Thursday, September 29, 2011

Thoughtful Thursdays: Chatelaines!

vintage salt shaker
I was watching Cash & Cari — one of those estate sale reality shows — the other day, when they had come upon a collection of something called... Chatelaines. I never heard the term before, but was totally intrigued by this Victorian-meets-Steampunk-looking adornment that had all these functional items hanging from it!

antique English whistle
By definition, a Chatelaine is  a decorative belt hook or clasp worn at the waist with a series of chains suspended from it. Each chain is mounted with a useful household appendage such as scissors, thimble, watch, key, vinaigrette, household seal, etc. And that reminded me of many jewelry pieces I have created using antique objects. So I thought I'd share some of the versions I've made that had a vintage utilitarian twist.

upcycled pill box
It's so exciting to learn something new about this category of adornment that was typically worn by housekeeepers in the 19th century.

repurposed buss fuse tin
And I am so happy to be a part — not only of keeping vintage objects preserved, but also for creating something that serves an additional purpose above and beyond adorning our bodies!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Feeling Blue!

When I first envisioned my original Cotton Candy Pillow, I had more than just pink in mind. But the fabric company I order faux fur from, didn't have a light blue. So, I just stuck with the pink.

But after making the pink version, I thought, Hmmmmm... even if boys (or men) liked cotton candy, I couldn't picture them snuggling up with a pink pillow, or having one hanging from the doorknob of their room! So I searched and searched and searched the internet until I found... gasp!... a light turquoise version of the exact same funky fur I used. Yay for light blue!

So I finally got to create a version of my Sweet Tooth [Fairy] Pillow for boys... and of course for girls who like blue!

I finished the backs with the most adorable multi-colored, polka-dot fabric... so now we're all set! Whether you like pink cotton candy, or prefer your spun sugar treat in blue.... there's now a funky pillow for you! Both are available in the Carnival and Circus Fun section of my Etsy shop. Hope you have a sweet tooth!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Thoughtful Thursdays: Display Ideas!

So I've been doing a little research on new, innovative and interesting ways to display my mixed media jewelry at craft shows.... and think I've come up with a few ideas I like. 

This one here is a hinged wooden frame with wire mesh behind it. Ooooh, maybe chicken wire instead (just thought of that)! I would paint it and distress it and then hang my creations from the wire. This would accommodate lots of jewelry! And it would fold up and store easily... always a plus.

I also liked the idea of using a pretty vintage frame with cork (where the glass would normally be) that I could put pushpins into and hang a few jewelry pieces on. I could use it horizontally or vertically, to showcase a few key pieces. Maybe a few different frames in different finishes and sizes would be fun.

I'm still thinking and drawing out ideas, because I'm still looking for that one stellar idea. Something that looks cool, has that vintage, upcycled feel and that's easy to set up for craft shows. I'm open to suggestions!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Jesus, Mary, and... Giselle?

In between other creative projects, life and a little relaxation, work slowly continues on my revised and revamped doll-inspired assemblage entitled... Twisted.

In order to keep the creative juices flowing, I did something a little different this time. I parked the entire piece across from where I sit on the couch for evening television watching. I put Giselle on a little shelf in the vintage bank drawer I'll be using... so she could get used to it... and have a little down time before she gets twisted!

This method is working out so well, because I've been thinking of ideas non-stop. I'll look over... while my brain is nice and relaxed from watching mind-numbing TV... and think of some crazy idea that comes out of left field (or maybe it's left brain!).

Like the word TWISTED. I recently acquired two tall and skinny figurines from my local flea market... and thought one of them would make a great substitute for the letter "I".

But I just can't seem to decide if I like the Mary that I got for one dollar...

Or the broken handed Jesus that I got for free with Mary because he had a broken hand (duh, that lady who sold it doesn't know me very well, does she?).

I'm not sure what color the letters will be at this point and I know that will be a factor. But it's hard to decide. Both Jesus and Mary... well... they both have their merits. What do you think? Well... I meant other than the fact that I'm twisted!

Sunday, September 18, 2011

New Handmade... The Cotton Candy Pillow!

I am so very excited to announce the newest addition to my collection of handmade goods... a super-sweet, adorable Cotton Candy Pillow!
You know how you get those brainstorm ideas in your head and you can practically see yourself making it, but of course it always takes so much longer when you actually go to do it? This worked... that didn't... let me tweak this... uh-oh, how am I going to accomplish that?

Well in the process, I came up with a fabulous idea... why make just a cotton candy pillow? Why not make it something special. And the finished product was born... Sweet Tooth [Fairy] - The Cotton Candy Pillow!

With a secret pocket on the back, and a pretty ribbon to hang it by... it became perfect for the tooth fairy, money gifts, even hiding that engagement ring for your carnival-loving sweetheart!

And you know what this means tooth fairy parents? No more rooting around under your kids' pillows while they're asleep trying to find that tooth!

For more information or to purchase your very own Cotton Candy Pillow, visit my Etsy Shop! Have a sweet day!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Thoughtful Thursdays: A Quick "Tip"!

Need a pointed stick for something but don't have one? I needed a stuffing stuffer and wanted a pointy tip so I could stuff a tapered area. I remembered that I had a wooden dowel in my craft stash. So I stuck it in the pencil sharpener... and voilà! I just love it when my brain works!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Flea Market Fun!

This weekend was Ocean Grove's yearly Giant Flea Market with over 300 vendors! And while there are lots of pretty, pretty things I love... I stick to buying things that I can re-purpose into art, dolls, jewelry, or whatever else I can think of. So let's have fun and take a look at some of my favorite finds...

Right out of the gate, I found these vintage wooden bowling pins. There's a tall set and a shorter set. You'll be seeing these as doll arms and legs in the future. Strike!

I almost passed out when I saw these old celluloid circus-themed candle holders for 50¢. I love it when people think it's total trash and it's something that I absolutely adore. Cha-ching!

Found these gorgeously patina'd wooden rulers and... well, what are those scallop-edged thingys? Are they for pie-making or something? Anyway... LOVE old wood. These will definitely go to good use!

Loved this little set of silver salt shakers from occupied Japan. They will totally be turned into nesty bird-themed jewelry pieces similar to ones I've made in the past!

Reminds me of... the one I love... deep in the heart of Texas! This 4" souvenir compact that I just had a hankerin' to buy... will become a Texas-sized necklace. Yee-haw!

I bought a few more items and was very happy with my purchases overall. Lots of stuff that I don't normally see, and I was really careful about what I spent. But... regardless of what I bought... it's really the thrill of the hunt that gives me the biggest satisfaction... oh yeah!