FleaMarket Gems

Today we leave on a camping expedition for the next four days with a bunch of our lunatic friends.  "Expedition" because we have never been to this campground and I heard it's "wild"...whatever that means.  "Lunatic friends" because they are...well...crazy.  And we fit right in...ha.   I figured I'd better post this before we left because I know when we get back on Sunday, I will be too exhausted and will need a vacation from our mini-vacation!

I wanted to show you my latest finds at my last fleamarket treasure hunt.  And, boy, did I find some fabulous pieces.  Feast the ol' peepers:

This beautiful rosary is old and tarnished, no markings.  But I love it just the way it is.

The bracelet is sterling!

This FANTASTIC flower once adorned a dress or gown.  It is absolutely stunning!

And my favorite (!!) is this huge paste brooch of a peacock.  OMG...it stopped me in my tracks!  I already have a necklace design in mind and will show you when completed:

I will miss the fleamarket this weekend end.  Buy noon Sunday, I will have the sweats and shakes because of it.  That's called an addition, folks.  And I got it bad!

Have a wonderful weekend and happy hunting if you're out flea-ing or estate sale-ing!

xoxo,

Tracey  

Bead Swap Inspirations

My last post was the reveal of the Bead Swap hosted by Sarah over at My So Called Junky Life.  Showing off all the baubles and beads I received from my partner who was actually Sarah.  This week, after much deliberation, I decided to make several pieces rather than try to use everything in one project.  Here is the first of many.  Using white fresh water pears, gold filigree beads, rosary beads, rhinestone disco ball bead and a little gold crown.......

The only thing I used out of my own stash were the white flower bead caps and the aurora beads.  Don't you just love the little crown?  Fit for a queen!   Since I am the queen (in this household!), I think I'll sport it around a while!

Bead Swap Blog Hop

Hi Everyone!  It has been ages since I have posted on my blog...as you can see.  This is a great way for me to get back on track. 

I recently participated in the Bead Swap hosted by the lovely Sarah of My So Called Junk Life fame.  It was my first time and, like the first day of school, I had some jitters.  After all, I am sending beads and findings to someone I have never really met.  I was going for the "OMG!" reaction as opposed to the "What the???" reaction.  But since Sarah and I have pretty much the same taste in the beads/findings/jewelry area, I felt I was safe.  I sent her jewels in a fabulous vintage box I stumbled upon from Vickie at http://www.visualsbyvickie.com/   Forgive me though...remember, I'm a newbie...I did not photograph what I sent to Sarah and post it....(cue the eye roll).  I'll do better next time, really!  Ok, enough blabbing, more beads.....

The gorgeous presentation box!

As I open it up...imagine my surprise....LOOK at these little nests...too cute for words!!

PLUS..my favorite color of the moment...an AQUA bag full of jewels!

Here's the bagful.....  

A closer look....Some Bling...of course!!

Freshwater Pearls in white, grey, and black....stunning!

Black glass beads.  Quartz beads which were my favorite!  I must find more...

Brass beads, rosary connectors and a length of rosary beads. 

 Check out the little crown!!

A fabulous cameo and flower button along with wonderful cabochons...

The Cameo button is my other favorite!!

I think I made out like a bandit, as my mother would say...what do you think?  When I received my package I emptied everything out onto my dining room table.  I'd walk by several times a day and just stop and stare at all the jewels.  Planning my strategy of what to create with it.  Do you do that?....come home from the fleamarket, amass everything in one pile and just sit there and look at it?    

As soon as I create something very special with all the beautiful trinkets Sarah sent me, I will post it.  Of course, I also may just "look" at it a while first and savor.