In Progress: Vintage Filigree Jewelry

 FOR THE LOVE OF FILIGREE

Current Works in Progress

I adore filigree, especially filigree jewelry!  Filigree is delicate and intricate ornamental work made from gold, silver, or other fine twisted wire.  The filigree pieces I utilize in my jewelry designs are made of brass, then coated with beautiful antique finishes in oxidized sterling silver, brass or copper.  I work primarily with brass or bronze because I feel those finishes evoke the essence of vintage style the best.  The art of filigree has been around for centuries and is an absolutely beautiful art form.  Intricate and unique, feminine and romantic, filigree findings and stampings always add a touch of elegance to my jewelry designs.  I often use them in conjunction with various vintage pieces I have in my collection.  These are just a few of my current projects in progress; check back soon for finished designs.  I'm also working on some crystal pendants that are turning out absolutely gorgeous with all that fabulous artwork mentioned in a previous post.  Have a wonderful weekend! 

New Artwork for New Pendants!

Creating is a collaborative process.  As an artist, one must continually visualize new and creative ideas.  This process does not exist in a vacuum; often, it is a combined effort of varying mediums collected and melded into a final eclectic idea.  My jewelry creations are perfect examples of this collaboration.  Although I design and ultimately create the end result, I rely on other talented artists' work to contribute and enhance my final vision.  

Izabella's Blues is one of my absolute favorite resources for inspiration and digital collage sheets.  Izabella's work has been featured in several publications, including Artful Blogging and Digital Expressions, a new book by digital artist Susan Tuttle which focuses on creating digital art with Adobe Photoshop Elements. Visit Izabella's blog http://izabella.typepad.com and Etsy shop http://izabellah.etsy.com for some visual stimulation. 

From Izabella's "Sad and Blue" Digital Collage Sheet

Julia van der Werf, a wonderfully talented digital artist from the Netherlands, also shares beautiful and unique digital art at her Etsy shop, Cemerony.  Romantic, elegant and colorful, I can always visit her shop for inspiration.  Look for some of her designs in my future crystal creations.  Visit Julia's shop and blog today for some terrific eye candy.  http://juliavanderwerf.blogspot.com/ and http://www.cemerony.etsy.com/

 Digital Art from Julia's Etsy Collage Sheets

ArtCult, another fabulous Etsy shop by artist Batya Sagy, has consistently been one of my favorites.  Batya's designs are so exceptionally exquisite, I visit her again and again for renewed creative ideas. Visit her shop today at 
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtCult, and be amazed! 

PERFECT art for Vintage Style Pendants!

I'd like to thank these wonderfully talented artists for sharing their unique creations with others. By doing so, they contribute to an expansive chain of beautiful creations!

“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. 

Happiness never decreases by being shared.”

~Budda Quote

Rainbows...

“May God give you...

For every storm a rainbow, for every tear a smile, for every care a promise and a blessing in each trial. 

For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share, for every sigh a sweet song and an answer for each prayer.”

~Irish Blessing 

It's so comforting for me to know that after the rain, the magnificent and healing sun appears and sometimes we even get the gift of a rainbow.  We've heard it a million times before, but it's true...without the rain, we'd never get to experience the breathtaking and magical beauty of a rainbow.  Life is full of challenges and obstacles we must overcome; no one is exempt from this reality.  However, we must choose to see the opportunities that exist within these challenges and move forward with renewed optimism and hope.  I am blessed beyond measure; for the rainbows in my life are all of you...my family and friends who are always there to listen, give advice or a kind word, or simply just be with me.  For you are all truly my "rainbows".  

My most recent crystal creations reminded me of all the colors in a rainbow!  I'm thinking of creating a monogram crystal collection and would love your feedback!  Let me know your thoughts!  

My Favorite Rainbow :-)

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday weekend!

Flea Market Finds!

So I had the opportunity a few weeks ago to experience my first visit to the Kane County Flea Market, located in the lovely town of St. Charles, Illinois.  It was fantastic, especially if you adore vintage in all shapes, sizes, and colors.  The market hosted an array of great vendors.  I had the opportunity to meet the lovely Traci Tessone of Whimsy, a great vintage retail boutique located in Morris, Illinois and Connie Perez of Aesthetics Creations of Crystal Lake, Illinois.  These ladies had a fantastic booth, filled with an array of goodies any fun loving vintage obsessed girl or guy would love!  I look forward to visiting both of the ladies again in the near future. 

I also found some really shiny and colorful vintage jewels...yummy...can't wait to see where they turn up in future designs.  

THIS LITTLE FIND IS NEVER FOR SALE!

Challenges Bring The Light

 

“Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging.”

~Joseph Cambell

“Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they're supposed to help you discover who you are.”

~Bernice Johnson Reagon

“Challenge is a dragon with a gift in its mouth. Tame the dragon and the gift is yours.”

~Noela Evans

"The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials."

~Chinese Proverb

It happens sometimes - life is progressing, happily and beautifully, when suddenly, you are face to face with what seems to be an insurmountable challenge.  This challenge forces you to slow down or just stop.  In the midst of your challenge, you discover that all the things that once seemed so important are now insignificant, or better yet, meaningless.  You are numb, at first, then slowly you must put one foot in front of the other, and proceed with this thing called life.  For days, you may cry uncontrollably, you make walk around in a complete fog, or you may feel absolutely nothing at all.  You might experience all possible emotions - anger, hurt, sadness, loneliness, fear...and then slowly yet carefully, you might begin to see a sliver of light again, peeking out from behind your darkness.  This light could be your family, your friends, your pets.  Whatever the light, wherever the brightness, you must grasp it and hold onto it with all the strength you have left.  For this light will give you the necessary strength and energy and love to move forward.  

Thank you, to my wonderful husband, for always being my light!

And for those of you who may be experiencing personal challenges, 

I send you peace...

Sweet Mojo For All That Ails You!

 SUNBEAM SUGAR SCRUB AND PERFUME OIL

I ADORE fragrances, almost as much as I love jewelry.  So you can imagine my delight when I discovered that the very talented mixed-media artist, Jessica Moreau Berry along with business partner Jolene Hoch, had launched a new and exciting line of bath and body products called "Sweet Mojo Apothecary".  Sweet Mojo is a collaboration of "two friends who have always been interested in natural home and health practices".  The wonderful collection of natural sugar scrubs, bath oils, salt soaks, perfume and massage oils and hair treatments are almost too good to be true!  Combining citrus and essential oils like lavender and neroli for their Wild Wing products and sweet orange blended with delicate neroli & smoky vetiver for my personal favorite, the Sunbeam line, these two talented ladies have shared with us a true gift!  I ordered the Sunbeam perfume oil because it's such a great summer scent and the compliments I've received have been overwhelming.  I encourage you to visit their Sweet Mojo Apothecary and browse through all their magical combinations - I've included just a few below.  The perfect gift for yourself  or a friend to alleviate those hot, summer days.  Oh...I also received a sample of the sugar scrub with my order and can I tell you, it is one of the best I've ever used...and believe me, I've used a variety of scrubs! Drop by Jessica's blog, Junque Revival, and let her know what you think about her new adventure!

 Examples of fragrance blends from  
Sweet Mojo Apothocary

JADED SPIRIT: calming lavender blended with delicate neroli, frankinscense & rose deep, rich & sweet, it’s truly for the wild at heart 

HAPPY WINGS: rose & violet blended with calming lavender & sweet woodsy scents….sweet floral notes with a hint of woodsy aura, spread your wings and have a happy day! 

FAIRY LORE: tranquil lavender blended with rose, neroli & exotic ylang ylang…..a romantically floral scent, it’s like sitting in an old cottage garden.

My Wish For You...

This is my wish for you:  

Comfort on difficult days,  

smiles when sadness intrudes, 

rainbows to follow the clouds,  

laughter to kiss your lips,  

sunsets to warm your heart,  

hugs when spirits sag, 

beauty for your eyes to see, 

friendships to brighten your being,

faith so that you can believe,  

confidence for when you doubt,  

courage to know yourself,  

patience to accept the truth, 

Love to complete your life.

~ Author Unknown

This exquisite vintage brooch and earring set was a gift from a very wonderful and beautiful friend.   

She has enriched my life with her sincere and true friendship.  

Her view of life is positive, and just like these gorgeous pieces, she continually brings sunshine to everyone she encounters.  

Thank you, Jaclyn, for this wonderful gift and for being such a bright ray of sunshine...

you brighten so many lives! 

Don't ever let anyone take your sunshine away :-)