Vintage Creations

I have fallen in love with some vintage trinkets I've found.  I just love creating things that have either a Victorian or romantic feel about them.  I did receive some beautiful items from an estate of a recently deceased lady, Victoria, and have enjoyed thinking of ways to keep her love of pretties alive by reviving them.  This piece is the first of my creations:

 

Vintage Victoria Necklace

Next I felt the need to utilize some gorgeous antiqued gemstones in combination with antiqued brass chain, and of course, I had to include some of my hand painted silk to finished them off as bracelets.

 I loved these clear stones and utilized a pretty peacock colored silk to coordinate with it for a romantic bracelet with chains. 

 This bracelet contains some gorgeous fire opals with pretty pink gemstones with the antiqued brass chain and finished off with the rich burgundy silk bow.

And we all love pretty earrings, so I had to create some simple and elegant earrings utilizing these vintage stones.

I've included just a few of the earrings, but if you want to see more, stop by the Etsy shop.  Remember, these won't be replicated so don't wait too long.

Now I have a great little bag of rhinestone necklaces, brooches, and earrings that I picked up at an antique sale . . . what to design with these???  

Stop back often to see what I come up with for your bling pleasure!

 

Project Maddie is Underway!!!

Here's a little background about Project Maddie written by Maddie's momma, Brie:

PROJECT MADDIE - Save a Kitty - Maddie Plays Peek-A-Boo 4x6 Glossy Photograph

From Beegrl88

This photo is of my adorable rescued (off the streets) kitty named Maddie. The proceeds of this photo benefit Project Maddie (see below). This photo will be printed on 4x6 glossy archival paper. One side has a tab for easy handling, to avoid fingerprints, which can be easily removed when ready for a frame. The photograph will be mailed with a scrap cardboard piece and bubblewrap for protection. This photo can also be printed on an 8x10 glossy piece of archival paper - convo me for a custom listing. Take a piece of cuddly Maddie with you, knowing that you're contributing to keeping her safe, sound, and happy. It will arrive unmatted, unframed, and signed by me.

There are several listings on Etsy dedicated to this project. The wonderful women of the Unique Women in Business Team have selflessly donated items to the cause. Search "Project Maddie" on Etsy.

Project Maddie is about raising funds so I can properly take care of her. I'm at risk for losing my housing and, thus, her. Maddie has changed my life in ways I could not have imagined, and I do not want to lose her.

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”
– Hellen Keller


ABOUT MADDIE:
Maddie was rescued on Sept 1st, 2010 from the grounds of Linfield College. She was underweight and close to emaciated, but in otherwise good health. She already had her 6 month teeth so her estimated birth month is March. The original plan was to admit her to the local no-kill animal shelter because my roommate didn't want to keep her and my future is so uncertain that I didn't want to, either. When I found out the shelter was full, and being uncertain when they wouldn't be, I was in tears thinking about figuring out how to give her up. I had gotten attached (despite my best efforts) and found through self-discovery that I need the company of an animal. I needed her as much as she needed me. So, throwing caution to the wind and determined the uncertain future wouldn't stop me, I decided to keep her. My roommate and I got her spayed and tested, then I started her first rounds of shots a couple weeks later. I bought her boatloads of cat toys (because I would *never* want her to getbored :P), food, flea medicine, litter and box, etc. I was already living paycheck to paycheck, but sacrificing for her was worth it. I cut down on my expenses - buying less food for myself and buying less supplies for my business - and started only buying the necessities. Between her first and second vet visits, about a month apart, she gained almost two pounds.

I came back after the holidays to find I was starting the new year without a roommate (I do want to emphasize here that it was not roommate problems, thank goodness). While I respect the reasons for her decision (who doesn't want a place of their own?), my financial situation has drastically changed. My budget has doubled (I went from barely operating on $600 a month to now needing $1200); I was barely making ends meet before so now I am at risk for losing my housing and losing Maddie. Maddie is due for another round of shots. I haven't been able to take her in because I can't afford them.

Before, I was wanting to save up for a cat furniture tree, but now that seems to be a distant dream. Being an indoor cat, I'm always afraid of her getting bored or not getting enough exercise. I was hoping she could have something to rip up and down and around. Now, my biggest goal is just to make rent so I can keep her.

She means the world to me. I've sacrificed a lot to keep her. And I'm ok with that, don't get me wrong. I'll sacrifice more - she's my baby. I've been pounding the pavement for jobs and expanding my business. I'm not above trying everything I can. However, I'm not one to ask for help so this has been a big step for me letting you all know what's going on. I really appreciate the support - it's hard for me to admit I can't do everything myself.

To see more about the Project Maddie journey, visit http://artist.to/bkdsignature 

 

More about Maddie tomorrow!  

Rings by Popular Demand

I have received several requests for rings.  After studying all the various ways to make wire wrapped rings and then thinking about all the different sizes involved I decided on an easier approach. 

Flower rings on adjustable bands are my latest little idea.  I made a couple dozen to take to the Vixen Holiday Fashion Show in Denver at the Grant Humphries Mansion and they were a HIT!!  I sold just about all of them.  So, I am off and running, or should I say gluing?, and these little rings are so delicate and feminine they are hard to resist. 

I'll show you a few I've made, but later you will see the BIG flower rings!!  I don't want to overwhelm you all at once!

Let me know what you think or pop over to the shop in Etsy and pick some up for yourself or gifts.

Just wait until you see the BIG flowers!!