All Things Are Possible With Hope

I recently learned that one of my friends from High School was diagnosed with cancer of the appendix (specifically, adenocarcinoma) in 2005. It is a very rare cancer, affecting approximately 1,500 people a year.  Dana is currently undergoing chemotherapy for the third and hopefully, final time.

In honor of Dana's courage and continuous positive attitude, I have designed a special pendant which is currently up for bid on eBay until April 24, 2010.  100% of the final sale price will support Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, a place near and dear to Dana's heart and where she currently receives treatment.  The donation will be made in Dana's honor.

The necklace is a silver plated, mini link chain that measures 18" in length. The glass pendant is handmade and measures 1"x1". The pendant reads "All things are possible with HOPE", a quote that Dana had requested, and features a butterfly - a perfect symbol of hope. The pendant is also adorned with matching wire wrapping, Swarovksi crystals and small silver beads.

I am inspired by Dana's strength and positivity.  We recently met for dinner to catch up on each others lives and four hours later, I was thrilled to learn that at 32, life just keeps getting better for her. 

To bid on this special necklace, please click here. 

We appreciate all of your support. 



Jen & Dana

Violet & Blue's Got a Sister!



After months of hard work, I am happy to announce the opening of V&B's sister store - Rhiannon's Garden!  Do you love vintage?  Then this store is for you!  Rhiannon's Garden is committed to bringing you high quality authentic vintage clothing, accessories and home goods.  I've been having fun frequenting estate sales, auction houses and closets. :)  I'm learning so much about designers, artists and labels.  My passion began when I started creating my Antique Boutique Collection for Violet & Blue.  I like finding old pieces and incorporating them into modern day life.  Speaking of, Rhiannon's Garden also offers some great modern gifts too - items include framed prints from my own photography collection.  In the weeks to come I will be working on some handmade items with a vintage flair.  I am really excited about this new venture.  The response has been overwhelming since it's official opening on March 1st.  I invite you all to visit the online store.  I hope you find something you like!

To visit Rhiannon's Garden online, please click here.

Camp Tomorrow Collection

On Saturday, February 13th, Violet & Blue teamed up with Buffalo Zach's Cafe to bring you the Camp Tomorrow Collection. This collection has been a work in progress and we are so excited that it's actually come to fruition.

Some 2 ½ years ago, with the help of three of the most prestigious New York hospitals, the proprietor of this unique café, Peter Swersey, decided to fulfill a dream of his by building the first Survivorship retreat and sanctuary for Cancer patients in this country, just outside of beautiful Roscoe, NY. It was the profound loss of three of his family members to the horrific disease of Cancer that drew him to this mission.

This very strong commitment of his had him spend over 1 ½ years in the planning stages to launch what will become known as “Camp Tomorrow”, A Place of Hope, Renewal and Healing; so Cancer survivors can remain cancer free for the remaining years of their lives.

The inception of Buffalo Zach’s Café in Roscoe will serve as a support and foundation for the funding of “Camp Tomorrow”. The opening for his retreat is scheduled in the near future and hopefully will be the beginning of many more cancer survival retreats in the country.

Violet & Blue is happy to announce that a portion of the proceeds from this very special collection will go to help "Camp Tomorrow". The response to the collection has been overwhelming since it's debut and we couldn't be more thrilled. More pieces are being created and will be available at Buffalo Zach's Cafe soon! If you would like more information about the "Camp Tomorrow" Collection and/or interested in making a purchase but don't live in the Roscoe, NY area, please email violetandblue@hotmail.com.

Jen and Buffalo Zach's Cafe owner, Peter Swersey

Rockin' Out

I love making custom pieces, but making custom pieces for rock stars is the ultimate! Recently I had the opportunity of creating a custom piece for Jeremy Henshaw, bassist for Tulsa rockers SafetySuit. Jeremy was looking for an antique piece - a necklace - with an old key, specifically. Through the powers of the internet, I came across an actual skeleton key, circa early 1900s, that I thought would be perfect. I added a few modern, silver pieces: a lobster-claw clasp, spacer beads and a bail in order to create a pendant out of the key. I strung everything on a black suede cord and the result was a combination of something old and something new.

I was fortunate enough to catch up with Jeremy as his band made a stop in New York City while currently out on tour. The necklace looks absolutely amazing on him and I was thrilled he was happy with the design.

These guys can rock!

For info. & tour dates, visit:

http://www.safetysuitmusic.com

If you would like more information about Violet & Blue custom orders, please send an email to violetandblue@hotmail.com