millicent

Disappearance

2012-01-19T10:20:00.000-08:00

instagram shot at the dog park

I'm sure you're all so very worried about me - it's almost like myself & all my jewels have gone up in a cloud of thick smoke..... I promise all is well & nothing is on fire. I'm just trapped in cold, cold, cold Canada without any of my jewelry supplies. All that chain, stone & sparkly bits are enjoying the milder weather New York is offering & I am here in -30c (it must be admitted it is awfully pretty though) awaiting my return. Do not fret Millicent lovers - I will be home by the end of the month and so will my Etsy shop.

Until then, pity me & my 6 layers!

xo

Up!

2011-10-06T10:25:00.000-07:00

New designs up on Etsy! I'm in love!

Here's a little clue.... "My grandmother is Buddhist, a rare thing for a Brit. from the 40's. We were really close, and as such, my childhood was spent playing in temples and eating amazing vegetarian food. I think I received my first Mala when I was 7 or 8 from a monk. It was cedar wood & smelled like a forest. Although, I would say I never outwardly practised the prayers or the "religion", for that matter, the mala has always been a symbol of my childhood & a way I remember my gran."

What, oh what could they be?

TADA!

Don't you just love matte black & silver?

Unless, of course, you're more of a gold kinda gal.... covered!

Oh, you? You like White & Gold & fooling yourself you're a Glamorous Vixen? Ah ha! Covered!

I personally, like all three... but I'm a Gemini so it only makes sense.

Go get em here! MILLICENT DESIGN

Three Things

2011-09-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

Number One: I made a huge order for Purr Kensington & mailed it yesterday. Think feather earrings FOR MILES & 12 super awesome, sexy necklaces. Here's a teaser...

Number Two: I made a pretty badass special order necklace for my friend, Lori. She loves red & yellow. I hate most colour, so this was a challenge - but I must say I'm really happy the way it turned out. She is a great photographer - so I expect she will take much better pics than this one...

Number Three: This is a real shocker, you guys... I just wrote a HUGE blog post about part 1 of my NYFW at Pieces From Audrey. I totally surprised myself. BIG STEPS.

TA DA! That's it folks. Im trying to be a better blogger. I really am.

Humming & Beading

2011-09-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

I received an order from Purr Kensington in Calgary this week. Every time I have a large order on the horizon - one of the first things I do is compile some new music & make some mixes to keep it fresh & inspiring.

With a mix like this the order should be done pretty quick, so I hope to post photo's of the newest styles in the next few days.

In the meantime - here's something for your toe tapping

Jewelry Party Left Overs!

2011-09-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

Well I made a lot for my past jewelry party I had in Edmonton. It was a great success & almost everyone that attended bought something. I could of not been happier - the wine was flowing, the convo was engaging - it was the perfect girly night! Thanks so much to my lovely friend, Franny, who gave up her home for the evening. Truly a perfect night!

2 things:

1) sad news, I didnt take any photos. I was too busy chatting, I guess. Typical.

2) DO NOT FRET, HOWEVER, great news! I did put up the remaining styles (including the one show on this post) on my ETSY so if you missed out on the party, you can now snag up some ONE OF A KIND goods. I tried to use up as much of my supplies so many of them have perhaps the only charm I had so I cannot remake them. Ohhhh have very exciting, how very unique, oh how very lucky of you!

Jewelry Party!

2011-08-22T22:08:00.000-07:00

Hey Friends & Supporters!

Jewelry Party has been scheduled for Tuesday Aug 30th from 6:30- 9:30pm in Edmonton. The lovely Fran Hughston has graciously offered her home & fantastic hosting abilities - Suite 1102, 10149 Saskatchewan Drive. Edmonton, Alberta. Buzzer # 0102. Email me with questions!

jewelry playlist

2011-07-18T12:42:00.000-07:00

I'm working on an order for my good friends, the gals at Coup {Garment Boutique} in Edmonton. I always need some good tunes when working on an order & this "mix tape" I made last month for my cousin's birthday is just hitting the right note.

P.S. Edmontonians! These pieces will be available at COUP sometime next week....

Etsy! Etsy!

2011-07-04T08:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I said I would do it and now it's done..... I'M OFFICIALLY ON ETSY!

Are you plagued by wanting all my fabulous jewels, but dont know where to find them outside of Alberta & NYC? Lucky you, now you can snag them up on the clever little e-retailer!

Clickity, Click, Click!

xoxo

p.s here's a wee example of what designs I have up....

Festival Wears

2011-06-20T14:31:00.000-07:00

I just mailed these select styles to Purr Kensington in Calgary on Friday. You can find them there hopefully by the end of the week (this Canada Post strike, is KILLING ME!) along with a huge order of feather earrings to gear up for your summer of music festivals & flowing skirts!

Cobwebbing

2011-06-20T14:12:00.000-07:00

I've been toying with the idea of cobwebs these days. Perhaps it's my new Big City surroundings, but I am inspired even more by nature and it's imperfections. My cousin, Samantha, just turned 18 and is having her Grade 12 graduation this month so I played with my ideas of the cobweb and created this little ditty for her to sport with her "grapefruit pink" strapless silk dress to grad. Sammy has always had very similar aesthetics to myself, so I hope she loves it as much as I do! I used a very dainty "s chain" (which captures light in the most beautiful way) and webbed off the sections by hand tying the smallest Swarovski crystals onto the chain. My vision was capture the way a spider's web looks sparkling with dew in the mornings - a sight I would marvel at as a child out at my cottage in the Northern Alberta.

I haven't completely decided if this is a style I would recreate, it was insanely time consuming - but then again, most jewelry is the first time around. I hope you love it, Looly, it's a special necklace for a special girl! xoxox

Musically Inclined

2011-06-03T08:55:00.000-07:00

Music is a big part of my creative process. If I need to make some serious jewels, I need some seriously fun music. If I need to make some serious new styles, I need some seriously mellow music.

Now, everyone gets bored of their own library - so this little site has become a new buddy to me. It's called 8 Tracks and it's dope! What started as me just listening to other people's mixes and finding new tunes to jewel to, has now developed into a whole new world where I too make mixes to educate the masses on my seemingly AMAZING tastes (who knew?). Anyway, go forth friends - you'll thank me!

Go ahead, you can even follow me!

Currently, this is my newest obsession;

AUSTRA!

Austra - Beat and the Pulse (Steffi Bass Break Dub) by DominoRecordCo

Insta!

2011-06-02T07:44:00.000-07:00

It's no surprise Im not the most dedicated blogger, however I am the most dedicated Instagram-er. I guess it's just an easier method of getting images out there, not to mention it's much more fun with all those great filters.

Anyway, FOLLOW ME if you want the most up to date M I L L I C E NT photos (you may be inundated with pictures of general life pictures as well ... Not that you mind, right? My life is soooo interesting, right?)

MAILED IT!

2011-06-01T10:46:00.000-07:00

I sent this huge package to Purr Scotia Centre over a week ago. It's packed full of earrings & necklaces, so providing this Canada Post Strike doesn't completely ruin it, they should be in store for all you Calgarians sometime this week! Fingers Crossed!

Old Hollywood

2011-05-03T12:49:00.000-07:00

My jewelry has been in this store since I moseyed on through my Brooklyn neighbourhood and realized I lived 2 blocks away from a truly well curated wonder of a store, called Old Hollywood. Lucky for you folks, they have a great web shop too! So, although, you may not live blocks away (or even in the same country) you can enjoy a little piece of Old Hollywood here -> Clickity Click Click Click

As of right now I am preparing another big shipment to Purr in Calgary, specifically the Scotia Centre location. Keep your eyes peeled for some new styles I have been working on. I have a little dream to start up my Etsy store soon. I've been working really hard to get my jewelry to a place where I can be really proud of it. My internship at Lee Angel has really helped me hone some much needed skills and get an idea of what's really available for me in the world of materials in this vast creative hub bub of New York City. I think my vision of what I want Millicent to be is slowly developing and I am really excited to show you all what I have been working on.

In the meantime, here's a little tease....

NETWORKING!

2011-03-07T08:33:00.000-08:00

I just realized they call it "Networking" because it's a lot of work...

urrrg.

Follow Millicent Designs here!

Twitter! http://twitter.com/#!/MillicentDesign

Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Millicent-Design/

Flickr!

2011-01-27T15:04:00.000-08:00

I finally set up a flickr account with full details of the styles I have available. The true intention is so I can just email my accounts my flickr address and have them order from a more organized selection of photos. Anyway, since this is my website for the time being, I will link my flickr account on here too for your viewing pleasures!

TA DA! LINK, LINK, LINK, LINK --> FLICKRRRRR

2011-01-24T18:33:00.000-08:00

Calling All Calgarians!

2011-01-21T09:41:00.000-08:00

So, it's been a while... I know, I know. It should be noted I have spent my days off slaving away on this order to Purr Kensington, in Calgary. Whew. I'm mailing them today. I promise better, more detail shots to follow!

Also, in other exciting news... I started my Internship at Lee Angel this week as a designer. Very exciting stuff! It's so inspiring to create jewelry and be surrounded by some many talented people (and so much supplies, Im like a kid in a candy store!). Im working 3 days a week, which still gives me 2 days to create for my own line... I'm in full jewelry swing! As if I didnt think it was possible to actually be more covered in jewels, Im sure Lee Angel will help me take it to the next level and beep the hell out of Security at the Airport... cuz, you know, I needed another reason to be harassed by US border patrols...

Line Of Life

2010-12-15T14:30:00.000-08:00

A little something I've been working on- sterling silver chain with copper fine chain woven through it. I really like the way this one turned out- albeit one of the more time consuming pieces I've made thus far... but such is beginners luck.

How do you like my new jewelry stand? She holds my ever growing collection of rings quite nicely - I guess if jewelry doesn't pan out here in New York, I can also learn how to be a palm reader too!

Necklaces For Sale

2010-12-09T10:32:00.000-08:00

I made a few new styles this week, I figured I should be putting up photos on here more frequently...

Please email me if you are interested in any of the styles you see

For Kelly

The Nomad

The Nomad (close up)

Peaces Of White

It's Been A Long Time

2010-12-07T16:09:00.000-08:00

A small selection of some new things I left at Purr 17th in Calgary before I moved. The fact I made them in moccasins probably makes them even more legit.

stolen

2010-09-28T23:03:00.000-07:00

thieved photo from Lori's Flickr account

Lori, the 10 Cent Designer's photo of the necklace I made her. Cute, Cute, double cute!

Down By The Lake

2010-09-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

Photographer: Laura Margaret
Ramsey
Stylist: Miranda Watson
Make Up Artist: Olga Onulov
Hair: Pure Form Salon
Models: Caitlin Thomas & Jenna Jackson from Mode Models

I finally got the photos from the photoshoot I styled for photographer, Laura Ramsey for the last issue of Parlour Magasine. Most of the jewelry is Millicent Designs and the clothing is well, from everywhere... ha (feel free to message me if you have questions, or go to the Parlour Website and you can see the issue online). We shot on location at Glenmore Reservoir on a boiling hot summer morning. Looking back on these photos makes me miss the days of flowing dresses and bare skin. What I would give to be floating on a cloud above a cool lake on a hot summer day... did I mention SNOW is in the near forecast for Calgary? Arrrrg.

more more more

2010-09-12T18:29:00.001-07:00

These are some necklaces I made today. The red one was a special order for Lori. She promises photos of it will be on her flickr account some time in the near future. Fun!

The other two necklaces are going to Purr 17th this week!

feajjjahs

2010-09-11T17:13:00.000-07:00

Off to Purr Kens, 17th and Scotia Centre they go!

Lil' Buddy

2010-09-06T16:48:00.000-07:00

This is my new lil' buddy that I whipped up this weekend. I received an order from a brand new store for Millicent Designs, called Rumor in Leduc Alberta. My good friend Dean owns and runs the shop and wanted to give a little love to the ladies in the way of pretty jewelry. Anyway, I thought I would channel my inner bad ass and give a good nod to the Miranda of yester-year that would proudly rock skulls and skate shoes... however, I couldnt resist modern day Miranda's hippie heart as well. I guess it was a success in my books because I ended up keeping one of the two versions I made of the necklace. Isn't it just the perfect dichotomy?

Check out more photo's from this shoot on my Pieces From Audrey blog

Snakes, Silver and Special Orders!

2010-08-25T19:56:00.000-07:00

After mailing a few pairs of feather earrings to my first American customer (thanks maria!) who found me through the blog, I seem to be getting busier these days with special orders. Im in the midst of mailing out a necklace for a new friend living on the East Coast who found me through one of my stores here in Calgary. I really hope his gf loves the necklace and all the time he has put into getting the right one made for her. Cute!

Anyway, Kolby, my ever loyal supporter, has ordered another necklace. Apparently, she wears hers now so religiously people are starting to comment she doesnt have any thing else... here's what I whipped up for her! Hope you like it Kolby!

For Lori

2010-08-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

"Smiley Millicent"

Another photo that Lori took of me the other week. Im not used to seeing photos of me full out smiling these days, so it's taken me awhile to fully get into the picture.

I've been taking a lot of photos for my fashion blog, Pieces From Audrey, whereby I avoid teeth smiles. (Recently I have discovered that I need a retainer. Like, bad. - Who is 27 and has teeth that are still moving? This is not fair! I will not get braces AGAIN). Anyway, this one is for you, Lori. Thanks for being such a great photographer!

Millicent At Folk Fest

2010-08-12T15:10:00.000-07:00

I love seeing my earrings on Folkers.

Good ol' Kolby and Carly were representing well this past weekend at the Edmonton Folk Fest.

big love

In front of the lens

2010-08-06T10:14:00.001-07:00

Exciting things are happening in my world.
These are some photos, Lori, from The 10 Cent Designer took of me yesterday at work. We have some really fun things planned - Im super excited! (make sure to check out her Flickr account - it's so inspiring)

dangles

2010-08-03T12:14:00.000-07:00

A necklace I made a while ago for a Parlour Magasine photoshoot I did with Laura. A little birdy told me the newest Parlour is out now in Edmonton and this necklace is featured in the spread I styled. Hopefully it will make it to Calgary soon, so I can see a hard copy of all our hard work!

A Lil' Somethin'

2010-07-27T12:50:00.000-07:00

I thought it was due time that I make myself something new and exciting. I have had these weird snake charms for a while now and havent done much with them. I had a brain wave the other day in the shower that I wanted a gold & copper necklace for my Folk Fest wardrobe this past weekend. While I waited for the concert to start, I quickly whipped this number up before running out the door.... I quite like how these crazy lil' charms all turned out!

Calling all jewelry horses

2010-07-08T21:47:00.001-07:00

If you're anything like me, you have a million necklaces in a heap in your bathroom or the top of a chest of drawers. You have earrings hanging off of cup lids, nails, basically any surface that can handle them. Sure, I have seen the jewelry trees but I long for something more unique.... and then I find this little gem of an idea on the This Is Glamorous blog the other day and my head practically exploded. Now, why didn't I think of that? Off to Value Village I go for some old discarded frames!

Wedding Head Chain

2010-07-05T11:50:00.000-07:00

I made this for my friend Danielle for her sister's wedding. Danielle was a bridesmaid and wanted a little glam for her hair. I brought it over to her house and discovered this giant box of makeup with about 300 eyeshadows and lipsticks in a big black case. Needless to say I started getting a little "Mimi" from The Drew Carey Show so I had to bleed all the colours out of these photos so as to not frighten anyone. I didn't manage to get a good photo of the actual head chain, but you get the idea. I'm mostly doing special orders for these daisy chains at the moment, so please email me if you're interested!

2010-07-05T11:44:00.000-07:00

Pictures from Market Collective

2010-06-29T11:12:00.000-07:00

I got an email the other day from the wonderful gals over at the Boyhood Uniformity blog. They managed to snap a few photo's at the Market Collective of some of the artists at the show. Much to my surprise, Millicent made the cut! Here are Danielle and I manning my table and a great shot of the sun showcasing some of the feather earrings. I kept telling people I wanted to be a cat and curl up in the sun patch myself.... some people laughed, other people looked at me like I escaped from the asylum. Oh well, if they bought some goodies, then they can call me whatever they like!
Thanks so much to Jane & Emily for remembering a camera and taking some photo's! Go to their blog to check out other shots from the show!

Jewelry Party!

2010-06-27T20:33:00.000-07:00

I remembered to bring my camera, but I only remembered to take photo's in the final hour... as you can see Trina is tired and Russell desperately wants us to leave.

Highlights include, but are not limited to; me managing to eat half a wheel of brie cheese (obviously making it a great night), Kolby & Carly singlehandedly accounting for over 50% of my nights earnings, and constantly mistaking the feathers falling from the giant dream catcher as earrings on the floor.

Thanks so much for coming!

( & many thanks to Frannie for hosting!)

Images of jewelry that will be at the sale...

2010-06-23T08:45:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE for a little eye candy of what I will be bringing.... plus way more!

EDMONTON JEWELRY SALE

2010-06-22T15:21:00.000-07:00

My wonderful friend, Fran, has offered to give up her beautiful home to a slew of my crazy friends and Millicent supporters for a jewelry party! So mark your calendars for this Thursday June 24. Drop in any time between 7-10pm for wine, cheese & jewelry- it's every girls dream!

Address
#1102, 10149 Saskatchewan Drive, Buzzer 0102 (shares the building with New Asian Village)

I hope to post photo's of some of the designs I will be bringing with me, so check back tomorrow!

Thanks so much to Fran, for hosting the gathering!

Post Apocalypse

2010-06-21T11:48:00.000-07:00

Some pieces I ended up saving for myself. Quartz crystal pyramid (which I have not removed in days - a new summer staple) & my beloved feather earrings - the only pink I can handle wearing.

After 10 hours of sleep, I'm finally feeling energized. This past weekend was my first venture into the Art & Craft market community here in Calgary. Market Collective was held in the northwest neighborhood of Kensignton and was greatly received by the locals of Calgary. I manned my booth with my friend Danielle on Saturday and my mum on Sunday (who came all the way from Edmonton to help out - thanks mumsy!) Sadly, I was camera-less therefore not capturing any photos of my displays (which, I must say looked pretty darn good!) or the general ambiance of the show for all my non-Calgary friends to see. Let's just say it was super super fun! Bands played all day while crafters and artists chatted with people of all age groups coming through the space.
I'm happy to say Millicent Jewellery did a good job flying out the doors and into the Calgary abyss with their happy new owners. All the left over jewellry I have is coming with me to Edmonton for a little impromptu sale I will be having for all my Edmo peeps. Im hoping to have this organized for next weekend - perhaps Friday evening, I'll keep you all in the loop! In the mean time, as I have previously promised, Im going to take some photo's of what I have left over and post it on the blog and you can feel free to email me for first dibs on certain pieces.

big love

Time Time Time

2010-06-16T13:27:00.001-07:00

With a new job comes more time wasted on a computer. Due to this fact I have been posting a lot more on my other, other, blog Pieces From Audrey. It's mostly about the fashion world and my daily wanderings through vintage stores, my closet and other inspiring blogs out there.

Check it out!

A Fine Feather Frenzy

2010-06-13T18:39:00.000-07:00

..... and the sweatshop is finally open for business.....

A busy week awaits.

More photo's to come as I get through making more inventory for Market Collective.

Panic Ensues

2010-06-10T14:32:00.000-07:00

June 19 & 20
Admission $2 or a Food Bank Donation
148-10 St NW Calgary

So Im doing Calgary's Market Collective next weekend. I am trying to get together enough inventory for the show, which is not an easy feat as I now have a real job that eats up most of my day time hours. Regardless, I have been told that this Market Collective is a busy one and to expect to see a lot people come through the space. Yikes! I better get to work and get off this computer.

Big love. See you all there!

head bands to beat all head bands

2010-05-19T21:52:00.000-07:00

A little excitement for your hair! Millicent Daisy Chains!! <-- Click here!

Bohemian Summers

2010-05-17T09:29:00.000-07:00

Some Foot Chains I made for the Parlour Magasine photo shoot I styled this weekend. Im really, painfully excited to see the photos. The shoot was so much fun, a bunch of girls laughing and laying around on a dock at the Glenmore reservoir, it was the perfect Saturday! (minus the 5 am wake up - im still exhausted)

Please excuse the photos, my camera is broken so this will have to do.

Silver Special Order

2010-05-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

custom earrings for bridgette, love the silver!

Edmo

2010-04-29T22:57:00.001-07:00

Newbies for Northern Alberta!

Can we say Tiger's eye, Lapis and Turquoise? Im totally channeling my grandmothers hippie ways. I dont know why but there is something decidedly 70's about that combination of stones. Either way, I loves 'em!

p.s I'm really stoked on the first image - I should explain. Last summer my little cousins and I would lay around out at the lake and make friendship bracelets on a giant blanket on the beach. Well, I frankly felt a little silly wearing mine around all the time, but it's summer and for some reason it kinda worked. This year I decided I would let the friendship bracelet grow up a little and feel no shame wearing it! The end result is the chain combo, which I have embellished further with another one similar because we all know friendship bracelets always looked way cooler after two weeks at camp and an arm full of new bands and colours. Also, the best part of this new version is you don't have to wait for the strands to fray to take these guys off.

because I dont spend enough time in front of the computer

2010-04-24T13:29:00.000-07:00

I started another blog - this one is more to do with clothes and other such passions that lay not so dormant in my mind.

Click here! --- >
Pieces From Audrey

meander your way here....

2010-04-23T18:56:00.000-07:00

http://millicentdesigns.tumblr.com/

because i'm too lazy to post twice today, and i have to admit I like Tumblr for the photo slide show thingy - it's so much easier.

On other news.... it's getting GREEN here in Calgary. I noticed it today when walking the dog to Purr on 17th ave (to drop off a slew of earrings and a few necklaces) and let me tell you I am happy! After spending a week in Vancouver I was feeling depressed to come home to brown grass and no flowers, you people in Van city are so lucky! My mood has since been lifted as it has been a balmy 21-25 degree weather here in Alberta! I have slept with my windows open and the fan on all week, awesome! Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, finally buds are appearing on the trees and the grass in slowly going from dead and brown to soft and green. I loves it!

p.s: Can I get a hallelujah for no socks again until Oct? Hallelujah!

Dreaming In Turquoise

2010-04-08T11:33:00.000-07:00

New Parlour Out Today, Featuring Millicent Jewelry!

2010-04-02T18:27:00.000-07:00

So remember when I was telling you all about the Parlour Photo shoot I styled back in February - it was excellent fun, and a lot of work? You know, the one I managed to sneak some Millicent Jewelry into the shoot? WELL GUESS WHAT?... after much anticipation the magasine just hit coffee shops and boutiques here in Calgary today! (It has been in Edmonton for a few days already, those lucky kids)

Well now I am just about to leave to a coffee shop with Laura Ramsey, the wonderful photographer responsible for all the beautiful, mystical images, to drool over a printed, TANGIBLE copy of all our hard work. Exciting? Yes!

Now, for all you non-albertan living pals that actually read this thing...( you know who you are, and by the way, I LOVE AND MISS YOU) do not FRET, Laura has kindly emailed me some digital images for me to put up on this here blog.

So there you have it kids. Now, this weekend Laura and I are taking on the movie world! Laura is filming a short movie and I am styling it! Whoop Whoop! Things are looking up!

To Purr Kensington & Beyond!

2010-03-31T15:07:00.000-07:00

Some Necklaces I am sending off to Purr Kens tomorrow, along with many pairs of earrings. Thank God for re-runs of Felicity and the new Local Natives Album to keep me amused while I spend all week "creating" in my dark apartment dreaming of sunshine and dog parks. Please Believe.

Sweet Mother of Pearl. Im in Deep!

2010-03-30T12:10:00.000-07:00

Ok. So I found these wicked Quartz pieces this weekend. I dont know what's going on with me, but I was swooning like a teenage girl with her first crush in jr high. I, sadly, missed this in real life as I went to an all girls school but I hear these are intense feelings, bordering on obsession, so it seems like a fitting comparison.

Anyway, I threw one on a silver chain, closed it up with a crazy silver disco ball looking bead when I got home and have been wearing it ever since. I kinda wanted the pure simplicity of the quartz, but that may just be me. I am fighting with the idea of putting it on a necklace with some other magical looking charms. Will they take away from the wonder, or add to it? Tough Call. If other people feel these obsessive teen crush feelings on them I will buy more.... what ya'll think?

Parlour Magasine Launch

2010-03-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to a swanky fashion party for the launch of Calgary Parlour Magasine. Parlour is an independent fashion magasine coming from Edmonton, which has recently been increasing it's presence in Southern Alberta. I have had the pleasure of working with them for a few issues now, namely as a stylist. The most recent issue turned into almost a full time job of outfit planning, and story brainstorming of the "characters" with the (amazing!) photographer, Laura Ramsey. We had a ton of fun, and it was really great having a creative frenzy with Laura via texts and inspiration emails... some of my favs were the picture texts of the "rainbow tears" that Laura rigged up via watery multi coloured sparkle tears. Epic. I even managed to make some pretty out there pieces for the photo shoot, a "daisy chain" made of many different braided chains with feathers and such hanging off the ends, also some wild shoulder length chain tassels with turquoise and feathers and of course a super long version of the braided beaded native piece that I have come to love and wear on a daily basis.
CHECK OUT PHOTOGRAPHER, LAURA RAMSEY'S WEBSITE, http://www.lauramargaretramsey.com for more amazingness.

nostalgia

2010-03-20T17:03:00.000-07:00

I just had the pleasure of working at my old stomping grounds, Nokomis, this past few weeks. Jessica was on a buying trip and I was trying avoid getting back to my life in Calgary so naturally I took up her offer to take care of the shop for two weeks. The familiarity of being on Whyte Ave was really lovely; walking down the ave stopping at the corner Starbucks for my Grande Latte and a warmed cheese croissant really made my mornings feel complete. Having a peek in to Eden Lily to look at the beautiful flowers and smell all the great smells on my lunch break made me really miss Edmonton. Then at the end of the evening, being able to look forward to heading to the Empress for a half pint of Guinness made me love my week! I mean, how could you not love that schedule!?

When I was in the shop alone for my entire 11-7 shifts, I would sometimes spend some time arranging and then re-arranging my jewelry in the display cases. Needless to say I took a few photos (with my crappy, pixelated camera) of the Millicent stock that remains there. Often I felt a little embarrassed when people would look at my pieces but I always appreciated it when they actually bought it. Yay!

On my last day in Edmonton, I managed to spend a good chunk of time in my favourite bead shop to stock up on some fun new materials to get the creative juices flowing... get excited people, because I sure am! This next week will hopefully yield many great, beautiful new designs. Let me say this, I am really feeling turquoise right now. Blame it on my month in Phoenix, but I am feeling the whole Navajo summers in light denims, florals and lots of saddle brown leather. I plan on being clad in chain, feathers and turquoise every day of my life.... today is the first day of Spring, so a girl can dream, right?

Vacay!

2010-03-02T18:31:00.000-08:00

Arizona style earring display!

Even while I have been soaking up the rays in ol' Phoenix I have managed (with great pressure from my grandfather to "get on with it") to make a few pieces of jewelry to bring home with me. However impressive it may look that I have been able to do a little work while I have been on vacation, do not be overly floored - I have been here for 3 weeks now and have only 2 necklaces and 1 pair of earrings to show for it.

Also, I should say I wore the earrings to this crazy German Restaurant that turns into a wild all night indie dance bar on the weekends. We stumbled out of the bar after much hardcore dancing at 4 am and the earrings really paid for it. Considering I was borderline head banging in 4" heels and I must say I am impressed they did fair so well.

Nokomis Bound

2010-02-15T19:35:00.000-08:00

Hey pals,

It's been a long while since I've posted anything on this thing. I assure you I have been terribly busy and now find myself relaxing in the desert for a few weeks. I can't even imagine going back to the Alberta snow and desolate cold. The idea of wearing socks and proper pants makes me nauseous.

Before I left for Phoenix I managed to create some really great pieces. Have you ever had one of those moments where you feel like you are really hitting your stride? I was working on some necklaces and had this feeling it just wasnt right so I took them all apart and re-started the whole sha-bang and made a few things I really, really loved. I was amped! I hoped around my living-room feeling really pleased with myself. I must say it's hard finding your personal style when you are creating things. I can make things I think other people will like, but the real clincher is when you make something you are really jazzed on, and it's almost painful to give them up. However, here's my heart strings that I sent off to Nokomis. My mama bear, Jessica is the best friend a lady could have, she convinced me to go full force ahead and has taken all my jewels. Go to Nokomis in Edmonton to snag them up!

xo m

Obsidian Arrow Heads & Raw Quartz Crystals!

2010-02-01T12:24:00.000-08:00

Im so jazzed on these new finds. I love how organic and magical they look. I made a necklace with the obsidian arrow head that is both shiny and dangerous, those arrowheads are sharp! When I was in University doing anthropology I always felt border line intoxicated by Obsidian. God, that sounds weird now... but truly it's such a cool material. My first year anthro class we had this Santa Clause look a like man - short, chubby with a giant white beard and a huge shiny bald spot. He was an archeologist, a rock lover and would of had the power to make me never take another Anthropology class had he not brought in some obsidian for us to fashion our own arrowheads. I became hooked. I'm not sure if it was a flashback to my younger years collecting river rocks and shiny black coal pieces from out at my cabin and painting them with clear nailpolish to keep the shine. No matter what the reason is, I love me some obsidian and crystals! Now, to figure out how to keep them just as beautiful on a necklace!

translation of time

2010-02-01T12:06:00.000-08:00

After much persuading, I am sending some of these (plus many more!) new designs to my favourite lady, Jessica, at Nokomis. I was incredibly nervous to send off some new things I was working on. Im not sure if it was fear of the unknowing or the general anxiety associated with designing something and wondering if people will actually like it or if I actually have weird taste that's a little too "crazy neo hippie" for the general public. Oh well, here goes nothing! Here's to hoping people like them!

My youngest fan

2010-01-29T13:24:00.001-08:00

My friend, Fran, asked me to make a mini pair of clip on feather earrings for her 3 yr old niece, Molly. Isn't she just the cutest?! Total fashionista in the making. Loves it!

fanciful feathers

2010-01-20T13:27:00.000-08:00

I swear Im not obsessed

2010-01-19T19:34:00.000-08:00

"I love watching old rock and roll movies--I don't have a TV, so it helps if it comes on DVD, or I can find it online. I feel like most new TV is horrible and pointless, and just turns your mind into some sort of jelly mush, actually I think that's true of most anything you are suppose to do as a "normal person" who has to squish down to fit the mainstream guidelines so you don't feel like a freak. I don't give a shit about celebrities, or what they wore to their premieres or award shows (because they get that stuff for free to make the huddled masses desire it), I don't like being told what to wear, or how to look, I don't give a fuck about the standards of beauty or aging for women because they're just there to make us feel less than human, and take our power away, and our focus off of what is really important and make us fear everything from birthdays to anti-aging remedies--and it is complete bullshit, and you all know it. I don't buy magazines for the most part, most are in place to make everyone feel bad about themselves anyway--and everything is airbrushed and completely fake anyway, you'll never see the real people, so why bother? Any time I've been in a magazine, you better believe it was airbrushed--nobody looks like that in person; we all have pores, zits, wrinkles, bags under our eyes in the morning, flab, and it's fantastic. I'd much rather read a blog, or anything that is D.I.Y. because at least it is closer to being real. Their ridiculous standards will never effect me because I don't gear down to my lowest common denominator to play that game, I don't need to not eat when I'm hungry because I'm scared about gaining weight, I don't count calories, drink or eat all those poisonous low-calorie foods, and I've never owned a scale. I'm in shape because I don't do any of those things, nor do I obsess about it, because I know whatever my mind thinks, my life will become--and the same goes for your body. When you aren't trying to gain or loose weight all the time, your body will find it's perfect balance for it's frame. I don't care what society thinks I should be doing, or how I should live, or what a person should be doing at age 18, 21, 25, 30, 40, 50...there is no clock in my life, or my mind, and you really are as old as you feel. Nothing anybody says will make me lesser or greater. I'm on my own journey here. I don't need the nightly news to tell me what is important, Dr. Phil's opinion, or anyone else's for that matter. Actually, if I hear the masses telling me I should be doing something, it's a sure sign to run in the other direction." Krystal Simpson of www.whatisrealityanyway.com

Finally somebody within the fashion industry says something intelligent, I was starting to lose faith.

A Pair Of Pretties

2010-01-18T20:51:00.000-08:00

I'm really jazzed on these new feather numbers I just whipped up. They are the perfect combination of my favourite things; chains, feathers and tassels!

oh how i wish to be as cool as you, Krystal Simpson

2010-01-17T14:54:00.001-08:00

Todays wanderings

2010-01-15T15:39:00.000-08:00

I finally received my silver tassels from Turkey! Hurrah! I can now pass on the wonder that is my favourite, simple everyday necklace - the ornate silver tassel on a silver chain. Ahhh, how I adore thee necklace. I have limited amounts, but am super excited to pass my best kept secret on.

Also, I made this fun little number today. I am tempted to keep it for myself.... oh I just knew this would happen!

GAHHHH!

2010-01-14T15:54:00.001-08:00

Holy Crap! I keep stumbling across these awe inspiring photo's... I want a head dress. I think I would just wear it around the house in some lacy underwear and bare feet -it just seems like the perfect outfit to me. I wish I was talented enough to make one for myself with my huge supply of feathers, but I think these things are better left to the real native craftsmen and women out there.

Maybe one day I will own one and scare the crap out of my boyfriend and dog while I saunter around the house in it.

THE GOLDEN SNAKES

2010-01-13T20:32:00.000-08:00

Today I write this post as my neighbours are throwing things at each other. I started feeling uncomfortable, so I turned up the volume on the Rural Alberta Advantage and thought I would mind my own and write a blog entry -oh how I miss living in a house...

Anyway, on happier news I have been really busy the past few weeks being home. For one, I needed to rearrange my entire living room to make room for my gentleman friends new "girlfriend" - the 40" monstrous Samsung television. I got home from Edmonton to find the thing perched on my antique radio looming in the corner. It was a little too "hello, and welcome to my television" when you walked in the door - so I requested some help from my friend Marlis, and we moved furniture around for an entire day trying to make the giant a little less like the elephant in the room.
Other than furniture moving, I have also been busy coming up with new jewelry ideas for Millicent 2010, which sounds ridiculously official. For some reason the feat seemed far too large to do quickly, I have really been honing my ideas and trying to find a theme I wanted to go on. I feel like there needs to be some congruency through the whole "line" so I have had to do a lot of "editing". So far this is what I have come up with.....

I like chains
I like tassels
I like snakes
I like vintage anything
I like GOLD.

and so we have these little ditties....

back from the abyss

2010-01-04T13:39:00.000-08:00

Im finally home from my 3 week stint in Edmonton. Christmas may be my favourite time of year because I get to see all my friends who have since moved away.
Even amongst all the madness of being a social butterfly and hanging out at my favourite store and past employer, Nokomis, I managed to find a little time to make a few pairs of earrings for all my christmas orders. I cannot tell a lie, I may have employed the small hands of my two cousins, Madeline and Samantha to help me out on the endeavour - we will call it quality family hang out time... love you two!

In other news I am finally working on some necklace designs. I made these little ditties for christmas presents for my family. Im hoping to make more and sell them in stores. New Years Resolution!

New Styles for Purr

2009-12-15T09:31:00.000-08:00

I made these last week before I left for Edmonton. I had just dropped off 16 pairs to the Purr in Kens so I was very surprised to hear they already needed more! These styles are all found at either of the Purrs in Calgary.

inspiration

2009-12-14T22:13:00.001-08:00

I think I would like to look at this in my bedroom....

Im in Edmonton now for the holidays, feel free to email me for special orders!

Parlour Photo spread

2009-12-09T16:14:00.001-08:00

Shelly sent me the photo from the Parlour Shoot! Check it out!

Photo by Clayton Didier

earrings: Millicent
tassel necklace: Millicent
seal necklaces: Pyrrha, from Nokomis

And the snow days begin....

2009-12-09T11:21:00.000-08:00

It snowed here... a lot. Calgary is covered in a thick blanket of the cold white stuff. All my boots are wet and my feet are always cold. However, the snow blanket seems to be the only way the city goes quiet and I like that. Calgary is full of loud mouths and wannabe cowboys and only a thick snow covering can shut them up.

Snow days mean I have no choice but to slave away with feathers, so here's a few newbies I have whipped up.

Also, the new Parlour Magazine has hit coffee shops and boutiques here in Calgary and there in dear old Edmonton and WHAT DO YOU KNOW- Millicent earrings are featured in the main fashion spread. I got to tag along with Shelly and help find all the good stores here in Calgary for some clothing for the shoot. It was great fun, and even better when I got to wake up "early" and drive to the outskirts of Calgary for the amazing photo shoot of the prairie landscape (although my excitement and joy was tested when I got pulled over for speeding on the highway)

We used a pair of super duper long grey earrings I had made earlier in the summer that just screamed DRAMA. Sadly, the earrings got blown behind the models ear and look much less long and spectacular but, what can you do?

here's the link to the online version of the magazine. Look for the photo Clayton did in the fairytale perfect birch trees.

http://parlourlife.com/issu3.html

(that silver tassel is off my neck, and is something I am excitedly working towards for the January Millicent collection - EXPANDING TO NECKLACES and BRACELETS! Yip! Yip!)

here's my photo of what said earring actually look like;

This Friday I get to go to Edmonton for the holiday season, I will be working at my dear old Nokomis on Sunday up until xmas - come by a visit!

More, More, More!

2009-12-04T09:56:00.001-08:00

Here's some more pictures of what I have made in the past couple weeks. I am now out of the "polka dot" woodpecker feathers from a few post's back, sorry folks - however, the polka dot owl feathers featured in this post I still do have. Ta Da! So Resourceful!

Funny story, actually ... my friend Trina's mum has a farm and a poor woodpecker landed on an electrical fence and those feathers were the remainders of Mr. Woody. A little depressing, yes, but he has now come full circle and is looking great on your ears. I have a lot of great feathers from T's farm; a Blue Jay that had a bad run in with something which are featured on a few earrings and of course many chicken and rooster feathers. Isn't that just the thing about being from Alberta, everything has something to do with farming or the landscape. Beauty.

Puppies and Birds

2009-12-02T21:14:00.001-08:00

Today I played puppy mum as I watched over our friends Marlis & Arian's new dog, Huck. He is a wee 2 month old Lab retriever Australian Shepherd cross with a hell of a lot more energy than my dog did. Stella is now almost 2 years and seemed to be giving me these pleading looks after Huck repeatedly tried to hump her and ripe chunks of her fur out - he is cute though, and we both know it. The kids wrestled most of the day away and I managed to fill some christmas orders for my very supportive friends (thank you, by the way - it's really great to know Im making something people actually like.)

The good thing about puppy rearing is how much easier it is when there are two of them. I just let them go crazy all day and actually got some work done. Huck peed inside about 4 times and pooped once, which is frankly disrespectful. I cleaned more pee than I care to do at 10 am but despite that I think it was a very productive day all things considering.

To Purr I say!

2009-12-01T14:23:00.000-08:00

A couple of days ago I set up the ultimate sweatshop to bust out as many pairs of earrings I could muster for both the Purr stores here in Calgary. Christmas is a busy time, and I guess feather earrings make some rather cheap and fun pressies. Sweet for me! I am working on a goal to see some random girl walking, looking rad, wearing a pair of my earrings. So far, I have seen none... however, I do hibernate in my apartment all day and only go out to walk my dog, Stella at the park so I guess Im not helping my cause any.

A sample of what the purrs got... now go buy a pair and wear them to the Sandy Beach offleash park please.

Blogging Makes Me Self Conscious

2009-11-27T12:54:00.000-08:00

I realized the other day that I had no other choice than the start a blog - by "day" I obviously mean month. I realized maybe 6 months ago I needed to start a blog but have been avoiding it like a plague. The idea of blogging my thoughts and adventures makes me feel uncomfortable to say the least. Anyway, here I am months later starting the damn thing and I still don't feel good about it.

Onward and Upward!

Here's a sampling of earrings at Naked, a little store on 17th Ave and 14th St SW Calgary. They have about 15 pairs that I brought over last week, so the selection is much wider than this.