jewelry – Lisa Leonard Designs Blog

DIY photography filters

inspiration, jewelry, photography By Lisa Leonard January 11, 2020 3 Comments

I love taking pictures–I’m an amateur with a lot to learn and that’s okay. Maybe that’s what makes it fun. I love to experiment and try new things. I use a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and I’m not sure if that camera can take a bad picture. Because my husband and I have a business creating handmade jewelry and accessories, I take a lot of pictures of my jewelry {and other things too!}. I want to create that magical shot that captures the heartfelt meaning behind every handmade design.

Today I tried partially covering my lens in 3 ways to see what kind of results I would get. I used a hair band to attach the object to my lens. I tried an olive branch, tissue paper and twinkle lights. The images are straight from my camera and unedited.

Check this out!

To start I cut a twig of olive branch leaves and attached it to my 50mm fixed lens with a hair band. This is high tech, folks!

It created some natural streaks in the foreground. I think it adds interest to the image–especially with the olive branch next to the jewelry box.

This is the sunburst necklace. Do you know that feeling; when you’re walking through a dark time and you’re wondering if hope or joy are even possible? Your heart is grieving. and then you feel it–just a hint of light. The smallest ray of hope and you hold onto it as tightly as you can. The sunburst necklace captures that glimmer of hope.

The sunburst necklace has powerful meaning–you can see why I want the photography to tell that story! Find the sunburst necklace here.

The second filter I used what tissue paper, torn in the. center and the attached to my 50mm fixed lens with a hair band. {I still haven’t put away all our Christmas wrapping paper–so it was right there, available for me! Sometimes it pays to procrastinate!}

Oh my gosh aren’t these results magical? The tissue paper creates soft, blurry edges and with the center of the lens unblocked we get a clear image of one of my favorite necklaces–the Open Circle necklace.

A circle complete and whole. Each of us is part of the whole—together we are stronger and better. Every person is unique and precious. Every soul matters. This is the meaning behind the Open Circle necklace. Find the Open Circle necklace here.

I pulled the tissue back a bit more and got this shot of the Sunburst Necklace. It created softer bits of blurriness–so pretty.

I really went on a limb here and tied some twinkle bubble lights around my 50mm fixed lens. I was laughing as I did it–and also super curious to see what kind of results I would get. Check out this pic of my Artisan Pearl earrings. The lights created some bokeh around the edges of the photo. This image isn’t edited! So magical and fun.

These earrings are forged by hand to create an extra long, gold-filled stem and finished with a freshwater pearl. The result is clean and absolutely stunning. The pearl represents grace and beauty. Perfect with jeans and white tee or your favorite black dress. Find the artisan pearl earrings here.

Louis allowed me to photograph him with twinkle bubble lights tied to my camera lens in exchange for some dog treats. He’s such a cutie. He’ll pretty much do anything for a treat–even give me a head tilt!

I decided to try these same techniques with my iPhone.

The first image above left is with a small olive branch partially blocking the lens. I could have taped it to my iPhone case but I just held it with my other hand. I think it’s fun–like I’m looking through leaves to take the pic.

The second image I used some tissue paper with the center torn out. The blur isn’t quite as soft but it does create some foreground noise that’s kind of fun.

The last image is using bubble twinkle lights. This one was a lot trickier and I didn’t love the results. It’s just some round orbs in the foreground without that magical bokeh.

Which one is your favorite? Have you tried playing with real life filters? Hmm, I wonder what other things I could use for filters?

new {and adorable!} stacking rings

inspiration, jewelry, the meaning behind By Lisa Leonard November 6, 2019 No Comments

Brand new stacking rings just in time for Christmas!

They are here! I have been so excited to share my new stacking rings with you. I can’t believe how CUTE they are!

Eight new stacking ring designs–each full of meaning.

There are eight new designs and each one has their own meaning. As you pick the stacking ring designs that reflect your heart, you’re telling your story.

There are three colors of stacking rings; sterling silver, gold plated and rose gold plated.

It’s our BIGGER than Black Friday sale! Don’t miss it. Click here to shop!

The new stacking ring designs include tiny hearts, happy dots, twists and turns, and more!

Stack four or five rings together to tell your unique story! Each stackable ring is handmade and holds deep meaning.

I love to mix and match metals–don’t you? It adds interest and depth. What is your favorite metal for stacking rings–sterling, gold or rose gold?

I love to stack the forward arrows ring, tiny hearts ring and tiny sparkles ring with my classic stacking name rings. Isn’t is sweet?

You are brave. You are full of love and light. You make the world a better place. Tell your story with stackable rings!

This is your beautiful, imperfect, amazing, one of a kind story! These are the stacking rings that tell your story!

I love mixing metals–gold, rose gold and sterling silver, don’t you? Let your jewelry be as unique as you are!

Hold my hand sweetheart and we’ll walk together. This is our family. This is our love. This is our story.

Here are some of my favorites–forward arrows, tiny sparkles, tiny sparkles, tiny hearts and forward arrows! Aren’t these stacking rings beautiful?

Your story is matters! Tell your one-of-a-kind story with my new stackable rings. Find them here!

Don’t miss my BIGGER than Black Friday Sale! Click here to SHOP!

wholeness is a contradiction

finding love, jewelry, the meaning behind By Lisa Leonard June 29, 2016 4 Comments

What is wholeness?

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. I’ve spent time reading about it, journaling about it and praying about it.

I want to be whole–but often I feel so broken and inadequate. I’m imperfect, but also amazing. I’m strong and capable but also prone to discouragement when I’m worn out. Wholeness is a contradiction. The more I accept my inability to be whole, the more I find it.

To fully experience life I have to open myself to every part it—the beautiful parts and the ugly parts.

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Wholeness isn’t perfection. I’ve made my to-do lists and faithfully checked off item after item. By the time I reach the end of the list I have to start over again. The list is never-ending, but my energy is limited. I’ve tried to be perfect and failed miserably time and time again.

Wholeness isn’t life without conflict. I’ve tried to control things in my environment, my home, my family to make us all ‘happy’. It’s impossible. Each of us with our own personalities and preferences can’t be simultaneously pleased and content each moment. Relationship requires give and take. It requires flexibility and freeing ourselves to feel what we feel.

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Wholeness is waking up on a Saturday morning to pancakes and syrupy fingers.

Wholeness is taking the dogs for a walk and letting the laundry wait.

Wholeness is clearing our calendar last minute to stay home and rest.

Wholeness is a date night that ends with a fight. But we climb into bed and drift off to sleep side by side anyway.

Sometimes wholeness is laughing and sometimes it’s crying.

Sometimes it’s singing together in the car.

Sometimes it’s raised voices and strong opinions.

Sometimes it’s kind words.

Sometimes it’s forgiveness. Maybe all the time it’s forgiveness.

Wholeness is taking care of myself physically, emotionally and spiritually, so I can love you better. And knowing you need to do the same.

Wholeness is believing you’re strong where I’m weak. And I’m strong where you’re weak.

Wholeness is you and me smoothing out each other’s rough edges.

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Wholeness is a little necklace around my neck reminding me together we are better. Together we are stronger. Together we will walk this winding road hand in hand.

thrifting and furry footprints

jewelry, Louis and Beasley, what I'm wearing By Lisa Leonard June 14, 2016 2 Comments

Steve and I were in New York for meetings a couple weeks ago. We were walking through a charming neighborhood and we stumbled on St. Luke’s thrift store–which to me is like the happiest thing ever. They had some great things–lots of collectibles and some good clothing. It was a curated store–so a bit more expensive but a lot less hunting through junk. I found this vintage kimono and the leather bag.

We are introducing the adorable furry footprint tag and necklace today. Check it out!

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Louis and Beasley love their new tags! Oh these pups are such heart melters. I can’t believe how much joy they add to our family. We are so grateful.

Outfit details: Vintage kimono, leather bag, Thrifted. Skinny jeans, Target {similar here}. Cream camisole, Amazon. Sandals, Miz Mooz. Dog tag/Necklace, My Shop.

these hands

finding love, jewelry By Lisa Leonard June 7, 2016 18 Comments

My hands are imperfect. Sometimes I’ve felt self-conscious of my hands. They have freckles from years of being outside. My nails are short and need new polish. My hands are nothing special, except my hands represent something very special.

These hands were made to hold you.

They wipe the tears.

And these are the hands folded in prayer next to yours, asking for safety and wisdom.

{customer photos above by Michelle Madigan Herman and Ashley Fink via Facebook}

They turn the pages of your favorite book.

And these are the hands that will turn the pages of that book as we read it over and over.

They tuck the blankets tight.

And these are the hands that softly rub your back night after night.

They pack your favorite lunches.

These are the hands that hold fast while we cross the street.

They comb your hair.

These hands have folded your laundry and helped button your shirts.

They change countless diapers.

And when you have your own children, these hands will gladly change their diapers too.

{customer photo above by Chloe Vaquez-Wheeler via Facebook}

They clapped with joy when you took your first steps.

And these are the hands that will clap for joy with every accomplishment—no matter how big or small.

These hands are how I express my love for you.

These hands are an extension of my heart.

And this is the ring, that slips on the finger of my mama hand. This ring reminds me we are always together.

Together—whether physically or just in our hearts, is the best place to be.

being shaped and formed and molded

jewelry, motherhood, the meaning behind By Lisa Leonard April 12, 2016 4 Comments

I don’t know how to make jewelry–or at least there are times I want to give up because it’s hard! Over the years, I’ve learned how to use my tools, but sometimes they still won’t cooperate. When I set out to create a new design, I dream, sketch, metal work, file, hammer, polish—and I can tell you, nine times out of ten, the end result is different that what I imagined when inspiration first came to me.

I see symbolism here with motherhood. I dreamed about being a mom since I was a little girl. I wrapped my baby doll in a blanket and carried her around the house. I changed pretend diapers and hoped some day I would have my own, very real baby. When I held David in my arms for the first time, everything I imagined fell away. With a disability, he wasn’t what I expected, but he was adorable and precious. He was part of me and also uniquely himself. With Matthias’ birth I was similarly unprepared and facing the unexpected. When each of my boys was placed in my arms we met for the first time. That first day we began the adventure getting to know each other.

With every cuddle, kiss, tear wiped and hand held we are molding our children. With every comforting word and piece of advice shared, we are guiding and training our children. Each child brings his own personality, spunk and curiosity to life. Like metalworking and jewelry design, it’s an imperfect process. The artist and the metal work together. The parent and the child are each growing, changing and being shaped into something lovely.

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There is a beauty to a handmade piece that is forged from metal and shaped into something meaningful. When our pieces are made, sometimes the metal works in our favor, and sometimes it works against us. The process involves fire to soften and shape the metal, but it also requires cool water baths and the gentle brushes to buff and shine. There is push and pull—two forces at work. What results is better because of the struggle. The finished design is a combination of what I bring to the workbench and what the raw materials allow. Motherhood, like jewelry making, is two forces working together. It’s a process of being shaped and formed and molded—not just the child, but the mother as well.

Each handmade piece of jewelry represents my mother’s heart. It’s the deep significance of a journey walked together. Through highs and lows each of us is changed and deep bonds are formed. This is where love flourishes. This is the meaning behind each piece of jewelry I create.

Stack on a few delicate birthstone rings or wear a handcrafted necklace close to your heart with the knowledge that being a mother is magnificent work—not because mother or child is perfect, but because together we are growing, becoming stronger and more whole. Together we are better.

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Mother’s Day is just a few short weeks away. There is a perfect gift waiting to be created, just for you or a dear one in your life. Don’t wait—click here to see the pieces I’ve created for you.

the best jeans in the whole world

jewelry, Louis and Beasley, what I'm wearing By Lisa Leonard February 4, 2016 10 Comments

We stopped at Banana Republic the other day to get some jeans for Steve, and these super soft, broken-in jeans called to me. They remind me of hunting for vintage Levis in high school. We used to scour thrift shops for hours looking for the perfect pair of boyfriend jeans. A good pair of jeans are like a good friend. Or maybe like a security blanket. They’re comforting.

I’ve also been counting my steps and they add up quickly when I take the dogs to work and we have stretch breaks during the day. My daily goal is 10,000, but when I’m in meetings all day, it’s so hard to get steps! Some days I can’t get more than 5,000 steps no matter how hard I try.

The bursting heart ring is making me all kinds of happy lately. And the large gemstone cuff goes with anything. I have the words ‘honesty + bravery’ stamped inside.

I layer up every day because the mornings are super chilly. And sometimes the shop is chilly–it’s a brick building, so it stays cool.

Sniff sniff sniff. What’s the rush? We’re slowly getting better at not getting all tangled up in the leash.

Outfit details: Boyfriend jeans, Banana Republic. Striped long-sleeve tee, Banana Republic. Green faux leather jacket, Thrifted. Boots, Frye. Backpack, Frye. Bursting heart ring, My Shop. Gemstone cuff, My shop.

Are you counting your steps every day? I’d love to hear what your goals are and how you get all your steps in!

real , full of meaning, and from the heart – wear them all!

christmas, jewelry, what I'm wearing By Lisa Leonard November 5, 2015 3 Comments

Oh friends! Our holiday collection is HERE! We’ve been working on this collection for months and months. It’s always surreal to see something go from a sketch, to a sample, to a product on the website, and then finally seeing it around YOUR neck or on YOUR finger. It always seems sort of unbelievable. It’s humbling. It’s an honor to be part of your story.

As we launch our Christmas collection, I’m thinking and planning our family Christmas season. I already know it will be imperfect. But I want to make memories we’ll keep forever. I want to let it be messy and fun. I don’t want to worry about the tangled up twinkle lights–we’ll just get a new set. My home doesn’t have to be perfectly clean or tidy. Maybe we’ll play too many video games or eat too much pie. I’ll probably loose all the gift receipts I planned to keep safe. I’ll likely stay up way too late on Christmas eve, wrapping gifts. I want to remember mornings snuggled on the couch with coffee. I want to side by the fireside and feel the warmth on my back. I want to focus on the moment, focus on love, focus on what matters. This is what’s real. #myrealchristmas

Can I share some of the new designs with you?There are so many rings in this collection that make my heart melt. They are full of meaning–and I want to wear them all! I think I may need more fingers. 😉

The rings are meant to be stacked and the NEW bangles are meant to be layered together. It’s togetherness that feeds our souls. Each of these pieces represents someone who has your heart. Each of these pieces is created just for you. The symbolism holds deeps meaning.

The ‘good things in threes ring’ above is different and funky and I love it. Good things often come in threes–three little words, “I love you.” Three people–You, me and us. Three is a significant number. See all the details for this ring here.

And the birthstone stacking bangles? Oh my goodness. Hand-wrapped gemstones are breath-taking. Layered together they make a huge statement. I love them!

These pieces are about real life and real love. It’s the messy, beautiful stuff of everyday that makes our lives meaningful. It’s not perfect. It looks nothing like a pin from Pinterest. It’s honest and true. This is where I live. This is where you live. This is where we journey together and find hope.

This season is full of rushing and worrying and stress. What if we set it aside and enjoy the blessings all around us? What if we let each other be imperfect? What if we let it be what it is? I think we’ll find more joy and meaning, don’t you?

See all the new ornaments here.

You can see the whole collection here. Let’s make real memories this Christmas. #myrealchristmas. What’s real is what’s beautiful.

why we love meaningful rings {and a huge sale!!!}

jewelry By Lisa Leonard October 29, 2015 8 Comments

You guys, we hardly ever do a sale on rings–so this is HUGE!

And I love rings. I love mixing metals. Easy to stack. Easy for every day. Full of meaning.

Isn’t the passage ring with the birthstone diamond {bottom left} a pretty pair?

And those stacking rings with your special names {bottom right}? L O V E.

The sunburst diamond ring is breath-taking. It has deep meaning–read about it here.

Take 20% off all rings with code ‘treat’. What a fabulous deal!

Which ones are your favorites? Click here to shop.

hello new, hello pretty

hello monday, jewelry By Lisa Leonard September 14, 2015 4 Comments

Hello friends!

We’ve been working hard around here, preparing the new fall collection. To me, it feels as fresh as it is timeless. It’s truly been a team effort and I’m very excited to share it with you!

It’s a brand new week, how about some hellos?

***Hello Monday is where I greet the new week with an open heart and a fresh perspective. It’s a new beginning–and there’s so much to be thankful for! Join me by leaving your own hellos in the comments section or linking up a hello monday post there!***

Hello collage of beautiful things. One of the men in that awesome photo above, is Alex, our brand manager’s, great-grandfather.
How awesome is that?!

Hello gold sunburst ring and gold cuff. These pieces are a bit more expensive, but in genuine gold, they’re truly precious–something to hand down to the next generation.

Hello dainty bracelets and layering on the wrist. Fall is the perfect time for layering. {But I love layering in any season!}

Hello bezel-set birthstones. I’m basically obsessed. Have you seen the mother’s ring? I think this is the perfect gift –maybe for Christmas?

Hello decorating with branches. I’ve collected a few awesome branches lately and I’m cooking up a new idea.

Hello falling leaves and warm temps. {Too warm actually!}

Hello getting back in the groove after being sick last week. I had no energy–so frustrating!

Hello coffee with a friend and catching up.

Hello planning something fun for Steve’s birthday this month {celebrate!}

Hello missing my sisters. Sisters are the best. For now texts with silly emojis with have to do.

Hello nurturing my heart and remembering to take care of me. Why is that not obvious?

Hello to you. It’s a brand new week with beauty to be found. Join me! What are you saying hello to this week? Leave some hellos in the comments or link your own hello monday post there.

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