few days ago I purchased this tunic with rusty brown and dark turquoise paisley print and now I don't want to take it off.  Wearing with denim shorts from Walmart.  Believe it or not, I found the pointy oriental-looking slippers several days after I purchased the tunic.  Aren't they just made for each other?!
In 90s I used to love ethnic looks, then I kind of got tired of it all...  Until now...

subtly ethnic look from Elizabeth and James Resort 2013 via Style.com

How is your summer so far?
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