November 30, 2008

Create a Layered Holiday Wreath!


Welcome to Holiday Creating and Decorating Idea #3! Make a romantic layered wreath for your holiday décor this year!

I took a wreath of red roses that I keep up year ‘round in my studio and I layered it over a new store bought grapevine wreath that was already embellished with red berries and “ice crystals”.


I really like combining something “old” with something “new”.




Look around your home for any floral wreath you may already have and then try layering it over another wreath for your own “one-of-a-kind” design!


November 29, 2008

Holiday Decorating With Seashells


Welcome to Holiday Crafting and Decorating post #2! Here’s an easy and elegant holiday decorating idea to try! I like to combine my favorite seashells in a pretty bowl with silver and white glass ornaments and then I add a small amount of glitter flakes for a little sparkle.



It’s a pretty way to combine contrasting items and I think it makes for an interesting and unexpected holiday display!


November 28, 2008

Marie Antoinette Jeweled Christmas Tree


Welcome to my first Holiday Crafting and Decorating post!!! Today I’d like to share with you something that I do every year…a jeweled Christmas tree. I like to put a miniature tree in my powder room and I decorate it with pieces of jewelry. This year, I went with a Marie Antoinette theme for a little extra sparkle.

I use necklaces and bracelets to drape around the tree as “garlands” and I use earrings and brooches as “ornaments”!


It’s a little hard to photograph, but if you look closely, you can see the jewelry decorating the tree. If you look even closer, you may recognize those gorgeous earrings from THIS post!!!





Here’s what I used as the base for the tree, it’s a favorite cachepot which I think has a bit of French flair to it. I purchased this pretty pot at Michaels. I put a Styrofoam florist block inside the pot and then secured the tree in place with heavy tape. To cover this, I added rows of white pearl bead garlands, the kind you buy to decorate a Christmas tree with.


To top everything off, I clipped a group of fluffy white feathers, which also looked very French to me, to the top of the tree. I purchased this clip from Michaels too - it’s really a hair clip!



This year, I added the Marie Antoinette ornaments. I used my computer to print the images of Marie and also the backs of vintage postcards, which I collaged together. I used a cookie cutter to trace and cut the desired shapes and then I glued sparkling pipe cleaners around the edges. At the base of each ornaments, I attached a small chandelier crystal.



These jeweled Christmas trees are really darling! You only have to look at your stash of jewelry to find the perfect “unexpected” touch for your sparkling holiday décor!!! I hope you will try this fun and easy project!

November 26, 2008

A Thankful Heart


What a precious season of celebrations we are about to enter! This is the perfect time to take a breath and think about all the things we are grateful for. Soon the swirl of holiday celebrations will engulf us and it’s so important to look around and see the love that surrounds you. The true gift of the holiday season!


This Thanksgiving, my heart is a GRATEFUL heart. So many of my dreams have come true this past year and I have so much to be grateful for. Not material possessions, but the things that matter most in the world…a loving family, a dear husband to share my life with, work that satisfies my soul and an abundance of inspiration and dreams that keep me rolling along and GRATEFUL for each new morning.

I hope this day of taking time to reflect on all you are grateful for, will also refresh your spirit and knowledge that it’s the little things that bring us the greatest satisfaction and pleasure at the end of the day.

May your Thanksgiving be filled with joy, gratitude and the precious gift of loved ones around you.

November 25, 2008

Barkley's Day Out


Just a quick post today because Barkley wants to show off his new haircut! We tried a new groomer today and they did a wonderful job. Their business is definitely “blog worthy” and I plan to go back and take a few photos to share. In the meantime, here’s my baby looking all spiffy…


And here he is doing his favorite activity, Cat Patrol. He loves looking out the window for cats!


I think he’s looking pretty cute but I also think he knows it!


November 23, 2008

Before and After Dining Room Project


I wanted to share a Shabby Chic style furniture project with you that I finally completed this weekend. It’s the 2nd piece of furniture I’ve ever refinished and the first time I’ve ever used composite appliqués to add a little charm. Mr. Cupid and I purchased this buffet for our dining room shortly after we got married. The finish was in really bad shape but we got it for a song at a local antique store…too good of a deal to pass up.

Here is the before photo:


I ordered 4 composite appliqués from an eBay store, Sugar Camp Cottage




And here is the after photo!



It looks like a whole new piece of furniture and I am pleased with how easy it was to use the appliqués! I also really liked the paint I used. It was Valspar paint from Lowes and the color is called “Hotel Lace”. It’s a pretty white/cream color – not too white or not too cream.



We are in the middle of a dining room makeover and with this part of the project complete, I think we will be able to enjoy our holiday meals in this room.




If you have a flea market find that you would like to update, try using appliqués for a little extra style! I think you'll find it fun and easy too!

November 17, 2008

A Little Holiday Tease….


The holiday season is fast approaching and I couldn’t be happier. This is such a wonderful time of year! I’ve already started listening to my favorite holiday songs while I work on my orders. When I listen to holiday music I can’t help but get the urge to start crafting. During the day, I am completely devoted to the business at hand for Cupids Charm, but each evening after dinner, I try to find two or three hours, just for me, to do a little holiday crafting.

Here’s a little tease…


Last night I started working on a project that I can’t wait to share with you! In fact, my dining room table is covered from one end to the other with supplies for my upcoming projects. I have a schedule of projects that I want to complete for this years holiday celebrations and I’ll be sharing each craft project or decorating idea right here on my blog. A different idea everyday!

The FUN begins the day after Thanksgiving, so please bookmark my site so we can visit and celebrate with each other, all through the holiday season!

November 12, 2008

Celebrating Love!


Love makes the world go ‘round so they say and I say it’s the most special, meaningful and joyful emotion there is. I finally added a few new designs to my jewelry line that celebrates my favorite 4-letter word, L-O-V-E. I’ve made many of these for custom orders and now they are available on my website in the Personalized Jewelry category. There is nothing on earth more precious than a loving family. THAT is the true treasure in life. I created this personalized necklace to celebrate that blessing.


Family Blessings Personalized Birthstone Necklace - Is that not the cutest rosy checked tot you’ve ever seen? Tucked in a basket of roses, you can’t help but smile when you see this sweetheart of a necklace. At the bottom of the pendant, I’ll add each family members birthstone with a Swarovski Crystal.



Flip the pendant over and each family members first name is personalized on the back.

My One True Love Necklace - This is my personal necklace shown above, that I’ve been wearing for awhile. My sweet husband, or Mr. Cupid as I call him here, is truly the best gift I have ever received. I just love this sweet vintage photo of the little girl and boy who are shyly holding hands.


The back of the pendant simply features our names. I usually wear this necklace with his high school ring also on the chain. Shortly after we got married, he surprised me with a little box that contained his high school ring. He asked me to wear it on a chain so that we could say we were “Going Steady" : ) He is always doing the most thoughtful things like that and that’s why I love wearing this necklace. Now you can wear one too! With the holiday gift giving season fast approaching, I thought these would make thoughtful gifts…to give…or keep for yourself!

And as this most special time of year fast approaches, I hope your life is filled with the greatest treasure of all, a family to love.

November 9, 2008

Secret Santa Charms In The Shop!


I just added these sweet soldered Victorian Santa Postcard Charms in the shop today! I wanted to create a fun little charm that would be perfect to add to a favorite charm bracelet or even wear as a petite charm necklace for the holidays.

And priced at just $16 each, they are the perfect gift for stocking stuffers, co-workers, teachers, friends or anyone who would enjoy a unique handcrafted vintage jewel. And I promise, you won’t find these at the local mall!

Each double-sided charm features two different classic Victorian images of Santa Claus. The images have been sugared with fairy dust for a magical sparkle and are preserved forever between glass with a high quality, jewelry grade, custom silver soldered bezel. Czech crystals in Christmas Red and Winter Ice add even more sparkle on the jump rings!

It’s hard to believe the holidays are just over 5 weeks away!!! If I can add a little sparkle to your holiday celebrations or even help you save time with your shopping list this year, please visit me HERE .

November 7, 2008

A Day Of Gifts…..


Today I gave a gift to myself! I registered to attend the Art & Soul Art Retreat being held in Hampton, VA, April 30- May 4.


This will be my very first artist retreat and I am thrilled to take some time to recharge my creative batteries. But here is the best part – I am registered for a Sally Jean Alexander class!!! Yep, she is my goddess of all things soldered and twinkling. I’ve admired Sally for some time now and to learn a few new tricks from the master is a dream come true.

I’ve signed up for the Totally Tiara Class…me and tiaras….now there’s something that goes together like Oreo’s and a glass of milk. I have an ongoing love affair with tiaras. I’ve studied and researched their history, studied their construction, studied their jeweled components, studied the royal queens upon whose heads they perched. I have a small collection of vintage tiara’s in my studio and I even keep a little vintage number in the glove box of my car…..a girl can never be certain when a tiara worthy event will happen…or as I like to call it a “drive-by Queening”. So Sally girl, get ready because I will be there with bells on!

And then the postman arrived with this…



An unexpected gift in the mail!!! How thrilling!!! I received this surprise from the sweetest blog reader, Glenda. She won one of my contests recently and she sent this….

…as a thank you. A beautiful monogrammed tea towel!! I love monogrammed linens and this one is beautiful! This was so sweet and beyond appreciated and I will find a very special place to display this treasure. I shake my head in amazement sometimes about the most wonderful women I have met through the world of blogging. That is where the true gift is! Thank you Glenda!

November 6, 2008

Bits And Pieces Of Me.....


Early this morning, while working in the studio, I was slightly amused with myself looking around at all the piles of “bits” that surrounded me.

It struck me how I was seeing a visual representation of my personality. I always seem to have a multitude of projects in the works, all in various stages of completion. And it’s not limited to my studio work…it’s all through my house too.



When I was younger I saw this aspect of my personality as a flaw. I was too scattered, unfocused…maybe even a touch flighty, going from one project to another. Only happy when I had many irons in the fire. As I’ve grown older and a bit wiser, I’ve come to realize that this is not something to beat myself up over…I’ve come to view this quirk as an ASSET, something to embrace and use to it’s fullest potential.


Yes, I may be working on many projects simultaneously, but I DO complete them. And a completed project always feels so wonderful!


What I once viewed as a personality flaw now fits beautifully in my life with the jewelry I create. I am constantly moving back and forth between different mediums. And it makes me happy!



It’s taken me many years to come to this understanding and I’ve only recently begun to see that the path that I follow today really seems like “me”. If only I had learned this lesson a long time ago!


Whatever path you follow, listen and honor that little voice deep inside. It’s urging you on to become your true self. To see the beauty in who you are, no matter what your perceived assets or liabilities may be.



November 2, 2008

Welcome To The Party!!!!


Today we celebrate the birthday of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France and for so many of her devoted admirers, the original Queen of Hearts. Although she was born on November 2nd, 1755 she is still talked (and debated) about after all these years. Now that’s Star Power! For this celebration, I wish to focus on the good, the beautiful and the carefree aspects of her life. She had classic taste and an eye for beauty that is still revered even today.

So, let the party begin!!!


I think we should all gather at the one place that made her really happy, Le Petit Trianon…

And since she preferred to be in her beautiful romantic gardens, this is a garden party with a beautiful floral inspired birthday cake from Martha Stewart.

We can nibble on French pastries from Laduree, a world famous bakery in Paris.



And we’ll toast with Dom Perignon Pink Champagne!


And we’ll gossip about the latest fashion trends….... or maybe the Du Barry!




And we’ll play games….perhaps gamble a bit…



Now it’s time to open the presents we’ve all brought to celebrate her birthday. I’ll go first…I raided my stash of vintage jewels and created these pretty jeweled pictures frames for two of my favorite portraits of her.










Since the “Affair of the Necklace” caused her so much pain, I’ve created this jeweled necklace for her using another favorite portrait and also images of her beloved Cherubs (she had them all over Versailles!). I’ve added vintage chandelier crystals and sparkling Swarovski beads in clear and French blue too!




And when you look at this pretty necklace from the side, it looks like large diamonds! Diamonds and pearls were her favorite jewels you know.





I also created these special jewels just for Cupids Charm to celebrate all things Marie. This necklace is one of my favorite portraits of her…the one with the pink rose!



This jewelry is really special because I’ve incorporated a document that I was able to find during my research on her jewelry….Behind each collaged image of Marie, is French lettering, which describes items of jewelry she owned!!! The writing is from a document copy of the original manuscript of the official Revolutionary inventory of her jewelry, dated 21 August 1795. The original manuscript was exhibited at the Rosenbach Museum & Library in Philadelphia. I made a necklace.....



...and a charm bracelet....





And now it’s time to open all the rest of the gifts that celebrate Marie Antoinette! Our party includes blogs from all over the world!!! We have over 67 participants from the United States, Canada, Germany, Slovenia, United Kingdom, Portugal and Australia! This just proves how universally she is loved and admired even today. Now, go visit one another and be sure to leave comments to each other about your mutual admiration for the
beautiful Queen of France, Marie Antoinette!

Joyeux Anniversaire!!!



PARTICIPATING BLOGS


Gabriela Delworth

Jenni B Originals

Faerie Dust Dreams

My Cottage Heart

Maigirlz Madness

Couture de Papier

Shabby Scraps

Angel Heart Designs

Text ColorPerfect Panache

The Unfinished Flower

Creations by Marie Antionette

Birdbath Chronicles

Bunny Chic Boutique

Edie Marie’s Attic

Boxwood Cottage

Fete et Fleur

Savon Marie

Romancing the Home

A Bit of Serendipity

Gail Friend Designs

Linda Crispell

Pocket Full of Sunshine

Bloggedy Blog Blog

Cathy Michaels Design

Treasured Heirlooms

Drobtinice

Vintage Bunty

Flotsam and Jetsam

The Vintage Journal

Katie’s Calamities

Noelle Garrett Designs

Whim & Fancy Designs

Time Enough

Decor To Adore

Zazu

Paris Breakfasts

A Little Birdie Told Me So

Chachaneen

Fleur de Bee

Breathing Beside Us

Flea Market Queen

Crafting with Cat Hair

The Junk Drawer

Altered Art Junkies

My Suzy Homemaker

Blond & Blithe

Sandys Creations

Wanderlust & Pixie Dust

Marie Antoinettes Gossip Guide

Destination Unknown

The Duchess of Devonshires Gossip Guide

Rhonda Mum

The Scarlett Rose Garden

Wendy Paula Patterson

7 Rose Petal Path

Melissa’s Cozy Teacup

Tesoro Fino

All The Queens Chocolate