Bella Lili: My story and Metal Smithing.

So for a long while now I have been meaning to post some review and tribute to a wonderful friend's jewelry line called Bella Lili! I have been a big fan of Bella Lili and my friend Autumn Phillips since her online store on Etsy in 2009 (my first purchase was 8/19/09) I first fell in love with my dear friends amazing quality work of a simple pendant called
Angel's Tear
the description was covered as "
This gorgeous crystal pendant has an other worldly look and feel. I don't know any other way to explain it. "

Angel's Tear: 2009

Since then I have been hooked on her living pieces of art (as I want to call them) for now... FIVE years :) This was first of many pieces I came to love from her line, I even managed to buy a few things for friends as gifts. In 2010, I had asked Autumn for a custom piece I named fondly "The Lion heart" it a tiny statement piece I had made from me from an inspiration of a friend who had joined the army.   What I told her was A lion to represent strength and courage, wings to symbolize freedom and whimsy, a heart to just make it look cute :) Now on the left photo under this, is how the original lion heart had looked. I had gotten into a severe argument one day with someone I cared about alot and hoped this piece would bring me the courage and the freedom I seeked by confronting the person. It did. Unfortunately after I got into this argument soon after I lost it. I was devastated.

Lion heart: 2012

 On the photo next to it is two years later. I had finally gathered enough time and money to reorder my piece again...close to how the original was but I wanted it fiercer, bolder and stronger. The old one showed a much more softer side and I affectionately had named it the laughing griffon. Now it was stronger, refined, elegant and with an added bonus. They are both one of a kind but the one on the right  can also be worn not only as a necklace but as a brooch as well. It is currently my most treasured item and kept safe. (the photo was it when it was in last stage of the heart being attached)  I wear this not every day but I carry this piece with me to guard me persay and to give me strength when my times are at its worst. Who can say that about their own pieces of art/jewelry?

The original Lion heart: 2010

 One of the few things her pieces she has always hoped for is for her pieces to empower us. I feel that this piece in particular did just that. It brings us close to showing our true self and Autumn's jewelry shows if we can say "raw emotion" at its finest. It brings creativity, inspiration and beauty to people such as like myself to do things more~!If I was to say I had any addiction its the addiction to buying her jewelry. Heres some shots of the most recent beauty I have acquired from her.

Tempest: Created from Tanazite Crystal, Gold Vermeil, and Brass pieces, And very rare Swarovski crystals

Lethal Earrings: Created with brass wings, metal needles , and awesome grey crystals

House of Lords: Foundation pen nibs and writer earring series 

Daphne: Long, beautiful, A classic

Orange Mariposa: cute butterflies with a hint of champange orange. Wonderful for summer.

Gosmancer: Butterfly and Keys whats more awesome than that.

Hermes Heart: it was a beautiful rainbow heart :3

Valiant heart and a Rebellious soul: Her calling card. And words to live by. I follow them closely as well.

Tyge Brimstone: a remake from the original and now in my possession (i got lucky!!!)

As i mentioned earlier, her pieces have inspired many with their bedazzeling uniqueness, its like having a keepsake you will never want to part with and pass on :) In fact what made me so amazed is that everything is handmade by Autumn and carefully cared for til they find their new homes.  Everything from finding the crystals, creating settings (from brass or other pieces)  are cared for so well and that now I have a strong interest in expanding on my knowledge on jewelry making as well. I had decided being inspired by such an extraordinary woman to find my own path and go into metal smithing! I hope one day I can be as amazing as her ^_^

This is how I rate her work

Quality: 10/10
Uniqueness: 10/10
Inspirational: 10/10
Please guys;if you have the time please make sure to check out her site, and enjoy the beauty she brings, her insights and most of all to create a better you even.BellaLili.com
Fb:Facebook Bella Lili

OH! and as a bonus she also HAS! TA-DA! a Swapping and Trade page! and a Pinterest