Spring Bling

I'm starting a new line of neckware that resemble mini versions of my Vintage Collage Brooches. These new pieces can only be worn as a necklace, unlike my pins that can be worn as a brooch or a pendant. I always add a bead or two to one side of the chain. A sexy little sparkle on the side of your neck. These are smaller and lighter in weight, perfect for summer months when we often don't wear clothes heavy enough to support a brooch. Keep checking my Etsy Shop for new pieces. I've sold two already before I could list them! This is my version of upcycling!

Broken China Teacup Mirror

This was one of the first pieces my sister-in-law made. She cut the vintage tea cup in half and used handles from others on the bottom of the piece. I've had so many views on my broken china post so I thought I would post more of my favorite pieces. Hopefully it will inspire you to create.

Officially Spring

Now, I feel better.......it is officially Spring when my little patch of crocuses pops up and looks so beautiful! The sun was out today so they opened up wide for the photo shoot. They come back year after year without needing any tending, feeding or encouragement. I love these guys!

We made it!

Wecome Spring
The long, hard winter here in Cleveland has us dreaming of spring. It's here...we made it. Check out my Etsy shop for pretty pins with floral themes for spring. A new brooch on your Spring coat will make you look smashing!

Announcing the Gentleman's Brooch

It occurred to me that I am missing a target market. Men. Today's men are secure enough to take a leap with fashion. The gold chains of the 80's may be gone, but what about a lapel pin? Something small, just to set you apart in a room full of "suits"....a conversation starter for a first date, or to pick up a date (you know most women love jewelry..they will notice it...and want to borrow it!) ...........Something for your casual wear that makes a small statement about the man behind the denim or Carhartt. I've decided to launch my Gentlemen's Collection on ETSY. These smaller sized collage pins will be made from small vintage treasures and have a tie tack type pin with a clutch. Made with a man in mind, but perfect for the women who is more comfortable with a smaller pin and less bling. They can be used as a tie tac, or pined on a hat, lapel or vest. Let me know what you think! Great idea, or is it down there on the fashion list with plaid golf knickers?

Grand Opening of Valerie Tyler Designs Retro Collection

I'd like to help celebrate and promote the opening of my fellow Cleveland Handmade artist, Valerie Tyler's new Etsy Store. My love of vintage and retro leads me right into her shop. She is a talented artist and does a terrific job creating pieces with the time tested classic feel. She's stocked her store with all sorts of vintage style goodness, including some classic black and white pieces in her Classic Noir Collection, Art Deco and Retro Mod style jewelry, jewelry with a touch of yesteryear and Victorian flair, and pieces with a nostalgic look. Check out her blog before Feb. 8th for a chance to win one of her creations. Here’s a few examples of what you can discover:

Serve up some snow

Anyone care to sit down and devour some of this snow? I know it's only January and there is a lot of winter left...BUT.

The upside side to the snow is that I am getting a lot accomplished indoors. I have new ideas for brooches and other repurposed jewelry. Stay tuned. I'll post them here soon!

In the meantime. Enjoy the snow. I think tomorrow will be warm enough for me to take the grand kids sledding.....then later the temp will drop. Artic deep freeze.

Something Special

The following story was sent to me by a customer who bought one of my pins. I was so moved by the memoir. It made me feel wonderful to know that I created a piece that could touch someone in this special way. Enjoy the story.

AS A TYPICAL WOMAN- I LOVE JEWELRY. THE BIGGER, THE SHINIER, THE KIND THAT IS SO EYE CATCHING I RECEIVE MANY WONDERFUL COMMENTS ABOUT IT.
I ATTENDED A BENEFIT FOR EMH IN LATE OCTOBER 2008. ONE OF THE FIRST TABLES I WALKED BY, CAUGHT MY EYE. “MARY”, A FRIEND OF MY CLOSE FRIEND HAD A FABULOUS TABLE OF JEWELRY.
I KNEW IMMEDIATELY I WOULD PURCHASE ONE OF THE PIECES. THE ONE THAT I
TRULY LOVED, WITHOUT REALLY LOOKING AT ALL OF THEM, WAS A PIN.
MARY EXPLAINED THAT SHE USED ESTATE JEWELRY TO CREATE EACH PIECE OF ART. SHE WRAPPED IT UP AND I WAS ON MY WAY.
THE FIRST TIME I WORE THE PIN WAS FOR MY MOTHER'S 90TH BIRTHDAY. IT LOOKED STUNNING AGAINST THE BLACK JACKET I WORE. AND YES I RECEIVED MANY POSITIVE COMMENTS.
AS I PREPARED TO PUT THE PIN ON THE SAME JACKET FOR OUR CHRISTMAS PARTY,
I WAS STOPPED COLD IN MY TRACKS.
THE PIN CONTAINED A SPARKLING BUTTERFLY. SINCE 1995 THEY HAVE HELD A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART. A SMALL BUTTERFLY WAS THE FIRST THING I SAW AFTER WE BURIED MY DAD AT THE CEMETERY. WHENEVER I SEE ONE, I THINK OF HIM.
ALMOST A MONTH TO THE DAY OF BUYING THE PIN, MY HUSBANDS MOTHER DIED. AS WE WALKED AROUND HER HOME AFTER THE SERVICE, I NOTICED ALL OF THE HUMMINGBIRDS IN PICTURES AND STATUES SHE HAD COLLECTED. HIS MOM WAS A SMALL GENTLE WOMAN WHO LOVED GODS LITTLE CREATURE – THE HUMMINGBIRD . SHE HAD A FEEDER OUT HER BACK WINDOW AND WOULD ALWAYS MAKE SURE IT WAS FULL OF SUGAR WATER.
AS I PINNED THE PIN ON MY JACKET, THERE NEXT TO THE BUTTERFLY WAS A SMALL HUMMINGBIRD.
DAD AND MOM ARE TRULY LOOKING DOWN ON US AND SMILING.
I WILL DEFINITELY BE WEARING THE PIN MORE OFTEN.

A gift from the Vintage Brooch Company is perfect for that "hard to buy" for gal.

Neckwear Display

I found this great hook at Marshalls and knew It would be a terrific way to display necklaces at my next show. A piece of scrap lumber, some end caps and crackle paint....all done! A perfect vintage looking display for my vintage repurposed necklaces.