I’ve been on a quest for about 3 years to simplify my wardrobe and reduce the time it takes to get dressed.

And Spring will be here soon, so it’s time to cull, donate and put a breath of freshness to our wardrobe!

Ready to get started?  Here’s this Spring’s trend colors:

Yes, it’s barely February and there are more cold and wintery days ahead, but we can pass the time productively…as we anticipate the coming of warmer days and daffodils!

Start today by planning, organizing and filling the gaps (the fun part!) of our wardrobes for the warmer months!

What have I found that helps me with wardrobe planning?

1. Fewer options from which to choose makes decision-making easier.  I get out the door quicker and feel good about what I’m wearing.

2. Items that multitask go the distance.  A black pencil skirt, a pair of skinny jeans, good leather boots, strappy sandals, leggings, etc…

3. Choosing seasonal splashes of current color trends that are in my color family.  Find what colors work for you by googling ‘fashion color theory’ or ‘fashion color analysis’ to find your best colors.  Then pick from the seasons trending colors those that are the most flattering on you.  Check your closet for those colors first…then go shopping (if need be) for one or two items that will freshen your wardrobe.  This might only be an accessory item…a scarf or necklace or earrings.

Interested in learning more about this process?  There lots of people out there learning to live more minimalist…and finding it makes them a lot happier.  Pop over to Project 333 ,  a site dedicated to decreasing quantity and increasing quality of your wardrobe and the whole getting dressed process!

Oh, and there’s a #4 that is so freeing, you can’t imagine!  But it is not an easy one for some people.

4.  NEVER STOP CULLING and PURGING. Someone out there can get a lot of use out of the item that sits in your closet and only gets worn once every few years.  DONATE IT!!

Bless someone today…and be blessed too!

Happy Weekend to you!

Grace & Peace to you,

The post 2013 Spring Pantone Trend Colors appeared first on GraceHouseDesigns.com.

Delicately sculpted, hammered and shaped, these are the MEDIUM artisan hoops in luxurious *.925 Sterling Silver.

Simple | Elegant | Versatile.

Wear alone or begin the journey of endless options with **Additions – to fit every outfit, occasion and mood!

*Artisan Hoops are also available in 14k Gold Fill.  Large & Petite Hoop Earrings also available and sold separately. If you don’t see a listing, contact the shop.

**Additions Sold Separately.

Length:  1.25″ = 1 -1/4″ (3.175 cm)
.925 Sterling Silver
Handmade in North Carolina

The post Medium Artisan Hoop Earrings – .925 Sterling Silver appeared first on GraceHouseDesigns.com.

Delicately sculpted, hammered and shaped, these are the SMALLEST of the artisan hoops in luxurious *.925 Sterling Silver.

Simple | Elegant | Versatile.

Wear alone or begin the journey of endless options with **Additions  – to fit every outfit, occasion and mood!

*Artisan Hoops are also available in 14k Gold Fill.  Large & Mediuml Hoops also available. If you don’t see a listing, contact the shop.

**Additions Sold Separately.

Length:   .75″ = 3/4″ (1.91 cm)

.925 Sterling Silver

Handmade in North Carolina

The post Petite Artisan Hoop Earrings – .925 Sterling Silver appeared first on GraceHouseDesigns.com.

Have you begun to decorate for Christmas?  Some may be well on their way this week with Thanksgiving now behind us.  I normally begin decorating the house the weekend after Thanksgiving but if I’m putting up a real tree and fresh greens, I usually wait until the first of December.  Still, there are things I can do now that help make the transition.  Like a walk in the garden!

I love natural!  And I love working from my abundance.  You know, those things already around me that I might not be noticing.  And did I mention I love simple?

Look around your yard for texture and color.

These are old fashioned snowball bush blossoms that had already dried naturally on the bush.  I just plucked them!

And I gathered up a pile of leaves…

and found a $1. can of white paint and began spritzing!

Love the muted colors with the frosty / snow look.

I’ve taken tiny clothes pins and clipped seashells I’d gathered from our trip to the beach and from the shoreline of the lake to the branches of the Christmas tree.

Old linen cut into strips and wrapped around old inexpensive ornamental balls.

And I love the sentimental…the angel that our son made at school one year in elementary school.
(He all grown up now with a place of his own this year!)

And I love the old glass balls with the silver coating that is fading…that’s part of the beauty of it to me.

And viola!

More ideas are coming on fast, simple, inexpensive and memorable ways to decorate your home for Christmas.

Stay tuned!

And thank you to those who posted comments to the ‘What does Grace Mean to you? post this past weekend!
Loved your input!
And it encourages me to hear from you!

Without further stalling (smile),

the winner of a set of my Artisan Hoops is:

Elizabeth Braswell

Congratulations, Elizabeth!
(I’ll be contacting you soon!)

Enjoy your Cyber Monday Shopping and don’t forget to pop over to the Shop for lovely artisan jewelry items and

FREE SHIPPING, TODAY ONLY!

Grace & Peace to you,

The post Decorating for Christmas Naturally – & A Winner! appeared first on GraceHouseDesigns.com.

When you think of ‘grace’, what comes to mind?

Some people think it is the prayer you say before a meal…as in ‘saying grace’.

Others think it is the way one carries himself/herself… i.e. ‘graceful’.

On this the first day that kicks off a season of giving, (and for some the long lines, extra workload, difficult and impatient people (who sometimes might be related to you), the overstretched pocketbook – need I go on?

Let’s encourage one another in sharing how we see (and give) grace around us.

What does grace look like to you?  Leave a comment below.

And for being so gracious, on Monday morning, November 26, 2012, I’ll post the name of one lucky person who will win a set of my Artisan Hoop Earrings!

So here’s how to enter the giveaway:

1 – Leave a comment below on what you think grace is…or how you saw, gave or received grace today.

2 – Like Grace House Designs on Facebook.

3 – Share this post with your friends on Facebook or Twitter so more people will be reminded of what grace truly is.

Who knows, your share might just be the one that starts a chain reaction of grace all over the world this Christmas!

Giveaway ends at midnight Sunday night, November 25, 2012.

UPDATE: Giveaway closed.  And winner announced here!  Thanks to all who commented!

Grace & Peace to you,

Sharon Poarch creates, writes and shares at GRACEHOUSEDESIGNS.COM
She seeks every day, in everything she does, these life goals to:

Thanks for sharing a little of your time with me today! If you don’t already, please consider subscribing to the email list, where *special things* come your way!
Subscribe via RSS feed or for Extra Special Updates. Don’t forget to connect via Twitter & Facebook.

The post So What Does Grace Mean to You? appeared first on GraceHouseDesigns.com.

An icy pink citrus circle of natural Mother of Pearl, soft but with a little zing – for those of you who love the gorgeous pinks and oranges out there but prefer to dip your toe in slowly! I wrap each shell and hand sculpt each ear wire from the finest silver to create the artisan earrings.

For other earring options, see Earrings.

Mother Of Pearl
.999 Fine Silver
Approx Size:  TTL Drop 2.25” (57mm)

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The post Blushing Grapefruit Earrings – .999 Fine Silver appeared first on GraceHouseDesigns.com.

A wispy, feathery hand woven bracelet made of soft, blush silk adorned with semi-precious polished hematite stones. It is light & feminine yet a bangle with a bit of edge.

Finally, an elegant, comfortable bangle bracelet doesn’t get in the way of writing or computing!
For other bracelets in the collection, see Bracelets.

Hematite
Silk
Approx Size: Forgiving 7″ (177.8mm)
(No guessing for gifts!)

Toggle clasp is decorative only.

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The post Woven Nest Bangle – Blush appeared first on GraceHouseDesigns.com.

Handcrafted, sculpted, hammered and shaped. These are the LARGE artisan hoops and are sculpted from  luxurious *.925 Sterling Silver.

Simple | Elegant | Versatile.

Wear alone or begin the journey of endless options with **Additions!
Add some flare to your handcrafted hoop earrings…to fit every outfit, occasion and mood!

*Artisan Hoops are also available in 14k Gold Fill.
*Medium & Small Hoops also available.  If you don’t see a listing, contact the shop.
**Additions Sold Separately.

Length: 2.5″ (6.35 cm)
.925 Sterling Silver

The post Large Artisan Hoop Earrings – .925 Sterling Silver appeared first on GraceHouseDesigns.com.

Three cords of a dark chocolate (some might even say “french roast’) hue of leather woven together…a reminder of the strong bond of friendship.

A continuous series of curves forms a delicate silver cross amidst the three cords.
Perfect for any casual occasion.

Approx Size:  Wraps to 7.5″ (190mm) / TTL Length 15″ (380mm)
Antique Button Closure

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The post “Three Cords” Wrap Bracelet appeared first on GraceHouseDesigns.com.

The Tender Heart Necklace softly sings its melody of rock solid love.  A natural semi-precious oblong carved heart stone in hues Greyed Jade, Tender Shoots and Dusk Blue.  For even more whimsy, tie in a voluptuous bow at the nape of the neck.

For other necklaces in the collection, see Necklaces.

Prehnite
Approx Size: 56mm Prehnite Oblong Heart Pendant
24″ (609mm) Adjustable Ties

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The post The Tender Heart Necklace appeared first on GraceHouseDesigns.com.

You’ll want to pick these Winterberries soon! Exquisite dark red wine cultured pearls are wrapped in .999 Fine Silver and hung from handcrafted pure silver ear wires..each carefully hammered and shaped.  A truly Artisan set of pearl earrings.

Pearl Approx Size: .75″ (19mm)
For other earring options, see Earrings.

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The post Winterberries – Pearl Earrings – .999 Fine Silver appeared first on GraceHouseDesigns.com.

Let the Nectarine Sorbet Circles bring some sweet zing to your jewelry collection!

Add these earring charms as additions to any size Artisan Hoop Earrings.

Mother Of Pearl
.925 Sterling Silver
Approx Addition Length: 1″ (25mm)

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The post Nectarine Sorbet Circles – Earring Charms / Additions – .925 Sterling Silver appeared first on GraceHouseDesigns.com.