Give or Receive?

I hope everyone's Thanksgiving holiday was filling and fulfilling!  Unfortunately, I was side tracked by a cold that came over me very quickly.  And what I thought was going to be 4 glorious days of working on my jewelry designs and playing catch up....instead I ended up in bed for 2 full days.  But as John Lennon once said, "Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans".  So. True.

The Christmas shopping season is under way.  Both Etsy shops, My Boutique Bijou and Bone Pile Bijou, are stocked and ready.  All packages come to you gift wrapped ready for giving, even if the recipient is yourself!  Here's a little example of the wrapping..........

Should your purchase be a gift for someone special, I can send it directly to them....already wrapped and will include a card with your message as well.  Just drop me a note in the note section at checkout.

Until next time...happy shopping.  I'm heading for some more Vicks and tissues!

Tracey ♥



Victorian Brass Hardware Shines In a New Light

Browsing the pages of Etsy, I'm always seeking out different elements to use in my jewelry design.  During a recent search, I stumbled upon a wonderful shop called FOUNDLINGS.  The shops owner, Shelley, carries gorgeous authentic Victorian brass hardware and the most unique found objects from her travels. 

One of the pieces I purchased is a Victorian brass escutcheon which is the focal point of this necklace:

I mounted a tiny paste rhinestone crown to the center of the escutcheon

A crystal rosary, brass chain and a splash of red glass beads for color

The cross of the rosary was relocated as a charm dangling from the hardware focal point

I gave it an antique watch fob swivel clasp.  And voila!  It's one of my favorites.  It has a very "old world" look.  It is listed at my Etsy shop!  Wouldn't this be a great holiday gift for that someone special?









Flea Market Daze

Our flea markets here in the 'Burg are winding down.  The cold weather is looming and weekend treasure hunts will be dwindling to a few estate sales here and there.  So I have to stock up when I can.  The weather lately has been unseasonably beautiful.  So dealers are still hanging their shingle. 

This past weekend I went to our local flea market.  And although it is all year 'round, some dealers can't handle the cold.  Walking through the treasure hunt is one thing...standing in the cold waiting for customers and sales is another.  I know.  Been there, done that.  But since it was 60 degrees, there was a nice crowd.  Even though I had to make a few appetizers to take to a friend's house for the 1PM kick off, after all...it's Steeler Sunday,  folks...I can always find time to go to the flea market!  For the short time I was there, I managed to score pretty awesome things.......

Gorgeous Art Deco pieces...the necklace is my favorite and will certainly end up in one of my designs

I just LOVE the vintage charm reciting the Ten Commandments!

Some Victorian pieces including a brass repousse cameo....

Not too bad for a quick flea market dash!  Now...what to do with them.....!



Hair-do BLING!

I have had a pile of empty headbands laying around for a while.  So I figured it was time to do something with them.  Here is one I finished.  There are a few more in the works.  This one screams "flapper"!  Perfect for upcoming holiday parties or a lovely Christmas wedding! 

An assemblage of a red rosette, a large Deco Rhinestone brooch along with a combination of antique buttons....

I love the rhinestone "fringe" on the brooch!  Definitely a statement piece!



Vintage Romance

There are certain jewels that always have a romantic quality about them.  A Cameo.  Pearls.  Diamonds...in my case, vintage rhinestones are a girls best friend.  Here is some jewelry I have recently designed that whispers vintage romance.....

A gorgeous pink shell cameo bracelet

Vintage pearls and Art Deco embellishments

Romance with Glamour

Pink freshwater pearls and Art Deco



These lovelies can be found at my Etsy Shop or my Website.  Don't you just those romantic vintage gems?





Lend Me Your Ears

I have always been focused on designing necklaces and bracelets.  For some reason, I was neglecting my favorite accessory:  Earrings!  Lately, I find that it's also my favorite accessory to design.  Maybe because of the intracacy.  After all...you can't hang huge brooches from your earlobes.  Besides, I've tried it.  It doesn't work.  Smaller, more delicate findings are called for...along with a few swear words with a jump ring flying across the room. (!!) 

Here are some creations I just listed in my Etsy shop.  They will also be listed on my website within the next few days....

Dangles and posts.  Old PINK (!) rosaries; crystal rosaries; paste rhinestone embellishments; pink, black and gold; Asian Intaglio...  So pretty and all ready to turn heads!