Beacon

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Hello dear friends of Emici Livet. For some time now I have felt prompted to create another conceptual art bouquet. These bouquets are different than some of the others I create because they are conveying a certain defined emotion. This is an inspirational piece for overcoming times of hardship that sometimes appear in our lives. They can make us feel as though we are alone in a storm with no warming point of light to offer direction. Yet there is light if we look for it. There is love, laughter and joy. It takes different forms but if you see it and work to move toward it, it gets brighter. Becoming a comfort, strength and support that can guide you to where you want to be.

Beacon: A source of light or inspiration

Beacon is created with hand dyed silk satin fabrics that create an ombre effect in the petals. Large crystal clusters in various Swarovski shades glitter generously among smaller silk velvet blooms.

Cut crystal quartz gemstone points radiate upward and solid bronze cast leaves that are exclusive to the Emici Livet studio provide a rare addition.

Little genuine opal gemstone cabochons are hidden in every cluster adding a warm glow all their own.

What is your beacon? What is your hope, goal, love or inspiration?

Love is Wild

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With every beat of my heart.

Love is wild, unexpected, beautiful and unruly. It grows and changes over time, sometimes in ways that are entirely out of our control. You should never be afraid of it. Only be afraid of not trying my dears. This is the last version of Evergreen that is planned from Emici Livet. What a wonder love is.

Evergreen represents love and affection as it grows over the seasons. Blossoming and reaching ever upward toward the sky. Live cedar sprigs were hand selected from a tree over fall and spring and then cast in solid bronze to represent the passing of time. Each of them have been plated in 24k gold.

The antique ribbon that secures the hand dyed silk wrapped stems of Evergreen is about a century old. With each passing day it becomes exceedingly more rare. Silk velvet on one side and silk taffeta on the other. Not a beauty to be forgotten in a deep shade of regal royal blue. One can’t help but think of who made the decision to produce this ribbon and whether or not they anticipated that it would be used for something like this. Whether or not they did, I hope that they would approve of the use. After all. It is for the deepest of loves that you can conceive of.

All the silk velvet leaves were cut and pressed in the studio using antique tools. They are supple soft in double sided velvet. Many are making their very first appearance in Evergreen.

A yellow topaz from a dear friend hand picked for me when he was on a trip in Thailand. Secured by antique black net given to me by my mother.

These leaves are cast bronze from silk fabric leaves created in the Emici Livet studio. They represent challenges. There is still structure, memory and a story to tell. Even though they are not whole they are still beautiful and a very important element to the love we share with others. Without these pieces our experience would be incomplete.

The variance of gemstones showcased in Evergreen represent all the different ways we can offer happiness and light to others. Simple gestures of kindness that take on many forms and shapes. Look closely and you will see kunzite, tanzanite, Ethiopian opal, ametrine and yellow topaz throughout the canopy of this bouquet. These gemstones occur naturally just like the affection we have for others.

On one of the days I was assembling, my daughter helped me to set and wire countless Swarovski crystals. We sat and talked about our day. I watched her take joy in her work. She is a marvel and every day I grow more proud of her. Having her help me that day is a contribution to the love that went into this design.

Freshwater pearl clusters in blues and greens offer luminescent interest.

Fresh spring budding growth at the top of this cedar sprig. The promise of good things to come.

If you look at the center of this photograph you will see a raw bronze evergreen sprig that is purposely not plated in gold. Gorgeous just as it is, it also holds the significance of being from the garden at my father’s house.

A gathering of elements to tell a story using fabric, metal, crystals, pearls and gemstones. Representing hope, growth over time and the most powerful gifts love offers us. Evergreen holds my heart and soul.

Feeling Exposed

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Dear friends. The title of this post is appropriate because this photo of me was taken with film (it does still exist) by the superb Meg Fish Photography at a photo shoot in Southern Oregon. First of all, I want to say, that I am very nervous in front of the camera. I don’t know what to do. I am not sure why this happens because I am always happy to share and visit with anyone but when a lens comes out and points toward me, I sort of panic. This attitude is a waste of time, I know this, so I never decline a photo despite my lingering angst. I have photos of my family who have passed on that I treasure. TREASURE. Who am I to rob my loved ones, in this generation and beyond, of this same pleasure? Will my great, great, great grandchildren love this photo? Will one of them own Evergreen the bouquet that I made with my own hands pictured resting on my lap? Will they see themselves in me? I see my mother’s face sometimes when I pass a mirror. It’s just a glimpse in my peripheral vision but there nonetheless. We all have a story to tell. We live lives that are full of love, choices, work, friends and the outward ripples we create just by being here. I am not afraid to walk into a room and meet new people. Why should I suddenly fear a mechanical eye over an organic one? I guess what I am saying is be present in both the actual present tense and the remembrances of it. Don’t wait, we never know how long we have. XO -Marie

Light Heart is Coming

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Dearest friends of Emici Livet. Light Heart is happening, do you feel it? This heirloom bouquet is being created in the spirit of breathing easy. A visual expression of light and the intricacy that goes into the very essence of loving someone. All of the subtle things that add up in your heart creating the unique imprint they have made. You feel light and trouble free. They give you strength and assurance that the complexity of affection is far reaching and will never wilt.

Light Heart will be heavily jeweled in freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals, white topaz, crystal quartz gemstones and silver rhinestones. Each double sided silk velvet leaf is cut and pressed by hand in the Emici Livet studio using antique tools and methods. I can’t wait to share more of Light Heart with you. Until then, lots of love. XO -Marie

Black Knight Floral Necklace

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Black Knight arrives on the scene in such a way that makes your heart feel bold waves of romance. A curving garden of dramatic flowers to accentuate any event. Black, purple, berry and charcoal comprise this couture floral necklace featuring about 150 carats of finely faceted ametrine gemstones. Dive deep within double hued silk velvet blooms, black ostrich feather fringe, silk satin and chiffon. Emici Livet uses antique tools to create each petal in the studio making Black Knight a truly unique neckpiece not found anywhere else. A once in a lifetime love.

Black velvet cords tie at the top making this piece completely adjustable as you can tie it at different lengths for maximum flexibility. Backed in soft black silk velvet so it is supremely comfortable, even on bare skin. Let your neckline rejoice!

GINETTE STATEMENT MILLINERY

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This… This piece right here. Makes my heart beat in love song rhythm. I had set out to make something heavily laden in petals. The promise of spring is almost too much to wait for so I created one in the studio. When you begin a new project like this you have a sense of how long it may take you but more times than not, I fall so much deeper into the rabbit hole than I thought I would. Hand dyeing fabrics to achieve a compliment in variant tone, deciding which antique tools and shapes to use while forming the silks, cutting the right length of wire to give each one its own stem. Apparently Emici Livet flowers don’t like to share stems. If you were to hold this swag, Ginette, in your hands you could see all the individually silk wrapped wires coming together in sway. Every flower has a velvet finished back. The reason for this was because I wanted maximum possibility for this piece. Every angle would be beautiful and cared for. Down the rabbit hole we go. Take my hand.

Detail photos so you can see the micro vs macro. You really get a sense of personality in each cut of fabric you manipulate. This curve fits here best or this spot needs a certain color or texture to set it off. Carry on this way until thirst or hunger drive you to stop and you will know Ginette has cast her spell. How many petals is the right amount for this component? Too much and you have created another space somewhere else. Too little? Not a great option either. Every person is different though and art is art. How do you standardize it? You can’t and that is what makes it wonderful. The immense universe of materials chosen from, condensed and displayed into a physical representation of the time and love that went into it. It’s not just me either. The antique tools used in the Emici Livet studio have decades of use. Each is unique with a patina of rich history. I consider each one a privilege to care for.

The silk velvet used in Ginette was a small piece that I had purchased years ago. I have personally challenged myself to revisit these gorgeous materials. I know I am not alone in this collecting tendency so I thank all my fellow seekers for your company dear friends.

The “back” of Ginette. Could be the front too based on what works for the wearer. Don’t ever feel boxed in by the manner a piece is displayed. Amazing things live both in the spaces of tradition and the unexpected.

Sending lots of love! I must go for now. My cup of tea is empty and that simply won’t do. XO -Marie

THE BEAUTY OF BLACK

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There is a linen covered mannequin that I have in my office. Her name is Meme Francesca because I had fancied the idea of demanding her presence while shooting my accessories for a debut. “Bring me MEME FRANCESCAAAAA!” I would shout hastily while waving one arm over my head as if it were a magic trick I had anything to do with. This absurdity is what goes on in my head while I am designing and I grin, slightly. You have been warned. I think I am hilarious. Back to the point of Meme. She stands in my office clad in what I wish her to wear at any given moment. She sets a creative mood and as I type this, she is wearing the gold leaf Emici Livet headpiece from this shoot along with a dramatic black feather necklace. Black is lending her a gracious cloak of drama and unending pairing ability. When in doubt go with a bit of black.

The gorgeous gown above and below is by Claire La Faye. Love it. Truly beautiful pieces you should check out. Time well spent I say.

Oh this very special bronze jeweled feather ring bearer pillow. The sequined center is hand beaded with freshwater pearls and Swarovski rhinestones in two sizes. The feather fringed sides were created by stripping ostrich plumes into individual tufts, adding coque feathers and sewing them one by one to a silk backing. Add an antique sterling silver buckle tied down with black silk taffeta and you have set the dial to “Glam Overload”. These photos are from a shoot styled by Romancing the Stone Styling and shot by Megan Robinson. I always love being able to work with these ladies. Truly too much fun!

Of course, I felt that this black alencon lace ring pillow belonged in this post. Really, you don’t expect me to resist that do you?

Working with so many other talented people has given me so many gifts. Feeling truly lucky tonight. XO -Marie

BOTANICAL GARDEN SHOOT

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Get ready for some major color inspiration! I am lucky enough to be able to work with some very talented folks. Not only do they inspire me constantly but I consider them friends as well. This styled botanical garden shoot was shot at Belle Victorian Gardens and styled by the lovely Pam Terpstra at Romancing the Stone Styling. Couple this with the photographer extraordaire Megan Robinson and you can’t go wrong. It was recently featured on Magnolia Rouge so if you want to see even more gorgeousness head on over there!

*Gasp* This is just magical. For the shoot the Emici Livet Morgan Crown was paired with a silk veil by the stylist. The combo really lends itself to the soft romance of the shoot.

Pretty amazing right? Sweets by Batch Bakeshop, Model Kelsie Fields, Paper goods by Katie Leute Design, Wedding Gown The Velvet Bride, Hair by Esther Lawrence, Makeup Shasta Hankins, Tablescape Rentals Glam Vintage Events

INCLINATION WITHIN

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Hello dear friends, I am finally here with you and can breathe a grateful sigh of relief. The preparation for getting to what amounts to as the first of many mile markers in a this new road was mountainous. A little background on me. I have been fortunate enough to be able to design previously as Emici Bridal. I adore what I do and as ideas began to naturally progress for me, it became apparent that my reach was limited by being defined as only for “bridal”. Seeing my pieces go to excited couples who would share one of the most important days in their lives with me through my work made my heart soar. So much so, that I dreamt of how wonderful it would be to extend that reach. So it was with a lot of thought, Emici Livet was born. Livet is Norwegian for “the life” and represents to me that life is the celebration. I have two children who have inspired so much in me. Watching them experience things for the very first time opened my eyes even more to the fact that opportunity for amazing things really was all around us. Sometimes we need to make the choice to wear that dress we have been saving. Use that fancy plate or goblet that has been sitting in the cabinet. Organize a masquerade party. Go to that concert nobody else wants to go to and listen to music flow through the air. I would hope that my children seize those opportunities that make them happy. Make them feel like they are taking advantage of special moments they have in their journey. Sharing when they can with loved ones and being present in the moment. In essence, the gift I would most like to give to them, is the feeling that they should celebrate life.