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.

Starry Night

I so admire people that are inspired by nature or a piece of art and then can create something from the inspiration....me not so much.  I wish I could translate my vision into a piece of jewelry but my head just does not work like that, or perhaps I have not tired hard enough. I think I will work on that.

So here you have a reverse inspiration...I am sure the first you have seen. I have been working on some chandeleir earrings and after I made these I was searching for a name and  "Starry Night"  the name of Van Gogh's painting came to mind.

You can find these in my Etsy shop.

Inspiration

Let the sincerity of these simple inspirational messages speak to your soul. Enjoy some of my favorites.

Come to the edge.
We might fall.
Come to the edge.
It's too high!
Come to the edge!
And they came,
and he pushed,
and they flew.
-- Christopher Logue

Even if I don't reach all my goals, I've gone higher than I would have if I hadn't set any.
-- Danielle Fotopoulis

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.
-- Eleanor Roosevelt

You were born an original. Don't die a copy.
-- John Mason

You can find this bracelet on my web site.

On another note I wanted to tell you I sold my "Hope" for Haiti necklace this morning, I am so excited! Many thanks to the buyer and I hope the necklace will inspire you as well. I happily popped up the Red Cross address and made my donation. I hope to make another "Hope" for Haiti piece in a few days.