Mela Kamin – 4:10 Ministries

Playing dress-up isn’t just for little girls. If you’re like me, you love necklaces and fun rings & bracelets. You might use them to elevate a basic jeans and cotton shirt outfit. But, how do you corral all those accessories, whether pricey or costume? I have items that belonged to my Grandmothers and things my kids and husband have given me over the years, items I’ve bought at jewelry parties and found in vintage shops . . . and of course, lots of affordable pieces from Kohl’s. I’m always on the lookout for clever ideas to organize that not only do the job, but look good while doing it. Here’s a great example.

Why am I talking about necklace storage? Well, first because I love this idea and being the crafty gal I am, I was thrilled to complete this project quickly and very inexpensively. The hanger helps so I can see my bounty of necklaces and keep them from getting tangled, jumbled and lost in a drawer. I saw something similar in a high-end salon and there was no way was I going to pay $60+ for it. I found a frame, wrapped some fabric around foam board cut to fit the inside, had my hubs attach some pretty drawer knobs from Target and voila! This doesn’t hold all my necklaces, but it helps. I also have a vintage robe hook that works well for some of my others. I think I’ll probably make another holder – maybe a bigger frame next time.

But, the main reason I’m thinking about that hanger is that, I received some awesome Madre Designs jewelry today from designer, Barbara Collins! She graciously sent me some pieces to wear and I can tell you they are all gorgeous and so well done. I instantly fell in love with this moonstone necklace with bird clasp (delicate and lovely). It reminds me of the song “His Eye is on the Sparrow,” which I blogged about here.

My favorite necklace is this beautiful, multi-strand I’m wearing above – very me – blues & greens with a lot of different stones, pearls and personality. See the bracelet in the picture? That’s from her collection too – a vintage brooch tops it off. Then, there’s this super cool hot pink fabric/lava stone necklace – I’ve honestly never seen anything like it – part haute couture, part Hawaiian-lei inspired – I can see it being a statement piece with a chic outfit – very stage-worthy and fun.

If you’d like to see more of Barbara’s designs, visit her collection at bcollinscollection.com.

She will be adding items to her Etsy shop in the future under MadreDesigns. Barbara is a multi-talented woman. She designs & creates jewelry, writes, sings, paints and has a house full of girls – six daughters! We “met” online and connected over our love of music, jewelry and faith. Barbara says, “I give Him all the glory as I look forward to sharing with you a little slice of what He shares with me every day.” You can visit her blog, connect on Twitter or see her on Monday Mornings at 8:30 am CST and 9:30 am EST, on MomTv.com. Barbara has asked me to be on the show and I look forward to that opportunity in the coming months.

Now, if you need me, I’ll be trying on my necklaces . . . again.