A Matched Set

My boyfriend's holiday party is this weekend.  His employer decided it was better to wait until after the holiday rush to have it in January.  Not a bad idea, really.  But for me...that means shopping for a dress.  Can I just say this?.....UUUGGGH!!!

First...I hate clothes shopping.  Let me repeat that:  HATE.  I am not shaped like a telephone pole with nipples.  Nope.  I have a figure, people.  I have been blessed with boobs an a butt.  The 1950's figure.  I really shouldn't complain.  But it is impossible to find clothes that don't make me look like I'm 9 months pregnant and shouldn't be too far from the nearest hospital.  So shopping for a dress for this upcoming party wasn't the most pleasant experience. 

After trying on over a dozen dresses, I narrowed it down to three.  And of course the one I felt fit and looked the best was NOT on sale.  12 dresses.  11 on sale.  Not mine.  Perfect.  Here it is:



At least I already had shoes to match.  Not having to shop for the perfect pair of shoes only to find the one's I love are only in sizes 5 1/2 and 12, was a total score.   I then realized I needed jewelry to match too.  Wait!  Hey...I AM a jewelry designer.  Right?  So why not make my own jewelry for this soiree?  Great advertising too. 

So...here are the crown jewels:

Aurora boealis rhinestones, vintage rosaries, shell beads, faceted black glass bead chain, and a centerpiece featuring a goldtone circle brooch with a floral spray.

Oh, and by the way, the bracelet and earrings are listed in my ETSY shop and my WEBSITE.  You'll be able to spot me at the party by the tags dangling from my jewelry, ala Minnie Pearl.





My New Design Assistant!

Happy Sunday!  Before we run out to the Steeler game this afternoon (YAY!...I LOVE going to the games!), I wanted to show off my new "assistant" I found over the weekend.  I have been looking for an old mannequin for a long time.  And, of course, the one's I fall in love with are hundreds of dollars.  While shopping for something totally different, I ran across this fabulous find at Kirklands!  Yep.  Kirklands!! 

All ready had the french stampings too!!

I couldn't believe my eyes!  I have found others but really not what I wanted.  SO glad I was patient!  She is so pretty and a great size too!

with a maiden looking on.........



She will be perfect for jewelry displays and photo's for necklaces and belts!  Which brings me to my newest creations....

This piece is so versatile!  As a belt.....



.....a necklace LONG or wrapped SHORT.....

.....or as a wrap bracelet........

It is loaded up with charms of rosary cross's, victorian jeweled findings, religious medals, hand beaded stones and beads...all suspended from a vintage rhinestone belt, rosary, and brass chain!  It will be listed on my website and my Etsy shop this week.

Well...off to the game!  GO STEELERS!

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.....!



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!