If you aren't already a fan of Fabulous K , you will be now.  Kelly Slott is the brains behind this stylish operation, a lifestyle blog that mixes in fashion finds with fun DIY's and the most cheerful pops of color and glamorous patterns.  From interior to graphic design, we love her style and charm.  Based in Dallas, Kelly's posts are approachable and enlightening--she's captured a style that is at once glamorous and adorable, whimsical and realistic, fun and sophisticated.  Fabulous, indeed!  (And the fact that she's also a ballet flats-wearing, dog-loving, fresh-flower adoring gal makes us think we'd get along beautifully!)  

As with all of our Leading Ladies, we asked Kelly to design a mood board to help us create a necklace together that would reflect her personal style and gather thoughts and ideas for the project.  Here are some snippets from her inspiration board on Pinterest: 

We first noticed the strong notes of green (from emerald to jade hues) and pink, with a strong emphasis on salmon and coral tones, and the striking references to gold in geometric shapes.  And, of course, we couldn't help but recognize the inclusion of rhinestones here and there and knew that would need to be part of the proposal to Kelly.

Keeping these elements in mind, we sent images of the beads we thought might be in line with her mood board--everything from quartz and jade to coral and resin:

And offered some pyrite and golden crystal to capture the metallic touches:

And then gathered up a little collection of vintage items we loved for potential inclusion, some sourced specifically for the project and others on hand in the studio already:

Kelly seemed to know right away which materials she liked best.  Like us, she's a visually-driven gal who can edit and curate quickly according to her tastes, and though the drawback of not being able to make the selections in person adds a bit of challenge to the process, it becomes that much more important to rely on the collaborative aspect of the project to move forward.  But more on that in a bit…

Working with the beads and vintages Kelly culled from the initial group, we began to create a few designs, arranging the beads and brooches/earrings in loose layouts (the digital image equivalent of an artist's sketch) for her to gain a sense of how various pairings might look.

 

Once again, Kelly honed in on a design right away, liking the longer length and color-combination of the last layout in the line-up.  

She had fallen in love with the tiny faceted bronze-golden crystal beads as a metallic accent throughout the necklace, but we had two "issues" with the selection:  first, we had less than a strand left of the beads, so we'd certainly have to use them sparingly in the design; and, second, they were a much richer, darker bronze hue than the more true-golden finish of the vintage sunburst earrings Kelly loved for the vintage element of her necklace.  Our solution was to incorporate a gilt brass bead from Africa that complemented the earrings, but also worked well with the bronze crystal, using both beads throughout the mint and coral strands.

We sent an image of the first-draft design to Kelly to see how she liked the overall composition, length, placement of the earrings, and the beads we chose to accompany her selection.

Though she loved the color-blocking and the overall feel, she began second-guessing the mint green glass beads at the back and was hesitant about the African gold beads we had decided to use.  We knew exactly what she meant (no pun intended) about the mint glass.  In the images we sent along for her to see, the design read much more pastel than a) it was in real life b) she was hoping for and c) her inspiration board had emphasized.   

Although all of us in the studio adored the necklace, it is crucial and essential in the custom-design process that the customer (in this case, the co-collaborator) absolutely love what they'll be wearing.  That said, it is also key that both parties are willing to compromise (ever so slightly) and trust one another's vision, skill, and instincts.  And this is where the collaborative process can be so fulfilling, interesting, and exciting--when you listen to one another's thoughts and opinions AND push yourselves to find a solution you both can enjoy and be proud of.  

In an effort to offer an alternative to the mint green and incorporate some of the more emerald hues featured on her mood board, we rustled up some vintage sequins, green onyx, and green crystal to create a richer, more textural mood at the back of the necklace, and sent a quick (read: terrible phone photo) image over to Kelly to compare and contrast:

ENDNOTE (or random musings as we wrap up our 2012 Leading Ladies series): 

Working with collaborators and customers from a distance is amazing--the technology available today that allows us to share our thoughts and hopes and opinions has certainly given us (in our tiny town of Taylorsville, Kentucky) an opportunity to work with some amazing women--not least of all Kelly--but her comment about the jewels being even better "in person" only serves to emphasize that there is absolutely no replacement for the real thing.  

Whether you're a visual magpie, like many of our Leading Ladies and those of us at Elva, or not--having the chance to hold, touch, see, or--best--wear a necklace is always going to be so much more informative and enjoyable than relying on photographs and descriptions of it.  True, depending on one another's strengths and style was a success with this collaboration and all of the others, and we both love the final outcome.  (Seriously…could she be any cuter?)  Yet also true is that our digital method of communication definitely has a downside, and a genuine sense of quality and the ability to interpret authentic characteristics are entirely lost online.  

So, as we head into 2013, we're debating many changes in the studio--hoping to make next year our best yet.  (It will be…just wait!)  This idea of being personal, personable, approachable, and unique has been a crucial principle since our founding, and now that we find ourselves taking root on a struggling Main Street in a small rural community, we are considering our potential.  Perhaps it's time for Elva Fields to open its traditionally-closed doors to visitors and guests, and maybe we'll even keep some store hours--we're missing the personal, face-to-face interaction, and know that there are people out there who enjoy it as much as we do.  Stay tuned, friends, great things are in store. 

Last, but absolutely not least, in our "Meet the Elva Gals" series is Amy, a beautiful gal with some seriously stylish smarts--she arrived at the studio this fall with a degree in fashion and retail management, and we couldn't be happier about it!  Her retail management experience brings a new element to the mix (we can't wait to see what else she can teach us about organization and efficiency in the New Year...dorky but true) and her creative skills in graphic design and photography have added whimsy and fun to our Elva efforts.  (She's the gal behind our first-ever Holiday Gift Guide and this season's art card design we include with every purchase of $100 or more.)

Her warmhearted smile and cheerful demeanor are such an easy, welcome presence in the studio, and she's quickly become a part of our little Elva family that we can't imagine was ever anything other than what it is now.  We look forward to seeing Amy's talents grow, and we know you'll enjoy her contributions, too.  (Chances are, you've received an email or two from her already if you've shopped with us recently!)

Amy effortlessly paired our vintage glass scarab earrings (that red is amazing!) with a simple black blouse, and we all adore her interpretation of a meaningful holiday in her photograph below that features the jewels.  The perfect blend of sweet, sentimental, and creative...just like Amy!  And now, folks, her interview:

Nickname? Amers

Hometown? Cincinnati

Most memorable concert? Brand New, one of mine and my brother's favorite bands. They rarely ever tour and he and I rarely get to go to concerts together. Not sure if it was the music (don't get me wrong, it was an awesome performance) or all of the other factors that made it so memorable. Either way, hands down best concert.

Favorite candy? Skittles

Movie you could watch 100 times? It depends on my mood. Garden State is always the go to..but then again The Hangover makes me laugh equally as much, if not more, every time I watch it.

Dream destination for a solo adventure? Estonia, to visit my dear friend Kadri.

Best book you read growing up? I found 1984 by George Orwell very interesting when reading it in high school.

Museum, movie, or nap on a free afternoon? Nap, for sure.

Your best recipe? Homemade chicken noodle soup

Favorite quote? “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” - Oscar Wilde

Best thing about Elva so far? Being around such creativity everyday, it's so inspiring.

Tell us a bit about the photo you styled for the Holiday Collection: Growing up we always left milk and cookies out on Christmas Eve for Santa. I always enjoyed waking up Christmas day to find a bite out of a cookie, or crumbs leftover. This is definitely a tradition I will carryout in my family when I have children. 

Next up in our "Meet the Elva Gals" series is the youngest of our group, Lauren.  She, along with her older sister Sydney, started helping us after school last year, wrapping and packing the jewels for shipping and stringing necklaces when there just didn't seem to be enough hands to make it all happen. They inevitably arrived at the studio with some hilarious report from the cafeteria or classroom, and we so enjoyed the youthful vibe they contributed to the atmosphere at Elva.  (Truth be told, they are our daughters' favorite babysitters--between the cats, candy, and endless movie selections...not to mention a trampoline...these gals know how to win a toddler's heart!)  

This year, as a Junior at the local high school, Lauren continues to bring her cheerful, easy-going attitude to our team and approaches every task in the studio with ease and a smile.  Chances are, if you've ever ordered some jewels from us, Lauren has tied the ribbon bow, added a sticker, and sent it on its merry way to you!  We love having her as part of our tiny team, and we loved her gorgeous profile  photograph...and not just because she looks amazing in our Holiday Collection vintage black glass earrings...she's a stunning gal inside and out.  We also loved her simple and heartfelt take on her arrangement of the jewelry for her holiday photo shoot...read more about Lauren and what the holidays mean to her below.  Enjoy!

Nickname?  Gabrielle; it's my middle name, only my sister calls me that, though.

Hometown? My whole life I've grown up in this "awesome" place called Spencer County!

Most memorable concert?  Backstreet Boys, the only concert I've ever seen.

Favorite candy? Reese's, they're the best!

Movie you could watch 100 times?  Nacho Libre, I know every line and can sing all the songs. It's so stupid it's funny.

Dream destination for a solo adventure? Hawaii, who wouldn't want to go there?

Best book you read growing up?  The Great Gatsby. It never ended like I thought it would but it was so good and I'm so excited for the new movie to come out.

Museum, movie, or nap on a free afternoon?  Nap, definitely a nap.

Cherished childhood hiding spot? Mine and Sydney's playhouse outside at our old house.

Your best recipe (or best version of someone else's?)  Pots de Creme.

Favorite quote? "I know God won't give me anything I can't handle. I just wish he didn't trust me so much."

Best thing about Elva so far?  The people there! They're all so awesome and I'm so glad I work in such a wonderful environment.

Tell us a bit about the photo you styled for the Holiday shoot.  Every year before we go to bed on Christmas Eve my family goes to my room and reads the Christmas story together by candlelight, and at the end we hold hands and pray.

Today we're introducing our third Elva Gal in the series, our "OG" of the group, Jessica!  Having started with the studio almost two years ago, she's seen many a change at Elva (we won't bore you with the details of tiny one-room studios and public library internet connections) and has remained a steady presence along the way.  With experience in everything from retail to real estate, cosmetics to candles, it is her open, hopeful, and creative approach to life and learning that brought her to our team.  She is passionate about creating, is the reigning queen of Pinterest and the blogosphere, and has a love of flea markets and estate sales that keeps her exploring each weekend of the year.  (And we thought we were addicted!)

Jess is certainly the mama of our little group, offering kind and thoughtful help, advice, and suggestions on any topic on the table: (we cover a lot of ground on chatty days in the studio) relationships, ailments, vacation destinations, reading recommendations, recipes, and musical insight.   She has wonderful ideas and big dreams, and she has brought them all to us at Elva...and we're all the better for it.  

We adored Jess's whimsical pairing of a bright, chartreuse cardigan with our vintage glass tulip drop earrings (how amazing are they together?!) and loved even more her photograph of the jewels amongst a collection of vintage ornaments...an Elva gal tried and true.

Friends, meet Jess!

Nickname?  Jess, Jec, Honey and Mommy

Hometown?  I grew up in Versailles, Ky and have lived in Shelbyville, Ky for almost 13 years

Most memorable concert?  My son is in a band, so probably his first concert. I was a nervous wreck and was amazed that he could stand up there in front of  a small crowd and sing and play guitar. A proud day indeed. Other than that probably the most fun was The B-52s and The Violent Femmes...this whole answer just dated me, huh?

Favorite candy? Violet Crumbles..from Australia. The whole family is obsessed.

Movie you could watch 100 times?  "Gone With The Wind"...and anything involving zombies.  They really should combine the two!

Dream destination for a solo adventure? Paris!

Best book you read growing up? First chapter books. The Laura Ingalls Wilder series.

Museum, movie, or nap on a free afternoon?  Movie.  Museums are family time. Naps are nice, too.

Cherished childhood hiding spot? My closet...I played in there for hours. It was my imaginary single-girl apartment.

Your best recipe (or best version of someone else's?)  My mother's cheese grits.

Favorite quote? "Art washes from the soul the dust of every day life." -Picasso

Best thing about Elva so far?  As the mother of three boys, the best thing about Elva for me is the time I get to spend with the fabulous women I work with.  Lots of laughter, hard work and creativity here.  Making jewelry and being amazed every day by the beautiful vintage elements and beads that come together to make something so stunning and unique.  I am so thrilled to be a part of the process, and I am incredibly blessed that I get to do something that I love.

Tell us a bit about the photo you styled for the Holiday shoot.
I love things that have a history. I love antiquing, picking, and repurposing my finds. The vintage ornaments have a faded patina that gives such soft color, but the stripes and patterns give a youthful vibe. I love that blend. To me it represents the blending of family and friends, young and old. That is what makes my holiday merry and bright.

Next up in our "Meet the Elva Gals" series is the gorgeous and lovely Grace, the newest addition to our little team, having jumped right in amidst the holiday hubbub last month.  Grace instantly felt like family to all of us, and we can't imagine the studio without her easygoing presence, contagious smile, and always-happy-to-help-whomever-however attitude.  She has an eye for style and a creative spirit, and she can now add "jewelry" to her long list of talents and skills. (Did we mention she came to us from a successful career in finance and banking?  So she's a whiz with numbers AND creating beautiful things...yes, she's one of those right-and-left-brain gals...amazing!)  We're over-the-moon to have Grace along for this roller-coaster ride that is Elva Fields, and we know you'll love meeting her, too!  We loved her simple take on our vintage black and gold glass earrings from the Holiday Collection, and thought her holiday inspiration shoot (you can see it below!) was a perfect fit.  Without further ado, her interview:

Nickname? Gracie (we're just listing the non-embarrassing ones, right?)