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! 

Vintage Button Earrings

I could not resist working with these vintage glass buttons, even though the buttons seem a bit like spring, I think the earrings would pair nicely with warmer fall clothes.

The red Czech glass beads are so deep in color and I especially love the picasso finish on them.

You can find these on Etsy

Is anyone else having issues with blogger? It has become very fustrating. I still am having a problem posting comments and can not access blogger from Moxilla Firefox. uggghhh!

I am having a super giveaway this week a $25 certificate for printing at Vistaprint.

 Be sure to enter here!

Friendship and a MOP Button Giveaway

I teased y'all about my button stash a few posts backed, but since have decided to share a few pictures of the gargantuan carved mother of pearl buttons I have. These beauties measure a whopping 2 inches across, surely the largest I have ever seen! 

These are sure nice to look at and hold in your hand. Each one is unique with its carvings and irregularity that only mother of pearl can have. 

"BEE A GOOD FRIEND"

Was created from some small mother of pearl buttons, used as dangles on a vintage chain along with old glass beads.  I also used a brass medallion that was once used on an old dresser, this piece is the platform for another button and silver bee. A vintage dictionary definition is forever preserved in resin dangles below and gently reminds us what a friend is.  

When you move this piece the sound is like seashells rolling in with the tide...so fitting for the old shell buttons. 

You can find Bee a good friend here.   

 So tell me what does it mean to be a good friend? Has someone been a really good friend to you? Or have you been a true friend to someone...pat yourself on the back and tell us about it. Good friendships are inspirational. Share!

By sharing your story your name will be entered to win some of my fabulous buttons....post to Facebook and tell me about it and you get another entry, the same with Twitter and so on. Share the love and so will I!! 

Giveaway will end  on May 25th and the lucky winner will be posted on Wednesday May 26th.
(I changed the original end date,due to computer issues)

Here's the loot you can win!!

The largest button measures 1 1/2" across.

Share your stories with us!

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! 

Hand Tailored

 

I LOVE old dress forms! There was a time when I could find them anywhere and I would buy and sell them so quickly. Now that I want one for myself I can't seem to find one! So when I saw that Barbara Lewis of Painting with Fire had made some awesome porcelain pendants with a dress form image I just had to have it!

Vintage mother of pearl buttons are stacked and wire wrapped. Coils of copper along with some wonderful enamel beads Barbara surprised me with  add a bit of whimsy to this funky long necklace. Three different chains are used as well.

 You can find Hand Tailored in my Etsy shop.