Mothers and daughters were enthusiastically shopping for jewelry last Thursday everting at Bedford Village Elementary School (BYES). When Wendy Camerik, a BVES parent who works in public relations, found out that a jewelry designer "to the stars," Shelly DeMotte, has family in the area, she approached her about doing a sale at BYES.

Apparently, Ms. DeMotte's invention — Mother's Bracelets — made of two or three strands of gold, sterling silver, or crystal, or combinations thereof, personalized with children's names and even photos, are super-popular in the movie and entertainment world right now. Hollywood names were attached to many of her designs. For example, there was a Gwyneth Paltrow-style bracelet, with three strands, the middle one including her baby's name (Apple), at $140 per strand. Not to be outdone, there was a Faith Hill-style bracelet, same price. The Mother's Bracelets usually have a strand for each child, with each letter of the child's name on a separate sterling silver bead, and perhaps a small photo in a silver frame. The styles can be mixed and matched; pearls can be added. Be creative — special orders are welcome.

The collection is so hot right now that a newsletter has emerged, chronicling the latest crazes in the Whirly Girl world. For starters, this past January, Ms. DeMotte was asked to design some pieces for Hilary Duff's newest film, "Heart of

Summer." Since then, a whole new line has been created — the Hilary Duff Collection — of pieces that were worn by Hilary and others in the film's cast. These designs include a pink teardrop and pearl bracelet and a pearl necklace with heart pendant.

Following that, the wardrobe director at "Entertainment Tonight" asked if Ms. DeMotte would provide jewelry for Mary Hart and Jann Carl to wear on the air. Other treasured jewels were selected by VH1 as

accessories for their Diva event at the end of April. Chokers, chandelier earrings, and "Diva" bracelets were

individually designed for each of the participating divas, including Ashanti, Beyonce, Britney, Jessica — you get the drift. Who needs a last name in this crowd?

Another marketing angle is that when Ms. DeMotte visits communities, she attempts to recruit sales representatives to host "Whirly Girl" parties. If interested, your title would be "independent sales director." Each new salesperson is listed in the newsletter. Parties for nonprofit groups are also hosted year-round; a percentage of the total event sales goes back to the nonprofit organization. According to Ms. Camerik, "West Patent Elementary School hosted a successful fund-raiser jewelry party in the fall," yet another good reason to invite Shelly DeMotte to BYES. According to the Whirly Girl Fall Newsletter, that fund-raiser raised more than $800 for West Patent in a span of four hours.

If you want more information about these popular baubles, visit the Web site at www.whirlygirls. corn, or if you want to order any item or host a party, call 866-220-2100.