Building an Over the Top Catalog with Instant Glam™ by Fernando

Fashion magazines are loaded with advertises featuring over the top jewelry...when I say over the top I mean: bold, extravagant, incredibly sparkling and beyond eye-catching...but also commercial.

If they can, why can't I?!

Above: Gunmetal and silver color Rectangle Bezels from the assortment of Tuscany collection for Instant Glam™ by Fernando...Swarovski Elements® applied onto 2 part epoxy clay - chains by Dazzle It™.

Above: Silver color Drop Bezel featuring matching jet Crystal Rocks - both products from the Tuscany assortment  collection for Instant Glam™ by Fernando. Jet fire polished Czech glass beaded chain by Dazzle It™. Details around bezel edge enhanced with black Gilder's paste.

Above: duet of drop Instant Glam™ by Fernando  pendants on Kumihimo braided cord - pendants embellished and filled with all Swarovski Elements crystals   for  Fernando Dasilva Studio.

Above: Ultra suede caff embellished with Instant Glam diamond crystal silver shade Crystal Rocks (ironed direct onto suede), brass garment brads, and strictly Denim Blue Swarovski Elements mini xilion pendants. Royal Blue silk thread and others by Dazzle It™. 

Above: Haute-Couture by DIY. Necklace featuring gunmetal drop and quatro bezels from the Tuscany assortment collection for Instant Glam™ by Fernando. All crystal pendants in Crystal Silver Night, jet and Denim Blue  by Swarovski Elements®. Double twisted curb chain by Garlan Chain®.

Above: Gunmetal Tres bezel and matching Crystal Bermuda Blue Crystal Rocks from the Tuscany collection for Instant Glam™ by Fernando. Pre-made tassels by Garlan Chain® embellished with Crystal Petro Blue Pearls.  Braided sating cords by Dazzle™ It and silver color stringing wire by Beadalon®. All crystal components including Denim Blue Wave Beads, petro pearls and Denim Blue silver foiled sew-on stone by Swarovski Elements®. 

Above: more aristocratic than this necklace just the Queen of England's jewelry box. 

Silver color Quatro Bezel and Crystal Silver Shade matching Crystal Rocks from the Tuscany assortment for Instant Glam® by Fernando.

Round Kumihimo braided cord with gold and silver satin cords and findings by Dazzle It™.

Astonishing modern cut on Art Deco-ish crystal pendants (Rhombus and Ellipse column) in Silver Shade and Golden Shadow crystal by Swarovski Elements®.

Instant Glam™ by Fernando is a trademark owned in partnership by designer and Metal Complex™.

All jewellery designed and assembled by Fernando Dasilva © 2012.

Instant Glam™by Fernando lands in Brasilia

Instant Glam™ by Fernando landed in the ultra modern capital of Brazil for a weekend of glamour and splash as you can see on the photo below.

On a slightly cloudy morning, the iconic towers of the Brazilian parliament was overshadowed by the astonishing effect of double pointed Swarovksi Elements crystal rocks.

The gunmetal arrowhead Instant Glam™ pendant worn by the designer himself caught so many eyes

on the streets of the Brazilian capital that was impossible to enjoy the scenery without a sudden interruption.

Let's get glam,  baby!

Magic of Photoshop by Andre Alves.
Copyright 2012.

Cozy Glam™

Hello my glamourous people! ( I do like to add that "u' on this word...it makes you roll up your tongue)

Almost 40 days after launching my signature line Instant Glam™ by Fernando with Metal Complex™and I am returning with more ideas to transform your life onto endless inspiration.

Not that I was on vacation in this meantime...lol

Pictures above of two sets of black and red pillows from my Cozy Glam™ home decor collection.

Pillow covers were bought ready to go and I applied Instant Glam™ by Fernando crystal rocks to add that ultimate touch of luxury represented by astonishing brilliance of Swarovski Elements.

You can  have those pillows adding lots of pizzazz to your couch just sending me an email...price under request.

On the other hand, you can DIY buying Instant Glam™ by Fernando crystal rocks from BeadFX® or you might even create your own signature line buying in large scale from Metal Complex™. 

Make your house the most cozy and glamourous place adding Instant Glam™ by Fernando onto your home decor.

A truly affordable luxury!

Um luuuuuxo!

Rectangle Crystal Rocks from the Tuscany collection by Instant Glam for Metal Complex.

On red pillows jet and crystal golden shadow. 

On black pillows, jet and crystal silver shade.

Crystal Rocks were ironed on directly to pillow cases.

Creations by Fernando DaSilva for Cozy Glam™.

Instant Glam™ by Fernando does Paris

I debuted Instant Glam™ by Fernando in Paris,  right after Fashion Week as an after party bash...very few Parisians had the honor to see in person what Instant Glam™ is about and the acceptance was beyond belief! I was astounded !!!

My Tuscany collection of bezels and crystal rocks manufactured in partnership with John Bead under the name Instant Glam™ by Fernando  is tailored to people who wants to make a splash in a flash - and Parisians are just like that.

My own necklace featuring our gunmetal arrow head bezel with matching shape of jet crystal rocks was part of my daily uniform and a sign that Instant Glam™ is here to stay.

Have you ordered yours already?

Canadian Thanksgiving Day

Good Morning, my glamourous people!

I want to take the time today to thank and to cheers the whole Canadian nation for its Thanksgiving Day!

I personally want to thank all my the ladies form canada who were at the latest Create Your Style Cruise and got to be with me and Wyatt at our workshops - you ladies became fans and have been following and supporting our work since then. 

Thanks also to all the ladies and gentlemen from Montreal who I have meet last year, we had a ball at Wyatt's class and was incredibly inspiring to meet so many talented artists.

Last but not least, special thanks to all my colleagues at John Bead Corporation - our journey  has just started!

Eat, drink, love and dance!

" Thanksgiving Day in Canada is linked to the European tradition of harvest festivals. A common image seen at this time of year is a cornucopia, or horn, filled with seasonal fruit and vegetables. This represents the "Horn of Plenty", which was a symbol of bounty and plenty in ancient Greece. Turkeys, pumpkins, ears of corn and large displays of food are also used to symbolize Thanksgiving Day. "

With love,

Nando.

 

Instant Glam invites you to dinner!

Hello my glamourous people!

A Saturday with lots of pins...lol

 Today, Instant Glam™ by Fernando invites you to dinner!

Our Tuscany collection with six shapes of Swarovski Elements crystal rocks can be applied to place mats to make that special occasion unforgettable. Add luxury to your table with our crystal rocks.
Perfect for upcoming celebrations of Thanksgiving, Xmas and New Years.

An overview of our table in the Swarovski Crystal lounge at the headquarters of John Bead Corp in Toronto. Swarovski Elements Innovations 2013/14 Winter is served.

Instant Glam™ Crystal Rocks crystal silver shade drops were used to enhance this propylene place mat.

On the set above we used Instant Glam Crystal Rocks crystal golden shadow rectangle to repeat the same effect...crystal rocks were glued on top of it.
If you have textile place mats Crystal Rocks can be  ironed on directly to the fabric. 


Have a glamourous weekend!

My work featured at Michael's website

Hello my  glamourous people!

Michael's Stores Inc, arts and craft paradise, is celebrating jewelry month this October...I personally didn't know that October was a jewelry making month at Michael's...but anywayyyyy...I was commissioned by Create Your Style to create a design to be promoted through Michael's featuring Swarovski Elements of course and many other products that could be found at Michael's.

I selected products by their in house brand "Beadland" and of course Beadalon.

Michael's sent me a gift card for their products and CYS provided all crystals among the assortment carried by Michaels.

When my contact at Swarovski talked with me about it I had immediately in mind my inspirational source for the design and you can see below what was it.

Both images above belong to Bjork's latest album called "Biophylia" and I bought it because I was fascinated by the image of its cover. I am not a fan o Bjork's music although I think her music is fantastic it's very difficult to decipher - juts like a Sphinx's riddle. But you can tell that an artist like her gotta be re veered just by the fact that she's not doing pop but cult. 

So, I wanted to translate not only the colors of it but most important of all the exquisite almost extraterrestrial vibe of it.

  

This photo is the inside cover of Bjork's album and I loved the dress by Iris Van Herper that was the inspiration for the twisted coil sections on my design.

I wanted to combine more than one technique onto a single piece so I had to create different sections separately to be assembled later on.

Stringing, wire wrapping, wire coiling, basic seedbeading and hole punching - besides that it's all about open and close ing jump rings...which sometimes can be a pain in the ***.

Above an overview of the piece.

On the picture above you can see my coiled sections that I surrealistically think represent Bjork's wild hair and form that hair snakes could appear suddenly juts making a connection between this alien character and the Greek mythological figure Medusa. Almost like if you would gaze directly to Bjork's photo you would turn onto stone.

My version features crystal AB star pendants instead of a snake head...lol

Above you can see the piece finished on a surreal model...it's a non-commercial piece and not to be taken too seriously.

I hope you guys like  as much as I do.

Special thanks to Michael's, Create Your Style with Swarovski Elements and E.K.Success.

Photos from Bjork's latest album called Biophylia by Nonesuch Records.

Album photos by  Inez Van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin

Cover by MSM (Paris)

All rights reserved .

Photos  and design of 'Medusa' neckpiece by Fernando DaSilva

Copyright 2012.

Instant Glam by Fernando available @ John Bead

Hello my glamourous friends!

Things have been crazy and September was fantastic! # trips, 3 countries and the launching of my signature line in partnership with John Bead was a tremendous success..

I will be posting pictures soon but now let get straight to the point.

My line is currently available through John Bead under the co-brand of Metal Complex and you can take a glance at this fantabulus banner below. Click on the link to browse the entire collection.

If you are a wholesaler or retailer, please place your orders so you can be the first ones to spread lots of Nando's glam  the DIY world.

Use this blog as a source of inspiration. Lots of different applications will be posted here soon.

GLAM IT up, baby!

After gluing our luxurious crystal rocks jet drop onto a sensational  over the top bezel add a pre-made fire polished glass chain to it and bammmmm : Instant gratification!!!

This kind of necklace is perfect as a party favor for bridal showers, jewelry parties, fundraisers luncheons and endless very chic parties.  Get all your girlfriends together and juts do it! All your guests will feel incredibly special when greeted at the door with such cool gift.

Shazan!

Necklace above is the ultimate bye bye to Summer falling into Fall. Blue zircon and black diamond Swarovski crystal beads and Instant Glam™ by Fernando bezel covered with a luxurious piece of patented turquoise fish leather - our Second Skin™ collection totally eco friendly and very JLO visiting the Amazon. 

Glamour by the riverbanks of Brazil wearing a totally sustainable product. No waste but luxury!

Soon, wil be available at John Bead.

The above picture shows another great way of glamorize your wardrobe with our Instant Glam™ drop bezel. Just glue a pin onto the back and you have a unique brooch to hold that fabulous  scarf or shawl around your voluptuous cleavage. Woooooorrk it!

Instant Glam™ by Fernando workshops @ JTV

Hello my friends!

Today I am launching my signature line called Instant Glam™ by Fernando among some lovely ladies who are fans, followers and enthusiasts of JTV and Jewel School designers.

Many of these ladies have seen me on my guest appearance for Beadalon and John Bead at Jewel School and I might have some new ladies that have not seen my work nor my face on TV. 

Regardless, they are all welcome to join me on my Instant Glam™ workshops.

The design showcases two products designed exclusively for and manufactured by John Bead.

The project highlights some of the latest findings by Beadalon that have been forgotten by some of their customers and I am bringing them to the spotlight...the pendant is structured around gunmetal and gunmetal and gold, sometimes silver color shades and crystal Bermuda blue Swarovski Elements twist coin beads.

I used 18 gauge hematite Artistic Wire® to create simple double loop connectors and gold-plated EZ lobster clasps to closure the ends of both parts of the necklace. The look resembles Art Deco/1920 e years....gilded gold and jet to sparkle the ideas and add an industrial vibe to it.

In the middle of the design, a substantial, bold, extravagant and unorthodox bezel is filled with crystal rocks, an innovative component made by Swarovski Elements that showcase double pointed chatons.

The participantes of the workshops will have the opportunity to see in person four of the shapes chosen by JTV to be part of  this launching. The complete collection has six shapes of both products and we are releasing it in silver and gunmetal color.

Each bezel has its matching Instant Glam™ crystal rocks but both products are versatile enough to stand on its own - both products can be use separately on different applications.

As matter of fact, crystal rocks can be adhered to home decor items or hot-fixed directly to textile on items like curtains and pillows.

Instant Glam™ bezels can be used in conjunction with resin, two-part epoxy putty, polymer clay or filled with different materials - possibilities are endless.

The necklace above is the original idea for the workshops, however few things had to change to make it doable for everybody. The middle piece is called "tres" and the Italian architecture was the inspiration behind its creation.

I hope you all like it and buy it...lol

Stay tuned for more finished designs amde with different shapes.

Glam it Up, baby!!!

My Signature Line

Hello my glamourous people!

I am trilled to announce to all of you that one of the results of my partnership with Daniel John and  John Bead Corporation, one of the largest jewelry and craft suppliers in the world, will be introduced tomorrow to the Jewelry Television and Jewel Schoollers enthusiasts during the workshops I am teaching as part of their Customer Appreciation week, also called by me Jewel School Fall Workshops.lol

The event is co-sponsored by Beadalon, the company who helped me to launch my career in the DIY segment and that its by my side on this entrepreneurial endeavor.

I am also very happy to announce that Create Your Style with Swarovski Elements is a huge part of this landmark on my career and its also major reason for the existence of this line itself.

This joint venture with John Bead is the first step the company is taking to create an unique and exclusive portfolio filled with innovative and unorthodox products to feed an eager and creative segment that is constantly requiring new products.

And the product line is called :

Stay tuned for sneak peek on finished pieces by Instant Glam™ by Fernando. .

May all the warrior angels bring light to your creative mind and stand by your side on your personal endeavors. 

Thanks for your constant support. 

" People were born to shine. " (Caetano Veloso)

My work reviewed at About.com/jewelrymaking

Never is too late to find out that our work has delivered what has promised.

More than a year later after hitting the shelves of all major book sellers around this country, my book "Modern Expressions" was reviewed by Tammy Powley. We found out that she simply never got a copy that was supposed to be sent to her by my publisher but luckily I was able to correct that.

About.com/jewelrymaking is exclusively dedicated to all things when it comes to jewelry Tammy Powley is one of the most important authorities in the DIYsegment.

Below is a picture of project from the book that was highlighted by Tammy.

Photo by Christine Polomsky for 'Modern Expressions' by North Light Books - FW Media
All rights reserved ©  2010

Illustration by Vlad Alvarez.
Copyright© 2010

Sweet September

Hello my friends!

A month has passed since my last post and I know this is not cool but what can I do?

August was a terribly and wonderful busy month...lots of goals were achieved, lots of take offs, lots of  landings, lots of smiles, lots of smells, lots of flavors, lots of feelings, lots of files, lots of sparkles, lots of 

laughs, a few bumps, a few tears, exactly like life is supposed to be. 

Not many designs to show now but lots of new designs to show soon.

September is my favorite time of the year - it's the time I personally celebrate so many good things...things that I have been celebrating for many years but also things that I feel honored to celebrate for not so many years but still belonging to this magical time of the year.

Down in Brazil is the beginning of Spring, it's St. Cosmos and St. Damian's month - time to give way candies, cake and refreshments to kids all over.  It's Brazilian Independence Day. 

To make it more special  I had in the middle of today's morning a delicious coffee with chocolate trufles given to me by our friend Katie Hacker... I am telling you, I love Septembers.

I hope you, my fellow reader, have not given up on me yet because this September lots of new things will come to life.

My signature line of jewelry making components manufactured in partnership with John Bead Corp and Daniel John will be launched on September 20th at the headquarters of Jewelry Television during the Jewel School Customer Appreciation Workshops.

We can't wait to release to the public the result of a groundbreaking design project in my career.

Have a great weekend!

With lots of love,

Nando.

Exciting media news and underrated life

Looking back I have noticed that I did not post much on July but I just want all of you know that I have been very active in the DIY market. July was very busy.

Since July 1st, I have been working closer with my Canadian customer, John Bead Corporation and I am their Product Development and Creative Manager...lots to learn and lots to deliver. 

No, I am not moving to Canada but I will be traveling to Toronto more often form now on and my function will require lots of my time as a designer and a man of vision. 

I am still filling up my functions as a Create Your Style Ambassador and also I am still a member of the Beadalon designer team.

The September issue of Bead Style magazine is already available and I am featured twice in it.

First: It brings a project designed by me of a pair of earrings...(picture of the page below) showcasing  beautiful Czech glass donut beads (roundels) with metallic inside coat and again I placed the bead cap on top of it and wrapped the head in a different way so people can see both...the metallic coat and the details of the bead cap itself. There is a variation that's equally cute...for those of you who knows me, those earrings are wild for me...delicate, demure and subtle...places that I don't visited that often.

It's worthy to check that out...easy, breezy and fun to make it. 

 Little more of media news: 

The second cool thing is that one of the new ad campaign of Beadalon showcases a set I designed for Artistic Wire using  black wire mesh...I actually designed this necklace at the Beadalon's headquarters here in Pennsylvania and we did at same time a video of me doing it..for the first time ever. of course, I had spent some time the day before working on the concept of piece...it was cool.

I love the sleek , black and grape mood of the advertise...very modern although the concept itself of using a fashion sketch or outer lines have been used by the high end jewelry industry for many years...it's fresh for Beadalon and it brings the designs to a very urban and contemporary vibe. I like it!

Image above from Beadalon/Artistic Wire advertise
Copyright 2012 - Wire and Cable Specialties



Two first images on this post are excerpts from September 2012 issue of Bead Style magazine.
Copyright 2012 - Kalmbach Publishing Company



And remember:

It doesn't matter how much underrated some of your favorite beads are

YOU CAN always

SOMETHING UNIQUE !


XoXo!
Beijos!
Bacione!

"Modern Expressions" featured on UK magazine

I am flabbergasted by the fact that this blog is featured on the July issue of British arts and crafts magazine "Make Jewellery" as the blog of the month. 

It's very empowering to get this kind of recognition because I don;t do as much as I should to make this space a strong virtual destination but this is definitely a prof that I have been doing something right.

Thank you so much all the staff of "Make Jewellery" for all the fantabulous™quotes about this space, the gracious plug on my book and for citing my making jewelry skills on such  high level.

I look forward to work together on a near future.

Muito Obrigado!

Thank you!

Flashes form JTV workshops 2

I am making the "Mission Impossible" series now...lol

Here are few more flashes of my fabulous and happy ladies creating their own jewelry guided by me...yes, I am a jewelry making guide.

I don't consider myself a teacher. 

Her positive attitude and smile makes me happy... necklace looks gorgeous and very sensuous on her neckline.

This lady was fabulous as well and the color of her blouse coordinated nicely with the necklace.

Another happy group...I have to mention that the charismatic lady on black shirt on the right had some exquisite jewelry on each dat of the workshops...from high end rock to unique necklaces, lucite  earrings and exquisite vintage rings...um luuuxo! That means in Portuguese: Very luxurious!

OMG! another fabulous group- the young lady on the left has been designing and selling jewelry for year and half...I have to watch out because the competition is getting strongrrrr!

These ladies were juts phenomenal...we had so much fun laughing our asses off...my classes provided a very laid back environment and I like to keep it like that. 

Nothing military-like because Art needs to provide winds so people can be eager to fly and take the sky on their own.

Thanks you so much ladies to sign for my classes. 

Thanks Jewelry Television and Jewel School™ for making me part of your debut event.

Special thanks to Beadalon ®, John Bead Corporation and Swarovski Elements® for providing me the possibility of creating beauty through such innovative products.