Saturday, May 7, 2011

What's Old is New Again


Artbeads.com could not have come up with a better theme for this blogging challenge. ‘What’s Old is New Again!’ is our new blogging challenge. For this theme we were asked  to seek inspiration from the past by incorporating old, vintage or antique items into our designs and combine them with modern elements such as Swarovski crystals, Glass, Resin, etc. The only requirement for our creations is for each piece to have at least one ‘old’ element. It can be a family heirloom, vintage cameo, an interesting bead, pendant or item you found in an antique or thrift store, an old key, photo or any unique element of the past. You can even re-use an old jewelry piece and ‘borrow’ items from it, as many of you know that is one of my favorite things to do.... However I could not stop at just one piece.

Briar Rose

Here you have an antique brass jewelry finding paired with Czech glass beads,Swarovski Crystal Owlet and a Terra Cast gold toggle.
I also used some links from an antique watch fob chain.



Flying Garden

Created with an old brass butterfly stamping and vintage chain as well as a variety of  Czech glass beads. Artbeads has a wonderful selection of Czech glass to choose from, they have become my favorite beads to work with, the colors and textures are amazing! 






Good For One Fare 

For these fun earrings I  used Vintage tokens (Indianapolis) and the gorgeous Swarovski Howlets again as well as handmade sterling earwires. These measure 2 3/8" long. 



 and lastly....

Grey Flannel 

A time worn button perhaps from an old flannel coat is used as the focal for this one of a kind bracelet.
Iridescent and hematite beads all wire wrapped in brass. A vintage token dangles as a charm and a Terra Cast gold toggle is used as a closure. 




Disclosure: All above mentioned beads from Artbead.com were kindly provided free-of-charge by Artbeads.com, within the frames of Artbeads.com blogging program. The author of this blog has not received any payment from above-mentioned company. The post above represents only personal opinion of the blog author.

6 comments:

  1. wowza! Great pieces Judy. I am actually off to check out some of the beads you used.

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  2. Judy, you are a rockstar! All of your pieces are absolutely beautiful! Great creativity and vintage feel!
    {Hugs!}

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  3. Hello from Poland:) I am moved by the beauty of your creations. I have seen your blog from 1 year and I think that you are the champion. I also love the photos of your pets - cats and beautiful horses. Greetings from Poland:)

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  4. Judy, your ArtBeads post is amazing...you really outdid yourself. This theme was right up your alley though, you sure have a way to make vintage components shine! i love the earrings made with the old tokens - what a one-of-a-kind pair!

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  5. So Pretty! I just recently found your blog and just spent some time looking at some older posts and your pretty creations. One post you had a picture of some filigree pieces from A D Adornments like some that I bought from her in Jan.. I agree with your comment about the chain. :) I enjoyed visiting your blog.
    Glenda

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