Adoption Journey Necklace

The inspiration for this piece was from the adoption story of a family who rescued a sweet little boy from an orphanage from the city of Addis Ababa in Ethiopia this past year.

I designed this pendant showing the continent of Africa, Ethiopia highlighted and a small red circle pinpointing the city of Addis, where Escher David was found {love the name!}. The pendant can be customized using other countries, names, initials, dates - whatever you choose!

I'm sure you have known at least one or two families who have adopted or are currently trying to adopt - if you do, you know that it is NOT an easy process. I think this would be a really special gift for a mom to mark the end of the adoption process but also the beginning of a new chapter in their lives as a family!

You can find it here...

Custom Japanese Blossom Necklace

One of our most popular designs - the cherry blossom print - is now the feature for this new custom design ::

You can find it here!

motherhood necklaces

I have had some requests for pieces that are more generic and don't use names/initials. Here are two brand new designs for moms :: {more family pieces to come}

You can find them here and here.

10 Years

Wow - 10 years - it's a little hard to believe! Lance and I met in the fall of 1996 {at a 70's party at college}, which means we've been together almost 13 years. How am I old enough to say that? When I think of all we have experienced together, 10 years sounds just about right...

• my last year of college our first year together,
  
• the ins and outs of a record deal or two,
• band gigs and road trips,
  
• moving 6 times,
• the last move - across the country to a place where we didn't know a soul {scary!},
  
• a huge career change for Lance,
• two beautiful baby boys...

We've made some really wonderful friends along the way and have had some fun times!! We have learned a lot about each other and ourselves throughout the happy & difficult times. Then I think of all that God still has in store for us & raising our boys together...when we've been married 50+ years, we'll probably look back on these first ten years as just a blip. ;)

Lance Aaron :: there is no one I would rather walk alongside in this journey of life. I love you!

family time

I took these while waiting at one of our favorite restaurants recently. We went for lunch after some time at the beach, so E was still cold from being wet {hence the sweatshirt of mine that he is wearing}. Look at that crazy hair - I just love it. People still get rather confused about whether or not he is a boy or a girl and they always say "sorry...it's the curly hair"!?! It doesn't really compute with me...when did God stop giving boys curly hair? :)


And, I just wanna say that I think my husband is a cute one, too - 10 years this week - more on that Thursday.

calling all facebook-ers ::

Become a fan of bel kai designs on facebook and enter the giveaway for a FREE custom necklace! You can enter by next Monday at 10:00pm (pdt).

I have nothing to say here. Just wanted to show you what a cute baby we have. Oh and I think I am seeing evidence of curls in his hair as it grows.

So happy about that.

customer creations

I just love it when a customer has their own idea for a pendant. I love creating, but I definitely get creator's block from time to time. Here are a couple of pendants that I have designed alongside the customer - both were given as a gift for someone else.


I received an email from a friend of a friend who lost her daughter, Tessa, when she was 9 months pregnant. She wanted to give her best friend something special for all she did for her during that difficult time. So, together, we came up with the piece {on the left} after she found this quote {an old Swedish proverb} that expressed how she felt. I love how it turned out!

I piece on the right was designed for a customer who wanted a gift for a friend that she mentors who is getting ready to graduate. Perfect, huh? The verse is taken from the bible...jeremiah 29:11. I personally have always been comforted by the hope and assurance that this verse brings and this is one of my favorite designs for a pendant, too - I may just make one for myself!

And finally, here are two I designed at Christmas-time for a father that wanted to give his two daughters necklaces made just for them ::


I really do consider it an honor to be able to make a piece of jewelry that will be a lasting keepsake for someone. See?! The possibilities really are endless. So, if you have an idea, I can make it happen. Just try me... :)

no newborns here!

Well, at two months old {yesterday} S has officially graduated from the newborn stage, as evidenced by the serious chub shown below. Boy is he cute.


Elliot is looking so serious in this pic, don't ya think? Whenever I see pictures of him looking serious, I see a lot of me in him {hmmm - is that a good thing?}. It is pretty much the only time I see me in him, since he looks so strikingly similar to Lance. Adorable shirt is from the Outfit - designed by klt works. {both mom-owned businesses...gotta love it!}

disney

So, it was my birthday last week and we decided to do Disneyland. Yes, you read that right...it was MY birthday....not E's. Not quite my 1st choice for a birthday celebration {thinking more along the lines of a spa and something involving chocolate}. But we're thrifty and decided to take advantage of the free admission on your birthday and since E is not yet three years old, we only had to purchase one ticket. So, with great dread, we planned a day at Disney. I have many friends who love Disney, buy the season passes, etc. I really was trying to keep an open mind. But, ya know what? I'm still not much of a fan. Lines, heat, people, at least one tantrum, expensive food...sorry friends, not for me. I admit, I did have fun seeing the wonder & delight in E's eyes all day - but I swear he's just as happy at the beach {as am I}, which is only 4 blocks away and FREE. Anyway...here are a few photos from the day...



Summertime Sale is Still ON! 15% off your entire purchase - code "summertime". Ends August 15th!