Vintage Beads

I came across these beads today and could not resist purchasing them. However....I am not going to keep them, I am putting them in my Etsy shop. Ok, yes I did keep a few bags for myself but the rest are for whoever wants them. If you love working with antique and vintage and new beads just don't do the job for you well these beads are awesome. Some really cool shapes and nice smooth wear, the pictures do not do them justice. They need some cleaning as you can tell, but who does not like a little natural "patina".

 The greenish beads to the left are actually to halves of a whole almost like a bead cap and they are faceted too! Nice matte discs and check out the cool green shapes!

Yes, those are rose shaped glass, and the really neat rectangle shape is side drilled on the top.

 I am sure most of these are Czech and early 1900's, with some vintage mixed in.

Aren't they just beautiful....yes I am an easy girl to please!

We have a winner !

Congratulations to KJ of KJ's Beadacious Beads she is the lucky winner of my Making Room for a Bead Giveaway! This pile of beads grew from 3 pounds to FIVE pounds, I sure hope your mailman is strong! Thanks everyone who entered and left a comment, I loved hearing what your favorite flea market find was, there were some really great finds! KJ, be sure to get in touch with me so I can send your goodies out.

Simmering Soup

I am soooo excited about participating in the Bead Soup Party hosted by Lori Anderson of Pretty Things. Why am I so excited? I have been paired with the enthusiastic Jen Judd of Jen Judd Rocks. Although Jen and I have never met I can feel her bubbly personality, it is evident in her blog and the wonderful package she sent me. Check out all of the amazing goodies.

Amazing clay beads and I just love this copper leaf! 

 Gorgeous lampwork beads from Julianna Cannon, lapis (from her deployed hubby) some great ceramic pieces, an sterling agate clasp, a free form sterling piece, citrine chunk, shells,pearls,and some cool wood beads....and so much more! 

I most likely will make two pieces. So in the mean time my soup is simmering and I am playing with my new stash. Hope everyone is excited as I am!

I am rolling once again!

I finally feel as though I am back into the groove of life, I am back to driving ( 5+ long weeks since surgery) and I am especially liking that since I have a new ride. We found what we had been looking for and finally broke down and made the purchase last week. A very sweet Volvo XC90 in navy blue. 

So where did my new ride take me yesterday?...a bead show in Nashville. Here is my sweet little stash.

 Do you think I am stuck on one color? I just can't help myself, my hand goes to them like a magnet. The dealer at the show told me the tube shaped beads were some type of Opal but I think she is wrong, I am thinking Amazonite,what do you think? 

I go to this show especially for A.D adornments.I love stocking up on filigree and her chains ( all though a little pricey, but so gorgeous!)

 Stunning Labradorite and Chrysoprase

Key to wisdom

"The key to wisdom is knowing all the right questions"

John A. Simone Sr. 

This vintage key was once a brooch with a blue plastic bead in the center, its former life was not so attractive. I replaced the bead with an antique Victorian button and added some of Miss Ficklemedia's Verdigris Patina to the brass key, it added some life to the former wall flower. An array of beads, precious stones and vintage chain  are used to make this eclectic adornment.

Pottery Girl

I love beads and always have ever since I was a young girl. My mother's jewelry box was always a treasure trove to me, I always went right for her strand of amethyst beads, I loved their rich color, smoothness and clinking sound  the beads made. It is still one of my favorite sounds. Many years later those beads now rest in my jewelry box and every once in awhile I take them out and am reminded of my Mom.

When I purchase beads, I still have the little ritual, I jingle the beads in my hand, listen to their sound and feel their weight. Today the mail lady brought me a very anticipated package from Canada. Beautiful  hand formed ,handmade pottery beads from "Pottery Girl"... I was thrilled when I found these on Etsy and even more thrilled when I received them in the mail and held them in my hands. The colors and textures are wonderful, I can't wait to make something with them!

For those who do not know, I am having a "Love is all you need" Giveaway. Be sure to enter here, giveaway ends on Sept.7th.

 I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend!

Flea Market Finds

Here it is Sunday already and I forgot to share my flea market finds with you. I went to the Nashville Flea Market on Friday and it was promised to be a little cooler but it did not turn out that way and it seems the heat and humidity still remains with us, how I long for cooler weather! Here are some of my finds...

 Check out that cute little giraffe...not sure what I will do with it but it was irresistible! I love old bus and trolley tokens, they make great bracelets!

The printed mother of pearl beads were calling me, I just loved the mod look to them. 

...and the finished product. I love the colors!

 Hope everyone is having a great Sunday!

As always thanks so much for stopping by.