Bracelets 3 ways

If you follow my blog then you know I create jewelry in several different styles, although when displayed together they are a cohesive group.

Here we have Through the Keyhole. A rustic cuff style bracelet. I have been experimenting with some leather and found  layering it suited me best. A weathered copper base, leather and an old brass keyhole with natural verdi patina. I hope to offer this style in my wholesale line, I am still working on the design and this is the first. What do you think? Honestly...

Here you have Green Lagoon which is in the August issue of Bead Trends. For this piece it is all about the color...the Chrysoprase is just stunning and pairs so nicely with the smooth rich color of the Amethyst.

and lastly...Vintage Rhinestone Sparkle. An assemblage of vintage findings featuring a very sparkly rhinestone earring re-purposed as the focal in this bracelet.

Do you have a favorite? Perhaps vintage is not your thing...what is your favorite style?

My Two Favorite Things

I love working with vintage and antique elements almost as much as I love shopping for them. It is all about the hunt and the treasures you can find. I know y'all know what I am talking about..... that awesome feeling you get when you see a really cool piece and you are able to claim it as yours. My jewelry design allows me to enjoy my two most favorite things...hunt and create. I am extremely fortunate as lots of my findings come from the antique shop where I have a antique booth and where I work 3 days a month. There are several ladies who keep me in mind when they go to auctions and sales they always have great things for me to pick from. 

This antique button necklace has lots of old elements in it. Mother of pearl button from my stash, old watch fob chains and antique glass cube beads. Etsy is also another great source for vintage finds and I am addicted to searching for them. The vintage raw brass figaro chain comes from LuxeOrnaments and the rhinestone beads are from EightJewelry also on Etsy. This necklace is available at Bright's Antique World in booth #158.

Faith, Hope and Love

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love. ~

...and Teddy Roosevelt...because.

 You can find Faith, Hope and Love in my Etsy shop.

Tomato Tomahto

You say tomato, I say tomahto...either way they are my favorite things to grow, there is nothing like a fresh picked tomato! I have 6 varieties of tomatoes growing in my garden this year, my favorites are the grape and the heirloom variety. The grapes are so sweet like candy and a great snack to nibble on. I also like  to roast them to toss into pasta and for pizza. This is my first year growing the heirloom tomatoes and they are HUGE, very meaty and tasty. Today I picked about 7 and I am making a fresh sauce. I do not follow any recipe just a little of this and that. Olive oil, fresh garlic and chopped onions, fresh basil, some red pepper flakes, salt,fresh ground pepper and let simmer. I will need to add some tomato paste later to thicken it up. An easy sauce that you can do so much with.

What's your favorite summer time veggie? Do you have a favorite recipe to share?

ADDD

Yeah, that's what I've got....ADDD or more commonly known as Attention Deficit Dusting Disorder. Some-days it just hits me. I start doing one thing and then before I know it a dust rag is in my hand and I am re-arranging and dusting. Then I go back to my studio and start working and it starts all over again. On days like this I just have to let the syndrome take over and be glad my house gets semi cleaned. 

I have not shared a picture of Captain Morgan in awhile so here he is in all his glory! This is his usual sleeping position, he is the silliest of cats! Lately he has taken to sleeping with us in a space between our pillows. This was taken at like 3 in the afternoon and he is already staking his claim. He sleeps like a rock there is no bothering him one bit!

 Pondering...
I have been giving the thought of offering a line of my jewelry for wholesale. It would have to be pieces that are easily re-produced but still staying true to my esthetics and offering one of a kind pieces. I am not new to wholesaling as years ago I had a very successful wholesale business called "Country Glen". I made handpainted copper pins and sold to stores through out the US via sales reps. It was a great business but all I did was work. Due to the economy, and a severe swing in what the retailers were willing to pay and then our move to the South things changed and I was done. I got really burnt out, when you make over 10,000 pieces a year it wears on you.
However, I am now ready to jump back into that market but in a very limited way and on my terms, not on a rep that I am trying to satisfy. A few things I need to get are some printed jewelry tags and earring cards. Can anyone recommend a good on-line source? I rather go by a recommendation than out of the blue. The ones I use now are good for shows but not for store displays.
Well, I better get back to my dusting...have a great evening!

Laugh Darling

Here is a whimsical piece I call "Laugh Darling". An assemblage or collage pendant. My most favorite part is the old Victorian pin that says "Darling", how cute is that? 

Created with Verdi patina-ed and etched copper , a resin charm created from a vintage dictionary definition and stamped,hammered copper.

Thanks for stopping by!

Queenie

I suppose we all need to feel like a queen once in awhile. Yesterday was kinda my day as it was my birthday. Although the day is really like any other it is nice to know it is your special day and you own it. So, what did I do? I puttered (my favorite thing to do)...visited with my good friend and neighbor, make some jewelry and did not get dressed until 7pm. Ate Chinese food that I did not have to cook or pick-up and then went to play cards with some friends. It was a nice day.

So, if it's not your birthday and you want to feel Queen like, maybe this long necklace will put you in the mood. You can find it here.

...if you would like one of these crowns you can also find them in my Etsy shop.

Hope everyone is staying cool and enjoying their weekend!