Beech Designs in Florida's Majestic Barrier Island

Explore curated favorites here.
Image by Susan Gage

Let's go to the sea and see! 

Will there be a rainbow? Most likely.

Here, off Florida’s barrier island, early risers are rewarded — dolphins tracing the shoreline as the day’s first light unfurls. Though the sun sets into the horizon on Florida’s West Coast, the morning arrives softly from behind us, illuminating sea and sky as if we’re waking inside a dream — the kind of hush and glow you might step into from a Maxwell Parrish painting.

Artists, like fishermen casting their reels, lasso the moment onto canvas. Clouds never seem so near here — mountainous and finely detailed — unfolding and morphing as 

Moments caught on
the coastal canvas.

they drift, close enough to touch, dancing across the imagined canvases of inspired hands.

On the horizon, the sky and sea unzip with the first boat's wake. The trail of vibrant white wash accent the surreal bodacious clouds hanging about.

With feet in the sand, a gentle coastal breeze invites and holds your awareness. Bathed in the sun’s warmth and light, you need be nowhere else.

Witnessing every surface ever so bright and clear in its magic.

Coastal curiosity captured.
Image by Susan Gage

Crystal waters teaming with aquatic fauna. That fishermen cast and birds stalk for a morning's morsel. Shells and shark's teeth emerge from the soft shoreline sand. The Gulf never ceases to amaze. (pun intended) 😉

Mother Nature's offerings fill the senses with ever-present awareness. A revitalizing, a healing, an activation.

A moment of light across the waves. 
Image by Susan Gage.

Walking along her surface, forms and colors catch my eye. 

And simply, I'm inspired. 

Inspiration... Inquires ...

Can we share co-creating in this process of making wearable art?

Where ever I'm at, I find myself working with what's around me. Through the discoveries of Mother Nature's elemental aspects.

Of honoring Mother Earth's natural wonders through creativity... Gives progression to Beach Designs jewelry art.

Calico Scallop Chandelier Dangles

It's been a dream to share my creations. Using different jewelry techniques, creating tangible idea/designs of the beautiful, jewelry and other creations with native & natural inspiring elements.

The creations of Beech Designs, combines both a love for art & jewelry making.

If you have a love for nature or know someone who does, and looking for one of a kind gifts. Take a little something home to remind you of the natural wonders of Florida's barrier islands.

Visitors can check out Island Cove Gallery locally. 

Island Cove meets shore and sea. 

Located at 1519 Gulf Blvd, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785. There, one can experience Beech Designs unique artisan jewelry as well as online.

Island shell jewelry

Beech Designs stands for inspiration, innovation, love & light, peace and personal growth. A business devoted to promoting empowerment through creativity. 

Thank you for wandering along this shoreline with me. If this moment drew you in — whether by the light’s embrace or the hush of the breeze — you might enjoy exploring my coastal‑inspired wearable art. Visit Island Cove Gallery in Indian Rocks Beach, FL, or browse the collection online to take a little piece of the island’s magic home with you. And if you’d like to share, I’d love to hear from you in the comments.

Looking for more inspiration? Discover the beauty and symbolism of shells in Shell Power: Whispers of Inspiration from Mother Nature.

Stay Connected >>>>

Beech Designs

Objects of Desire + Notes From The Studio

The Charmed Studio: For Creative Artists & Writers

Are you an artist or creative entrepreneur? Wondering how to make your dreams a reality, but the thought of creating an outline or a spreadsheet makes you want to clean out the garage, or pull your hair out and run for the hills?

 

Me too!

Recently Beech Designs had a chance to meet up with The Charmed Studio. An online sanctuary where artists & writers can find encouragement, inspiration & rejuvenation. Created by journalist, artist, and writing coach Thea Fiore Bloom, PhD.

 

So delighted and relieved to find The Charmed Studio …so much so I had to make a post about it. Truly a haven for artists and writers.

(Note: Reasons prompting this post. In short- First, the algorithm rates the human being lower and lower on the almighty AI totem poll. It's more important now than ever, we as artists need to support each other where we can.

Second, because we as human beings came here to live from the heart, and love is being creative. 

From my experience and insight it is a limited academic experience called art. So many artists/inventors have chosen to never create or invent again because of their experiences from an academic art setting. 

After recovery may the love of art, and the will to create awaken within you again.

What do you need a degree for? Are you an artist or not?

For those that seek answers, have gone through the gauntlet, and survived, here's some insight. 

Charmed Studio offers sound advice of the afterlife 😆

Honor your abilities.  Do the thing! And your chances are far better than what the tiny fractional slice of opportunity the institutionalized educational system offers. So without further delay, let's dive in!)

You’re Not Alone

As heart centered artists, I think it's important to honor creativity while nourishing and being true to our soul. If we’re not good at making money within the profession, shift perspective. Our skill set is art making.

Supporting ourselves physically can help creativity thrive—sometimes I’ll sip a soothing cup of Golden Milk or take a few Clean Chlorella Tablets to stay energized and clear while creating.

In the art-world & academia, we’re not taught the business aspects, to make sure our art thrive.  This type of education/training is not provided.

 

When creating art is priority, and not marketing, how do we produce results without becoming robots?

I think, no matter where you're at, as an artist, it can be overwhelming to know how to navigate, build & be successful.

And coming from industry/ of institutional settings the general business/marketing model leaves so many of us creatives let down, uninspired, and drained.

This method isn’t for everyone, it has its place/its purpose. But our creative spheres wont fit into those square boxes.

When I start to feel boxed in, I’ll take a short walk, diffuse with a few drops of Organic Frankincense Serrata Essential Oil, or listen to a calming playlist — little rituals that bring me back to flow.

When that valuable time & energy is used to do what we love, Creating art! Offering our unique contributions for the world to experience & enjoy while making a successful living at it.

We want to make sure our businesses can thrive. And build things that are profitable, successful, sustainable, and authentic. So that we can live lifestyles we want to live.

If you’re building your own creative biz, I’ve found keeping a simple artist planner or goal journal nearby helps turn dreamy ideas into doable steps.
 
But stepping out on one's own, outside of the sanctioned system, the supportive navigational substance has been like an unsolved mystery. 

 

 

A Creative Nook In The Universe

I found the Charmed Studio to be a beacon for artists. There you'll discover a spectrum of resourceful coverage while offering insights and inspiration.

 

Thea says, "I noticed making a full-time career out of writing and art made me, and many professional creatives I’ve interviewed, feel like chicken cutlets; with the purpose pounded right out of us. Meanwhile, my artist and writer friends with day jobs beat themselves up, mistakenly feeling like their weekend art-making wasn’t legit.

 I figure artists of every level need a restorative place within to honor, nature, & house the sacred creativity that originally got us up to join the dance of art. I referred to that inner place as The Charmed Studio."

                    

Are you a creative interested in writing and art?

If you are looking to

Write better,

Feel better,

Or
Looking for help with
Meaningful marketing.
But, only if you get to be yourself.

Then take a tour of The Charmed Studio and experience the refreshing & compassionate vibe Thea brings with layered intuitive, creative, and professional experiences that holds and reinforces that space for heart-centered artists and writers.

(I love reading her posts with a mug of organic herbal tea — it’s like learning and self-care in one moment.)

Explore an empowering Charmed Studio journey. With blog topics like, 'The 9 Mistakes Children’s Book Authors Make and How To Avoid Them,' for writers.

Check out 

Tips from Famous Artists 

Inspirational artists like 'Why Is Frida Kahlo So Famous? What You Never Get to Hear About Her and How She Can Make Your Art Life Bloom.'

Or refreshing Business approaches, like 'Bye-Bye Facebook: How To Thrive as a Creative Without Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter'.

She provides audio format for her blog posts, so you can enjoy while walking or driving. (..Oh yeah!)

 

Trail blazer Thea Fiore Bloom, has been Awarded in the top 10% of 'Best Visual Arts Podcast' by Listennotes. 

 

Additionally, Thea offers individual sessions, helping realign and strength one's creative center vision & mission, unique to each creative entrepreneur.

(If you like complementing your creative coaching with natural focus support, lion’s mane or maca root blends can gently boost clarity while brainstorming.)

Are you interested in becoming a successful artist and/or writer without selling your soul and becoming a robot?

Check out the The Charmed Studio.🎙️

For more ideas and informative ways to succeed as a creative check out

DIY Business Tags & Cards, Part 1

This post may contain Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase something through my blog, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I share things that inspire creativity, add a little magic to everyday life, and are worth discovering. Thanks for being here! 💛

 

 

 

Beech Vibes In NYC

 

What an amazing experience!

Beech Designs is featured in Beauty News NYC, the first digital beauty magazine celebrating beauty, lifestyle, fashion, and creative voices.

The feature highlights a selection of handmade Beech Designs jewelry, paired with an uplifting message of support for women and encouragement for creatives to keep following their vision.

Alongside the jewelry, you’ll also find a small curation of Beech Designs apparel — pieces created with the same intention: thoughtful design, comfort, and quiet confidence.

It’s an honor to be included among such inspiring stories and makers.

You can read the full feature here.

✨ Coastal Picks from Beech Designs

That moment inspired me to share a coastal-inspired curation of artist-designed pieces from Beech Designs ~  where original artwork meets wearable inspired style.

Scallop Shells High-Waisted Bikini — 

Dreamy and beach-ready with gentle shell motifs. Made for saltwater days, rooftop lounging, or simply inviting a little seaside calm into your wardrobe.

Barrier Island Dress — Shells Design — 

A favorite for its bold, coastal pattern and flattering silhouette. Easy for art-market strolls, sunset moments, or relaxed evenings out.

Arch Weekender Bag — 

Your take-anywhere carryall. Versatile, lightweight, and made for spontaneous getaways, beach trips, or creative days on the go.

Stripes One-Piece —

Timeless and effortless. A classic you can wear poolside, traveling, or layered with your favorite cover-up.

Keepn’ It Reel Vintage Fisher’s Dad Cap — 

Laid-back, comfy, and full of character. It brings that “effortless coastal” feel to any outfit.

Supporting handmade means supporting creativity, small-batch artistry, and meaningful design — all things I stand for.

Thank you again to Beauty News NYC for the feature, and thank you for exploring the collection. I hope you find a piece that gives you that warm “Beech vibe.”

If you enjoyed this feature, you may also like exploring other coastal stories, creative reflections, and curated collections throughout the blog.

4 Easy Indoor Plants to Brighten Your World & Winter + A Hidden Garden Gem in Florida

From the Garden 

To new beginnings moving forward.🥂

A post inspired after we made our way to Kentucky from Florida. Having to move our outdoor garden indoors, starting from scratch.

After arriving, the season was turning to the cold months. 

During this shift I am reminded of the garden we created. An enchanted oasis- that was the backdrop to The Studio.

From the Garden II

Arriving to Kentucky 

Arriving in Kentucky, the winter storm blew through, and with it the reminder —this is the time to step back and reflect.

During these times of change and adjusting, thankful to friends who have been supportive in various ways.

One of them being, gifts of greenery to start a garden anew. 

Some folks gifted cuttings and other potted plants that have begun the emergence of a new backdrop to the working atmosphere of an indoor garden, ...aka soon to be jungle studio. 

Four Must Have Plants 

Uplifted and inspired by these new garden delights, here is a list of four must have plants that will change your world.

Amaryllis

First up, the Amaryllis. Ok, well the first on the list is technically a flower, but the timing and beauty of it made it impossible to leave out. 

 

I've always known this as the Christmas or winter flower.... Since that's around the time of year I've seen it blooming. This is the Apple Blossom variety, and it’s just stunning.

In Greek, Amaryllis means to sparkle, and it’s no wonder. Its radiant color and vibrant, displays a perfect burst of life in the darker months. This flower symbolizes strength, beauty, pride, and love — which sounds like a good ally for a flower that opens up in the winter months.

I love when Amaryllis bulbs arrive in a basket. This delightful presentation shows up with no blooms at first… but as you water it, it slowly comes to life, revealing its majestic flower gem.

For something classic and elegant, the Amaryllis ‘Apple Blossom’ in a natural jute basket (around $49), is such a sweet choice — soft color and a welcoming presence. If you’re thinking bigger, two nursery pots in a woven basket (about $89), makes a fuller display that feels like a true winter centerpiece.

For something a little different for the darker months, when we’re spending more time indoors, White Flower Farm offers a variety of Amaryllis bulbs, with optional planter kits and basket presentations that let you tailor it to your space or gifting style. You can explore their current Amaryllis selections here.

Cherry Blossom Amaryllis 

No matter how you choose to present them, these bulbs are a cheerful surprise on cold days. White Flower Farms even shares tips for gifting Amaryllis (which I love), and if you plant in late September through early November, you’ll likely enjoy blooms throughout the winter. With a little care, depending on the bulb, some Amaryllis can even gift you two or three cycles of flowers per season — something lovely to look forward to year after year. 🤞

Aloe Vera 

Next up, Aloe Vera. You may have heard of it as the miracle — or magic — plant, and honestly, it’s earned that reputation.

It’s such a good one to have on hand, and a longtime favorite of mine because of how much it offers when it comes to health and wellness. 

Aloe Vera 

This succulent has a long list of amazing benefits, and in my own day-to-day life it’s used in many ways — from helping replenish electrolytes and supporting vitamin and mineral intake, to being my go-to for skin care. I’ve used fresh Aloe as a face wash, for burns and inflammation, and as part of my personal wellness routines, aiding digestion and overall vitality.

To me, it’s one of those plants whose value goes far beyond anything you’ll find in a bottle, which is why I love having the real deal on hand — growing as part of my natural defense garden-cabinet.😉 

Because Aloe is a succulent, it also pairs beautifully with other easygoing plants that thrive indoors, especially during the slower winter months. I love grouping it with trailing or sculptural succulents — they add texture without demanding much care. For those, I often browse Leaf & Clay’s hanging and trailing succulents, which are perfect for shelves, windows, or anywhere you want a little movement and life.

If you’re just starting out or want a simple way to build a small indoor collection, something like Leaf & Clay’s easy indoor succulents pack makes it feel approachable and low-stress — a nice complement to Aloe’s steady, supportive presence.

Aloe, requiring sunlight, thrives quietly in its space, offering gentle support with minimal fuss — and it pairs beautifully with other resilient, low-maintenance indoor plants, like the Snake Plant.

Mother-in-Law's Tongue/Snake Plant 

Mother-in-law's Tongue 

A plant that requires so little and give so much.

 

Extremely low maintenance and beloved for its ability to absorb negative energy (are you into feng shui?) Believed to bring good luck and positive energy flow. (Yes please)

Its superpower? Boosting indoor oxygen levels naturally. It’s highly effective at removing common pollutants, like mold and formaldehyde, helping improve indoor air quality. A must-have for any indoor garden.

Added bonuses, reduces allergies and boosts metal health... I guess the more oxygen the better you feel. 🫧

English Ivy  

Have you ever held a bunch of this beautiful vine & smelled it like a bouquet? It smells so freakn' fresh, ... the real outdoor fresh scent, naturally.

It's no wonder it has a rap for its air-purifying abilities, removing harmful toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air, this graceful vine makes it a great choice for homes and offices, or any cozy corner that could use a little clean, natural energy.

Highly adaptable houseplant that requires minimal watering.

If you’d like to bring this fresh, fragrant greenery indoors, White Flower Farms carries English Ivy— a simple way to add both beauty and air-purifying benefits to your space

English Ivy 

Nature's Multitaskers 

All these plants can grow/live outdoors depending on the zone, but can be enjoyed indoors as well.

°True multitaskers

°Visually/creatively inviting/inspiring 

°Bringing natural vibrance & ambience 

°Filtering the air of toxins

°Provides oxygen and may help boost mental health

These plants are so easy to care for and very low maintenance. And when you care for plants, plants take care of you.

🪴 More plant inspiration is on the way! Our indoor garden journey continues with the hydroponic tower — a perfect solution for keeping greenery thriving during those in-between months when natural light is limited. 🌱

I’d love to hear from you: which plant brightens your space and lifts your mood?

This post may contain Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase something through my blog, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I share things that inspire creativity, add a little magic to everyday life, and are worth discovering. Thanks for being here! 💛