Studio Snap...Nate Berkus...and a Giveaway!

Just a quick snap of a few vintage rhinestone trinkets on my workbench today...

I did a little shopping yesterday at my favorite antique shop and found out I had missed seeing Nate Berkus! He was in town because of Home Shopping Network and had stopped in to do a little shopping. My contact at the shop told me he purchased over $1,800 worth of trinkets from the same vintage jewelry vendor I buy from. I thought this fab vendor was my own little secret but apparently the word is out! I still found lots of goodies and came home with a small bag of sparklies to make pretty things for YOU!

I also want to invite you to come visit my blog on Tuesday, November 2nd. I am having a special giveaway! It's been forever since I've had one of those and I thought it was time for some fun! Hope to see you then. ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Vintage Rosary Jewelry

I've been busy creating beautiful new jewelry and adding these to my website!

On our recent trip to Marburger, I found a small box of vintage religious medals, broken rosary beads and charms. I couldn't wait to return home to start creating with them!

I also collect vintage prayer cards and I've been wanting to create jewelry with these special images too. To me, these images of faith are so beautiful, innocent and calming. In a world full of busy-ness, wearing these pieces of jewelry always reminds me to slow down, take a breath and remember what is really important.

When I come across these religious medals, charms and beads, it almost brings me to tears. These pieces are too special to be forgotten about. Creating jewelry with these long ago discarded pieces makes my heart feel a little better and I am happy to share them with those of you who feel the same way too.

These pretty new pieces (and more) can be found HERE. Merci ~ xo Joy

The White Pumpkin Adventure

It’s funny what lengths we crafters will go to once we get an idea in our noggins. I wanted a white pumpkin for a glamour display in the kitchen using a favorite tiara and a nest of vintage French lace trim. I drove all over town looking for a large white pumpkin and could only find the little baby ones….. cute, but not what I wanted.

In desperation, I purchased a regular orange one. What’s a crafter to do? Paint it! Out came a bottle of light Ivory craft paint and in minutes I had my white pumpkin. The funny moment came when I was caught by Mr. Cupid as he arrived home from work applying an antiquing glaze over the white paint…. you know, to give it that “aged” look.

It felt a little like a Lucy Ricardo moment standing there applying antiquing glaze to a pumpkin….could I be the only woman in America crazy enough to antique a pumpkin?? I don’t know, but I really love the effect and I have my white pumpkin now!

French Style Pillows

I recently ordered these handmade French inspired pillows from two different artists on Etsy and was so pleased with their products and service that I wanted to share their shops with you!

I loved the background French script on this fabric and the artist added crown, chandelier and birdcage upped the glamour!

When we were in Marburger, I saw this fabric everywhere reupholstered on fancy antique chairs and sofas. But not with the added screen print! I think the added designs really makes these pillows….love them. I purchased these pillows from RU Piper Designs. She has dozens of beautifully handmade pillows in her shop so please go visit!

I love this pillow too! The fabric is really soft and I like the added touch of sweet ruffles on the side. The French screen print design is really charming and I purchased this pillow from Blue Creek Home. If she does not have one in stock, just shoot her an email about the French pillow. It’s one of her best sellers and she is always restocking

I've been very happy with our comfy neutral sofa because I can change the look of the room just by changing out the pillows. I tend to get tired of things quick and it’s an easy and inexpensive way to redecorate. If you like swapping pillows too, please visit these creative artists and add a little touch of Paris to your home. xoxo ~ Joy

Back In The Saddle…

I am back in the studio after our trip to the hill country of Texas! We had a wonderful time in hip Austin and also enjoyed time in charming Fredericksburg.

I also did some buying for Cupids Charm at the AMAZING Marburger and Warrenton shows during Texas Antique Weekend and I can’t wait to share my special finds with you!

I’ll be spending lots of time at my computer this week catching up with orders and emails…

…and then I can’t wait to spend time soldering and creating new jewelry pieces for the website with my newest treasures from Texas. Stay tuned… some sparkling beauties will be listed soon! xoxo ~ Joy