by Suzann Sladcik Wilson
Happy April, Everyone! Spring has been off to an early start here in the mid-west. Here in Chicago, we get to plan our gardens early every year with the annual Chicago Flower and Garden Show. I know you are probably wondering “Hey! This is a beading blog – what does a garden show have to do with jewelry?” With this years theme of “Hort Couture”, fashion, flowers, and jewelry coming together in alluring and inspiring ways, it turns out A LOT!
Upon arriving at the show, guests were greeted by these gorgeous hand-blown glass and galvanized steel agapanthus flowers created by U.K. artist blacksmith Jenny Pickford. At 14-feet-tall and 1,000 pounds, it made quite a first impression!
One of the highlights of the show for any visitor is the tablescape displays. This year’s Designs Over The Top stretched the creative limits of some of Chicago’s top florists, designers, retailers, and clubs. Here is where jewelry and beads were shown to be accessories not only for your wardrobe, but for everywhere else, too!
Table scape designed by Phillip's Flowers & Gifts - photo by Suzann Sladcik Wilson
Close up of tabletop display from Phillip's Flowers & Gifts - photo by Suzann Sladcik Wilson.
A different perspective of the display from Phillip's Flowers & Gifts - photo by Suzann Sladcik Wilson.
The display from Phillip’s Flowers and Gifts was filled with lots of sparking brilliance! The vases stood upon bases adorned with shimmering rhinestones. The effect helped to highlight the stars of the show, the glamorous chandelier-like strands of beads that seemed to be almost dripping down from the arrangement. The crystal beads add an extra touch of glamor to flowers and the effect could be easily translated by those looking to add a little sophistication into their home floral display.
Around the corner, another eye catching display featured lots of dripping bling. Believe it or not, this display had much more dazzle to come!
Tablescape by RJP Designs - Photo by Suzann Sladcik Wilson
This stellar tablescape by Ramsey Jay Prince of RJP Designs, not only highlights his Floral design skills, but also is a nod towards his Interior design & Costume design talents.
Design by RJP Design - Photo by Suzann Sladcik Wilson
A closeup of the centerpiece shows the jaw dropping multi-strand pearl necklace on the mannequin. Talk about statement jewelry! The pin on the center of the skirt demonstrates a different way to incorporate a broach into your wardrobe.
Design by Chalet Nursery - photo by Suzann Sladcik Wilson
Next up is a tablescape by Chalet Nursery using beads as an integral part of the story they were telling with their “Fanta Sea” presentation.
Design by Chalet Nursery - photo by Suzann Sladcik Wilson
Once again, we see strands of beads draping down from long branches. The difference here is the strands are in multiple shapes, colors, and materials. This is done to remind the viewer to the variances one might encounter from the ocean. The display additionally features a glass filled with beads – a table accent that would bring some extra pizzazz to any interior design.
Design by Chalet Nursery - photo by Suzann Sladcik Wilson
This treasure chest makes a fanciful place to grow a container garden. The strand of pearls and glass bubble are the perfect finishing touches to the maritime themed display.
There are many more jewelry inspired and crafty creative ideas from the Chicago Flower and Garden Show that I will be sharing with you in the coming weeks. As you can tell from the photos above, these are posts you will not want to miss!
Since it is the first Monday in April, don’t forget to hop around the Designer Crafts Connection Blog Hop via the link box on the left hand of your screen.
If you have any questions about beading, or jewelry and beads being used outside of the box, please feel free to contact me at 224-305-3321 or Suzann@Beadphoria.com. Always happy to share the joy of beading with you, Suzann Sladcik Wilson of Beadphoria.com and BeadphoriaBoutique.com.
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