Hello, Wonderful!

Winter is finally upon us and there is no better way to ward off the chill than with a cozy sweater. Sweaters are a must for our winter wardrobes. But just because the weather is chilly doesn’t mean you have to stop wearing your bling. There are so many different styles of sweaters to choose from, from v-necks to cowls, and open backs to off-the-shoulders. What kind of jewelry looks the best with each style? Read on to find out seven of the best pairings. 

1. Turtleneck with Minimalist Necklace 

Turtlenecks are making a comeback, but just because they cover the throat doesn’t mean you can't pair them with a well-chosen necklace. I suggest a minimalistic piece, just to add a touch of sparkle to an already bulkier neckline. Either wear the chain under the sweater and let the simple charm dangle over the top, or connect the chain over the neckline to peak out from underneath.

 2. V-neck Sweater and Statement Necklace

The V-neck allows for more drama. A statement piece with some larger gemstones goes well with this open neckline, so feel free to choose bolder shapes. This pearl statement necklace from FashionLILLA is giving me all the feels. The gold statement piece from OrlySegal is also a great option for a more muted choice. And I am in love with the v-neck sweater from 168Deal. With lots of colors to choose from, you're sure to find your perfect match. 

3. Cowl Neck Sweater with Earrings and Bracelet

This sweater is best paired with shorter dangle earrings and a cuff bracelet. With the neckline already being taken up by the drapey fabric, it’s best to draw the eye with some statement earrings and a bracelet. Frame your face with these stunning earrings from AspenGlowStudio and finish it off with this bracelet from TheCordGallery. 

4. Boatneck Sweater with Multilayer Necklace

With the more open neckline of this style sweater, you have several different options: a single layer, choker, or even multilayer necklace. I love the layering effect offered by this crystal star piece from MahinasCollection or even this tassel teardrop ensemble from Dream Wear Boutique would complete this sweater from Shein to give a modern and sophisticated vibe. 

5. Cold Shoulder Sweater with Earrings and Rings

Another dramatic style, this sweater is best paired with earrings and statement rings. The high mock neck looks great with earrings, and the feminine style is further enhanced with a sparkly gemstone ring or two. I am in LOVE with these tassel earrings from jewelrybyjennifer that are at once dainty and dramatic. I would finish the look with some of these rings from TheMorningAfterJewel. 

6. Open-Back Sweater with Necklace and Earrings

One of my favorites on the rise this winter, the open back sweater is great for adding some allure to your outfits. A fun element would be to wear a longer necklace down the back, like this one from Pralinettebijoux, and pairing it with some matching earrings, like these from EandEProject. 

7. Off One Shoulder with Choker and Ring

Last but certainly not least, the off-one-shoulder look is such a fun look to pair with a shorter necklace, or even a choker, and a ring. I suggest wearing a statement ring with this long-sleeve beauty.

Be sure to subscribe to the blog and monthly newsletter for more styling tips, jewelry finds, and DIY projects. 

Stay warm, Wonderful! 

XOXO, Nicole

Tatted lace is a unique and beautiful form of needlework that has been around for centuries. It brings to mind the era of Jane Austen, in times where ladies of breeding were meant to fill their days with "ladylike" endeavours, such as drawing, playing instruments, reading, or you guessed it, needlecraft. The art of tatting involves creating intricate patterns and designs using a shuttle and thread. In this blog post, we will explore the history of tatting, the differences between shuttle tatting and needle tatting, and the modern techniques used today.

The history of tatting can be traced back to the 19th century, when it became popular among European royalty and high society. It was a highly sought after form of needlework because of its intricate patterns and delicate designs. At the height of its popularity, tatting was used to decorate everything from clothing to home décor. It was also a popular pastime for women, who would often create tatting pieces as gifts for family and friends.

Over the years, tatting has changed and evolved in many ways. The early forms of tatting were done using a shuttle, which was used to make loops and knots. This method is known as shuttle tatting and is still popular today. However, a new form of tatting was developed in the 20th century, which involves using a needle instead of a shuttle. This method, known as needle tatting, is faster and more efficient, and has become the preferred method for many tatters.

There are some important differences between shuttle tatting and needle tatting. Shuttle tatting is considered to be the traditional method and requires more skill and patience. It is a slower process, but the finished product is considered to be more delicate and intricate. Needle tatting is faster and more efficient, but the finished product is not as delicate as shuttle tatting.

In recent years, there have been many new techniques and innovations in tatting. Some tatters have started using multiple shuttles or needles to create even more complex designs. Other tatters have incorporated beads, ribbons, and other materials into their tatting pieces, creating unique and beautiful pieces of art.

If you are interested in learning tatting, there are many resources available to help you get started. There are classes and workshops offered by local community centers and needlework shops, as well as online tutorials and videos. You can also purchase tatting books and patterns to help you learn and practice. And of course, be sure to check out the Wonderfully Fashioned Channel over on Youtube for a beginners course and tips and tricks with getting started. 

In conclusion, tatting is a beautiful and timeless form of needlework that has been around for centuries. It is a highly sought after form of needlework that has changed and evolved over the years, but remains a popular pastime for needleworkers of all skill levels. Whether you prefer shuttle tatting or needle tatting, there is something for everyone in this amazing art form.

Perfection. Sometimes I think it’s a “four-letter word”. I am a recovering perfectionist and I don’t know if I’ll ever really get over it. This idea of perfection is perpetuated everywhere we look: Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok. All those other moms seem to have it together, so why do I always seem to miss the mark? We rarely see the behind the scenes of these “perfect moms’” photos and videos. 

The last few months of 2021 and coming into 2022 have been very difficult for me. The busyness and constant grind has brought me to a place of extreme anger and frustration. I’ve felt for quite some time that I am holding on by a mere thread, that I’m going to lose my biscuits at any moment. I hate feeling like that, because that is not me. I’m usually very easy-going, laid back and understanding. But I’ve found myself getting angry with my family for the smallest of infractions. The fact that my house is a constant disaster is a contributing factor, feelings of inadequacy constantly barrage my mind, and I feel that I’m failing at every turn. 

I knew that something needed to change, and so I talked with my husband and a trusted leader about what I’ve been facing. It’s been a real battle of the mind, and I know that the biggest reason I am where I am is that I have not been in the Word and prayer like I need to be. I am sure a lot of moms feel this way: we are constantly pouring out to our kids and spouses. But if there is nothing being poured back in, it’s not going to take long until we are running on fumes. 

I’ve come to resent being a stay-at-home mom at times. The constant cleaning and looking after my little one’s needs has become something I dread. “Just leave me alone for five seconds,” has become a thought I repeat often. I’m exhausted and feel like I’m constantly snapping at people. Noise makes me crazy, and all I want to do is sit around and do nothing, but then my mind starts swirling in a chaos with all the things I need to do. I literally can’t win. 

Today I was cleaning my daughter’s room, wondering again why I have to do this all alone. I was complaining as to why the load of chores falls completely on my shoulders. Why even try? Five seconds from now, it’s all going to be a disaster again. (This thought process is also very much not like me. I like an organized, clean, and tidy home.) 

And then God started to softly speak to my heart, bringing this scripture from Colossians to the forefront of my mind. 

Colossians 3:22-23 “Let every employee listen well and follow the instructions of their employer, not just when their employers are watching and not in pretense, but faithful in all things. For we are to live our lives with pure hearts in the constant awe and wonder of our Lord God. Put your heart and soul into every activity you do, as though you are doing it for the Lord himself and not merely for others.”

I’ve always understood this scripture to mean serving in the church. Ministry–you know–the important stuff. 

What if we served our families as if we were serving Jesus? What if we worked to clean the toilet or prepare meals as if Jesus was living at our house? In reality, He is always with us, but sometimes we forget that the Lord has entrusted our spouses and children to us. Instead of acting like victims or martyrs, we simply serve? As a stay-at-home mom, it sometimes feels like what we do has no bearing or meaning for the Kingdom of God. But the reality is, I get to minister to 3 people every day! My husband and my children are my ministry. It puts a little different spin on it, doesn’t it? 

I’m not saying that it’s never hard. It is extremely hard! But I find that I get more frustrated and exhausted when I’m trying to serve them out of my own strength. The truth is, we need the infilling of the Holy Spirit for every good work, not just “ministry work”. 

Things are getting better as I’ve reached for help, but I know it’s not going to just turn on a dime. I still have to change the thought processes that have become commonplace over the last few months. It takes time to replace negative thoughts with the positive. The truth is, being a mom is amazing, and our kids are a blessing from God. I love this verse from The Passion Translation: 

“Children are God’s love-gift; they are heaven’s generous reward.” - ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭127:3‬ 

So, maybe all this time I just needed a perspective shift. 

For a lot of people, the new year is the perfect time to start thinking about what they want to wear in 2022. Fashion designers are already hard at work coming up with jewelry trends for Spring 2022 and we're going to take a look at some of them now!

First, let's take a look at the jewelry trends that were popular in 2021. There were a few big ones - like chunky statement necklaces and earrings - that are likely to continue into 2022. However, there will also be some new trends emerging this year.

One of the biggest changes we're seeing is in chokers. True, they have made a big comeback in the last few years, but this year they are coming in with a lot more sparkle. Designers are adding rhinestones, crystals and other shiny embellishments to really make them stand out.

Another big trend for Spring 2022 is mismatched earrings. This look has been popular on the runway for a few seasons now, and it doesn't seem to be going away any time soon. The idea is to pair two different earrings, perhaps a simple stud on one side and a dangle earring or an ear climber on the other. This is a great way to add some interest and fun while still maintaining a professional appearance.

Matching your metals seems to be a thing of the past. Fashion designers are pairing all kinds of different metals including gold, silver and even copper together. The idea is to make them look more interesting by contrasting the colors or textures of each piece.

Take a peek at what's coming out in Paris Fashion Week Spring 2022 for jewelry trends! While many of the pieces we see from Fashion Week every February look like they belong in some sort of Sci-fi film, the ideas can be fun to get inspired and tone down for everyday wear. Fashion trends for spring include a mix of jewelry styles, colors and materials that you probably never thought you'd see together like neon colors, holographic finishes and lots of sparkling stones!

All in all, it looks like 2022 is in for lots of bling - with futuristic styles mixed with some throwback trends. From big chunky chains to chokers to shells and pearls, it looks like we are in for some great trends this year. Which is your favorite?

Many moons ago I put out a request on the Wonder Fash Tribe group page, saying ask me anything! (If you wanna join the fun over at my rewards group, it would be cool of you.) I am finally making good on answering these questions in a tell-all interview. Buckle up, Buttercup. It’s about to get serious...ly hilarious. 

1. Why do you like living in Klamath Falls? - Victoria

I have always loved my home town! The people are amazing, and so generous. This area is so beautiful, with the mountains and amazing sunrises and sunsets. Most of all, I love that both sides of my family lives here and we get to see each other often. 

1. What is the scariest moment of your life? - Natalie

Good one, sis! To be honest, I have always battled fear in my life, and even though God has set me free from a lot of that fear over the years, I think one of the scariest moments in my life was when I found out my Grandma Jean had cancer. I remember going out to our backyard, sitting down on the porch steps and crying. I was only thirteen, and even though I had been raised in the church and knew she would go to heaven, I didn’t want to lose her. My dad found me and sat with me, and we cried together. He told me that everything was going to be okay. 

The year that followed was really hard, and despite our prayers that God would heal her from cancer, she passed away eleven months later. We didn’t get the answer we wanted, but I know Grandma Jean is in heaven. And I know that God is good!

1. What is your favorite thing about being married to Colton? - Cynthia

Oh, wow, so many things! First of all, he’s a hottie that loves Jesus. He makes me laugh everyday. Colton truly is my best friend. He knows how to help me “let my hair down” and see the joy in little moments. 

1. Tell us 3 more favorite/embarrassing things about being married to Colton! - Meredith

Number 1: Ok, I don’t know if this is embarrassing or not, but in 2016 I harvested my first bull elk. He was massive (according to my standard anyway), a five by six point with beautiful chocolate brown antlers. Anyway, when my father-in-law came on the radio and told me he’d found my elk, I was so excited. When we were finally able to walk up on him, I started to cry. Colton looked at me and laughed and said, “You’re crying? You didn’t even cry at our wedding!” 

I promptly responded, “This is important!” 

It took so much work to kill my elk with my bow, that I was just relieved that I had done it! Archery hunting is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. And while I was very happy at our wedding, I don’t think I’ve ever worked so hard as I did to kill my bull. 

Anyhoo, number 2: I talk in my sleep sometimes and instead of waking me up, Colton holds full conversations with me - AND RECORDS THEM ON HIS PHONE! Once, I was dreaming that there were huge spiders in our room and instead of helping me, he told me they were crawling up my legs! (yes, he is a mean, mean man…)

Number 3: Whenever I am working on new jewelry designs I like to show them to Colton. But instead of looking at them, he pretends to eat them first...

1. What is the biggest thing you struggle with? - Jennifer

Throughout my life, fear has been my biggest struggle. I still have a hard time speaking publicly. I get super nervous, but God has really helped me overcome this in the last few years. The more you step out the more comfortable it becomes! 

But I think this last year I really struggled with wondering if I am being a good enough mom. I realized how impatient I am and that I try to take on too much a lot of the time. I’m always afraid that I am going to let people down if I say no to things, but I’m having to learn that I just can’t do everything. 

1. What are some of your funniest memories? - Lynda

Okay, I never wanted to tell this story, but here we go. When I was at Bethel School of Ministry we went on a retreat. After the message one night, we went up to one of the rooms in the lodge (it was seriously gorgeous), and we started worshipping. After a while, we all started laughing under the joy of the Lord and I ended up farting! One of the girls moved away from me really quick, but hopefully no one else noticed… But now, of course, if any of the peeps from my old revival group read this, they’ll know. 

Another time, when I was in high school health class, there were more students than desks, so I had to sit in a chair by the door. One day during a test, I put my leg up under me so that I could write on my leg. Forty-five minutes later, my foot had completely fallen asleep! When I had to get up to turn my test in, I could not feel my foot and I almost fell over in front of the whole class. A guy caught me before I fell over, though. He kinda laughed at me, but was sweet about it. But, holy cow, I was so embarrassed-- I bet I turned a hundred shades of red. 

1. What materials do you use to create chains? - Sarah

In the past I have purchased my chains from Michaels but I am now buying them from a place called Fire Mountain Gems over in the Medford area. Their supplies are much more high quality and I live that I get to support another Oregon business. 

Whew! Well, now you know the answers to your most burning questions about yours truly. I’d love to learn more about you! In the comments tell me your favorite color, a place you’ve always wanted to visit, and your favorite food!

Remember when it was December 31st, and you were so excited to have a fresh start? Maybe you sat down and wrote out all things you want to accomplish in the new year, set up a schedule of your days, weeks, and months — some of you down to the minute. (Don't worry, I'm preaching to the choir on that one. I've found that I actually enjoy writing out schedules and planning my days. But when it comes to real life, it's not very fun sticking to a schedule.)

You were full of good intentions, and maybe you'll even get two weeks in before things start to slide. You know what I mean: you stop working out as often as you set out to do, your house starts to pile up with unfolded laundry, and the sink has a mountain of dirty dishes. You start sliding on your social media game, and you just don't have enough time to spend on your side hustle.

Whatever your goals were, it all just seems so overwhelming to tackle it all. The problem is we try to jam too much change into one season. We think, "January 1st is gonna be different. Everything is changing for the better." The challenge isn't that we are trying to make changes. It's that we try to change too, too fast.

Changing your lifestyle takes time. It's a process. But no one likes that, do they? We live in such an instant gratification kind of society that we have forgotten how to handle the process with grace. It takes time to change how you eat and exercise. It takes time to change bad habits and replace them with healthy ones. (I know. Ewww)

I'm one of those who like to change everything at once. I try to take on everything for the year and cram it into one month. As my husband likes to say, "That's not real." And he's right. (But it is annoying, especially when we are having an argument. 😂) Yes, my hubby and I fight. Gasp!

So, instead of cramming all of my goals into one month, I've decided that I'm going to change things slowly. I'm focusing on three things that need to change and working up to where I want to be. For example, one of my goals is to get back in shape by elk hunting season, which comes around at the end of August. Usually, I would have set a goal to work out 5 days a week and completely change how I'm eating, holding myself to an impossible standard. Instead, I'm going to do what I can. I've purposed to workout once a week and then increase when I'm ready.

As I wrote this, a scripture came to mind, and I think it is pertinent for today's thoughts.

Psalm 127: 1 - Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.

You may be thinking, "Way to be a downer, Nicole." Just hear me out. All too often, I think we run ahead in a vision, and then we look back and ask God to bless it. Goals and dreams are great, and God wants us to have those. You have to make sure that you are aligned with His vision and plan for your life. He wants to go with you!!

What are three small goals you could start this month in your life, business, or career, and then increase as you go? Share with us in the comments!

Music has always been something that inspires me. I have a special playlist that inspires me and gives me energy as I'm designing collections and making jewelry, as well as keeps me motivated while I'm working on the more "boring" parts of running a business, like balancing the bank and ordering supplies. 

I pretty love anything that's jazz from the 1940's and 50's, especially Ella Fitzgerald. And I also love listening to Michael Buble. Bethel music is also something that really inspires me. 

Here are my top ten songs for when I'm working in the studio: 

1. "On an Evening in Roma" by Michael Buble

2. "La Vi En Rose" by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

3. "Nella Fantasia" by Jackie Evancho

4. "Starlight" by Amana Cook

5. "Sweet Praise (Spontaneous)" by Bethel

6. "The Memoirs of a Geisha" Soundtrack. While I don't endorse the movie, except if it's an edited version, I do really love the music from this film. 

7. "The Butterfly" by The Celtic Woman featuring Mairead Nesbitt

8. "Trey Comes Onto Prudie" from Jane Austen Book Club. Also another movie that I don't endorse, (I've never actually seen it) but I heard this song on Pandora once and loved it. 

9. "You Make Me Happy (Spontaneous)" by Jean Johnson

10. "You and I" Michael Buble

What are your favorite songs or styles of music for getting your 'work' on? 

I had a whole blog post planned today called “A Day in the Life”. I was going to share what it was like to run a business and what my days look like being a wife and stay-at-home-mom and jewelry designer. But it all seems so shallow now with what is going on with the COVID-19 pandemic. 

I will share that blog post at some point, but today I felt like it’s more important to share some hope. So many of us are scared or frustrated with the quarantine situation. There are so many unanswered questions. 

But I know the one who has the answers. And His name is Jesus. 

The story in Mark 4 seems appropriate to share: 

“Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him?” 
Mark 4: 37-41 NIV

I’m not afraid of coronavirus. I know that God is getting ready release something in the spirit that is unprecedented and satan is trying to bring fear, confusion, and isolation. He has tried to lift the name of coronavirus above the name of Jesus. But his days are numbered.

 “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭10:4-5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus is the Name above all other names. Fear is not the answer. Jesus is the only place we can find true peace in these uncertain times. 

Speak His name, and He will calm the storm in your life. I’m reminded of a popular song by Koryn Hawthorne and I’d like to close with its words: 

“Speak the Name

The Name above all other names

Speak the Name

The name the wind and waves obey

All of heaven’s coming down

Fill the earth with the sound

Of the Name, the Name of Jesus”

I walked into freshman art class with lofty aspirations. I was going to create something great. Something the world had never seen. A masterpiece. 

During the first semester, we studied the masters: Van Gogh, Picasso, Degas. Our teacher, Mr. Becerra, was a fun-loving Honduran-American in his early 40s who had a passion for The Beatles. He assigned a project that would allow each of us to choose a famous painting and copy it. The goal was to study their brush strokes, their use of light and texture, how to mix colors straight on the canvas rather than the palette. I fell in love with oil painting that semester. 

B​y the second semester, we were allowed to paint something from our own imagination. I had grand visions of being the next Thomas Kinkade. I decided to paint an ocean scene, complete with sunset and lighthouse. In the end it was far from "Kinkade Status", but I was proud of it.

Until I saw Jessica's painting. 

Hers was simple. A branch with a bird's nest and three tiny blue robin eggs nestled inside. The way she captured the light in the forest green background was superb. The sunbeams touching the teal blue eggs was enchanting. She told a beautiful story with her piece, and I was immediately jealous. I looked back at my lighthouse and I felt like I'd failed. 

Comparison will do that every time. During jr. high and high school I looked at myself the same way I had looked at my lighthouse painting. I did Not. Measure. Up. I was a cheap, wanna-be, Kinkade. A knock-off. 

I would look in the mirror and see everything that was wrong with myself. The blotchy complexion, the frizzy hair that no amount of straightening could tame, the so-called (non-existent) "pudge". I didn't like spending too much time looking in the mirror (much like the selfless Abnegation from the Divergent Series). Only it wasn't selfless. I had a form of pride that I didn't even realize I had. Thinking of yourself in a poor light isn't humility. You know the saying, "Don't think less of yourself, just think of yourself less." I was bad-mouthing what God had created, His masterpiece.

Ephesians 2:10 - For we are His workmanship [His own work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above, spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us]. 

God has painted a beautiful picture in all of us. Who are we to criticize Him and tell Him he did it wrong when He made us? That He made a mistake?

I learned a valuable lesson the first few months of my time in ministry school. My self-esteem was better by then. I was 19 and had taken a year off after high school. But I had no idea of what God wanted to teach me during that year in Redding, California. 

O​ne day while I was getting ready for school, putting on my makeup in front of the bathroom mirror, God asked me to do something that turned out to be harder than I thought. He asked me to look at myself in the mirror every day and find something I liked about myself. I had to say it out loud. It was so hard! But I kept doing it every morning while I was getting ready. "I like my eyes."; "I like my hair."; and so on. After a while, I started to like myself. Suddenly, when I looked in the mirror, I didn't see all my flaws, I saw a masterpiece staring back at me. 

I​t's not arrogance to admire what God created in you. It's confidence. It's not wrong to see the amazing creativity and brilliance of our Father God, to realize that when He made you, He made a masterpiece! You are not a "knock-off" or a cheap copy. You are one-of-a-kind. 

Own it!