Not Going to Mexico this Year

I am sad that we are not going to Mexico this year. I have been collecting lovely beaded necklaces made by the Huichol Indians as they are works of art. I thought I would show some off and dream of the blue water, colorful architecture and friendly people as I put up this post.

Vintage Rhinestones

I LOVE vintage rhinestones and enjoy making jewelry with them. The colors are so different and pretty. Part of the fun is looking for the stones on the internet. Then when I find and receive them, trying to match them up with either other vintage pieces or new contempory findings is enjoyable for me. This items listed here are now in my Etsy shop and I am happy with how the pictures turned out.

We had a very bad storm here over the weekend and we lost power for a couple of days. I could hardly wait for the power and heat to come back on to get into my studio and start creating again!

Necklaces from Istanbul Turkey Oya

Necklace in Muted Shades

This piece can be worn as a necklace or a belt!

Necklace in VIBRANT colors!

One of my favorite stops on our trip was to Istanbul, Turkey. Here we strolled the Istanbul and saw many shops and small eateries. The Grand Bazaar was closed as it was Sunday but I was a lucky girl to find these BEAUTIFUL necklaces. As we were walking I saw a door dripping in crochet of all colors and shapes. As we entered the store it was filled with so many necklaces, earrings and braclelets, such lovely things. I knew I would buy something but it was sooooo hard to choose as I wanted everything. Here we met the Dad and his daughter who were so nice. The daughter, Funda, designs and makes all the jewelry. The 3 pieces pictures here are the ones I choose, and I wanted more, but purchased only three. The crochet work is so fine and perfect, I believe this is still called OYA lace even if crocheted. I wish I had bough at least one traditional OYA piece but maybe this means I will be back for more!

I've Been Away!

I really like updating my blog but just have not done it! I guess I am not disciplined. I just took some pictures of some new things I made. The piece pictured here is stunning. It is made of rare graduated Swarovski crystals in opaque turquoise. It looks great on the neck as it lays just perfectly. The summer will go by fast and I have lots to make for the Fall and Holiday season. Always something to do and keeping busy.

Vintage Bead Necklace

I usually do not string beads but sometimes I just need to for a change. Most of the beads in this necklace are vintage and the colors remind me of the 1940-1950's, jadeite, red and yellow. The beads came from an assortment of different places, bead trips, Internet and places unknown. FUN piece to make!

Deco Necklace

One of the things I enjoy about making jewelry is putting different pieces together especially when some of the pieces are vintage. I came upon these really pretty vintage plastic drops in different colors, peach, coral and beige. The necklace shown here is using the peach ones. I have mixed them with dainty brass butterflies and brass chain. I can hardly wait to make more necklaces with the other colors.

Katie's Wedding

A couple of months ago I was contacted by Katie via my Etsy shop. She needed a brooch to go with her wedding dress, she did not like the one that came on her dress. She had seen some of my brooches in my shop as they have a vintage look. As we worked together through Etsy convos, e-mails and Shutterfly everything came together. The color scheme is so pretty, pale yellow, olive green and brown. Even though we started with a brooch we worked on necklaces, hairpins, bracelet and earrings. It was so fun getting flowers and brass pieces for this project. I was also lucky enough to find vintage brass chain with the prettiest olive green glass beads. Well the order is in the mail and I hope she and her bridal party love everything. The wedding is not until May 2010 but at least one job is done. I'm hoping she sends some pictures next year so that I can see how wonderful everyone is going to look!

Resin Cabochons

I know I have said this before but I just love working with resin cabochons. I order them from suppliers on Etsy and I can't get enough of them. I wish I know how to make them. They come in so many colors and shapes, especially the flowers. Last year I had ordered the pinecones, although they look like acorns to me, and I made a necklace and brooch. I think they look so good with the contrast of the copper metal. I am looking forward to wearing one on my jacket as soon as it gets cooler. Can't wait for Fall!

Resin Flowers

One of the materials I love working with are resins flowers. I purchase them and mix them with brass, Swarovski crystals and beads. The flowers in come in so many shapes and sizes and lend themselves to all sorts of pretty things. Like earrings, necklaces, rings, brooches and much more. The past few days I have been creating some pieces gearing up for the Fall/Winter craft shows. Isn't this rose pretty!

It's Snowing Today!

We are getting a big snowstorm in New Jersey today. It's started softly at around 9 am and now it is coming down like a blizzard. Today is good day for me to clean up my craftroom so that I can get creative for SPRING!