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.

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! 

Jewelry Upcycled

The folks at Crown Publishing have asked me to review one of their newest books by Sherri and Michelle Haab called "Jewelry Upcycled!".It intrigued me as I love to recycle found objects into my jewelry designs. The book provides techniques and projects for reusing metal, glass, plastic, fiber and found objects. The book is 144 pages (Potter Craft) with beautiful photos and clear descriptive tutorials. If you have been looking to learn how to rivet, use copper solder tape, work with leather and resin then this is your book. There are so many projects in this book that I can not wait to try out! This book will have you thinking outside the jewelry box. 

New (old) Brass Designs in the Shop

 Caesars Roman Chariot Medallion

I am so excited! I was able to get more of the antique/vintage findings from Connecticut and I just listed some new designs in my Etsy shop.  These findings originate from Rhode Island in the old jewelry factory district. 

and are authentically old pieces. The quality is excellent!

 English Hunt Scene

Brass Medallion Shell Design 

Bead caps are back in stock too! Get them while you can!

Victorian Copper Flora Pendant 

the back is just as beautiful!

One Fare and Feel Your Boobies!

I checked two things off my list today....Mammogram and the dentist for a cleaning and oral cancer screening. I am a little frightened or should I say "terrified" of these cancer checks since I was diagnosed with the invasive melanoma on my leg. Every little blemish or sore I think is cancer, the Dr. says that is normal...I get to see the surgeon on Thursday for the fun all over check. Every 3 months for 5 years, something tells me we will get to know each other quite well. So ladies, just a reminder to feel your boobies too!

One Fare

I go through phases of what I create and lately it is with found objects or vintage/antique pieces. In this piece it was the antique brass connector that told me what to do. You can find the connectors here. I added a vintage bridge token, a few rosary beads as well as an antique watch clip as a closure.

  

Lyme Disease Awareness Month

May is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month. 

Our family is small, my husband, myself and son.

We all have had Lyme disease.

My son had what is normally seen as Lyme disease, flu like symptoms and the bulls eye rash. He was treated with antibiotics and within a few days was feeling fine. One spring my husband complained of severe headaches, fatigue, muscle pain and drenching sweats. After a visit to the ER and a spinal tap he was sent home with no diagnosis. As days went on he could not lift his head off of his pillow without severe pain. He later would be diagnosed with Babesiosis a tick borne disease. The following year I noticed a bulls eye on my leg and began experiencing malaise, neck pain and headaches, I was sent to the ER and was later diagnosed with Central Nervous System Lyme Disease also known a Meningitis Lyme. After many hospital and Doctor visits and  4 weeks of IV treatment I started to feel better, however it took me about 6 months to feel like myself. I found it hard to read and remember words and I was fighting fatigue constantly.

Yes, Lyme Disease is scary stuff!

We no longer live in New England where Lyme Disease seems to be more prevalent, but it does not stop me from being cautious. We have three cats and we are constantly checking them for ticks. This spring has been a horrible season for ticks in Tennessee

so I am in high alert constantly. I know what a tick bite can do to you,

I hope now you do too. Get informed and stay safe! 

 "Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by the bite of an infected tick. Although not every tick carries the Lyme bacteria, caution must be exercised, especially in tick-infested areas. Not so long ago, Lyme disease was considered only rampant in Lyme "endemic" areas, however this nasty and complicated disease may be found throughout the entire United States and Europe. Additionally, ticks carry a wide variety of other serious bacterial infections. "

Prince of Peace and Some Royal Jewels

I have only caught glimpses of the royal wedding today, but what I saw was just beautiful! I hope this couple enjoys a lifetime of love and joy together.

 So speaking of the royals...I have a necklace I made a few days ago that would be somewhat fitting for a day like today (unlike Princess Beatrice's hat...)

"Royalty".

 I created this with antique murano glass beads, copper beads, vintage copper link chain an old rhinestone earring and two antique copper jewelry findings. The pendant drop needed nothing more than itself, the detail and quality is amazing. I only had a few of these that I offered on my site but they are sold out for now, not sure If I will be getting anymore.

And now for the commoners....

Prince of Peace 

I found the Prince of Peace medal at the Nashville Flea market, I just had to have it! 

In this necklace I used a variety of Antique and vintage elements, keys, brass filigree beads and old trolley tokens. The vintage typewriter key is the perfect dangle.