I've Got the Blues

 

 

Well, not literally, but have you ever noticed a collection emerge when you weren't looking?  After some lucky visits to the local flea markets recently, it occurred to me that I had been unknowingly gathering up a small ransom of cobalt and aqua blue glass from the 1920s.  I guess I've got the blues after all!  ;)

 

 

Here's a peek at my inadvertent stash, as well as some new pieces that will be coming to my Etsy shoppe this evening.

 

 

 

Thank you for stopping by!  :) Robyn

 

 

 

 

A Graceful New Year

 

Happy New Year, mes amis!  :)  I've been thinking a lot about my hopes and dreams for 2014, and the kind of life I want to live.  Each year a friend and I choose a 'theme' word, rather than a list of resolutions per se, and this year's motto is going to be 'grace'. 

 

 

 

As I reflect on some challenges that last year brought, as well as my continued love for the gentler times witnessed in period dramas so popular now, I yearn to bring more grace into my world. 

 

 

 

I vow to accept the grace of God; to treat others with grace (including kindness, respect and dignity); and to have the grace to let go of judgment, envy or immaturity.

 

 

 

I will strive for grace and beauty in everything I create from jewelry to a loving meal for family.

 

 

 

By handling myself with grace in both social and business situations, I shall always expect a favourable outcome.

 

 

And I hope to handle life's inevitable difficulties with the grace of acceptance and strength.

 

 

Perhaps if I'm very good at it, I will even inspire grace in others.

 

 

I hope I have honoured my theme word this week by offering some 'graceful' pieces, soon to be available in my Etsy shoppe this evening.

 

 

And for my fellow Abbey fans (you know who you are!), here's a little eye candy to get us ready for Sunday night's Season 4 premier! 

 

Wishing everybody a happy, healthy and graceful New Year!  x o Robyn

 

In the Boudoir

The recent Downton Abbey frenzy has got me thinking a lot about how much time and care women used to spend getting dressed each day, often several times a day to accomodate different activities.

I've also been pondering the life of those people behind the glamorous scenes, from a couturier at the finest fashion house in Paris, to a private lady's maid, like the sweet Anna or conniving O'Brien.

These necklaces pay homage to all such women, and the preparation that goes on in the boudoir...

from the simple mending of a button,

to creating the latest coiffure, and all without the modern technology we rely on today.

Thank you for stopping by and please stay tuned next time when I announce my upcoming give-away! :)

Heirloom Quality

I was recently referred to a new client (thank you, Diane!) who had a healthy stash of gorgeous jewelry from the Edwardian era / 1920s that had belonged to her husband's grandmother.

Upon meeting for coffee, she revealed her lucky inheritance to me, one by one. Needless to say, I was both honoured and delighted at the prospect of 'upcycling' these family heirlooms into necklaces she could wear and enjoy today.

Just look at these rich gold watch chains, brilliant Czek glass, and lustrous enamel and mother of pearl! You just don't find jewelry like this these days, no ma'am!

So, what did I do with it all?

Voila!

I really wanted to honour the integrity of the original pieces, while catering to my client's request for necklaces that would be whimsical yet wearable enough for every day.

I kept most of the festoon style of this green glass necklace intact, while switching out the focal pendant to this sweet locket. Inside is a photo of the grandmother (whom it belonged to orginally) and her brother as children.

Among the offerings was also this handsome gold pocket watch, and several watch chains and fobs. I decided to use them all in a slightly asymetrical design, and accented it with red Czek glass.

I love the fact that the family's monogram will be carried on in this piece for generations to come.

Finally, a tiny cameo takes center stage beneath a gold crown and enamel buckle. This open-back purple glass had so much lustre, I couldn't bear to break it up, so I just spliced the links into an elegant shape and accented the back of the necklace with repuosse chain and amethysts.

With the exception of a few stones and earring backs (below), I used almost exclusively my client's own jewels! It was a fun challenge, like trying to prepare a meal with a handful of random ingredients. I'm thrilled with the way everything turned out (the food always tastes good when the ingredients are great quality!), and hope my client will enjoy her renewed treasures for many years.

And now for the really big question... What is everyone planning to wear for tomorrow night's Season 3 premier of Downton Abbey? ;)