A Touch of Whimsy

 

As 2013 draws to a close, I can't help but reflect on what a difficult year it has been not only for myself, but so many others around me.  Faced with family health issues, and flying solo with a relatively new business, I'll be glad to put this one behind in the history books.

 

 

As if to laugh in its face, I've decided to infuse a bit of whimsy into these last few weeks of what was an all-too serious year.  Take that, 2013!  ;)

 

 

A toy spoon, image of Marie Antoinette, a military ID bracelet, tiny rhinestone buckles, the hint of spring's birdsong, an old wristwatch, royal crowns, and a little masculine / feminine juxtaposition at play are the elements making me smile this week.

 

 

Here's to ringing in the New Year with lots of love, good health and prosperity for everyone!  What do you have planned for 2014?  I'd love to hear from you!  x o

 

Tough and Tender

This year, rather than making strict resolutions with myself, I've decided to actually have more fun! I know that sounds counter-productive, but when your trade is to be creative, it kind of starts to make sense.

Right now I'm embracing the idea of incorporating more 'found' objects into my jewelry, such as the scapular earrings that sold in about five minutes last week. I'm loving the juxtaposition of tough and tender, rough and shiny.

This double cross necklace mixes some old military badge findings (marking the hours of time invested) with rhinestones and sparkling clear glass and mother of pearl rosary beads.

These Joan of Arc tribute earrings also remind me that as women may be sweet and tender on the outside, but often must have a warrior's resolve on the inside to get through life's challenges.

Finally, this bracelet calls to mind the story of a captain's daughter; I imagine a young girl carrying her father's pocket watch while he is away at sea. I love the slight edge the antique leather watch strap gives this lovely repousse cameo buckle.

Well, that's it for today, but please stay tuned for a give-away coming up soon. I'm so happy to see many new followers (thanks to Pinterest!) and would like to show my gratitude by offering a little prize. Happy New Year, mes amis! :)

Time Honoured

With Christmas around the corner, I realized that the new year isn't far behind, and this got me to thinking about the passage of time.

'The days go by slowly, but the years fast', as the saying goes.

It does seem like the older I get, the more time speeds up.

And I wanted to honour not only the time each of us has to enjoy the present and live in the moment,

but also to reflect on years gone by,

the people and things that came before us.

It is my hope that in repurposing vintage jewelry and findings, I am doing my small part to honour and preserve this history.

Who wore these old time pieces that kept track of moments and minutes so long ago?

Who was this man and woman, and what did they know about life in the 19th century that we may never understand?

Could they have ever imagined that one day, more than a hundred years after their pictures were taken, someone would be blogging about them? And would they have approved?

'They say I'm old-fashioned, and live in the past, but sometimes I think progress progresses too fast! - Dr. Seuss

Abundance

Bonjour, mes amis et heureux anee nouveau! (I'm not sure if that's grammatically correct in French, but you get the idea.)

My 2012 is off to a bang, with a large wholesale order and a gorgeous day spent at the flea market yesterday. As you will see from these photos, there was not a cloud in the northern California January sky, and a balmy 68 degrees.


It got me to thinking how lucky we are to live in among such abundance.


There is beauty all around if we just take a moment to notice and appreciate it. Whether in the form of grandma's fine silver...


or a tattered old prop once used for function,


why not be grateful for all that we have?




Perhaps I'm most grateful this week for this really beautiful antique brooch I got. I'm a nut for all things Marie Antoinette and this lovely piece is actually painted on ivory behind glass. It doesn't get much better than this!


Here are some other things I've made in the studio this week. Most of these have gone to the local retail market, but please keep checking my Etsy shoppe regularly since I will continue listing new items there as well. :)













What plans do you have for 2012? I'd love to hear about them! Thank you for stopping by! :)