One Good Deed And Some Vintage Jewelry

vanishingvintage

When I was a little girl I remember getting one of the best gifts I have ever received from a woman who was notorious for being a grouch.  For some reason she gave a starry eyed little girl a box of vintage jewelry.  Some of them were broken but I recall being in awe of the sparkle and shine of the beads...I had died and gone to heaven.  Needless to say I was hooked ever since.

Now that I am grown, I have an even greater appreciation for vintage jewelry. I can fully appreciate the stellar craftsmanship, the fearless color palettes and unrestrained imagination that went into each piece. I just love finding one of a kind pieces that make me gasp...and trust me, I find them pretty often because I collect them. One of the things I do though, is to research and find out about the various designers in the 1930's and beyond.  It has been so very informative and inspiring to me as a designer.

Here are two of my favorite vintage jewelry designers that you may want to buy or collect:

Marcel Boucher - He was born in Paris, France where he designed for Cartier and later for his own company. Marcel Boucher is highly respected as the most imaginative designer of quality costume jewelry. His bold, meticulously executed designs is sought out by collectors from all walks of life including movie stars like Sarah Jessica Parker. Each piece is a "work of art".

sparklz

Trifari - Since the 1920s, Trifari has been one of the most respected and admired producers of costume jewelry in the United States. Trifari was Founded in the1910s by Gustavo Trifari, the Italian-immigrant son of a Napoli goldsmith, the company has designed jewelry that’s been worn by countless high-profile clients, from Mamie Eisenhower to Madonna.

.stargazervintagejewelry

Image Origin unknown

Who would have thought that one kind act from the town's grouch would bring so much joy and passion into my life for these pieces and for design as a whole...  Thanks Miss B, rest in peace.

Cherio!

Done And Done!

http://static.tmag.tas.gov.au/tayenebe/workshops/bicheno.html

A few weeks ago in my post Are You Ready For This! I shared with you how I had won the opportunity to showcase some of my work in a design challenge.  I had entered the contest on a whim so when I got confirmation that I had made the cut I was really surprised and so excited.

The challenge was to create original pieces/Art from indigenous plant fibers.  I did just that with palm leaves, sisal, burlap and hemp.  I also accented my pieces with feathers, shells and seeds.

Well, today I am happy to report that my work is completed and presently being viewed in the prestigious New Providence Art gallery in Nassau, Bahamas. It has come a long way from this conceptual sketch.  Many thanks to all of you for your support and encouragement.  It means a lot to me.

Hmmmm, I wonder what I should I do next............

Cherio!

Upcycling - Turn Your Trash Into Treasure!

Welcome to my latest obsession.....I made these two necklaces from recycled vintage beads, chain and exotic seeds. 

Lately I've become really fascinated with upcycling.   I especially enjoy making new and 

interesting pieces from vintage jewelry "odds and ends" and interesting fabrics from old 

 clothing.  Just thinking of the stuff I can create makes me all happy and bubbly inside.  It is so much fun!!!!...and it is also very relaxing.  Who wouldn't want that? 

But what is UPCYCLING? 

The term "upcycled" refers to vintage items that have been either re-done, re- 

made, re-vamped, or re-purposed.  An "upcycled" piece includes one or more 

vintage elements. Some upcycled items contain 100% vintage materials that have been combined or re-done. Others may have 1 or 2 vintage elements that have been re-vamped with new pieces.  

  

Upcycling is eco-friendly. It allows us to recycle and re-use.....to make something gorgeous 

from odd pieces, broken jewelry, and bit and pieces that are useless or invaluable by 

themselves.  

Two weeks ago I ordered six pounds of assorted broken/mismatched vintage jewelry on Ebay.  (Cost me $16.00)  I had read up on upcycling so I knew that this would be perfect to make lots of beautiful original accessories.  I was not disappointed!  Look at this, I know it looks like a heap of junk but there are so many nice pieces and opportunities for greatness in this pile......I'm serious. 

I made this cute little hair comb from a broken clip-on earring. Not bad for a piece that was headed to the trash can.

 And yet another broken earring became the perfect centerpiece for my new handmade hair 

band. Perfect! 

The hair accessories below were made from pieces of vintage fabric and elements from broken jewelry.  I made flowers from the fabric which with the help of my trusty glue gun, was a snap!  Check out the easy flower tutorial here. 

And finally the Pièce de résistance.... this vase I made from recycled vintage magazine 

paper. It's my favorite piece so far.

As I said in a older post, I switch into hyper craft mode whenever I have something 

traumatic going on in my life. Lol, as you can see, the crafts keep-a-comin!  Good new

though, my dad's condition has stabilized and he is doing much better.  Thanks to all of you 

for your encouragement and prayers.  God bless you! 

Cherio! 

Native American Design...All kinds of Amazing

 For as long as I can remember, I have been totally fascinated by Native American Art.   The textiles, crafts, and jewelry all seem to have a spirit/story that gives it a life of it's own.  And, the craftsmanship..........well, it's just exquisite.  

Native American artwork is crafted with care and patience, and is still handmade by many different tribes. These very skilled artist have many religious and spiritual beliefs which they infuse into their design.   As a result, the pieces are both beautiful and expressive. 

Wood has always been and still stands as one of the most worked-with materials in Native American art but there is so much more to the art.   Bone beads, seed beads, coral, silver, feathers, turquoise, seeds, animal skins and even porcupine quills are all used in the art and jewelry making as well. In other words they were "green" before we even thought about it.  Native  Americans love the earth and they believe in taking care of it.  Their relationship with the land is one of total inter-dependence.

Here is a a beautiful quote by Owatsinas of the Nuxalk nation that about sums it up.
"We must protect the forests for our children, grandchildren and children yet to be born. We must protect the forests for those who can't speak for themselves such as the birds, animals, fish and trees."
~ Qwatsinas, Nuxalk Nation

There will always be a special place in my heart for Native American design.  The skill, creativity, patience and love that goes into each piece makes the Art so very special.  

Here are a few of my favorites!

Cherio!