Pearl Ribbon Bib Necklace

Pearl Ribbon Necklace for Designer of Michele's Closet

Oh, was this a challenge! I am so happy and surprised at myself for actually going through and finishing this. Michele sent me a photo of an idea of what kind of necklace she would like me to design for her Grand Opening of her accessory line and when I first saw it- I thought no way! As you can see on the above photo is me starting out and using the photo as a guide. I have never done any sewing when it came to jewelry and had no idea where or how to start it, but the more I looked at the photo- the more I told myself that if I try and make this, and actually make it somewhat close to the design- then that would definitely be my biggest accomplish as a jewelry designer and a chance to battle my first challenging necklace!

This definitely is not a step-by-step of how I did everything, but just giving you a general idea. Again, I have never attempted making a jewelry piece this detailed so I'm sure there may have been easier ways of doing things. I thought that it may be easier to start off with the chains. Towards the end I kind of thought it was the wrong decision because it was hard and heavy to handle as I started to sew in the pearls, but I worked it out. As far as the material, I used a satin-like piece and ironed it on material to make it sturdier so it would hang easier around the neck and be easier for me to sew with.

After I placed the silver chains where I wanted them , I started sewing a range of pearls from 6mm-9mm all around evenly throughout the necklace. Don't mind the frilling going on the side or evenness of the fabric because it can all get fixed at the end. I was getting kind of iffy here, but I told myself to go through it! Don't mind the soft lighting in the photo- the chain is all silver. I have to add that ALL of the beading and chains used are all products of Cousin Corporation. 

• 8mm round dk grey pearl #3244405
• 6mm round dk grey pearl #3244305
• grad pearl matte smoke black #34700067
• medium flat chain silver #34701087

I even added silver sequince to the larger pearls just like in the photo. I decided to mix dark grey and smoke black pearls instead of using all one color. 

Here's the final result! I used more than 345 round pearls to complete this necklace each individually sewn on. I used a black ribbon for the neck tie to pull it all together. This idea was from an original Oscar dela Renta glass pearl necklace valued at $805. I worked very hard on this for 2 weeks and started to doubt myself in the beginning, but one thing I know about myself is I like to start big! Thanks to Michele for requesting this design or else I would of never been able to challenge myself. 


Winter Looks with Michele's Necklace:

Credits (above photo): 'The Cecelia Dress' by Kirsty Doyle. Pour la Victoire Irina shoes $222. Large patent YSL clutch $425. Chanel Le Vernis Nail Color. Colour Black Satin No.219 #30. M.A.C. 'Burmese Beauty' Lipstick $14. Urban Decay 'Stardust Eyeshadow' $20.

So I end this great jewelry story with some outfits and accessories I picked out and put together with the original necklace I went by. It's definitely an item you that can be worn with the classy evening dress or dress pants and cardigan! Michele is very well known for her bold handmade couture pieces and loves to make a statement. I'm happy I got to make something not just specific to her style, but also giving me the chance to go beyond my limits! I think this is perfect for her opening and I wish her the best of luck! I'll be praying for it to arrive safely to Germany!!

 Visit Michele's Closet Online

Glenn Fajota Photography

Glenn Fajota Photography & Studio

My typical messy work station photo!

As you may know (or maybe you don't?) besides making jewelry I've been a make-up artist for the last 5 years and still love to freelance to this day. Last week I had the chance to do Sheila's makeup for her photos in her wedding dress before the big BIG day!  I know these pictures are going to turn out great. Besides the fact that it was a beautiful dress- she had a great team working behind her! We had April Manganti doing the hair, me doing the makeup and Janice for the great support and helpful styling tips during the shoot. We shot at Glenn Fajota Studio which, for all you locals know, is right out there on Granby Street in Norfolk. It's a great location and the studio space is huge for all types of photo sessions. It was a seriously hot day in Norfolk that afternoon so we just stayed cool in the studio. There were more photos taken but I can't show you them yet until after the big day!

Glenn shooting the bride Sheila at his studio.

Previous shoots:

Photo:Glenn Fajota  Model:Sarah- fashion shoot.  Makeup:Jennylyn G

Photo:Glenn Fajota  Model:Jenna. Makeup:Jennylyn G

Although it was the first time I've worked with Sheila & April, this definitely wasn't the first time I've worked with Glenn. We first worked together about 3 years ago and since then we have done numerous photo shoots for local projects and I have him to thank for how great my portfolio looks. The above 2 photos are from previous shoots that we did about 2 years ago. His photos include but are not limited to, weddings, lifestyle, portraits, fashion, commercial and editorial. You can see all of his work and projects on his official website. If you're in need of a photographer to work with at the studio or travel along side of you, I highly recommend him. He has great studio space, he's very professional and has an awesome girlfriend/assistant who has experience with styling and direction during his shoots! Visit his links below to find out more information:

Glenn Fajota Photography Website

Glenn Fajota on Facebook

A big Shoutback to Krystal Rae:
From one jewelry designer to another! You've heard this name before from a previous blog I did and I wanted to give a shoutback to Krystal for giving a 'Cheers To You!' section on her site about a month ago for thanking her contributors in all of her recent projects. Besides giving credit to me for supporting her as a makeup artist, in that list is also Glenn Fajota Photography, another makeup artist and close friend of mine Kim Nguyen and Herson Rivera Photography. All artist from the 757! 

Krystal Rae Jewelry

You know how I'm all about networking and supporting other artists. I've worked with many great photographers throughout freelancing so it doesn't stop here. You will hear more on other people who have helped me get to where I am now. This is just the first. =)

Youtube Update:
Yes I am STILL getting hits from Sophia's video on Youtube! She has over 860+ views since that day and I've received about 700+ hits within 5 days. Thank you again and a big WELCOME to new viewers of my site. 

JenLove♥ Fan on Youtube

I wanted to post this video and give thanks to Fashionista804 aka Sophia who recently received one my custom charm bracelets as a gift along with her sister. In this video she's thanking her cousin Jian who put the order in and talks about the bracelets and gives my jewelry line and website an awesome Youtube video shoutout! Sophia is a beauty & fashion guru on Youtube and has many videos uploaded of tutorials and has 2,626 subscribers. Because of this video, I received over 400 hits on my website overnight and I've already had people who viewed her video emailing me! An honest reaction from a happy customer. I really appreciate the acknowledgment and I'm very flattered. This is my THANK YOU to Jian and Sophia. 

Click here to watch Sophia's video!

Jewelry being displayed at Opening Gala

Bra-Ha-Ha® charm bracelet will be displayed at their Opening Gala Event on October 3rd.
Event will run from Oct.4th-16th.

JenLove♥ charm bracelet designed for Bra-Ha-Ha® Event

I finished the bracelet for the Bra-Ha-Ha® Organization of Hampton Roads. Click here to see the full photo and story. Even though the Gala isn't until the beginning of October- I'm happy I was able to make it in the time they requested. Being a full-time nursing student and freelance make-up artist is not slowing  me down or keeping me from what I love to do (yes, making jewelry!). This is going to be such a great event and if you have no idea what event I'm talking about- or would like to read more information about this organization, please visit their website:

Bra-Ha-Ha® 

New Resin Rings:

Pink Kiss

Mini Sprinkles *already sold out and making more!*

Candy Corn

These new resin rings are a hit! I already sold 'Mini Sprinkles' within minutes of posting it and have orders for more! I will be making more designs and getting even more creative. I knew when I first thought of making these rings that people would fall in love with them! I'm just as excited and wear mine almost everyday. =P

New Charm Bracelet: Check out my newest charm bracelet Gold Sweets posted last week if you haven't already! If you love sundaes, ice cream and candy, then you'll be a fan of this one.

Charm Bracelet being designed for Bra-ha-ha® Event!!

The Bra-ha-ha®

An entry from last years Bra designing contest.

Again, another exciting event for JenLove Jewelry! I will be designing one of my special bracelets ever. This one will be for the Bra-ha-ha® Organization that brings awareness for early detection and prevention of diseases of the breasts. It will be displayed in their upcoming Opening Gala event. I will be making this bracelet for the Hampton Roads organization and they also have one located in Long Island. If you live in Hampton Roads then you've seen their commercial on television (you can also see it on their website). I'm very grateful for this opportunity and can't wait to get started! I will turn in a description of my inspiration on making this bracelet and also about my website. They also have a GREAT bra designing contest that you can enter so show your support! Visit my News & Press section for more details on this story!!

Bra-ha-ha® Website

JenLove Jewelry: News & Press

Charm Bracelet Requests & Etsy:

I've done 3 new requests in the last 2 weeks. I've recently added Mary's bracelet based on her daughter Bella Grace (hot and soft pinks) and Jocelyn's colorful (relaxing and tropic feel) bracelet also. Right when I think I'm catching up- I get more requests! 

You will see these in an upcoming bracelet!

I'm also glad to add that I've made 2 new charm bracelets that I will be adding to my Etsy store within the next week or so.  Above is a photo of probably my favorite set of polymer clay beads I've ever bought! From the creations of 'Concepts Unlimited' I purchased these at The Bead Cottage which is a GREAT local bead store I like to go to because they always have wide selection of beads and their customer service is even better. There was no doubt in my mind after seeing these beads displaying their vibrant colors of hot pink and green- I knew I had to make something out of them. Look out for what I came up with soon. I will post it and sell it on my Etsy.

Mary & Jocelyn's charm bracelets

My Etsy store

Aubrey Aquino Request:

Can we say 'Lucky'? Just an idea of what her theme is for her bracelet. She wanted a lucky themed bracelet so I think I may have a couple of ideas in mind. These 4-leaf clover charms are definitely making their way in there! I purchased these at the Intergalactic Bead Show last month. She definitely has a great sense of style and wears a wide range of colors so this may be a challenge as far as deciding what colors I decide to stick with for her bracelet! I'm possibly thinking blues or purples? Or maybe basic black & white?