Memories, Sentiment and a Connection

 I love when people see my work and it evokes an emotion. They smile and tell me the connection they have with a certain piece of my jewelry. Most recently I had created a necklace with a vintage ladies watch, a women purchased it as it reminded her of her Mother, her mother always wore a similar watch. The necklace was a connection to her Mom.

 Here is a bracelet I created  called "Memories of Mom". Created with three vintage watch faces and a monogrammed vintage button.

 You can find this bracelet in my Etsy shop.

Do you have something that brings about a strong emotion when you see it? Or perhaps a certain smell or food does that for you. Lilacs always remind me of growing up, a tree stood right outside our bedroom window. The sound of a screen door shutting is another favorite, we had a wooden screen door in our kitchen and with five kids in and out it was a familiar sound, one that I still love to hear.  What's your connection?

Aluminum Words

 One of my Texas finds was a aluminum printing plate, it is thin and easy to cut and I knew it had endless possibilities. Last night I finished this bracelet. I think it offers a lot visually and is so super lightweight. 

I plan on making some earrings as well and thinking of making some rolled beads from the aluminum, I will let you know how that goes.

Hope everyone is well and stocked up on candy for all of the tricksters! 

My favorite!

I had a million things I should have been doing this morning before an appointment with the dentist, but I HAD to make this bracelet. I had it all lined up to make last night but was too tired to get up off the couch. So before I left the house I finished it and it made my morning...this piece just delighted me! I love the way it came out...the only thing I wish is that I had more of the vintage butterflies.

Good news, I am happy the way the bracelet came out...bad news I had to have a root canal. Ouch! Not planned at all, but done. At least I did not have to stress about it...only my wallet does now.

You can find this piece in my Flapyourwings Etsy shop.

Grape Candy

 I tend to stay away from bright colors (does turquoise count?) in my jewelry designs but today a little jar of colorful polymer clay beads was calling to me. This piece and many more will head over to a shop in historic Franklin Tenn. called Heart and Hands, a shop that sells only items handmade in Tennessee and I have been selling there for a few years. I am trying to be better about keeping my inventory up as my sales are great when I am well stocked.

 Looking at the beads all I can think about is grape candy and sticky fingers.

These fabulous polymer clay beads come from Hande Burge of Aslancrafts.etsy.

 Thanks for stopping by!

The Enlightened One

Here is a little copper cuff I made the other day....I used some copper tube and hammered away. I messed up on my lettering as it is not centered on the cuff...but I like it anyway. 

What do you do with your mistakes...toss them out and start over or make do and work around it? There is a uniqueness that comes from a letter perhaps stamped backwards or different size links...whatever it is, it may be a mistake to you but not to someone else.

The things you can do with buttons!

I LOVE old buttons and have been coveting them for many years. I have always enjoyed using  them in different projects and not hiding them away. I do have the most fabulous collection of antique mother of pearl buttons...however I am not going to show you them today as to prevent a stampede to my house. The ones shown above are the very plain ones.

 some old rhinestone and metal buttons

picture button 

I have been working my fingers to the bone....getting ready for a show in a few weeks. I wish it would happen to the body instead, can you image how svelte I would be? Anyway, here are some button bracelets that I made with the buttons shown above.

 The hook works as a simple clasp to the button. A fun simple bracelet in a good price point. 

And now for my favorite pieces...I just LOVE putting these together. 

ooohhh... wait there's another one too! 

 don't you just love the bull dog. You can find him here.

 and lastly...a whimsical button necklace

Fabulous carved mother of pearl button with pinecone bead cap and Czech glass bead, this makes me happy!

I have much to finish up today as we pack our bags once again for another trip. This time to join my hubby in Florida. Taking my 20 year old college baby to Orlando where we can relive the magic of  our family trip 15 years ago. Hey...it could happen. 

Wishing you all a grand ole' day! 

All that Glitters is Gold

....well maybe not gold, but brass.

I love this piece as it has a great vintage flair and is great for everyday. 

You can find this in my Etsy shop. 

Enchanted 

....check out those great ornate connectors!

Sorry folks sold out of the connectors for now. I hope to be able to get more into the shop really soon! 

All That Glitters is Gold 

Multi layer vintage buttons

Vintage curb chain

Vintage brass ID plate

Antique crystal bead and bead cap.

Antique watch fob chain links

another piece that is sooooo comfortable to wear! 

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We are in for another round of severe weather....the most intense yet. Thank goodness for our weather radio and storm shelter. There has been a lot of rough weather all over lately. I hope everyone stays safe and stay tuned to your weather  in your area. 

Where thou art

I can not tell you how good it feels to be home after a months absence. My bed, my shower...spring, green grass and my three loving purring kitties. It feels like a vacation!

 In the past month I have made a whole pile of jewelry..lots of necklaces and earrings and a few bracelets. I also acquired loads of antique brass stampings for jewelry making, some will be available in my etsy shop later this week 

. Here is a bracelet I call Cliff Walk. This was my first time using waxed cord. I knotted some fabulous Czech glass beads and used copper wire to wrap the strand.

I made a coil loop for a closure and added a antique mother of pearl button. I love this design and will surely be making a few more.

My concerns are with the waxed cord...how does the cord hold up over time? I am sure lots of you have used it before and if you have any suggestions as to a good quality cord, I would so appreciate it. 

Where thou art, that is home.
Emily Dickinson