River's Bend Beauties
Just in time for Mardi Gras, Lafayette artisan Sue Nations is creating one-of-a-kind royalty-worthy designs from her exclusive jewelry collection, River's Bend Bead Studio. Each piece is made with beads, crystals and charms hand-picked by Nations herself. Included in the line are bracelets, necklaces and earrings with purple, green, gold and white freshwater pearls, and clear and colored Swarovski crystals.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Written by The Independent Staff
RIVER'S BEND BEAUTIES
Just in time for Mardi Gras, Lafayette artisan Sue Nations is creating one-of-a-kind royalty-worthy designs from her exclusive jewelry collection, River's Bend Bead Studio. Each piece is made with beads, crystals and charms hand-picked by Nations herself. Included in the line are bracelets, necklaces and earrings with purple, green, gold and white freshwater pearls, and clear and colored Swarovski crystals. "I never get tired of mixing different colors and shapes of pearls," she says. "I like the organic, imperfect nature of pearls." She also embellishes items with Louisiana- and Mardi-Gras- themed accents like fleurs de lis and crowns in sterling silver or vermeil. To view Nations' creations, check out her website, www.riversbendbeads.etsy.com. You'll be sure to find something perfect for that special krewe member or that inner queen or princess. - Lisa Hanchey
MARDI GRAS ROOTS
It'll certainly set you back more than any Christmas tree, but year after year you'll look forward to unveiling your stunning Mardi Gras tree. Vivian Alexander has created a jaw-dropping 2011 Mardi Gras tree featuring nine rhea shell ornaments and 16 goose shell ornaments, all hand-crafted with crystals and translucent enamel and hanging from a gold spiral. The decorative tree, including stand and ornaments, sells for $4,600 (there's only one). It's about 52 inches tall and 23 inches in diameter. Also, if you're in need of a gift fit for a queen, opt for one of the Mardi Gras-themed goose egg ornaments, which are $145 each, or a single rhea shell ornament, $295. View other gift ideas from the entire Mardi Gras collection at vivianalexander.com or call 337-898-0803 for more info. - Leslie Turk
NEAL DOWN
Louisiana bluesman Kenny Neal's recent album, Hooked on Your Love, showcases the critically acclaimed New Orleans native's affinity for combining swamp blues, slinging harmonica, Southern rhymes and soul-splitting singing. Some of the tracks on this solo album, such as "New Lease On Life," showcase Neal's tendency toward funky rhythms, while others like "Blind, Crippled or Crazy" have a more soulful sound. "Old Friends" is one track where Neal isn't afraid to display his love affair with the blues harp. Neal is currently on tour across the country with the Neal Family Band, which includes his brothers Darnell and Frederick and his nephew Tyree, and is expected to spend most of February in California before heading off to BB King's Blues Club in Memphis to play solo as part of Mark Hummel's Blues Harmonica Blowout. Hooked on Your Love can be found in music stores in and around Acadiana, and most of Louisiana, for about $15. - Wynce Nolley