This one sold. Wish I knew what that ring is in the back; would like some more just like it. It gives a lot of texture to the piece. It looked like some kind of gear wheel.
Also in love with my bullet earrings.

This beautiful piece can be worn on a collar or chain, however it also has a pin back, so it can be worn as a broach.
Cameos are so elegant and their popularity is coming back. This is a vintage, re- purposed,  costume jewelry piece.

Back to the Studio

Still making jewelry, as I had a great idea to turn a small mirror into a pendant. It wasn't easy getting the trim (chain) around the mirror, but I think it worked out great. This one reminds me of my friend, who happens to be a "gypsy" at heart.
I am excited to say that some of my jewelry is now in Artisan's Connect, a local
museum/gallery. Diane has a wonderful sense of choosing just the right thing to have in her gallery. There is a nice variety of artist's creations to have for yourself, or to gift to someone.  Be sure to check it out.

Traveling revives my Spirit

Our trip to Georgia gave me time to think, plan, and enjoy life. The city of Athens is beautiful with all the old buildings that have been redone, and turned into something new and useful. 
That is the approach I take when I make my jewelry. Realizing that vintage jewelry has a certain charming patina, and warmth, a feeling of timelessness, I want to preserve these pieces for the future, especially in this digital world.  I lovingly assemble broken, forgotten, vintage jewelry, into one of a kind pieces that can be treasured and worn for many more years. It gives me a sense of satisfaction to know that I have made something old,

new again. 

On the road again

Fasten your seat belts and ride to Athens, Georgia with us.

Grandson graduated from UGA on Friday. It was a weekend filled with celebration

and good times. We rode in style, which made it quite a nice trip; all 2200 miles of it.

A Love Note

Hubby was in his "man cave" straightening things up when he found a surprise.
A few years back I tried my hand at carving on a piece of rough cedar.
Now that the "love note"  has been unearthed from a pile of lumber, and the message is as true as ever,
 he enhanced the lettering and outline with a wood burner. It now proudly hangs in his man cave along with all his other treasures.  (he's very pleased as other guys our age might be envious).

Safety Pin Bracelet Tutorial

Do you remember these?
Not sure how many years ago these were popular.
The elastic had stretched in my daughter's bracelet,

so I restrung it so her daughter can enjoy it.
I decided to restring my own. This one is made with tiny
hand made clay beads with tiny patterns and designs in them.
When some friends saw mine, they ask for one.
I found some curved safety pins; not necessary, but nice.
I used a mixture of glass beads. When stringing them on the elastic,
you alternete heads and tails of the pins for a more even look.
String a small bead between each pin.
It took 30 pins to fit around my wrist.
The secret is finding beads that fit on the safety pin. The hole has to be big enough for the pin, but the bead small enough so the pin will close. A variety of colors is especially nice; goes with everything.

Flowered collar

Many months ago I saw something on- line that gave me this idea.
I think it had lots of jewels on it, for a necklace.
Unfortunately, I was not successful finding the original information.
 It is a man's neck tie with memory wire running through the center,
which is not easy  to do. The wire helps it hold its shape. There were a lot of small flowers left from my other projects so I placed them around the "collar". With a few small pearls added here and there, it should be finished. It looks beautiful with a black sweater. With the 40 degree weather we have been having in Texas, I just might get to wear it.

WOYWW

It's Wednesday again and the desk is still messy..
Seems like there are always many projects going at one time.
I get started with one thing, and then

 I'm off to another thing. The pile on the right is my "to do" pile. There are 3 sketch books  each one for a different purpose. The tins in back are filled with slips of paper with inspiring ideas. Of course the baby wipes I can't do without, and the feather pens I hardly ever use. The collar on the left is not finished. I wanted to use the small fabric flowers that were left from another project. Go on over to Julie's blog and see what others are doing. You will be surprised!