Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Winter is Coming


We already got a taste of winter this past weekend here on the east coast, the snow was a surprise but a beautiful delight, I look forward to marching onward through the snow fields in 2014. The new year is around the corner, I have big plans for Red Heart 13 in the new year. I'm really focusing on my business and bringing new things to light. 

U P C O M I N G  M O N T H S


~ January will be the launch of the new Red Heart 13 Jewelry website where my all jewels will have a 2nd home. I will still be offering my jewelry through my current shop on etsy but the new site will have more to offer. Please pardon our etsy shop appearance as I am in the process of reshooting all jewelry on a bright white wood background. 

~ February I'm expanding out with big hearts and open arms; a new monthly eblast will provide a first hand look at new seasonal collections, details on secret sales and an opportunity to join the Secret Jewelry of the Month Society.

~ March Medical Madness is our annual celebration of medical and anatomy themed imagery, I hope to have a few special pieces in this theme.

~ May is Heart to Hearts month: 50% of sales will be donated to a specific charity, details to come.


N E W  C O L L E C T I O N S
I have four collections I'm working on for 2014, the first collection to be released is the Sacrifice collection inspired by the brave and fantasy world of Game of Thrones. Here is a sneak peek of upcoming jewelry pieces.



The Red Door Brass Circle Keyhole Necklace: the first piece from the Sacrifice Collection is already available in my shop. Inspired by Game of Thrones, the keyhole from the red door represents the private thoughts of Daenerys Targaryen. The red door symbolizes her heart's desire, safety, security, and the closest thing to home, where she lived with her brother in Braavos in the big house with the red door.
WINTER IS COMING and I hope you come along for the long haul. 

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Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Fall For These Looks

These are some of my most adored autumn makeup trends this season. 

The cat-eye has been refreshed this season. 
Left ~ wear full lashes with two arched lines mirrored from each other like Ingrid Pitt from the Vampire Lovers. Right ~ apply with a liquid liner arched up similar to Anna Sui from the runway. 



Lips with a bite with the Best Bite Set ~ apply your darker shade of lipstick all over your lips. Use a lip brush to apply a lighter shade to the center of your pout, blend them gently with you finger and add gloss for a little shine. 



Prune eyes bring out the palest iris, this plum color was seen by Gucci on the runway. You can get this look with Kat Von D's Shade Shifter eyeshadow.


Oxblood is the new black; let blood drip from your fingers. Other nail trends this fall include metallics, applied lace to pale nails and 3D accents. View more nails trends »



To Dye For ~ warmer colors are in the air. I recently just lightened to Strawberry Gold and I love it. View more hair trends »



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Monday, September 30, 2013

Godforsaken Route 13

Down the long road of route 13, my husband and I headed down from Delaware to Corolla, North Carolina. Once we hit the Virginia state line I was hollering in the car mesmerized by so many abandoned buildings, while there was beautiful decay I was heartbroken by the burden I felt that was weighing on the eastern lands of Virginia. We passed forgotten shells of decaying haunted houses, shambled barns, closed motels and remnants of small ghost towns with general stores. Time has stopped and all that is left are skeletons.

While driving down south I snapped my little heart away, I found the unusual cropping and blurriness added to the sadness of these structures that remain.










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Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Early Fall Jewelry Arrivals

I can't believe it is almost fall, as I get older the time just seems to slip by like sand in the wind. There is no going back, though the skin gets rougher my bones keep bending along with the rhythm of things. Things have been picking up in the studio with painting and jewelry making; my hands are never at rest which is a good thing. I recently took a visit to the Renaissance Faire in Maheim PA where I picked up some raw Amethyst crystals which I soon want to dabble in wrapping and soldering.

My hands have been busy with creating new pieces for fall, I'm proud to say I have about new 25 pieces coming to Red Heart 13. Here are some new pieces that are currently in my Etsy shop.
Aries Ram Sacrifice Turn of the Century Brass Stamping Necklace: this turn of the century brass drawer pull has been transformed into a necklace. Inspired by ancient mythology, it is said that in Scandinavia, Thor was close with the ram, and was fabled that rams would pull his chariot. 

 Constellation Star Shield Necklace: six bright stars line the night sky as in this necklace as a centerpiece over the heart.

 Seamstress Sweet Heart Cotton Candy Vintage Spool Necklace: vintage pink and teal wooden spools are strung along a vintage velvet pink ribbon. A treat for any gal who loves to sew.

 Adorable Fawn & Woodland Fable Pewter Necklace: this pewter pendant strung with silver beads tells a tale of a small squirrel offering a snack to his friend the fawn.

 Scales of Justice Equality Vintage Necklace: a symbol of fairness and justice, the scales of borrow from ancient times and in many cultures truly represent unbiased equality. Stand proud in this necklace for all equality in our modern times.


Water Goddess Perfume Vial Necklace: a jewel dedicated to the water nymph, she is a goddess and divine spirit that dwells by rivers and springs. Here she is set in gold with her water basin on this vintage perfume bottle that hangs from vintage calming blue glass beads that resemble water.

Stay tuned for more pieces arriving in August. Something special coming to Red Heart 13 in September are a few pieces from here my limited edition Adornment Relic Collection. Featured below is the "Death Runs Through My Veins" relic made of spun fabric, wax and paper inside an antique glass apothecary bottle.


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Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Fresh & Fit: Green Smoothies


I've been gathering a few healthy smoothie recipes lately and I thought I'd share one of the green smoothies I made over the weekend. Green smoothies are all the rage these days and with me doing my Herbalife protein shakes I wanted to switch up my daily routine. 

Green smoothies are wonderful for your body as they help incorporate valuable nutrients far more than just eating a serving of veggies daily. They are high in amino acids which help support your muscles, while giving you energy but low in calories. You feel full but because they contain high amounts of water and fiber, while helping you stay hydrated. 

The particular green smoothie recipe I made is from The Ranch at Live Oak Malibu that I found via Daily Candy


TRY IT FOR YOURSELF

Makes three cups

Ingredients
1/2 c. almond milk
1/2 c. avocado
Juice of 1 lemon
1 c. kale**
1/2 c. spinach leaves
1/2 c. pineapple
1 tbsp. ginger, minced***
1 c. ice cubes

1: Place all ingredients into a blender in order listed, except for ice, secure lid.
2: Blend well then add your ice
3: Blend until smooth

I must say this smoothie was really delicious despite the color, I was able to taste all the ingredients but still had a really smooth taste. 


* AVOCADO: good fat, helps prevent heart disease, promotes healthy skin and eyes.
**KALE: high in fiber, packed with vitamin minerals and cancer fighting phytonutrients
***GINGER: circulatory stimulant, increases blod flow, promotes sweating, good digestive health








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Wednesday, January 16, 2013

The Abandoned NVF Plant


The abandoned NVF Plant in Hockessin, DE.
This past Saturday myself and a group of about 30 people ventured to the abandoned NVF Plant in Hockessin, Delaware. Founded by photographer David Norbut, this was the 3rd photowalk and meeting for the Delaware Instagramer's / EyeEm group, this walk so far has been the ultimate adventure. 


Photo by: David Norbut Photography
I got to the location an hour early to participate in David's new photo series called: Into the Wilderness of the Human Spirit, which reflects the raw beauty of mankind. One thing I've learned from the 1st photowalk is come prepared in the proper clothing, my first experience I got mobbed by fleas venturing into the Gibralter Mansion. For starters come prepared in fully covered clothing and boots to walk through any kind of environment. David and I trekked through mud past thorny bushes and burs, the morning was gloomy so we headed up through the hill into and open area to the right light. I really love how David shot my portrait; its the little imperfections in my face that make it feel so raw and personal. All the photos from the series had a real native and natural feel to them which we sometimes we lose into today's world. Check out his full series HERE »

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AND SO THE WALK BEGAN…
Firstly, I'll have to tell you in case you we're wondering, is this place private property? Yes. Our group received permission from the township and we each had to sign a waiver to walk the grounds. The first part of the walk we ventured into one of the original buildings which contained contaminants like asbestos. About six years ago the NVF papermill Plant went bankrupt and the remains looks like the workers just got up and walked out, leaving remnants of their everyday behind. Graveyards of filing cabinets, old medical kits, desks, machines, lockers and the random objects like a mini tv, a Marilyn Monroe nude poster, and a frying pan to name a few items. For about an hour we walked some the inner buildings then later roamed the outside along the railroad tracks, through the woods and around the water tower. In the next few years this place will be demolished, so sad because places like this are disappearing. 

I meant some really cool people that day and got some eerie shots taken with my iphone. I also took part on being in front of the camera which was weird and cool all at the same time; want to do that more often. In the afternoon we all met up at one of the Delaware IGER's member's house for some mexican stew, brews and photo editing. I must say it was a great day; I'm really looking forward to our next adventure.


One of the buildings was burnt down, and the roof caved in. This photo was taken between the destruction.

Myself, my brother and his girlfriend, we mostly roamed around together.

This photo turned out really cool, looking like a spirit is being released from my brother's head.

I found myself sitting in this old rocking chair, of course my butt got wet to get this shot.

Me watching tv.

Something left behind, the yarn seemed to go on forever.

Me taking a break from being so serious. This particular photo was taken by my brother Eddie. I had to share cause I love how it turned out, reminds me of an old tintype.

I found this bottle in a medical kit.


Follow me on Instagram @leilaeleven

What cool places have you been to?
Would love to hear your stories?
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Thursday, January 3, 2013

The Week In Pics

Preparation for craft time
Handmade doily dream catcher made with string, beads, feathers, wicker and a doily

Didn't happen. 

Took a left instead of a right
New record player from my hubby for xmas.
Got to dig through 6 Fedex boxes of vinyl and came home with about 45 free vintage vinyl records
Saw and started reading the unexpected journey

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