Coco loves vintage

Cath Kidston "Sew" bag project

2012-01-26T21:14:00.000Z

Just one little tiny resolution this year,

make time to make.

This is my second project from Cath Kidston's "Sew" book, this is the cute little bag featured on the cover, you even get the fabric and notions to make it, so no excuses!

It only took an hour to make, the results are really pleasing.

My only tip: have a rouleau loop handy, I didn't, so tried the non rouleau method as in the book, which never went to plan, so in the end I opted for a ribbon closure, I think also next time I won't make the strap as wide, but all in all, a great little project I will definitely try again :)

Linking my project here.

Gone Fishing

2011-07-22T19:02:00.000+01:00

Thanks for hanging in there!

I can't wait to get creating again!

I will be returning in September, when my little people start school.

See you all soon xx

A new hobby

2011-04-09T14:50:00.000+01:00

These days I am finding it increasingly harder to find time for "my stuff" in fact verging on impossible, I don't have a single daylight hour I can call my own, and when the children are sound asleep and the chores have been done, well, I'm completely worn out! And for some reason at night time I just don't feel inspired to make jewellery.

Yes, I am feeling rather stressed :(

But do I really need "another" new hobby?

Maybe,

but what!?

I need something that will be relaxing, and something I can sit in front of the TV with, because rightly Mr CLV is not impressed when I spend my nights glued to the computer screen.

I've got it!

I'm inspired!

Remember the Cath Kidston bag I fell in love with?

(It was waiting for me on Mother's day when I got up, grin, grin, grin.)

Well,

that's it!

Embroidery.

Any excuse for new books :)

And I found the best books ever, by Trish Burr, she is amazingly talented!

This was my first purchase, there a a few more, which I will be buying very soon!

You must check out Trish's blog.

Righty then,

got my hoop,

got my threads,

wish me luck, (I think I may need it!).

Photo trouble

2011-03-28T20:44:00.000+01:00

I have been planning a shop update for quite a while!
I have a stock pile of vintage jewels waiting to be listed on Etsy,
but.....
I have a problem :(
My photos! I have a constant battle with my images!
I spend hours arranging,
I spend hours photographing,
I spend hours editing,
my problem- SERIOUS lighting issues!

Dark, dingy photo's every time!

I have a fairly decent camera,

I have daylight bulbs,

I have a soft box,

I have even been out doors to take my pictures,

I have fiddled around with the various light settings on my camera,

but still the same results :(

Ok, so I thought maybe IT IS my camera, but pictures of my children indoors turn out just fine.

I use Picasa to edit, the only function that I kind of like is the "fill light" but the results are not perfect, and I want perfect!

I have been thinking of investing in Corel paint shop pro??? Or some professional lighting equipment???

I need some help guys!

I need answers!

I took over a hundred pics and I ended up with two that turned out kind of ok.

It's fair to say I'm stressed :(

A girl needs bags!

2011-03-21T16:18:00.000Z

The new Cath Kidston magazine arrived this morning..........

I love..........

the vintage inspired, embroidered linen clutch.

Too pretty......I so need it!

Love this mini tote in Winter meadow print.

.........Or maybe the floral patches bag?
~

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

2011-03-14T18:26:00.000Z

So, what has been tickling my fancy this week?!

I have been working hard this month and think I deserve a little treat on payday?!

So what does a girl choose off her never ending wish-list?

An ipod touch has been on my hit-list for a while, did some research, liked what I saw, sorted!

Then one accidental click in my bookmarks and I found myself gazing in delight at vintage mannequins, (again!).

Remember my post, here.

I have my eye on this lovely female mannequin it is tailored in a fabric called 'Chatelet' by Sanderson and features a delicate and beautifully detailed oriental scene.

There are several choices of stands, I love the painted ivory.

It will look perfect in my craft room!

Decisions, decisions, decisions,

Vintage mannequin or ipod?

What would you choose?

Making Children's Clothes- Hair band (CBC)

2011-02-25T14:13:00.000Z

Today I am sharing my first official Craft Book Challenge Project.

The book I am using is called "Making Children's Clothes" By Emma Hardy.

I bought this book just last week, it's my second book buy from Emma (I also have "Cute & Easy Costumes For Kids" which is FANTASTIC!), anyway, the clothes are so sweet, and look fairly simple to make. My girls are gona love me this summer!

What can I say about the book in brief?

There are 25 beautiful projects for both boys and girls, ages 0-5 years, full size patterns are included, although my eldest girl is 7, so I will need to adapt the patterns to fit her, but it does not show you how to do this in the book (the only downside).

The book is full of lovely photo's, it has easy to follow , step by step instructions (if you have some sewing experience), and a small section on techniques.

I love this book and rate it 4/5.

My first project from the book- the hair band.

I used "Spray Flowers" fabric by Cath Kidston (surprise, surprise!).

It was so quick and super simple to make, it took under 30 minutes, I fear I will be making one to match every outfit!

There are also instruction to make the embellishment (yo-yo), I finished mine off with a vintage mother of pearl button.

So what can I make next from this book?!?!

The gypsy skirt?

Love these linen pants!

What do you think girls?!

The Craft Book Challenge (CBC)

2011-02-24T21:15:00.001Z

My name is Amanda, and I'm a bookaholic.

It's fair to say Amazon is my second home, I have well over 100 craft/jewellery making books, and 150 on my wish list, EEK! I love each and every one of them, and I am inspired by them every day, but hardly ever complete a project, so I was thrilled to stumble upon The Craft Book Challenge over at Liesl Made.

A little something to sink my teeth into is just what the Doctor ordered!

The Challenge is to make at least one item from a craft book you already have in your library every month—no matter how small, post about your project, then link up over at CBC, simple as that!

There's just one problem! I'm discovering even more fabulous books to add to my never ending wish list :)
~

Tickle me Tuesday

2011-02-22T19:14:00.001Z

What is Tickle me Tuesday I hear you asking?

Well it's a fun way to share what's "tickling your fancy right" now!

(Thanks Patty for pointing me in the right direction)

I'm going to share with you my most favourite painting in the whole world, I first saw it hanging in a beautiful gold ornate frame in a clients house and instantly fell in love, it is called "Summer Evening on the Skagen Southern Beach with Anna Ancher and Marie Krøyer" by P.S. Krøyer, 1893.

And I have the perfect spot for it in my newly painted craft room.

You can buy it from art.co.uk :)

These are super gorgeous from The home of Russian Dolls.

Sorry I'm a little Cath Kidston obsessed of late, but I couldn't resist these carded buttons, they would look fabulous as art in frames.

To find out what's tickling other fancies pop over to Yes Teacher Crafts.

Cath Kidston "Sew" Needlecase

2011-02-21T11:42:00.001Z

This week I have been organising my craft space, having just redecorated there's now a place for everything, and everything in its place, I can't have my Cath Kidston sewing basket untidy, can I?! So for this weeks project I needed to find a home for all my different types of sewing needles, and you will never guess where I found such a project?! My Cath Kidston "sew" book of course :)

(needle case featured in the book)

I first bought this book more than a year ago as a birthday present for my Sister-in-law, who is also a huge Cath Kidston fan, although I was very tempted to keep it for myself, I vowed to buy it again, and I did. I'm not going to give a big in depth review on the book, but if you love CK & hand made home-wares, BUY IT, it has more than 40 easy sew projects, stunning images, full size patterns, AND the added bonus of all the bits & bobs needed to make the bag featured on the front cover!

This is my version, I used Cath Kidston "strawberry" cotton duck fabric, and the CK label came from the ribbon that was wrapped around my pj's, cool eh?! so now I have CK name tape I can use on my projects.

I had to improvise a little with the fastener, as the tab in the book was really small and it was virtually impossible to turn the right way once sewn, I would suggest making it a little wider than the pattern piece, or using a button and an elasticated loop, on this occasion I used ribbon to tie, and covered the stitch line with a button.

I also made some name tape for the different types of needles, using ribbon and image maker (my new favourite product), but I will save that lesson for another post :)

I will be participating in some link parties this week, it's been too long.

Cath Kidston crazy

2011-02-02T13:42:00.001Z

Yes, the rumours are all true, I go crazy for a bit of Cath, well who doesn't!? So just before the festive period (sorry I know we are now in February! Agh!), I embarked on a huge hint dropping campaign. I would happily own every single item in the shop! but I had one main object of desire:

The town house sewing basket, I fell in love the moment I saw it, and not just a pretty face, practical too, looks are a little deceiving as it is really quite big, lots of compartments to fit all your sewing stuff and more.

Anyway, I got a stack of fabulous Cath Kidston goodies:

Faded stripe pj's.

Bunch flowers day bag, you can never have enough bags!

The little book of buttons & the little book of threads, which are really cool tins.

Town house needle book (which is tiny), but oh no! no sewing box! Mr CLV said they had sold out :( All these gorgeous gifts and I was a little disappointed, I'm not usually an ungrateful brat, but you know how it is when you have just got to have something!

Then, Ruby whispered in my ear "Mum, there is another Cath Kidston bag in the other room" what a cheeky trick to play!

Happy Happy Happy.

Then, earlier this week Mr Postman brought me the latest copy of the Cath Kidston magazine, and in it, my new object of desire, a sweet little Gypsy caravan sewing box:

How many sewing baskets is it acceptable for a girl to have!?

Hint Hint Hint :)

Fabulous felt- snowman christmas tree decorations

2010-12-06T15:05:00.000Z

Hello everyone, it's been a while! thanks for hanging in there with me! You know how it gets from time to time? your family life takes over your whole life, leaving ~~very little~~ no time for my life! To start with I had poorly children, ending with a stay in hospital for Sonney, nothing too serious, luckily! gladly everyone is now fit and well :) Then, I went on a mad Christmas shopping mission, I'm usually rushing around late December, totally stressed, with a stack of presents still to buy, up till all hours Christmas eve, wrapping and constructing toys, WELL, NOT THIS YEAR! for once I'm all organised leaving the rest of the time for Christmas festivities, including some Christmas crafting with the kids.

Ruby and I have been busy making felt snowmen Christmas tree decorations, very appropriate for the snowy frosty weather we have been having.

This is a quick, simple, and inexpensive project for any age, although my 4 year old said she was "too busy" playing with her Barbie's to join in! My 7 year old found it a doddle.

Here is a list of what we used, I didn't go out and buy anything specially, I just used things I already had!

Red, orange & white felt (scraps of fabric from your stash could be also be used).

Ribbon for the hanger (or string).

Small buttons.

Black beads for the eyes (Ruby stuck googly eyes onto hers).

Embroidery thread & needle.

Fabric glue.
~

Toy stuffing (Scraps of fabric could be used or even pot pourri for a scented snowman).

You could even bling up your snowman with a few rhinestones.

Instructions:
1: You will need to make yourself a snowman template from card, I drew mine freehand, I sure you could find a printable one online.
~
2: Cut out your shapes from your fabric, snowman, nose & scarf.
~
3: Using the fabric glue, stick the nose to snowman, the ribbon hanger to the inside of the back snowman felt, decoration (if any) to the scarf, & googly eyes (if using), then let dry.
~
4: Sew on the buttons, temporarily put on the scarf so you get the buttons in the correct position. If using beads for eyes, sew them on too.
~
5: Using a running stitch, sew around the outside of the snowman with the embroidery thread, leaving a small gap for stuffing. Running stitch is really easy for young children! For a more professional finish you could even do a blanket stitch.
~
6: Stuff your snowman & finish sewing.
~
7: Glue on your scarf, and ta da, a cute snowman for your Christmas tree:)
~

Oh how I've missed my weekly link parties! Can't wait to join in! Follow the link from my side bar for full details.

Vintage meets Swarovski

2010-10-10T12:17:00.000+01:00

I had something special planned this week for a pair of art deco dress clips I have, while rummaging through my cupboards for supplies, you know how it is, you find long lost bits and bobs you forgot you owned, and end up concocting something entirely different, have you been there?!

In the early days of Coco loves vintage my main focus was on bridal jewellery, lets just say I have quite a stockpile of Swarovski crystals, I used to sell a lot of Swarovski heart pendants, mainly as gifts for little bridesmaids, to be honest I never really liked them, too shiny and new, ha ha- that was before I discovered the wonders of LOS, so all those spangly snake chains have been given the treatment!

What a difference!

A charm necklace using Swarovski garnet hearts, not forgetting the rhinestone spheres.

Earrings to match.

All the components I used in the jewellery above are all new, but have been given an antique look.

For this necklace I used one of my favourite vintage marcasite brooches, I left the pin intact so it can be worn as a brooch alone, I also used crystal connectors and garnet gemstone beads, I love the deep red colour.

***

I'm feeling a little link party love coming on :)

A fabulous giveaway

2010-10-10T09:09:00.001+01:00

I was catching up a little blog reading this morning and I came across this fabulous giveaway at Petite Michelle Louise, needless to say I'm her new biggest fan, thank you Lori at Vintage 2 Creations for showing me the way :)

Vintage photographs- J'aime.

Vintage lace- fabuleux.

A whole host of vintage goodies- Je dois avoir!!!

The winner to be announced on the 16th of October- don't miss out.

Simply Me Art

2010-10-05T19:27:00.000+01:00

It's been a while since I have prowled the shops of Etsy, so tonight I thought I might relish in a bit of bling.

I had one thing on my mind-

vintage rhinestones!

You know how I love vintage rhinestones.

I came across this fabulous shop- with vintage rhinestones galore!

Simply Me Art

***

Go see for yourself.

Vintage Art Deco Bucherer Watch

2010-10-04T21:59:00.000+01:00

In the short time I have been collecting and re-working vintage and antique jewellery, I have quite a little stash accumulating, I'm sure I'm not alone on this one?!

But if I had to choose my single most favourite-

hands down this would win!

The second I set eyes on it , I was in love.

I am crazy about Art Deco, and if I had one magical wish then I would hop in my time machine and head back to the twenties-

how fantastic would that be?!

This is my little piece of Art Deco glamour.

It's such a dainty little piece, it's made from solid silver and the marcasites are all intact, it keeps great time too, not bad considering its more than eighty years old.

It is Swiss made- by Carl F Bucherer, his company is still going strong to this day.

A little itsy bit of Bucherer history.

In 1888, Carl Friedrich Bucherer opened his first watch and jewelry store, together with his wife Luise, on the Falkenplatz in Lucerne. Although a small business at the start, his reputation quickly grew, both in Switzerland and abroad. A good head for business, a talent for creating watches and jewelry, and the ability to deal with people were perfectly complemented by his wife’s practicality and business acumen. Together, they laid the foundations for a brand which to this day stands out from the rest thanks to its individual identity and independence.

Do you have a trinket that holds a special place in your heart?

I would love to hear...

Read my other post on Art Deco watches here.

Not forgetting this weeks helping of vintage parties at:

Faded Charm

Brambleberry Cottage

The Colorado Lady

Inspire Me- My Salvaged Treasures

2010-09-28T12:09:00.000+01:00

On a daily basis I am overwhelmed, impressed and wowed at the abundance of inspirational blogs and talented jewellery designers I have the pleasure to stumble upon, needless to say- my reading list is getting rather difficult to manage! It's my great belief to give credit where credit is due, and that is exactly what I am going to do! So on a weekly basis I plan to showcase my most favourite gorgeous places that inspire, so for week one:I would like to introduce to you- My salvaged treasures.

Rescuing and re-purposing one vintage beauty at a time.

Betsy the talented lady behind My Salvaged Treasures has had a passion for all things vintage for as long as she can remember, and began her re-purposing journey about fifteen years ago.

Her stunning designs are definitely my kinda style.

On her blog Betsy shares her fantastic projects.

LOVE how she has added jewels to the notes.

Fabulous finds and found treasures.

Be sure to pop over and say hi :)

***

Previous posts from places of inspiration you may like-

Everyday Beauty Magpie Vintage Opulent Oddities

Dahlia decorated tiara box

2010-09-27T17:15:00.000+01:00

My plan this week was to create a fabulous felt and lace dahlia corsage (the lace being my own little added touch of brilliance), by following a fantastic tutorial you can find here, anyway all didn't go to plan :( in reality I should of done a practice piece instead of jumping in all guns blazing, using my precious vintage lace! It didn't turn out as perfect as I would of liked, so I decided to scrap it. My little girls were all to happy to take it off my hands :)
My extra tips for making this brooch- The petals all need to be perfect, I would recommend making a template, you are aiming for a candle flame kinda shape. I didn't have Fabritac so I used my glue gun- stick to the Fabritac! Have a practice first.

My second attempt at the dahlia, was from scented drawer liner paper in a vintage design, I had a plain tiara box that had bought from Hobby Craft that has been waiting for a make-over, and that's exactly what it got.

The petals were much easier to form using paper. I covered the box in the same scented paper and added lace and diamante around the rim. In the centre of the flower I used a large cream leather button with some satin ribbon and one of my trade-mark crystal spheres.

It needed a little something extra so I added a little silver glitter to the outer petals.
Ta-da!
A pretty box for my tiara's.
I will be joining lots of super link parties, please click here for details :)

Vintage gemstone earrings

2010-09-13T15:54:00.002+01:00

Finally, some earrings to compliment my vintage amazonite necklace, they only took me a week! well only ten minutes to make but I had run out of sterling silver wire, and have been waiting for supplies.

I used all new components in the making of these earrings, but oxidised them using LOS to give them a vintage look, I used 6mm amazonite gemstone beads, 7mm rhinestone spheres and diamante rondelle spacer beads, along with sterling silver ear-wires.

I made a second pair this time using 6mm faceted amethyst gemstone beads, again diamante rondelle spacer beads, sterling silver lever back ear-wires, and the flower dangles came from a pair of vintage siam silver screw back earrings, I simply cut off the screw part with my pliers, and looped the wire over using my round nose pliers, and there you have it, not bad considering I had only nipped home from work for my lunch break :)

This week I will be joining Brambleberry Cottage, Paisley Passions and Frou Frou Decor for their fabulous link parties, plus many, many more (almost 50!), come join the fun! you can click the link form my side bar, or here.

Vintage marcasite and semi precious gemstones

2010-09-06T14:33:00.005+01:00

Today my middle child Rose'a started nursery school, she was up extra early, and very exited to be wearing her uniform. We arrived at School and in she trotted without a care in the world, and I was very brave, not even a single tear was shed . Sonney on the other hand was a little miffed, he and Rose'a are usually inseparable, oh well, he's turn next September :) When we got home he sat quietly on the couch watching TV (very strange) so I though I would get the creative juices flowing, luckily he stayed quiet long enough for me to make a necklace.

I had a little rummage in the brooch box, and picked out this vintage marcasite feather brooch to be the centre-piece of my creation. I always try to leave the brooch pin intact where possible so the wearer has the option to use as a necklace or a brooch, two for the price of one!

I have had a little gemstone spending spree this week, and part of my purchase included some Amazonite beads, I just love the pale turquoise colour, it goes really well with blackened silver.

I have used a selection of sterling silver components that have been oxidised using Liver of sulphur, including chain and rhinestone spheres, to finish off I used a vintage clasp.

I have a huge passion for marcasite jewellery.

I'm thinking of making a bracelet and earrings to match, maybe as next weeks project :)

This week I will be joining Brambleberry Cottage's time travel thursday, along with lots more fabulous link parties, you can click the link from my side bar for the full list! or click here.

Link parties

2010-09-03T21:19:00.032+01:00

Blog-land has gone link party crazy, it's a great way to get yourself and your projects out there, it has certainly been keeping me motivated.

This is now the new home of my link list, and you can get here by clicking the icon in my side bar.

Come join in the fun!

Monday
The Girl Creative: Just Something I Whipped up.Sumo's Sweet Stuff: Market Yourself Monday.Trendy Treehouse: Creative Share.Making The World Cuter: Monday Link Up. Skip To My Lou: Made By You Monday. Keeping It Simple: Motivate Me Monday. Between Naps On The Porch: Metamorphosis Monday.Finding Fabulous: Marketplace Monday.
TuesdayHope Studios: Tutorial Tuesday.The Gypsy's Corner: Three Or More. A Silly Little Sparrow: Toot Your Horn Tuesday.Sugar Bee Craft Edition: Take A Look Tuesday.Costal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tuesday. (Thrifty Finds) WednesdayBlue Cricket Design: Show And Tell.Fine Craft Guild: Tutorial.Tea Rose Home: Link Party.Someday Crafts: Whatever Goes Wednesday. My Backyard Eden: Make it Yours.Night Owl Crafting: Hoo's Got Talent.Faded Charm: White Wednesday.The T-shirt Diaries: Upcycled Awesome. Thursday The Colorado Lady: Vintage Thingie Thursday.Brambleberry Cottage: Time Travel Thursday.Somewhat Simple: Strut Your Stuff Thursday.Paisley Passions: Thrilling Thursday.A Little Kick Knack: Everything But The Kitchen Sink. Katies Nesting Spot: A Crafty Soiree.Fireflies And Jellybeans: Show Off Your Stuff.
FridayChic On A Shoestring Decorating: Flaunt It Friday. Fingerprints On The Fridge: Feature yourself Friday.Just A Girl: Show & Share Day.Kojo Designs: Friday Fun Finds. Finding Fabulous: Frugalicious Friday. Southern In My Heart: Inspiration Friday Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday.Frugal & Fabulous Design: Fab Friday. Stuff And Nonsense: Fridays Unfolded.
SaturdayTatertots And Jello: Weekend Wrap-up Party. A Little Lovely: Saturday Soiree.Funky Junk Interiors: Saturday Nite Special.I Heart Naptime: Weekend Wrap Up Party. Along For The Ride: Saturday Is Crafty Day. Craft Envy: Saturday Spotlight. I Am Only 1 Woman: Check Me Out Saturday.
SundayUnder The Table And Dreaming: Sunday Showcase party.

Animal print corsage

2010-09-02T18:01:00.001+01:00

This week just a mini project!

Between the kids going back to school, and me starting a new job, well it's been kinda hectic around here, but recently after a couple of creatively unproductive months, I made a promise to myself that I would make something every single week, no matter how big or small :) I joined a stack of link parties in the hope it would give me the kick up the bum I needed, and so far it seems to be working :)

When making corsages you can't always use up all your old scraps of fabric as they aren't usually long enough. Tip- I buy silk and satin scarfs from the charity shops, they are really cheap, there are some lovely prints, and you can make several corsages from just one. For the centre of the flower I used a vintage earring, then added ribbon and chain to finish off.

I haven't posted a step by step tutorial as there are so many about, but if you would like to see more click here.

I will be joining in some link party love this week, please see the drop down menu in my side bar for details.

Swarovski- Under The Blue

2010-08-31T11:43:00.000+01:00

It's here, and as stunning as ever, the new Swarovski Autumn/Winter collection- Under The Blue.

Pictured above, love it! The Maniac necklace.

This magnificent ruthenium-plated creation presents a stunning contrast of black and white, with sparkling Crystal Satin, Jet Hematite and Jet crystal beads. Wear it together with the matching bracelet to create a breathtaking ensemble that won’t go unnoticed.

At £310, it's a little pricey for me, maybe I could create one of my own???

Glamour Blue Earrings, want them!

Created using an exclusive beading technique. The entwined strands of crystal beads sparkle in a stunning gradation of blue and white.

Again maybe I could concoct something similar???

I'm not usually an earrings kinda girl, but am loving the new collection, particularly these Hyacinth Blue Earrings, think I'm in need of an early Christmas present :)

It's no secret I have a passion for charms, need this!

Eye-catching and original, this adorable pumpkin charm sparkles in bright orange epoxy with eyes in Jet crystal. The back is embellished with Jet crystals.

Get in the Halloween spirit, this one is named "Hook Charm"

This sweet rhodium-plated bat charm in dark blue epoxy with movable wings will fly straight into your heart.

Interville Tin Golden Bangle.

Now to me, Swarovski's are a girls best friend :)

View the new collection here.

What's your favourite???

Vintage rhinestone & marcasite hair combs

2010-08-24T13:38:00.001+01:00

There is something special about blackened silver, it's not every-one's cup of tea, but whenever I'm on the hunt for vintage jewels to re-work, I am always drawn to the dirty dingy box of tit bits no one else entertains, I adore old rhinestones from the 1950's, now my Sister on the other hand, likes her rhinestones pristine, glistening and sparkly new.

I love the look of old rhinestones against a backdrop of discoloured vintage lace.

I created the comb slide pictured above using a vintage rhinestone necklace I picked up in a charity shop, they are pretty easy to get hold of, eBay's a good place to get them, but you will probably get them a little cheaper at a flea market, alternatively if you would like yours brand spanking new you could pick yourself a necklace up on the high street.

This one was really easy to make and only took about ten minutes, all you need is, a necklace, comb slide, length of silver wire 0.4mm is perfect, wire/flush cutters, and pliers.

Basically cut the necklace to the width of your comb slide, cut a length of wire, if you cut a piece four times the width of your comb you should have plenty, if you start in the middle you will have a better chance of getting it even, so from the middle (and the middle of the wire too), wrap the wire around the rhinestone necklace and the comb, pulling it tight, working towards the right side, then repeat the process to the left, to finish off the ends, wrap a few extra times, then squeeze down with the pliers.

I made this comb using the same technique, but here I used a vintage marcasite feather brooch (the pin was removed), and Swarovski pearls.

I will be taking part in my usual weekly link parties, please see my side bar for details :)

French inspired jewelry- book review

2010-08-21T11:41:00.004+01:00

French inspired jewelry by Kaari Meng,

creating with vintage beads, buttons, and baubles.

I love this book,

so much so that it's fighting for my top spot with Amy Hanna's Rejuvenated Jewels, yes it's that good!

I can't rave enough about this book, it's beautifully put together, the lay out is superb, there's eye candy galore, each and every image is an artwork in it's self, truly inspirational. I have certainly learned a thing or two from this book, even if it hadn't taught me anything about the art of jewelry making (which it did), it gave me some insight on how to present and display my own creations!

If you love vintage jewelry this is the book for you, even for the non jewelry maker this would make a wonderful coffee table book.

The author Kaari Meng has been making jewelry for more than twenty years, she is the owner of "French General" a successful craft store in LA. French generals notion room is filled with old apothecary jars containing thousands of vintage glass beads, buttons and baubles.

For the purpose of this book Kaari designed a line of jewelry inspired by places that might of been a part of life in the 1880's, the garden, the sea, the market............

The jewelry designs revolve around the use of vintage beads and found objects. The front section of the book entitled "The basics" gives advice on- collecting and buying vintage beads, reproduction beads, colour inspiration, creating palettes, design inspiration, types of vintage glass beads, tools, adhesives, jewelry findings, stringing materials, and a brief look at wire wrapping techniques.

Now for the good bit, the projects, this part of the book is divided into eight sections, each with it's own theme- la mer (the sea), le marche (the market), le cirque (the circus), la voliere (the aviary), le vigne (the vine/vinyard), le chateau (the castle), le jardin (the garden), and la cimetiere (the cemetery/churchyard). There a total of seventy-five projects including- coral charm bracelet, cherry glass earrings, dripping berry necklace and millinery corsage.

One of my favourites from the book, the fruit watch bracelet, I love all the fruit salad jewelry that was popular in the 1950's.

The aviary.

I adore these vintage bird combs. I have been seeing a lot of the birds nest wire jewelry around at the moment, especially on Etsy, aren't they fabulous, must give these a whirl.

The garden.

This is the image I love the most, there is something very special about vintage millinery flowers, I am now on the hunt for bits and pieces to make one of these.

My concluding thoughts-

To sum up this book, to me I would say it is perfect in every way. I found the projects pretty easy to follow, but I am quite an experienced jewelry maker, maybe a beginner would find them a little more difficult, there are no step by step photo's with the instructions. I would say that the vintage bits and bobs are pretty easy to come by at flea markets and online, I buy loads of stuff from eBay. The beauty of making your own jewelry is that you don't have to stick to the plan, you can add whatever you have to hand, and everything is totally different and individual, so go on, create....

If you collect jewelry books, you must, must, must add this to your collection!

I give it a rating of 5/5.

Kaari has a blog- The warp and the weft.

French General- online store.

Mini disclaimer.

All the images used in this review, have been taken from my own copy of "French Inspired Jewelry" and are only intended as food for thought. Copyright laws maybe broken if these photographs are duplicated elsewhere.

I am a big fan of Kaari Meng, it is not my intention to misuse this book, only to promote it.

Vintage floral statement necklace

2010-08-17T13:44:00.000+01:00

This Summer the high street shops have been full of pretty floral statement necklaces, muted neutral tones, perfect for weddings, I have had one at the top of my "to make" list for a while, so today I thought I would indulge myself.

I made the centre flower from a length of ribbon and vintage lace, and added one the pearl flowers I had previously made. There are tons of fabulous flower tutorials out there, I learned the hard way by unraveling a brooch I had bought, to find out how it was done, and kinda wrecked it in the process. If you pop over to Charm bracelet diva's blog she has a great link up post to loads of tutorials :)

For the outer flowers, I removed silk flowers from their stems, and added vintage buttons, rhinestones, Swarovski crystals and pearls. For the necklace part I used ribbon that you can then tie to the desired length around you neck.

I will be taking part in some link party love this week, you will find links to participating blogs in my side bar, come and join the party:)

Beautiful images, beautiful things.

2010-08-09T12:36:00.002+01:00

I have such an appreciation for great photography, I simply adore beautiful images of beautiful things. Me, well I'm just learning, I have a long way to go. I have been looking to do a short photography course, but so far I have been unable to find one in my area :(

I have have stumbled upon a new blog, I'm quite exited, you must go and see, that's if you haven't already discovered it! it's called Everyday Beauty, and it's gorgeous, I love the images, the colours, it's all so me, and best of all it's got jewellery:)

Vintage rosary beads.

A vintage tiara.

Vintage lace.

A vintage cake topper.

A vintage buckle.

A handmade banner, love it.

Meet the very talented Andrea Singarella, pictured in her craft room, could you imagine being anywhere nicer?! So you wouldn't be surprised if I told you it had been featured in "Where women create" magazine. What is this magazine I keep hearing of? Can I get it in England? I have the book, I now need this magazine!

Read Andrea's where woman create post here.

For more of Andrea's divine jewellery, visit her shop One Hundred Wishes.

"Charmed, I'm sure"

2010-08-03T13:31:00.000+01:00

My love affair with charms started at a very young age, whenever I would visit my Nan the first thing I would ask was "can I try on your jewellery" she would take me upstairs, I would be grinning like the Cheshire Cat as we sat on the bed rummaging through her jewellery box. My most favourite thing was her charm bracelet, it was so jam packed with charms I could hardly lift it, I loved listening to her stories about how each tiny treasure came to be, one particular charm that sticks out in my mind is that of a ship in a bottle, the bottle was all chewed up by me as a baby. I always vowed that when I was a grown up, I would have one of my very own.

My first charm bracelet was from a boyfriend many moons ago, like the boyfriend it was short lived.

Just kidding, I still have the bracelet, it is gold but I had developed a liking for silver.

A couple of years ago whilst surfing Amazon for jewellery books I came across three little beauties, A passion for charms, Charmed, and Charmed bracelets. Newly inspired and in a hurry I went on a charm buying mission. I love vintage charms, the best kind are the mechanical charms, either they move or have a tiny surprise inside. My first purchase was a vintage bracelet complete with eight charms (pic above). Then I began buying charms, I tended to go for charms I liked, aesthetically pleasing charms, but with no particular meaning, I bought them all from auctions, not places I had visited, then one day I took a step back and said to myself, this is all wrong, this ain't what it's about, where is the sentiment? where are the memories? So I am going to start from the beginning, and with each charm a story will be told.

To be continued.....................

Do you have a charming story to tell? I would love to hear!

Magpie vintage

2010-07-28T14:46:00.001+01:00

Today I want to share with you a very special place, a place I often find myself, gazing, dreaming, gathering inspiration.

A place bursting at the seems with stunning vintage jewels.

I am besotted with every single piece.

If you are a bride to be,

then a visit to Magpie vintage is an absolute must.

Have I tempted you yet?

Sorry but I'm about to burst your bubble,

these pretty gems come with a pretty price tag.

But you knew that.

(All images from Magpie vintage)

Art deco watches part 1- Bulova

2010-07-27T16:09:00.005+01:00

If I could choose a time period to re-live, the roaring 20's would be the top of my list.

I love all that is Art deco!

I love the buildings, the interior design, the music, the clothes, the hair, the jewellery, and most of all the glamour.

I collect various things from the different era's, mainly jewellery, compacts, small things, my treasure.

A particular fetish I have is for Art deco watches.This is a ladies Bulova mechanical Art deco watch dated 1931. It's really dainty, as were all of the watches of that time period. The tonneau case measures 28mm long. The case face is of a beautifully typical Art deco design, with a deeply etched patterning and four shaped sapphire coloured stones st at the top and bottom. I don't believe the strap to be original.

The front view of the watch is lovely with a vertically striped pattern, silver with a light amber tint coloured dial. There is a round centerpiece having Arabic black deco numbers surrounded by a black minute chapter. The Bulova name appears under the 12, and it has its lovely original steel blue hands.

The history of Bulova watches.

Bulova is a corporation making watches and clocks. It has its headquarters in Woodside, Queens, New York City.

Bulova was founded and incorporated as the J. Bulova Company in 1875 by Joseph Bulova (1851–1936), an immigrant from Bohemia. It was reincorporated under the name Bulova Watch Company in 1923, and became part of the Loews Corporation in 1979.

Bulova established its operations in Woodside, New York and Flushing, New York, where it made innovations in watchmaking, and developed a number of watchmaking tools. Its horological innovations included the Accutron watch which used resonating tuning forks as a means of regulating the time keeping function.

Bulova paid $4 for the world's first television commercial, a July 1, 1941 placement on New York station WNBT before a baseball game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies.

The Joseph Bulova School of Watchmaking was founded in 1945 by Arde Bulova, Chairman of the Board, initially to provide training for disabled veterans after the Second World War.

Bulova's "Accutron" watches, first sold in October 1960, use a 360 hertz tuning fork to drive a mechanical gear train to turn the hands. The inventor, Max Hetzel, was born in Basel, Switzerland, and joined the Bulova Watch Company of Bienne, Switzerland, in 1948. The tuning fork was powered by a one-transistorelectronic oscillator circuit, so the Accutron qualifies as the first "electronic watch". More than 4 million were sold until production stopped in 1977.

In the 1960s, the company was involved in a notable space age rivalry with Omega Watches to be selected as the 'first watch on the moon'. Ultimately, the Omega Speedmaster Professional chronograph wristwatch (known as the "Moon watch") was designated by NASA for use by the astronauts in all manned space missions, becoming the first watch on the moon on the wrist of Edwin 'Buzz' Aldrin.

In 2008 a Bulova Automatic wristwatch, lost overboard by a sailor in 1941, was found after 67 years on the seabed and returned to its owner. It still works today.

On January 10, 2008 Citizen bought the Bulova Watch Company for $250 million. Together they are the world's largest watchmaker. After the acquisition Dennis W. Perry was named the president of Bulova, after having previously served as chief strategic officer.

Currently Bulova designs, manufactures, and markets several different brands, including: the signature "Bulova", the affordable "Caravelle", the dressy/formal Swiss-made "Wittnauer Swiss", and the sportier Swiss-made "Accutron".
Want to find out more about Bulova?
Check out The Watch Guy's article here.
Article from All American Watches here.

More about Art deco watches coming soon..............

Off the cuff

2010-07-02T21:35:00.001+01:00

A little window shopping, my new favourite thing, THE CUFF.

LOVE this one, you can buy it from Bonheur.

The Victorian design caught my eye, by Fanciful devices.

Bunny By Bombalurina.

Romantic rose From Vivid colors.

By Ruby fig couture.

From Nichols for pennies.

Vintage crystal from Doloris Petunia.

What? choose a favourite from all of these, I couldn't possibly.

Swarovski- out of the blue

2010-05-15T11:58:00.000+01:00

I'm a big fan of Swarovski jewellery, Mr C always brings me a little something from his golf trips, (to keep me sweet so I let him go next time, he-he), here are just a few of my favourites from Swarovski's new summer 2010 range.

Lychee bangle.

Two brightly coloured fish float playfully on this summery gold-plated bangle. The articulated fins and tail give a sense of movement. Red and white crystals set in the Pointiage technique add extra sparkle.

Lychee earrings.

Love them!

Lychee ring.

Look ring.

I want this!

This ring certainly won’t go unnoticed when you raise your champagne glass at a cocktail party! A true statement piece, it has a unique and intriguing design that opens up like a treasure chest. The outside of the rhodium-plated ring is adorned with coloured crystal pavé while the inside is covered in red epoxy.

Liz brooch.

I am a sucker for brooches!

Inspired by the underwater world, this rhodium-plated coral brooch sparkles in vibrant red with Red Magma effect. The lower part of the coral shines in various different crystal colours in Pointiage.

D-light metal.

Now this is super-cool! Not cheap though, at £925.00p

Reflect innovation with a bracelet that turns into a watch at the touch of a button. Specifications: case - stainless steel, 34X56mm; time display - 171 crystals; numbers - digital display; strap - stainless steel bracelet; movement - Swiss quartz.

Anchor pendant.

Boat charm.

I have a thing for nautical!

See the full collection here.

Crystal & pearl flowers with sieve backs

2010-05-11T16:13:00.001+01:00

I am working on a very exiting project, all a bit hush hush at the moment, it's for a design competition, I will fill you in with the full details as soon as I finish.

I will need your votes!

I will be trying out a few new techniques for this project, today I have been making crystal and pearl flowers using sieve backs.

In my box of vintage goodies I have some 1950's beaded brooches, pictured above, thinking to myself, Mm I wonder how these are made? pliers already in hand!

When I took the back off the brooch I discovered that the beads had been wired onto a metal plate with holes.

After a little snooping around I found out that the metal plates were called sieve backs. Now, what I found quite a lot when searching for sieve backs was that most places sold them singularly without the base plate, which is rather silly as you need the base plate to hide all your wire!!!

I did eventually find some (above) with double loops, perfect for necklaces, bracelets, earring dangles, the list goes on.

(These are the ones I made, they measure 2.5cm when finished)

On my first attempt I used head pins, I found it difficult to twist the wire, it didn't turn out as neat as I would of liked, then I tried 0.4mm wire, still, not quite neat enough, I found 0.3mm wire was the best to use.

To make one flower, you will need:

1x 14mm sieve back & base plate

19 lengths of 0.3mm wire

19 seed beads

1x 5mm Swarovski crystal/pearl

18x 4mm swarovski crystal/pearls

You will also need some pliers and flush cutters. First you will need to cut 19x 10cm lengths of your 0.3mm wire. Next you will need to prepare your wires, push a seed bead to the middle of the wire, then fold over, then push on a crystal, you need to push it over the 2 ends of the wire, the seed bead will stop it falling off the end, pull the ends of your wire with the pliers so your crystal is up close to the seed bead, continue with your other wires. If you are using crystal ab beads make sure the iridescent coated side is facing towards the end of the wires.

Now, time to create your flower.

First, your biggest crystal, post the two ends of wire into two separate holes in the center of the sieve back, twist the wires together tightly with the pliers, then trim off the excess wire (about 0.5cm of wire remaining should be enough).

Then you are going to take two of your prepared wires (4mm crystals) you can push the two ends of each through a single hole on the sieve base, then you are going to twist these together (hope I'm not confusing you too much). Work out from the center till you have your flower.

Trim and flatten your wires, then add your back plate, I found it best to use a pair of small scissors to push down the claws of your back plate, when I used pliers they made dents, I also positioned my back plate so the loops were hidden underneath beads.

And there you have it, all you need to do now is add it to your necklace.

Vintage marcasite tiara

2010-05-07T15:07:00.008+01:00

Today is Free Friday (no children), this day is my creative day, I'd made a pact with myself to devote this day to me, and do only things I loved, but it hasn't been going as planned lately :( you know how it goes- just need go grocery shopping, doctors appointment, fold some washing, mop the floor, and before you know it the day is gone, so today I put my foot down, enough is enough!

So I got creative and this is what I have made.

A vintage tiara.
I wired Swarovski pearls and a vintage marcasite flower brooch to a tiara band ( the brooch back was removed).

This is not the tiara I originally planned to make today, my first attempt was using another vintage brooch, I wasn't sure how I was going to get the brooch to stay in place, I had it in my head that with wire alone it wouldn't stay put, maybe I would need to solder it first, but I haven't had enough practice with my blow torch, soldering is a whole different ball game I have come to discover! I know, epoxy resin, big mistake! straight in the bin it went, horrible stuff, I won't be using that again! so I tried wiring it, and to my amazement it stayed in place, so that's how they do it! I wasn't quite happy with how I had wired it, so I cast it aside and started a new one, I'm quite a perfectionist.

And this is the finished product, will be listing it in my Etsy shop soon.

I will be taking part in some link party love this week, you will find links to participating blogs in my side bar, come and join the party:)

Making a statement

2010-05-05T13:33:00.000+01:00

(Necklace form Urban Rose jewellery designs on Etsy)First, let me share my exiting news, (drum roll), I logged into my Etsy shop yesterday, thinking to myself, I'm sure I had more stuff listed, it never entered my head that I had sold something, and guess what? I had! so I jumped in the air and shouted YEY, the kids came running, what's up Mum? thinking I'd won the lotto, I've sold my flower basket necklace, oh! looking at me like I had gone insane, and off they trotted back to the TV, well, I was exited :)Then, today when I logged on, I had sold a tiara, hopefully many more sales to come! It's that little bit of reassurance you need, and hey maybe the stuff I make is ok after all :)So, I need to get my making head on!

(Necklace from Green Eyed Girl on Etsy)Lately I'm in love with statement necklaces, there's so much inspiration around, and so many talented designers. I'm planning to make one of my very own, will have to bring the sewing machine out of hibernation and brush up on my embroidery skills, am looking forward to getting started. The images are but just a few of my Etsy favourites.

(Necklace from E.Sightler Designs on Etsy)

(Necklace from Katherine Cooper on Etsy)

(Necklace from Sol Bijou on Etsy)

Opulent Oddities

2010-05-01T10:24:00.002+01:00

(All images from Opulent Oddities photo stream)

If you like something a little bit different, a fascination with the weird and wonderful, then a trip to Opulent Oddities is a must! It's right up my street, and to say I'm the new biggest fan, well, that's an understatement.

And with each piece a wonderful story is told.

"Living in her small trailer house, all she seemed to have control of was her small garden made of pots and hanging ivies. She kept memories of when she was a star in public school, but now she just seemed to fade into the rest of the crowds of unwed, unloved women who kept these small gardens, from which her old memories thrived. Life just isn't what she had expected it to be"

"Whenever he tipped his hat toward me, whenever he briefly brushed against me, butterflies would fly up from my stomach and I'd lose my head and turn giddy"

You can see what the very talented Jordan has to offer over at her Etsy shop, and latest updates on her blog.

I love this necklace.

"Before her hair turned ashy and her knees bent under her rheumatoid, she was a dancer. With her can-can kicks and her fluffy skirts she kept the crowd in love"

I just had to show you this, not the usual choice of necklace to wear to a ball, very imaginative to say the least :)

Jordan collects antique dentures, partials, bridges, dental molds, dental cards, which is what those are on the necklace above.

"Pressed. Molded. Pushed. Shoved. Cut. Forced. Paint a pretty pink lip on, and your out the door"

"When she was a young girl, she didn't know the things she did wrong. It was all a mistake, children don't have judgment, they plain don't know any better. But now, she's all grown up, with every choice she makes is a conscience effort to dig dig dig"

Mourning jewellery

2010-04-30T14:38:00.005+01:00

I am such a sentimental person, I love to surround myself with keepsakes, memories of happy, and sad times. I love the stories attached to the little memento's people keep, things that remind us of those special people past and present. Jewellery is so personal, and I bet every piece has a tale to tell. We particularly cherish the trinkets of love ones who have long since passed.

The Victorians were big on sentiment, and in 1861, after the death of Prince Albert, mourning jewellery became immensely popular.

In addition to writing a will, folk would commission pieces to be made upon their death and given to family members and close friends.

Jet was essentially used in mourning jewellery, when a decade earlier, Queen Victoria had worn it whilst mourning a cousin. Black jet was a fossilized pine, very similar to coal. Whitby in Yorkshire had large natural deposits of jet, and became THE center for "Whitby jet" mourning jewellery. By the end of the century "faux jet" was being produced using, vulcanite (hardened rubber), and a shiny black glass called French jet.

Pictured top, a mourning brooch, with French jet and hairwork. Hairwork was made from tightly woven lengths of hair and placed in brooches lockets and rings.

Back view of the brooch, this one mounted in pinchbeck (an alloy of copper that looks like gold, invented by Christopher pinchbeck, an 18th century watchmaker). Mourning jewellery was often inscribed, usually with a name and date of death, a little morbid you may think, but this is what people did in the Victorian era.

Here pictured next to a ring box, you get more of a sense of how tiny the brooch actually is, it measures only 1.8x1.5cm, the inscription is barely visable, but under a loupe I can just about make out the words-

Richard Philip

18 july 18??

??? 46

Can't make out the exact year, also some wording at the bottom, maybe aged 46?

It fascinates me as to where things come from, who they belonged to? what they did? about their life, who was the pin for? a wife, maybe his mother if he was only 46?

These questions I will never know the answer to.

(Image from the British museum)

A rather grand mourning jewellery set made fom Whitby jet.

Vintage jewels for a party at Tea Rose Home

2010-04-20T22:41:00.007+01:00

Last Wednesday I participated in my first link party at Tea Rose Home, lately I am seeing them pop up everywhere, it's good fun, you get to find new blogs and see what everyone else has been up-to:) and you also get to show what you have been up-to.
This week I am going to show more jewellery I recently made, my regular readers have already had a sneak preview.

The necklace was designed around this rather sweet vintage cameo, it is surrounded by a rhinestone bow frame, the pin has been left intact, and is easily removed from the necklace, so can be worn as a brooch alone. I try not to interfere too much with the vintage pieces I use, so they can be effortlessly reverted to their original state.

Here I used 4mm, mother of pearl beads and oxidised squaredelles.
Sterling silver wire has been used, I artificially aged it with liver of sulphur.

7mm rhinestone spheres and a toggle clasp, again, artificially antiqued. I recently wrote a post on how to do this, click here to find out how.

The latest thing to be added to my collection.

A vintage carved bone lovebirds brooch, the pin was quite damaged so I had no choice but to remove it. I am loving bone at the moment, today I got a carved bone elephant brooch, maybe that will be my next project ???

On one side of the necklace I used Amber coloured beads from a vintage charm bracelet, the other I used a fab extra large oval chain, I will definitely be buying more of this for future projects! It was in need of a little something extra so I tied on some manipulated ribbon, Perfect.

A vintage clasp, possibly made of lucite.
I am working on a couple of other projects, not jewellery, so maybe next week I will bring you something a little different :)
Hope you like.

1950's Aurora Borealis necklace and brooch

2010-04-19T16:05:00.007+01:00

(1950's ab necklace)

As mentioned in my post earlier today, this is my first favourite finds for this weeks "Today's Thrifty Treasures" it is a two strand Aurora Borealis necklace from the 1950's, I already have a couple of these in my stash and they all have the same gorgeous ornate clasp. I am not sure what I am going to do with this yet, maybe just re-string it and replace the scratched beads, or maybe transform it into something a little more special ???

(1950's ab brooch)

Again, another stunning 1950's Aurora Borealis piece, this time a brooch.The back is a little dented, not sure if I will replace it or add it to the necklace to make something spectacular ???

Pictured here the necklace displayed on another thrifty buy, this vase I bought a few weeks ago from a charity shop, for the bargain price of £1.30p

This post is also linked to "Nifty Thrifty Tuesday" at Coastal Charm.

Antiqued silver jewellery- oxidising with Liver of sulphur

2010-04-09T13:24:00.005+01:00

(Some bits & bobs I have been oxidising this week)

How to make your shiny new silver jewellery look old.

If you are anything like me then your preference would be vintage looking, blackened jewellery, opposed to shiny, sparkly, bright new silver.

When I make jewellery I use mostly vintage pieces, I do sometimes need new parts, and to merge them all together, make them look like they belong, I have to artificially age them. There are two ways to do this (that I know of). The first one, the "natural" way, using eggs, I have been using this method for a while, only because I just never got round to buying the antiquing solution, and to be totally honest, the results aren't that great, it takes longer, it's a little more messier, the egg tends to get stuck in the holes of beads and the results are quite uneven. Here are the instructions anyway, just in case you would like to give it ago.

Oxidising with eggs.

Basically all you need to do is, hard boil an egg, one egg would be enough to do a few small items, chain, clasps, jump rings, wire etc, when the egg has boiled, remove the shell, put the egg into a plastic bag, and while it is still warm, put your jewellery findings inside, squish around until they are completely coated, wrap up and leave, check back often until they reach the desired colour, then rinse with warm soapy water.

(Liver of sulphur solution)

Now pictured above, the magic solution, the other day I thought to myself, just buy some! so I did! It is always worth doing a shopping list and buying more items, to get the benefits from the postage costs, it really bugs me when the postage costs more than the product :(

So, my stuff arrived and antiquing I did go! If you stood still long enough, you got antiqued! looks like someone got to Mr C before me! (he-he, ssshhh).

I love this product!

It comes in a little bottle 7cm tall including the lid, think there is about 6mls, but it goes a very long way, it will last for ages, I wouldn't buy more than one, as it only has a shelf life of about twelve months.

Just one thing though, it absolutely pongs, stinks to high heaven, like five million rotting eggs, yuk! ok, maybe I'm going a little OTT, but it does smell bad :(

What to do with your Liver of sulphur.

Get yourself a small bowl, I used a cereal bowl, half fill it with warm water, to achieve a black patina add ten drops of the solution, drop in your silver and swirl it around. If your LOS is freshly mixed it should turn black in a matter of seconds. There are several colour changes before you get to black, all stunning in their own right, gold, copper, purple, blue, blue-grey and a kind of greenish tone, all rather gorgeous.

Use a weaker solution to slow it down and catch the different colour changes. When you reach your desired colour, rinse your jewellery in warm soapy water, and away you go, I like to give mine a very very very light buff with a Goddard's silver cloth to give it a little shine, don't buff it too much though!

Liver of sulphur can be used on sterling silver, copper and precious metal clay, but I also used it on metal and silver plate and it turned out just fine, but do this at your own risk!

You can buy LOS from various craft and jewellery suppliers on the net, I got mine from Kernowcraft.

Happy antiquing.

(Some vintage jewellery, that has oxidised naturally over time)

I just had to pop this picture in, its of one of my favourite brooches, you may well be seeing it soon in something special :)

New tiaras in my Etsy shop

2010-04-06T15:09:00.002+01:00

Today the kids are in holiday club, yippee, I love them really :) but let me tell ye, having all three in the house, well lets just say- it keeps me busy! And if there weren't such a thing as Schools, maybe there wouldn't be as many children in the world ;o) Don't let me fool you, I adore them, they are my world, and we have had a fun week, but Mum needs some me time, and I'm craving to MAKE MAKE MAKE, so here I am today doing just that!

Firstly, I have been adding some tiaras to my Etsy shop:

Now its time to get creative, I am going to make some beaded chain, using freshwater pearls to attach to more vintage brooches I have in my stash, have just ordered more supplies, mainly loose chain,fingers crossed it will arrive tomorrow so I can get them finished and hopefully listed on Friday.

Time for a tea break me thinks:)

The opening of my Etsy shop

2010-04-02T09:07:00.001+01:00

Can't believe it's been a week since I have posted, here's a quick recap.

Firstly, the grand opening of my Etsy shop,

Grand- NOT REALLY!

I have so far managed to list one item, it's been that kind of week! I did get as far as photographing my other stuff, but that's where it ended. When the kids are off School, I can't seem to get a thing done. Also while setting up my shop, a bit of a glitch, after much faffing around, I discovered that I could only have my banner to the dimensions of 760x100, nothing more, nothing less, and no matter how many times I tried to re-size my logo, it was distorted, I just couldn't get it to work, so in the end I had to settle for something else :(

Hopefully after the Easter weekend I will find some time to list the rest :)

Ooh, got some new sparkly supplies yesterday, a couple of months ago I found a fab haberdashery online, with a "diamante" section, beads, buttons, trims, aah, heaven, so this week I thought I would indulge myself! They are perfect for a new bridal collection I have in mind.

What else this week???

JUST KAOS!!!

I was just about to get carried away and start ranting about all the things that went wrong this week, but then I had a little chat with myself, and I said "my blog is my happy place" so today I will spare you:)

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY

Must dash, taking the kids to our local garden center for an egg hunt.

Hope you all have a lovely weekend.

The girls in their easter bonnets

2010-03-26T21:10:00.003Z

Today the children broke up from school for the Easter holidays, and the last day brings the annual Easter bonnet parade, finished with a visit from the Easter bunny. The girls have been very exited! Today was Rosea's day in nursery and although they don't have a parade, there was no way she was going without!

Here are the girls modeling this years masterpieces.

This is Sonney earlier in the week being cheeky :) we did try to get a pic of him wearing a Easter bonnet, but he was having none of it.

And this is him being mischievous!

I only went down to get his milk and he got his hands on the sudocrem.

Anyhow, the girls would like to wish you all a: (early)

Happy Easter x

The vintage tailor's dummy

2010-03-24T13:01:00.004Z

I was having a little surf last night, looking for vintage Tailor's dummies and I came across this fabulous site, vintage style mannequins.

I love the one pictured above, it has been decoupaged.

The Tailor's dummy I own is the practical adjustable kind, very uninspiring! In-fact I'm not even sure where it is, I haven't cut a pattern from it in a long while, probably in the attic.

I would love to own an antique one, but have my eye on the bespoke dummy, in my favourite Laura Ashley, Summer palace print. The whole collection is stunning, I could quite easily find a home for them all, although Mr C wouldn't be happy, he says they creep him out.

I have a couple of mannequin heads that I use to display tiaras at wedding Fayre's, but you can't beat the vintage deco heads, I would be delighted to own one! maybe one day! I love love love art deco, the roaring twenties are my favourite period in time, (I will save that for another story).

The head in the bottom right corner is a reproduction, cool, but doesn't have quite the same effect as an old one!

Later on I had a little eureka moment! I remembered once seeing a decoupaged half mannequin, and in my shed, I have two half mannequins :)

A lady and a child, ooh, I will just get them and take a picture!

I'm back! it's about 2 hours later, what an expedition, a climbing expedition, over several kids bikes, a quick wash down, and here they are:

This is the adult body, I forgot it was in that pose, don't think it will be suitable.

This is the child's body, this one might be OK :)

But for this project,

I need some help! please!

I haven't tried decoupage before, and am not entirely sure it would work on this type of dummy, it's kind of a hard plastic, not sure if I could get the paper to stick,

your thoughts and ideas would be much appreciated on this one guys :)

Rejuvenated Jewels by Amy Hanna, my most favourite book in the whole world.

2010-03-12T13:31:00.003Z

Today, I would like to tell you about my most favourite book ever!
Rejuvenated Jewels by Amy Hanna-

New designs from vintage treasures.

I bought this book about 6 months ago and I haven't put it down since! I keep it on my bedside table and every night before I turn out the light I have a little flick through :)

This book is totally me!

It is everything I love, and everything I want to be and do, it completely inspired me!

The photographs in the book, and on Amy's blog are stunning, I could look at them all day.

This book is suitable for all, from the novice to the experienced jewellery maker.
The first chapter covers, materials, equipment and techniques- everything you need to know to get you started. Other chapters include, cameos revisited, souvenirs & keepsakes, french inspirations, pictures of the past, and relics retold, each giving clear instructions on how to make a number of necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

You must take a look at this book, or visit Amy's blog, you too will be inspired, trust me on this one!

Here are some more mouthwatering images of Amy's work, taken from her blog.

Visit Amy's shop on etsy.

Whilst on the hunt for images from Amy's book to put in this post (haven't yet fathomed out how to work my scanner), I came across Corey at Tongue in cheek, who had also wrote a review on Rejuvenated Jewels. Corey is an American lady, who has lived in France with her french husband for 20 years. Corey and Amy met when Amy saw pictures of broken jewellery on Corey's blog and asked if she would source more treasures for her to use in her designs.

I'm smitten, are you???

Ornate Frame Pin Cushion

2010-03-11T22:23:00.005Z

Beach Vintage: Project Day: Ornate Frame Pin Cushion

I saw this sweet pin cushion tutorial at Beach Vintage, and just had to share.

Pretty things

2010-02-27T22:37:00.006Z

Yesterday Mr C and I managed to bag the day to ourselves child-free, can't remember the last time that happened! Anyway I dragged him off to Ikea as I needed some storage jars for my beads, this week I have been in a spring cleaning mood, another strange phenomenon. Of course while we were there we had Swedish meatballs, you can't go to Ikea and not have meatballs! After that Craig wanted to go to the retail park for new shoes, so I couldn't say no. When we arrived I notice that a new Laura Ashley shop had opened :) :) :) yippee, hooray, ye-ha, you get the picture, Laura Ashley is my most favourite shop in the whole world (for home stuff), Cath Kidston a close second. At this point we both parted for a while and I went to "browse" in Laura Ashley, when I got inside, much to my delight, they were having a 25% off everything mega sale event, well, I just had to buy something, who wouldn't??? So I bought a lovely birdcage lamp that I had been eyeing up online, pictured above. I love that shop so much that I hate it, I just want everything! Here are just a few more cute things added to my never-ending list.

A fab teacup lamp.

My girls would love this Wendy house!

I love this china teacup candle, its part of the new Portland range.

I am going to leave it at that or-else this could develop into the longest blog in history! and I'm a short and sweet kinda gal, and I have a sparkling glass of Rose waiting for me:)

Goodnight xxx

Treasures in the attic

2010-02-17T17:01:00.009Z

This would be my legacy ~ something to leave behind.

Imagine a dusty old attic, an attic like the Halliwell's in charmed, an attic with a winding, creaking, dark staircase leading to it, spooky like in the movies, a big rusty old key would unlock the door.

What would you find inside?

Weird & wonderful vintage treasures! a dressing up box, jewel casket, antique rocking horse, dressmaker's dummy, evil clown doll, an elaborate mirror (maybe to another world) priceless antiquities you paid 20pence for way back when, heirlooms to leave future generations.

You wouldn't find anything of interest in my attic, apart from my collection of 80's Cabbage patch dolls.

That was the start of my quest for all things old. So over the last year or two I have started to collect things, nothing too valuable, (hopefully one day).

Something from the brooch box

2010-02-09T11:58:00.011Z

Time to get creative, one thinks! I haven't made anything since before Christmas, way too many distractions. I'm going to make a necklace using something from the famous brooch box, my girls love rummaging through it, so much so that I have to keep it hidden, I'm such a spoil sport. I adore vintage brooches, they have been the centre-pieces of most of my resent designs.
The photo has been taken with my mobile phone, why? well that's another story....................

The tooth fairy has been visiting

2010-02-07T20:01:00.011Z

For the last three Saturdays in a row, one of Ruby's wobbly teeth have fallen out. Whats the going rate for the tooth fairy these days? Ruby informed me it was ten quid, mmm! 20p I used to get! Anyway it turns out the going rate is £2, a bit more like it, but three visits ;) Whilst searching on the net for a tooth fairy letter I came across this gorgeous tooth fairy pillow, and even better, instructions on how to make it, from fellow blogger Larissa at mmmcrafts. Also available, for little boys, a tooth officer. What a cute gift for family and friends.
Photo from Larissa's blog.

Blogging at last.

2010-02-03T20:34:00.007Z

Good evening all. I have been meaning to blog for a little while now, but have been somewhat hesitant to take the plunge, writing not being my forte. I read a book or two on the subject (far too intense!) then stumbled upon "Blogging for bliss" by Tara Frey, what can I say, I am completely inspired :) I particularly love the pages "meet the bloggers" so many fantastic blogs, so many gorgeous banners, so many talented artists, how could anyone not be inspired.