Floral designer Susan McLeary of Michigan has created timeless accessories that can literally lend life to your look. She makes necklaces, rings, bracelets, cuffs and brooches out of succulents - low maintenance plants with tiny leaves that store water.
Mcleary was trying to help a friend make wedding arrangements when she stumbled upon the idea to make wedding jewelry out of flowers. "A few months before her wedding, she told me she hadn't hired a florist and needed my help," McCleary told Refinery29.
"I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but said yes without hesitation," she added. "When I had those flowers in my hands, I knew I'd found my medium; my life's passion. It just felt right."
After taking flower design classes, she decided to stick with using succulents when she realized that these would last longer. The floral accessories would survive longer shipping time since she has clients living in different areas.
Eventually, McLeary established her living jewelry company, Passionflower, and she also put up her creations at Etsy to cater to a worldwide market. Her pieces go from $12 to $288, depending on the designs, size and the variety of succulents used.
A photo posted by Passionflower (@passionflowersue) on Nov 23, 2015 at 12:18pm PST
A photo posted by Passionflower (@passionflowersue) on Oct 5, 2015 at 9:35am PDT
A photo posted by Passionflower (@passionflowersue) on Jul 3, 2015 at 8:27am PDT
However, one thing about wearing her pieces is that the succulents must eventually be transferred to pots to grow.
"These pieces are intended for short term, special occasion wear, so I instruct people to wear and enjoy the pieces until the plants start to show signs of stress," McLeary told Mashable. "This can manifest in a few ways: either they will start to look a bit tired - somewhat softer, and less turgid. Or, they will start to grow off the bases. This is when to gently remove them from the jewelry, and plant," she advised.
