Victorian cuff bracelets

 Here are two gorgeous Victorian brooches I picked up at the antique shop last week. I knew instantly they would make perfect bracelets. 

 I used an antique steel cut button as a connector and made  a hand forged brass clasp.

The ruffle on this brooch is just darling and I love the set in stone.

I added some antique connectors that I curved just slightly to form the wrist, vintage chain is used as a clasp along with an antique picture button. 

These  bracelets will be packed for the show this weekend. If interested just let me know.

One Design Four Ways

I loved making these yesterday...assemblage jewelry is probably my most favorite to make. Anything that involves found treasures just makes creating so much fun and challenging for me. 

The four pieces are all the same design but with different elements. The common factor is rosary beads, filigree settings, antique buttons, etched discs,and a religious focal.

 The unexpected touch is the etched disc behind the filigree flower. It adds a really cool element to the necklace without being too much.

 You can find all of these pieces in my Etsy shop.

Pile of trinkets and a winner

I always like to save the best for last, so first let me share with you this little pile of trinkets I purchased at the antique shop. I am lucky to know a dealer that gets the best antique early jewelry odds and ends and calls me when she is coming up to the shop, (she's coming tomorrow, yay!)These little odds and ends are perfect for my jewelry designs. Some of you may look at this little pile and think what the heck is she going to do with those? That little pile is my piece of heaven!

 Here are a few of the pieces I created using some of the elements from the above pictures.

Vintage Eagle Medallion on Etsy

Victorian cuff link used as a connector (check out the tiny shamrocks on it)

Victorian Sway Assemblage Necklace

and now the best for last...

the winner of the $25 certificate for Vistaprint is..

Beadroe

Light and Lovely

There are times especially in the hot months that I do not like to wear much jewelry (however, I never leave home without earrings). I tend to go for something lighter ...I mean it is bad enough to be choked by the terrible humidity here in Tennessee,I don't need my necklace doing it too! So, for me here is a pretty  alternative.

Elegant Romance on Etsy

A sweet little necklace that is light on the neck. I used one of the great findings I found in Connecticut (also available here) and added an antique Victorian button. I used a copper disc to finish the back off and give it a nice neat look. 

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Be sure to enter  my Bead Trends giveaway. Two prizes will be given away, the July issue of Bead Trends and a pair of earrings that are also shown in the July issue. Giveaway ends July 9th.

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!

What do you make on a snowy day?

Perhaps you make a nice cup of hot chocolate or a cup of hot tea with lemon to go with that yummy German Chocolate cake your girlfriend brought over to you...( I have the BEST friends!), yes that is what you do indeed. 

With the gray skies and flakes of snow falling I also made this assemblage bracelet I am calling Rhinestone Ice, the name is fitting for a day like this.

Rhinestone Ice was created with a Victorian steel cut buckle and some filigree pieces that I applied some wonderful Indigo patina to. A vintage rhinestone brooch tops this assemblage. I was lucky to find some awesome vintage chain in a silver-tone that worked great in finishing this piece off.

If it is snowing where you are today, I hope you are all snuggled in doing what you love. There is something said about a snowfall, it can be so peaceful and beautiful.