Cupids Charm - Notes From A Charmed Life

Studio Snaps

2012-01-20T12:14:00.004-05:00

My workbench has been covered with sparkle and vintage beauties all week! I thought I would share a sneak peek at what I’ve been so busy working on ……

These are just a few of my newest necklace designs….I have another dozen or so that I am putting the final touches on this afternoon…

…..and then I’ll finish up with more bracelets and earrings…..all headed to my website next week…

Thanks for your visit today and I hope your weekend is filled with lots of sparkle too! ~ xo Joy

Studio Snaps…

2012-01-07T00:11:00.009-05:00

Its been a very busy week in the studio for me….the new year is off to a bang!

I am loving my newest pieces and will have a hard time letting some of these special pieces go, but I am sure my girls are going to wonderful new homes…

These are just a few of my newest pieces that will be listed on my website later this weekend.

Hope your weekend is filled with beautiful sparkle too. ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Thoughts for the New Year

2011-12-27T14:05:00.003-05:00

Another year is knocking on the door, and for me, this time of year always brings thoughts of gratitude for the path I have traveled over the last 12 months and hopes for continued blessings that will carry me and loved ones through the upcoming New Year.

As I look back, I am so grateful for my loving husband and family and also grateful that I am able to pursue my creative passion as my life’s work. Meeting so many of you through my website, blog and facebook has been a true blessing and joy that I feel each and every day. Thank you for your kindness, your encouragement, your orders and your support this past year. It means more than you could ever know. All my blessings to you and your families for much love, health and happiness in 2012. ~ xoxo Joy

The Night Before Christmas…

2011-12-24T16:33:00.005-05:00

…tiny snowmen invaded my holiday kitchen. Sweet little snowmen that were originally manufactured to be Christmas package decorations used at department store gift wrapping counters, circa late 1940s...

….now these tiny snowmen dance in coconut snow….…a sweet life to be sure…especially when they now decorate our traditional French holiday dessert, the yummy Buche de Noel (yule log)…

….a classic French rolled cake filled with flavored buttercream and ganache frosting that’s textured to look like tree bark.

Decorating is the fun part! Meringue mushrooms dusted with coco powder pop up among tiny trees and anything else your heart desires….like little vintage snowmen whose sole job now is to wish you a very Merry Christmas….a la French style!

A Marie Antoinette Christmas

2011-12-23T22:42:00.014-05:00

One of my favorite places to shop online for special soaps, perfumes, bubble baths and other assorted beauty products is Tokyo Milk. The products are really wonderful and the packaging is as enticing as the actual products are! They also offered this darling card for Christmas this year…

If you would love to have yourself a “Marie Christmas” too, you might enjoy any of these goodies that I always have on hand. Just so you know, this is not a paid endorsement ladies….I love this stuff and I am sure you will too…

Marie Antoinette No. 15 Bubble Bath ($22) & Kiss and Tell Kissing Kit ($24)

Marie Petit Parfum Solid ($18) & Let Them Eat Cake Bon Bon Lip Balm ($10)

Fine Soap - White Flower No. 12 ( $11) & Fine Soap – Rose Flower No. 12 ($11)

….and while you are lounging in a Marie Antoinette bubble bath, you might enjoy this new book that was published a few months ago….. Becoming Marie Antoinette by Juliet Grey

This is the first book in a new trilogy about the life of Marie Antoinette. My main focus on Marie has always been through non-fiction biographies but I am really enjoying reading this historical fiction based book that weaves true facts into a storyline full of thoughts and feelings that I can easily imagine were felt by Marie Antoinette. LOVE this book and it’s on sale right now over on Amazon.

In the studio this week I made a few Marie Antoinette soldered charm necklaces in the style of my popular Vintage Prayer Card necklaces…

I’ll have these and a few other new styles coming soon to the website. Until then…..I wish you a happy and beautiful..... Marie Christmas! ~ XO ~ Joy

Sparkle in the Studio…

2011-12-17T22:47:00.003-05:00

Hello Mes Amis! I hope everyone is enjoying this special time of year and looking forward to all the good things the holiday has to bring. I thought I would be taking the week before and the week after Christmas off and using that time to catch up with my office bookkeeping……and housekeeping chores…..but instead I went shopping at my favorite antique store today and came home with this little pile of inspiration...

So many of you dear ones have been visiting my website lately and I am thrilled that you have chosen to purchase a few trinkets as gifts for loved ones…and yourself too! : ) Thank you so very much for your patronage and sharing with me the passion for vintage baubles…

My website is really sparse right now as most everything is sold, so rather than spend my time on D..U..L..L.. booking or housekeeping chores, I will instead be joyfully creating more trinkets in my workshop this week for the website!

I’d much rather be playing with these treasures than doing chores....

I am really inspired right now and my noggin’ is spinning with ideas for going all out with a French and Marie Antoinette theme jewelry explosion…….mon Dieu!!! Lots of sparkle is on the way! ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Creating Vintage Charm

2011-12-13T11:32:00.006-05:00

Do you know about this lovely magazine? Creating Vintage Charm is published quarterly by the talented Sonia Crouse and this beautiful publication is filled with inspiring articles and tutorials on everything creative.

Needless to say, I was at once thrilled and humbled when she emailed a request to feature me in the “Meet the Artist” section of the new Holiday/Winter edition.

I just received my copy and the entire magazine is filled with beautiful photographs and articles on everything from baking delicious French Macarons, tutorials for crafting holiday ornaments to a lovely article about the Once Upon A Dream Art Event held recently in Asheville, NC. This lovely issue can be ordered directly from MagCloud by clicking THIS LINK.

Thank you Sonia for including me in your wonderful publication and for continuing to inspire creativity and crafting for artists everywhere.

Bracelet SALE!

2011-12-03T19:55:00.003-05:00

Add a little (or a LOT!) of bling to your holiday season this year with one of these GORGEOUS antique or vintage buckle bracelets...

.... for a very limited time, ALL bracelets are on SALE for 15% off plus there is FREE shipping too!

Each jewel is a one-of-a-kind beauty so Click HERE to come shop for your favorite before it's gone forever. Merci Mon Amies ~ xo ~ Joy

What I’ve Been Working On…..

2011-11-29T21:17:00.007-05:00

My newest pieces are starting to find their way to the website! I thought I would share with you what I’ve been working on this week….

I think this one below may be my most favorite of all time....the La Mere Sacred Heart Necklace...

…each piece is a one of a kind creation and I am having a hard time picking my favorite. You can click HERE to come see my newest listings. My workbench is loaded right now, so be sure to visit later in the week for more sparkle! Merci ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Studio Snap - Jewelry Show Loot!

2011-11-25T18:01:00.005-05:00

For most shoppers, Black Friday means heading out to the local mall to shop. For me it meant heading downtown to the Coliseum to attend a national Gem and Jewelry show! Here’s a small sample of the treasures I came home with…

I thought I was done with my buying trips until after the first of the year, but this show is a really good source for antique jewelry pieces and also fabulous gems and beads. I also came home with strands of genuine ruby, sapphire, garnet, tourmaline and aquamarine beads and I am excited to start adding these precious stones to my designs. Stay tuned…new jewels are coming soon!!! xoxo ~ Joy

Assemblage Earrings

2011-11-21T16:14:00.009-05:00

I had a productive weekend in the studio! Digging through stacks of jewelry boxes stuffed with sparkling treasures…

I’ve been wanting to jazz up my earring line for some time now and I finally just sat down and created some new pieces using antique and vintage elements.

Each pair is a special one-of-a-kind design and although there are just a few pairs listed right now, please watch my website to see the yummy new pieces that will be added soon. Merci mon amies ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Broken China Jewelry! New Charm Bracelets and Necklaces!

2011-11-18T16:15:00.013-05:00

I’m back from my mid-west buying trip and boy do I have some beautiful new pieces coming just in time for the holidays! I can’t wait to start creating with my newest treasures.

Before I start working on the new jewelry, I first wanted to finish up a few pieces that I left unfinished on my workbench as I dashed to catch the plane last week.

I’ve been wanting to combine some pretty French china pieces with creamy pearls and rosary beads……simply luscious!

And I wanted to make a few more bracelets too……

…especially since I recently acquired a few more pieces of a favorite pattern that features a darling robin sitting in a wreath of roses.

I find this pattern totally CHARMING!

All these pretties were listed on the website today. This weekend I will be laying out patterns for a dozen new necklaces being created with the antique and vintage goodies I’ve been hoarding…..I mean…..collecting : )

Hope your weekend is equally creative and full of sparkle too! ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Antique and Vintage Buckle Bracelets

2011-11-08T22:31:00.007-05:00

Just listed on the website! Gorgeous, sparkling, one-of-a-kind jewels for your wrists!

These are just a few of my favorites….

….so very special and so lovely to wear. I am asked about them everywhere I go when I wear mine out and about….

….and speaking of out and about…..I am heading out west for my last buying trip before the holidays. This is my last chance to stock up on some very special antique and vintage pieces to create with.

I’ll be back in the studio next Wednesday, Nov. 16th. The website will be open to process orders, so you can still purchase your favorite pieces before someone else does and your order will ship as soon as I return. Merci Mon Amies! ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Sunday in the Studio

2011-11-06T11:02:00.007-05:00

I snapped a photo of this sweet flower arrangement on my workbench today…

There’s lots of beauty being created here today!!! I’m putting the finishing touches on another batch of antique French cut steel buckles, vintage rhinestone buckles and broken china bracelets. Everything should be up on the website by mid-week. Until then…

I hope your week starts with much love and beauty too. ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Celebrating Marie Antoinette

2011-11-02T16:54:00.007-04:00

Born on November 2, 1755, today marks Marie Antoinette’s 256th birthday. The perfect excuse to indulge in a little cake and champagne tonight!

As Marie is still an influence and a muse for my designs, I created this special sparkler today with a gorgeous estate find I recently acquired.

I was saving it for something special and I think using one of my favorite portraits of Marie is the perfect touch for this heart and crown vintage rhinestone pendant. She will be added to my website later today. Vive la Reine! ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Vintage Spoon Bracelets Back In Stock!

2011-10-26T16:35:00.005-04:00

Just listed on the website......a fresh batch of vintage spoon bracelets with broken china charms!

Each one is a true original and a one-of-a-kind jewel. They go fast so click HERE to come shop for one of your very own. ~ Merci ~ xoxo Joy

Weekend Antique Show Finds

2011-10-25T11:03:00.005-04:00

Lots of sparkling vintage pretties found their way into my studio this weekend!

I attended a local 3 Day Antique and Collectible show that is a must on my shopping list every year.

This year I changed things up a bit. Typically I go on the last day of the show because I believed that you could get the best bargains on the final afternoon. I always found a few treasures and never went home disappointed.

However, this year I went for the 3 hour preview show that was held the evening before the show started. What a difference!! The vendor booths were packed with great finds and I found many items that I know would not still be there if I had waited until the last day to shop. I was most surprised by the discounts I could still get. The deals were every bit as good as if I had waited until the final hours of the show.

I finally learned that when you’re shopping for special one- of- a- kind pieces, it’s best to get there before the crowd. Next time, I’ll be one of those in line waiting for the doors to open! I am excited about the pretties I came home with and will be creating new jewels from them this week. ~ xoxo ~ Joy

p.s. ~ Heads up for those of you waiting for more spoon bracelets…..I just finished a new batch that will be listed on the website tomorrow!

Are You Following Me?

2011-10-21T13:10:00.004-04:00

Hello Mes Amies! Happy Friday to everyone! Today I ask the question “are you following me” after receiving a number of emails this week inquiring about jewelry pieces that have already sold. As my designs are becoming more and more strictly one-of-a- kind pieces, I am sorry to see some of you missing out on jewelry because it was already sold by the time you found it.

I will let you in on a little secret. I LOVE my customers who have already purchased from me, I LOVE those who have signed up for my email list and I LOVE those who have “Liked” me on Facebook. To show my LOVE and appreciation to those who connect with me, I LOVE to do “Surprise Sales”. A quick little sale that lasts for just a couple of days and I keep those sales PRIVATE…..just for those on my lists.

I had one of those sales last weekend and so many of you came right over to purchase a little somethin’ somethin’ that the website is getting sparse again! THANK YOU to everyone who came by to shop with me. I appreciate your friendship and your business.

If you are not on any of my lists, I invite you to sign up HERE for my website email list…..and sign up HERE to Like me on Facebook. With the holidays fast approaching…..YIKES….just 9 more weekends before Christmas is here!!!.....I would hate for you to miss out on a special piece of jewelry……and at a sale price too. So please, come follow me! ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Vintage Rosary, Prayer Card and Rhinestone Jewelry

2011-10-14T11:56:00.009-04:00

Lots of new pretties have made their way to the website this week!

I just adore the vintage patina and sparkle on old rhinestone pieces. I am a purist with my jewelry finds as I prefer to leave them in their “as found” state. I do clean them and very lightly polish them to bring out a touch more sparkle and remove the gunk that has accumulated over the years. I also try to purchase only pieces with all their original rhinestones attached and I avoid the pieces with missing, yellow or blackened stones. Sometimes those pieces can work, but for the most part, I prefer pieces that you can tell were taken very good care of. They cost me more, but their more pristine state is appealing to me. I also prefer not to age the metals with chemicals or acids. Me + toxic chemicals = trouble!

I also finished a new batch of my popular Vintage Prayer Card and Rosary Necklaces. Each one I make is different and no two are alike. They are beautiful dressed up or dressed down and I always receive compliments whenever I wear these pieces. They go fast, so click HERE if you wish to grab one before your favorites are gone.

My plan is to pretty much list one to several new pieces each and every day from now through the holidays. My calendar is filling up with short buying trips and also visits to top antique jewelry and gems shows looking for new treasures to turn into sparkling vintage and antique revamped jewelry. Please stay tuned to the blog and visit the website often so you can be among the first to catch the new items. Merci ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Shopping for Vintage Jewelry

2011-10-08T20:44:00.005-04:00

This morning I was on a mission. A quick mission to get in and out of just ONE antique shop…. my favorite one for finding antique and vintage jewelry components to work with. The stars must be in perfect alignment in my house of shopping because I added these treasures to my collection today….

It’s the best luck I’ve had in quite some time now and I can’t wait to sit down at my work bench and start creating. These will be my project pieces for next week.

Now that I am no longer accepting custom orders, it has really freed up my schedule and I feel like I am accomplishing so much more by the end of the day. The website has been a bit sparse lately with most of the items sold, but now that I am adding new pieces every day, I hope to be more productive and have more one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces available for you, my sweet customers. ~ xo ~ Joy

Purchased Relatives and Sparkling New Jewelry!

2011-10-03T18:55:00.009-04:00

I am introducing a fun and totally charming new line of jewelry…..Purchased Relatives! You can’t always pick your family, but you can purchase your own instant relatives with my newest collection!

I’ve created each one using an original antique tintype photograph from the 1870s and each purchased relative comes with their own story that ends with a positive legacy to share with you. So fun!!! I've added a few to the website today and there are more to come soon....

Click HERE to come adopt a new relative!

I also added another half dozen Antique French Cut Steel Buckle Bracelets and some new bracelets made from sparkling Vintage Rhinestone Buckles. I practically need to wear shades when creating this jewelry. The sparkle in person is positively amazing!

Click HERE to come see my newest bracelets.

There are lots of new jewels coming to the website and I’ll be adding new pieces EVERYDAY from now through the holidays, so please visit often to see my newest one-of-a-kind additions. Merci ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Vintage Grace...

2011-09-26T12:50:00.003-04:00

A Charming Goodbye…

2011-09-20T13:18:00.010-04:00

As things have gotten busier in the studio, I’ve decided to eliminate our soldered charms category. This will give me a little extra time in my day to focus on other jewelry designs that are quickly becoming a passion.

I have a few remaining charms in stock and I’ve marked them for clearance at 50% off!! If you would like to purchase the last of my sweet trinkets, please visit my website HERE. Once they are gone, they are gone for good. ~ Merci ~ xoxo ~ Joy

***UPDATE: After receiving a few recent emails, there seems to be a bit of confusion regarding the charms I am no longer doing so I thought I would clarify. I WILL still be creating soldered charms and broken china charms, but I will be incorporating these pieces into finished, full necklace and bracelet designs. What I will NOT be doing is accepting orders for single, individual, made to order charms, like those pictured above. If you have any questions, please feel free to shoot me an email. Thanks.

Antique French Shoe Buckle Bracelets

2011-09-16T13:42:00.004-04:00

Just Listed!! A few new bracelets made with antique French Cut Steel shoe buckles, antique cameos and vintage Paris Souvenir bracelets.

I must be crazy because there are even two very special bracelets created from a rare and hard to find Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI Versailles Souvenir Bracelet. As much as I adore all things Marie Antoinette, I can't believe that I've listed them for sale and I am not keeping them for myself. Come see before I change my mind!

You can see my newest jewels by clicking HERE! ~ Merci ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Just Listed!

2011-09-13T13:38:00.002-04:00

Vintage Style Rhinestone Bracelets ~ Just $30 !!

Mrs. Appleby

2011-09-07T15:10:00.008-04:00

Meet Mrs. Appleby and her traveling companions who arrived in my studio today. It’s been a looooong journey for these beautiful women to find me….approximately 151 years to be exact.

My newest obsession is collecting antique Tintypes, especially of women wearing jewelry. One photo was marked on the back as being Mrs. Appleby, that’s her below on the right with the large fringed bow, layered necklaces and dangling earrings….a girl after my own heart!

Just think…one day in 1860, Mrs. Appleby of Philadelphia, curled her hair in the latest fashion, put on her best dress and jewels and headed out by carriage to have her photograph taken for posterity. Although Mrs. Appleby is long gone, her image remains behind and has found its way to a little Florida studio.

Mrs. Appleby and her friends have been rescued from the bottom of their dark drawers, boxes, attics or wherever they had been hidden away and are now going to have a new lease on life. These beauties from the past will be turned into beautiful jewelry pieces where they can be loved and admired rather than forgotten and lost to time. Stay tuned to my blog to see where their newest adventure takes them. I am sure Mrs. Appleby would approve. ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Coming Soon...

2011-09-05T17:05:00.004-04:00

Finding Beauty

2011-09-05T09:42:00.009-04:00

May your day be filled with beauty. ~ xo ~ Joy

Fancy Things Made Here

2011-09-02T10:03:00.004-04:00

Fun things to do with vintage Cabinet Cards…..make little shop signs!

This holiday weekend will find me busy in the studio playing with sparkling vintage jewels and happily creating treasures for the website. My sister is celebrating a birthday so I am also making something special and sparkling just for her. Every girl should sparkle on her birthday don’t you think?

I hope your holiday weekend finds you spending time doing something you love too. ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Special Finds

2011-08-31T12:13:00.009-04:00

I snapped a few photos this morning of several vintage goodies I purchased last week in Utah…

I love this turn-of-the-century dresser box with an antique French hand colored engraving “Le Serment D’amour”…. The Oath of Love… it features two romantic lovers surrounded by Cherubs and Angels. I thought this would be a great place to keep my stash of special components I’ll be using for my vintage bracelets. I love opening this box and seeing all that sparkle! It’s going to be hard to let any of these special pieces go…..

I also purchased numerous vintage dress clips, rhinestone chains & buttons, rosaries and more…

Thank you to everyone who came by to place orders from my website last week while I was gone. Your orders have shipped and you will be sparkling in no time! Now I am off to create more sparkle so please stay tuned to the blog to see what’s coming next! Merci ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Back In The Studio!

2011-08-29T17:21:00.023-04:00

I am back in the studio after our getaway break and happy to announce 2 winners for my $50 Gift Certificates!!! The photos on my previous blog post are from UTAH!!!

The Random Number Generator selected #10 from all the comments which means that Dotti from True Self Studio wins the first $50 Gift Certificate. The bonus $50 Gift Certificate goes to Terri Gordon for guessing exactly where I was…..the beautiful Sundance Resort!!! Congratulations to Dotti and Terri! Please contact me for info on how to use your gift certificates.

We were able to visit several beautiful areas in Utah and the most peaceful was our visit to the Sundance Resort owned by actor Robert Redford.

(Please forgive the quality of the photos – I do not travel with my big girl camera and these photos were snapped with my cell phone and our small point-and-click camera.)

He has truly created a beautiful and pristine resort. It’s a place I would love to visit again.

We also visited Arches National Park in Moab…..

…..and Canyonlands……

While in Moab we stayed in the charming Sunflower Hill Bed & Breakfast Inn…

We saw incredible scenery everywhere we drove. Living at sea level in Florida really makes you appreciate the majestic beauty of cloud reaching mountains. Here is just one pretty shot I took from our car as we drove….

Our final stay was in Park City on their historic Main Street. We enjoyed great shopping and dining all within walking distance of our hotel, The Caledonian.

Antique malls and shops are few and far between in Utah, but I had really good luck on a quick trip into Salt Lake City. An afternoon there busted my budget for sparkling treasures and I can’t wait to start creating special pieces with my finds.

Stay tuned for treasure photos and THANK YOU to everyone who played along trying to guess where I was and left a comment for the giveaway. Have a beautiful week!

Studio Update and a GIVEAWAY!

2011-08-18T12:55:00.005-04:00

We are taking a break to escape the hot and humid flatlands of Florida to find cool, fresh mountain air. While we are away, I thought it would be fun to offer a giveaway for a $50 gift certificate good for anything in my shop!!!

Here is a photo of where we are headed…

While on our trip, I’ll have the opportunity to visit an Outdoor Flea Market that was recently included on the Top 50 Flea Markets in the U.S. by Romantic Homes Magazine and I’ve scheduled visits to numerous antique malls and shops through-out this beautiful state. I hope to return with a suitcase full of jewelry treasures to use for upcoming designs.

To be entered for the $50 gift certificate, just leave a comment below with a guess of where you think I might be. You don’t need to have a correct guess to win, but you do need to leave a comment. And if someone happens to guess the specific location from the photos, I’ll give that person a $50 Gift Certificate too! Bonus!!

As a side note – My shop will still be open to place orders, but orders will not ship until after our return on Monday, August 29th. The Gift Certificate winner will be selected on that date too. Good Luck Mon Amies and have fun! ~ xoxo ~ Joy

The Locket

2011-08-14T14:45:00.015-04:00

Truth be known, I suffer from The Cobblers Children syndrome….you know, the story about how the Cobblers children have no shoes…well, that’s me, but with jewelry. I make a lot of special pieces, but I end up selling everything I make and then never have pretty pieces left for me. Well, that changed….

…when I came across this beautiful locket. I purchased this directly from an antique dealer and she purchased it for herself, over 50 years ago from an estate. The locket dates to the Civil War and is certainly the oldest piece of jewelry I have ever owned.

Although the age of the piece is very special, what caught my breath when I saw it were the initials in the monogram……those are my maiden initials….JMD….what are the odds?

The back of the locket is also engraved with a beautiful “D”…which corresponds with my maiden family last name of Dunbar. The antique dealer told me she purchased it for herself because her last name started with a “D” but the front monogram did not match the rest of her name…but it matched mine perfectly!

Although I was not shopping for myself, this piece was too special to walk away from and I knew that I’d never find another one like it.

So last night, I gathered my favorite beads, rhinestones, chains, rosaries and cameos pieces and sat down to create a pretty necklace for myself…..the Cobblers Child is now bejeweled!

The inside of the locket was empty and I often think about what treasures it held. Lockets became very popular during the Civil War because so many husbands, sons and brothers marched off to war and the women left behind kept photos and small trinkets inside to remember their loved ones.

So, to fill the empty inside, I add a couple of special images from my collection of antique French prayer cards…..a Sacred Heart Mary and a rose covered Sacred Heart symbol. I then added vintage rhinestone chain inside the locket around each image…..the little flash of bling when you open the locket is so pretty.

I am very happy with how this unexpected and serendipitous find turned into a special necklace that I will finally keep for myself.

Although my locket necklace shown here on the model is not for sale….how strange for me to say those words….Not…For….Sale…. - the antique Mother of Pearl Wedding Rosary Necklace that it is pictured with, is for sale, and can be found HERE. ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Organizing the Studio…

2011-08-13T17:09:00.018-04:00

Happy Weekend!

I added these pretty grocery store roses to the studio this weekend to enjoy while I work on getting a bit more organized….

I’ve been sorting through my stash of jewelry making elements....

…trying to gather and store like items together…

…as I add more pieces to my collection, it’s more important then ever to be able to find what I am looking for (and not forget what I already have!)… as I work….

…I love using vintage jewelry boxes for storage. The compartments are just the right size to hold all the tiny pieces and I love the old velvet and satin linings too…

…I keep these boxes on my workbench so they are always within an arm’s reach. It took a few hours to sort through everything and I banished all the so-so pieces to a storage box in the closet and I am only keeping out the pieces I am truly inspired by. Now that I am organized I can’t wait to start creating some new couture pieces this week! ~ xoxo ~ Joy

A Renewed Heirloom….

2011-08-09T14:53:00.004-04:00

…a pretty rhinestone and pearl dress clip….

…on its way back to Carol…

…a sentimental family treasure that was once tucked away, now will be enjoyed by Carol in a new way….Thank you Carol! It was a pleasure creating this for you. Enjoy! ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Studio Snap...

2011-08-07T16:02:00.007-04:00

...a few new pretties found their way into my studio today! A lazy afternoon shopping at my favorite antique shop produced a few treasures for me to create with this upcoming week...

...dreamy strands of freshwater pearls in creamy white and grey....a vintage mother of pearl rosary for my collection....

...victorian cameos, vintage pot metal rhinestone bracelets and dress clips, and victorian cut steel buttons....and a few other treasures to surprise you with soon....stay tuned to the blog! ~ Merci ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Antique Baby Shoe Buttons

2011-08-04T10:58:00.006-04:00

A sweet snap from the studio today!

I just received this darling collection of antique baby shoe buttons collected by a European source. How precious are these!

Teeny Tiny little Mother-of-Pearl buttons on heavy shanks that once were used for the smallest of shoes. I plan to use these as special accent charms on bracelets and necklaces coming soon to the website. Stay tuned to the blog to see what they turn into! ~ Merci ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Sparkling Vintage Buckle Bracelets!

2011-08-02T16:11:00.010-04:00

Nothing sparkles like vintage rhinestones and these gorgeous new *old* bracelets are full of sparkle! Just listed on the website today…

Yummy vintage patina on the metal and the rhinestones…

...can’t get enough of that vintage sparkle…

…so pretty worn casually on your wrist….

Can you tell that I’ve been busy at my workbench this week? If you would like to see more information on these newest additions, please click HERE. ~ Merci ~ xoxo Joy

Vintage and Antique Trinkets….

2011-08-01T16:38:00.010-04:00

I just listed a few new, One-of-a-Kind designs on the website today! Here are a couple of my favorites……sooo special and sooo much sparkle…

Art Deco Vintage Rhinestone Dress Clip Necklace

I love how you can dress these pieces up or down…

I also love mixing antique jewelry pieces with vintage rosary pieces…

Antique Blue Stone Filigree & Rosary Necklace

These are so unique and the antique elements will always have value that will increase as the years go by. Beautiful jewelry that can become heirloom pieces tomorrow but can be worn and enjoyed today.

Both these beauties can be found on my Necklace Page if you would like more information. Merci ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Flea Market Finds

2011-07-30T18:09:00.009-04:00

A quick trip to a local flea market this morning yielded a few new *old* treasures!!! I was excited to find a number of vintage rosaries…

Several of them are sweet Christening rosaries for baby girls…..precious…..

I found a couple of vintage French cut steel buckles…..it’s getting harder and harder to find good ones and even harder to find them in matching pairs….and they can be very pricey too. I’ve learned the art of the deal from “Frank” on American Pickers….it’s all about the “Bundle”!! The vendor with the buckles also had all the rosaries and when I suggested a price for all if purchased in a "bundle", she was willing to accept prices that made them affordable for me. Yeah! Watching TV can be an educational experience!

I also found a couple of Victorian era pins, vintage rhinestone pins and vintage sterling crosses.

One of the best deals was for two antique French Limoges china plates. These are very old and have pretty painted flowers and the edge of the plates are decorated in real gold gilt with feminine bow details….sooo pretty for a luncheon!

These plates will NOT be used for broken china jewelry, but I will add these to my ever growing set of mis-matched china.

Our flea market allows individuals to drive up to a field next to the market and sell from their trunks. I purchased these two plates from the trunk of an old station wagon! The grand total for these antique gold edged French plates?….. $3 for both…..deal of the day and not even necessary to ask for a “bundle”!

Hope your weekend is full of found treasures and stay tuned to my blog for updates about pretty new *old* jewelry pieces coming to the website soon. Merci ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Marie Antoinette, Elisabeth Vigee-Lebrun and me…

2011-07-29T17:11:00.008-04:00

Last weekend I was thissssssss close to Marie Antoinette…sort of. By way of a happy surprise, my husband and I visited the Museum of Fine Arts here in St. Petersburg, Florida. As I turned a corner, I first saw her from across the room and she caught my breath….

Could it be? An original Lebrun? I walked closer with hopeful anticipation building………

Yes! A new 18th century portrait had been added to the collection. This gorgeous painting is the original Vigee-Lebrun painting of “Julie as Flora, the Roman Goddess of Flowers”, circa 1799. Julie is Lebruns daughter and she is 19 years old in this portrait.

Vigee-Lebrun is recognized as one of the most famous female painters of the 18th century and as her career blossomed, she was invited to the Palace of Versailles to paint Marie Antoinette. Marie was very pleased with her work and took her under her wing and the two became friends. Oooooh, to have been a fly on the palace walls to watch the scene as those two worked together!!! Over the next six or so years, Elisabeth would paint more than thirty portraits of the Queen and her family.

She was well known for painting beautiful skin tones and being just a breath away from this beautiful portrait was just magical. My photos cannot pick up the gorgeous detail of this painting, but her work and painting style are superb. You cannot even see brush strokes in her painting. It’s as if the paint is as smooth as glass and one tone flows into another.

Having studied fine art in college, I have a deep appreciation for the techniques and talent needed to do such work. It was a very special moment for me to be standing before the work of such a talented artist from the past and an artist who worked so closely with Marie Antoinette. Now if I can only make it over to Paris to see her portraits of the Queen displayed in Versailles…close, but yet so far away.....sigh….

Earrings On Sale!!!

2011-07-25T18:41:00.005-04:00

There is nothing like a little sparkle on your ears to perk up a girls mood! Just doing my part looking out for your mental health!!! Come shop for your favorites before they are gone. Merci ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Earrings at Cupids Charm

Vintage Rhinestone and Wedding Rosary Jewelry

2011-07-23T22:29:00.008-04:00

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the sparkle of vintage rhinestone pieces. They always catch my eye when out shopping for special jewelry pieces.

Especially when the old silver is faded and has that wonderful patina that only aged jewels can have. When creating my jewelry, I never use acids or chemicals to “age” my jewels or metals. It’s just a personal preference I have for the beauty of naturally aged metals and stones.

Vintage rhinestone pieces are a favorite because I love that you can wear these special pieces all dressed up in your favorite little black dress or when you are kicking around on the weekends in your favorite pair of blue jeans and white tee shirt. It’s a classic look that never goes out of style.

I pulled a few favorites from my collection this week to create these special new *old* jewelry pieces. They are fresh to the website and you can find them HERE!

I am still enamored with old religious pieces and combining them into new jewelry pieces. I’ve been saving a couple of very special antique Wedding Rosary’s. These are rare and special and I could not bring myself to dismantle these precious pieces. They are slightly smaller than a traditional rosary and I finally came up with the idea to just embellish what I had. So I added a clasp so you can wear it as a necklace and I added extra crosses and sparkles to make them one-of-a-kind beauties to be worn and loved in a new way rather than tucked away in a dark drawer.

I think it’s a beautiful way to remember all the blessings in your life as you notice their sparkling beauty when wearing these special pieces. We can all benefit from moments of reflection during our busy day and I know that I enjoy wearing my pieces often. And I can’t begin to tell you how often I am stopped and asked about them when wearing my rosary jewelry pieces. It seems many of us are looking for a way to express our spirituality in a new and different way. You can find these special pieces HERE!

What’s next? The workbench is loaded this weekend with antique and vintage bracelet components being created into new jewels coming soon to my website…stay tuned for more vintage beauty! Merci ~ xoxo ~ Joy

French Macarons…

2011-07-22T19:30:00.003-04:00

Is it wrong to serve your husband Macarons for dinner?

I came home with these luscious treats today from a local French bakery. They are beyond delicious and I would be a happy girl just have a plate of these and a glass of champagne for dinner.

But my dream is to dine on true Macarons…. in Paris at Laduree. Here is a link to their charming new website where you can join me in my dreams of luscious Parisian treats. Bon Appetit!

Laduree ~ Paris

Hello Vodka! Saturday Night Party Necklace...

2011-07-18T12:25:00.005-04:00

Just listed….. a colorful beaded necklace that I created using a vintage English Staffordshire porcelain liquor bottle tag as the attention getting centerpiece. What fun!!!

Can you imagine what great service you would receive when stepping up to place your drink order at a favorite bar, restaurant or night club?

If you’d like to add a little fun and sparkle to your weekend party attire, please click HERE to visit my website for more information. Merci! ~ xoxo ~ Joy

New Vintage Friends…

2011-07-17T13:28:00.009-04:00

Thought I would introduce you to some sweet new friends who have taken up residence in my studio…

A small, vintage French couple, hand painted and made out of chalkware, found while antiquing this weekend. They had to come home with me and of course, I’ve named them Antoinette and Louis : )

They hold a sparkling pair of Vintage Peach & Clear Rhinestone Earrings (the last pair available for those of you looking for a touch of sparkle!) ~ Merci ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Vintage Jewels…

2011-07-15T14:01:00.006-04:00

…just a few that are headed to the website very soon!

I’ve been busy assembling my recent vintage finds into new jewels and they will be listed on the website soon….

My workbench is covered with sparkle and I can’t wait to share the newest pieces with you. Hope your weekend is full of sparkle too. ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Studio Snap

2011-07-13T14:33:00.018-04:00

"Love of beauty is taste. The creation of beauty is art"
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~

A quick snap from the studio today of a few vintage rhinestone necklaces waiting their turn to be recreated into something new and beautiful!

~ xoxo ~ Joy

Broken China Bracelets

2011-07-11T15:55:00.005-04:00

...fresh to the website this afternoon! Several new One-of-a-Kind Broken China Charm Bracelets in a link style.

...back to the studio to work on more new *old* jewels! Hope your week is off to a beautiful start. ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Treasure Hunting

2011-07-09T21:32:00.009-04:00

I hit my favorite antique shops this weekend looking for new *old* jewels to create with. Some weekends I search in vain, some weekends the pieces practically jump out of the cabinets into my hands. This was a good weekend.

While shopping, I could not help but overhear two women nearby who were talking and one laughed that rather than calling it “antiquing” she called it “treasure hunting”. I could not agree more!

My finds really are more like “treasures”…or at least special pieces on their way to becoming “treasures”….

I came home with several antique rosary strands, vintage religious medals, vintage cameos, antique porcelain pins and numerous strands of vintage freshwater pearls.

On the way home I stopped for my studio roses that I buy each week at our local Fresh Market. A dozen roses for $7.99…a small price to pay for all the enjoyment they bring me all week long.

This week I changed it up a bit and combined creamy white roses with white Hydrangia….so pretty! I’ll be enjoying these treasures from nature this week while I create jewelry from my newest pieces found while treasure hunting.

Hope your weekend is filled with treasured moments too. ~ xoxo ~ Joy

From My Studio Bookshelf…

2011-07-06T12:42:00.008-04:00

I LOVE BOOKS! In particular, books on jewelry design and history. I thought I would share a few favorite books from my studio library.

My reference collection is growing and I am always challenging myself to learn as much as I can about jewelry history, techniques and beautiful designs from the past. School is never out of session for a self-taught artist whose passion grows stronger every year!

This is a great book for artists and crafters. It’s chocked full of copyright free designs that you can use for your projects. There are beautiful historic monograms for every letter of the alphabet and even combined letter monograms.

There is also a section on historic crown and tiara styles, which is fun to combine with the stylish monograms. I use this book often to create personal stationary and gift tags.

This is my current favorite…everything you could want to know about Georgian Jewelry. This period in time is my personal favorite for jewelry design as it reflects the styles, trends and techniques of the 18th century. This is jewelry from the time period of Marie Antoinette and the glittering French and English Courts. Just imagine the stories these fabulous pieces photographed in this book could tell from that period of time…..sigh…….

I am fascinated at the artistic quality of this period in jewelry making. Just imagine trying to cut, carve and shape these gems and metal settings without benefit of electricity and the power tools we use today to create jewelry.

Although the gem facets are cut very simple and rough compared to the computer cut facets of today’s gems, the age old sparkle and patina of these gems is breathtaking and speaks to my soul. I find it so interesting to learn about the old ways and hope to use this knowledge more and more to influence new ways of creating jewelry for my own collection.

I hope your day is filled with a passion for learning and creating too! ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Friday Finds!

2011-07-02T12:56:00.007-04:00

On Fridays, I like to take an afternoon break and visit a few of my favorite antique shops to search out new *old* treasures. On my radar this week…

…anything with a French Marie essence….L*O*V*E this old picture and the image will be making her way into a future portrait jewelry piece. Until then, she graces my workbench…

…vintage rhinestones are ALWAYS on my list and I found a few necklaces and pins that captured my imagination. I also found a couple of French Souvenir Bracelets…SCORE!!!. The old vintage ones are getting harder and harder to find and I was fortunate to find 2 pretty ones….

I am also being inspired by vintage shoe buckles right now. Whether made with old pot metal & paste rhinestones or from antique French cut steel, I am savoring ideas for turning these pretties into revamped cuff bracelets…

I think my newest sparkling treasures will keep me busy in the studio this weekend and I hope to have the results on my website next week. Until then, I hope your weekend is full of fun and sparkle too!

Spoon Bracelets...

2011-06-29T12:24:00.006-04:00

...fresh to the website!

...less than a couple of dozen to go around... and they go fast...click below to come choose your favorite! Merci ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Vintage Silver Spoon Bracelets by Cupids Charm

Monday Beginnings

2011-06-27T13:20:00.007-04:00

I’ll let you in on a little secret….I LOVE Mondays! I love starting a week fresh and new and with my studio production calendar all organized with upcoming work for the week. Starting fresh and organized just makes the rest of the week flow smoothly.

I also love to start the week with a fresh flower arrangement for the studio. Grocery store roses are a favorite and these were soooo pretty at the market this weekend that I knew they were coming home with me.

I only wish I knew the variety…really large blooms…white with tinges of green on the outside petals and deep pink centers….Mother Nature in all her romantic beauty.

On my schedule for this week? I’ll be listing a whole new batch of vintage spoon bracelets, so stay tuned for those.

Also, I sorted through my stacks of vintage and antique china this weekend. I’ve been so busy creating upcycled jewelry pieces that I’ve all but ignored my broken china pieces. I was prompted to get crackin’…no pun intended : )… because I’ve been receiving email inquiries about making different styles of broken china bracelets. I love the romantic hearts I use on my bracelets now, but I’ve set aside a few days this week to play, experiment and create a few new styles for the shop.

I hope your week is filled with sweet blessings and beauty too! xoxo ~ Joy

Facebook Friends...

2011-06-21T14:55:00.031-04:00

Back in the day a “Facebook” referred to the yearly high school album….

…digging around a bargain basement Flea Market I came across this tattered high school yearbook of the Class of 1926 from Kansas City Kansas High School...

…what a step back in time it is to flip through this album! Of course, it got me thinking and reminiscing about my own high school friends and connections from those years filled with so much change and growth...

….looking through this album I could not help but notice how old the boys and girls looked for their age compared to nowadays. The high school heartthrob looks positively middle-aged!

….I wonder how many of these students maintained their friendships? In today’s busy world, it’s so hard to connect the old fashioned way through letters, notes, visits and phone calls. I am finding myself connecting more and more with friends electronically. The more I use it, the more I love it….

…I’ve decided to jump in with both feet over on Facebook. I am totally in awe that my Personal Page has reached over 3,300 Friend requests this past year!!!

But the time has come to switch to a business “Like” Page and I have to start all over again from scratch....bummer! Personal Page Friends do not automatically transfer to the new business Like page so if you are on my old page, please come "Like" the new page. Starting immediately I will no longer be posting on my old personal page.

I’ll be using the “Like” Page now and I plan to update more, offer fun promotions, discounts and more behind the scenes status reports. Please come Join Me on my new Facebook Page!!! Here is a direct link and I hope to meet up with you over there! ~ Merci ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Cupids Charm Facebook Page

New Jewelry Pieces…..

2011-06-14T18:48:00.007-04:00

….a number of handmade jewels are fresh to the website!!! Some of my favorites include…

French Flower Basket Soldered Art Charm

Romantic Roses Square Soldered Art Charm

Admired - Vintage Hand Painted Porcelain & Rosary Bead Necklace

Hearts Desire Vintage Rhinestone Necklace

J'adore Vintage Rhinestone & Rosary Bead Necklace

...back to the studio to create even more pretties! Hope your day is full of sparkle too! Merci! ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Soldered Charms…

2011-06-09T10:58:00.005-04:00

…sneak peek at a few new soldered charm designs heading to the website this weekend…

I am also super excited about a meeting I have scheduled tomorrow with an antique picker whose specialty is vintage rhinestone jewelry. She has the most unbelievable collection…both in quality and quantity, of rhinestone pieces I’ve ever seen. Her contacts are world-wide and I am over the moon about being able to work with her to start bringing some of these fabulous pieces into Cupids Charm line….stay tuned!! ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Still Adding....

2011-06-05T18:09:00.005-04:00

....new pretties to the website!

I am loving the new size of these Sweet Petite Soldered Charms with extra *bling* added! ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Just a Few More…..

2011-06-04T14:57:00.005-04:00

….added these pretties to the website today…

…vintage French prayer card necklaces…down to just a few left….

Click HERE if you would like to come visit and see the latest additions before they are gone……Merci ~ xoxo ~ Joy

A Few New Charm Bracelets!

2011-06-03T13:54:00.012-04:00

Work is progressing here in the studio and I wanted to share a few new designs that have just been added to the website! I am truly loving these new bracelets in my Blessings Collection….

These bracelets are so comfortable to wear and with the mix of silver and bronze metals, they just seem to go with everything in my closet! I also really love the spiritual sentiments behind these designs and as I glance down at mine throughout the day, I remind myself of the precious blessings in my life.

I also added a few more pieces in the bracelet category….and more are coming. This is a busy weekend in the studio for me and I’ll be loading more goodies throughout different categories on the website over the next few days. It’s taken a bit of time to create these pieces and then it takes almost as much time to photograph, edit and list the jewelry too, so please come back to visit soon as more pretties are being added.

While I work, I am enjoying these beautiful white spray roses that I picked up last night from our local Fresh Market....

I just love roses from the grocery store and at $6.99 for the whole bunch, it’s a great deal. I’ll enjoy these for days to come! Hope your weekend is filled with beauty and special blessings for you to enjoy too. ~ xoxo ~ Joy

New Designs.....

2011-05-23T11:03:00.007-04:00

...coming soon...

Very special elements I am working with in the studio now... ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Studio Snap...

2011-05-20T10:24:00.005-04:00

I feel like an Antwerp Diamond Merchant today!

The sparkle and shine coming from these gorgeous Swarovski Cushion Cut stones is just breathtaking and I am having fun creating with these “diamonds” in the studio today. Hope your weekend is equally sparkling! ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Just Listed! Sparkling Glamour Earrings!

2011-05-10T11:05:00.009-04:00

Just listed on the website!

These are just a few of the newest additions. Please click HERE to come see the rest and maybe even find a pair just for you and add a little sparkle to your day. ~ Merci ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Happy Mothers Day!

2011-05-08T20:15:00.004-04:00

Studio Snaps & News…

2011-05-07T22:00:00.013-04:00

There has been a lot of activity in the studio the last couple of weeks! Exciting things…

I’ve been working hard to redesign my jewelry line by revamping classic pieces and also adding new designs that have been bumping around inside my head for a while now….it’s really crowded in there.

I’ve also been searching out special vendors all across the country and as far away as Austria, Belgium and France, looking for just the right new *old* materials that I want to start working with. And when I can’t find what I am picturing in my mind, I start searching for ways to create, i.e. manufacture, what I want. It can get out of control real fast. Mr. Cupid and I have had some interesting conversations around the dinner table lately. And I am looking at my stock with new eyes… I’ve always bought in quantity when I can, but now the go-to word around here is BULK…whenever possible.

You see, we are ready to kick things up a notch! We restructured the business recently and we are now officially an LLC. We’ve also signed contracts to start advertising monthly in a national magazine for the next full year. That’s a big step for me to get my head around. I was always rather proud that our little business was going along just fine without ever having to advertise. We have the BEST customers…truly LOYAL customers, but my dreams for the next few levels of Cupids Charm will require more growth to get there, so off we go to the world stage for a little promotion action.

Until I can get into my dream studio, it’s more important than ever that what space I do have is efficient and addresses my needs for storage and workability. My sweet but tiny vintage desk has been relocated elsewhere and we created this super long 8-foot workbench by using 2 Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic nightstands and having a board cut at Home Depot to lay across the top.

It’s certainly nothing to cause a big design revolution, but it functions great! Using nightstands works well because they offer additional storage with the drawers and those puppies are loaded already. Now I have plenty of elbow room to solder!

There are more changes coming and I can’t wait to show you some of the new jewelry pieces being added soon. The website is still pretty bare right now, but with our first ad hitting the streets next month, I am working extra hard over the next few weeks to be sure the website is loaded and sparkling by then. Please stay tuned to the blog for updates… xoxo ~ Joy

Find Me Here...

2011-04-28T16:02:00.026-04:00

I am excited to tell you about a fabulous new book my work is published in! Last year I was contacted by the very talented Sherri Haab and asked to be a Gallery Contributor for her latest book, Jewelry Upcycled!

My Broken China, Lace and Spoon Jewelry pieces were used in the chapter: Upcycled Glass and Ceramics…

Sherri’s book is filled with easy-to-follow instructions and creative projects that will have you making beautiful jewelry pieces using recycled items in no time flat. Some of the projects in the book include creating jewelry with metal and wire, plastic, fabric, leather, glass, china and other found objects. Whether you sew, stamp, solder or bead, there is a project in here for you!

Not only is it an honor to be included in Sherri’s book (she is a bestselling and award-winning author of more than twenty books), but I am alongside other Gallery Contributors such as the talented Lisa Kettell and Ruth Rae just to name a few.

This book was just released a couple of weeks ago and can be purchased at all major bookstores, on Sherri’s website or through Amazon.com. Happy Creating! ~ xo ~ Joy

Princess For A Day

2011-04-26T09:54:00.014-04:00

This week, my MCP Project 52 Photography Group on Flickr, had the assignment to submit a photograph with the theme: Princess For A Day. Actually, I believe that every day should be a Princess Day!

I photographed a favorite inspiration displayed in my studio, my Glenda the Good Witch Barbie. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved the classic movie, The Wizard of Oz and Glenda the Good Witch was my favorite character.

I thought she was sooo sparkly and beautiful and I loved that she got to travel around inside a bubble, wear a tiara and wave her magic wand to make anything come true. How great would that be! But she is more than mere dreamy pink fluff to me. A quote she says in the movie struck a chord with me even as a young girl and it’s still one of my personal favorite motto’s to live by….

“You’ve always had the power my dear, you’ve had it all along” ~ Glenda the Good Witch

What a powerful quote to inspire your dreams and your life. Looking deep inside, everything you want is already there, you just need to listen and pay attention to that little voice within and all your dreams can come true. No magic wand required after all.

xoxo ~ Joy

Studio Snap

2011-04-25T13:56:00.006-04:00

New *old * additions to my studio! Sweet vintage Cherubs….

… a treasured birthday gift from my parents that they found in an antique shop in Savannah last week. Each one is almost a foot tall and right now they adorn a tall lamp on my workbench where they supervise my soldering. Such heavenly inspiration and sweet faces to enjoy while I work! ~ xo ~ Joy

Happy Easter!

2011-04-22T11:31:00.003-04:00

Happy Easter greetings to all my Peeps!

Hope your weekend is beautiful! ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Back in the studio…

2011-04-21T12:13:00.013-04:00

We just returned from a lovely trip to Savannah…

Savannah is pure magic and you only have to walk through the beautiful squares in the historic district to fall in love with her charm. My heart belongs to Savannah. We stayed at the Eliza Thompson House, a historic B&B built in 1847 and the trip was even more special because my mom and dad drove down from Virginia to join us.

My sweet hubby planned this trip to celebrate my birthday. Adding more years to the calendar is not so much fun…but a trip to Savannah made turning a year older worth it.

And a surprise Pink Sapphire ring found its way onto my right hand, so maybe I like birthdays a bit more this year…

I am back in the studio working on new projects and trying to reload the website as fast as I can. It’s looking pretty sparse over there after my last sale, so please stayed tuned….more pretties to come. ~ xoxo ~ Joy

A Small Break...

2011-04-13T11:59:00.022-04:00

I am taking a small break from the studio...

...but I'll be back soon...

...I am heading out for a fun road trip with Mr. Cupid...

/div>

...and of course, it's a good excuse to add in a buying trip too....

...I'll be visiting some of my favorite antique shops along the way...

...searching for new *old* treasures to create sparkling jewelry for you! ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Sparkle in the Studio…

2011-04-10T16:16:00.008-04:00

I LOVE LOVE LOVE these earrings and I think they are my most favorite design that I make for the website. So very romantic in a Marie Antoinette way…

There has been a lot of excitement in the studio this weekend! Big happy news is coming soon…new products, website updates and future growth for Cupids Charm. I’ve been dancing and twirling all weekend and can’t wait to share the excitement with you….soon, very soon, mes cheris… ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Studio Snap: Vintage Rosaries & Marie Antoinette…

2011-04-06T12:06:00.012-04:00

…two of my favorite things! Here is a quick snap from my studio this morning. I’ve got a busy day today soldering and shipping orders but I wanted to share a storage/display idea with you….

I love this old screen window! We discovered it stored in the garage of our old 1924 bungalow home. It’s old, beat-up and the screen is in tatters, but it makes a charming display for some of my vintage rosaries. I love seeing all of them in one dedicated location. If you look to the left of the screen, you’ll see a couple of my favorite soldered jeweled Marie Antoinette ornaments displayed that I made and blogged about…waaaaaay back last fall….

Since I made these a long time ago and already blogged about them, you can click HERE to see my original post back on September 11th of last year, and also see the other Marie Antoinette ornament I designed too. Hope your day is creative and beautiful! ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Before and After Project: Compote Set

2011-04-04T15:38:00.007-04:00

I wanted to share a simple project with you that I completed this weekend! I found this darling vintage compote set at my favorite flea market.

Anything with a Cherub or Cupid always catches my eye and when the vendor told me that the price of the whole set was $5.00 I couldn’t get my wallet out fast enough. The set was originally brass, but somewhere along the line someone spray painted it a flat gold color. I gave it a makeover using Glidden paint in Cappuccino White and finished with an antiquing glaze by Valspar in Asphaltum.

What a sweet and romantic difference! There is nothing like a fresh coat of creamy white paint to change the mood of a piece.

I’ve been moving this little set around all over the house trying to find just the right spot, but wherever it ends up, for a $5 price tag, I think I got a great deal and a fun and easy craft project too! ~ xo ~ Joy

Thank You Flowers

2011-04-03T17:52:00.008-04:00

Thank you to everyone who came by to shop during my Spring Bling sale! The shelves have been picked bare (with the exception of soldered charms, which can always be ordered) and right now I am busy creating new designs for my shop. Please watch my blog to be the first to know about new designs and listings coming soon to the website! ~ xo ~ Joy

SALE Notice!

2011-03-29T10:18:00.008-04:00

Click HERE to come shop for your favorites! Also, FREE shipping within the United States, but hurry, sale ends April 3, 2011.

Studio Snap....

2011-03-24T13:36:00.005-04:00

...a quick snap from the studio of pieces of damaged china I selected from my stash to start working with today...

Lot's of pretty new Broken China Jewelry pieces coming soon for spring! ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Celebrating 5

2011-03-23T11:08:00.003-04:00

Our little boy is growing up…Barkley is celebrating his 5th birthday…

Lots of new toys, an extra long walk to the dog park and a vanilla cupcake are sure to bring extra tail wags today!

Marie Antoinette Reproduction Earrings

2011-03-22T10:24:00.007-04:00

This week, my MCP Project 52 Photography Group on Flickr, had the assignment to submit a photograph with the theme: From The Jewelry Box ….a challenge right up my alley!

This is the photo I submitted of a favorite pair of earrings from my jewelry box.

These gorgeous pear-shaped faux-diamond earrings weigh 14.25 and 20.34 carats respectively and are replicas of the original diamond pair that belonged to Marie Antoinette which are now part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection. These earrings were reported to be her favorites and that she wore them often. These beautiful earrings were taken from her during the royal family’s capture after a failed attempt to flee France during the revolution. They were later acquired by a Russian Grand Duchess and then eventually sold to Cartier in 1928, who in turn sold them to Marjorie Merriweather Post (of the Post cereal family). After her death, her daughter donated them to the Smithsonian.

They are truly stunning earrings. I’ve seen the originals at the Smithsonian and I love that I have a sparkling copy of my own to enjoy and I’ve even been known to wear them on occasion while soldering jewelry. A girl can use all the sparkle she can get sometimes and I am sure Marie Antoinette would agree. ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Welcome Spring!

2011-03-20T17:26:00.005-04:00

Today is the first day of spring and my studio is bursting with colorful blooms in celebration!

The weather was gorgeous here in Florida this weekend and I was inspired to visit a favorite flower market. I LOVE fresh flowers in the house and especially in my studio where I work all day.

For fun, I added single Carnations as flower stoppers in these old vintage bottles......

...and I love using vintage sugar bowls as little pots for flowers.....

.... and I filled a favorite Marie Antoinette coffee mug with colorful blooms to keep next to my computer as I work. Simple touches that don't cost a lot but they add so much beauty and enjoyment to my day.

I hope you have beautiful weather too and a chance to enjoy all the beauty Spring has to offer. xoxo ~ Joy

New This Week...a few more sparklies!

2011-03-18T13:50:00.008-04:00

Happy Friday! Just listed in the shop....

....a number of vintage and new crystal rhinestone earrings to add a little sparkle to your day. For more info, please click HERE. Merci Beaucoup ~ xo ~ Joy

Silver Spoon Bracelets

2011-03-12T19:51:00.013-05:00

Just listed! My handcrafted Vintage Silver Spoon Bracelets with Antique and Vintage Broken China Charms…

…these are just a few of the One-of-a-Kinds available. Please click HERE to come see more. ~ Merci ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Wedding Memories…

2011-03-09T14:14:00.007-05:00

…a tiny stone chapel, just big enough for two, on the edge of a snow topped mountain...

...classical music…candles….loving eyes filled with tears of happiness…

…holding hands and promising forever…

…a romantic lakeside honeymoon to start our journey through life together….

….side by side we’ve walked for 14 years now. This week we are celebrating our anniversary and I feel even more blessed today to be loved by this wonderful man. Happy Anniversary Baby! I Love you and am so happy I married you!

Childhood Toys...

2011-03-06T17:03:00.006-05:00

This week, my MCP Project 52 Photography Group on Flickr, had the challenge to submit a photograph with the theme "Childhood Toys"....

If there is one thing I’ve loved since childhood, besides sparkling jewelry, it’s MONKEY’S! Sock Monkeys are a particular favorite and the sock monkey in this photograph happens to be one that my husband had as a little boy. This little sweetie has a place of honor on a studio shelf and supervises all the monkey business that goes on around here on a daily basis. His cute monkey face always makes me smile : )

Studio Snap...

2011-03-04T11:37:00.006-05:00

...sorting and cleaning pieces from my vintage silverware collection today.....

...can you guess what's coming soon to my website? I'll be in the studio this weekend creating and I hope your weekend is full of beauty and creativity too! ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Express Yourself...

2011-03-01T13:25:00.007-05:00

This week, my MCP Project 52 Photography Group on Flickr, had the challenge to submit a photograph with the theme "Express Yourself"....

I think the best description to express myself would be that I am *blessed*. I am blessed with a beautiful family, a kind & loving husband and the opportunity to do what I love, create special jewelry, as my business. It’s a simple life and a rather “small” life since I am working alone in a studio all day, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I am truly grateful for each and every blessing in my life.

Vintage Rhinestone Earrings Just Listed!

2011-02-28T12:39:00.006-05:00

....only a few of my favorites, just added to the website...

Earrings at Cupids Charm

Before and After Project…

2011-02-26T17:30:00.009-05:00

I wanted to share a makeover project that I just completed this morning! I found this candelabra at a local shop recently. I loved the lines but not the green metal base. I also thought it needed a little more bling.

Here is what I started with…

..there were also pretty roses around where the candles go, but it was hard to see them since the metal was all the same color.

…and here is the “after”….

I started by painting the base a creamy white….

I decided to paint the roses an antiqued bronze color so they would stand out a bit more…

I also added multiple layers of vintage pearl beaded chain that I purchased from eBay years ago.

I also added antiqued brass chain that I beaded with extra crystals and vintage pearls.

I think it looks much better and certainly more “romantic” than what I started with. Now if I can only make up my mind to keep it in my studio or move it to our bedroom as I had originally planned. But as easy as this project was, maybe I should just go buy second one!

The View From Here...

2011-02-24T14:54:00.005-05:00

This week, my MCP Project 52 photography group on Flickr, had the challenge to submit a photograph with the theme "The View from Here"....

This is what I see as I look out the window from my computer desk. I love to rotate romantic flowers in different vintage McCoy pots that I keep on my windowsill. Spending as much time as I do in the studio, having fresh flowers or plants is a simple treat that makes my heart happy.

Wedding Lace Charms

2011-02-23T14:24:00.009-05:00

Recently I was contacted by a sweet blog reader who was in the process of organizing and decluttering her home. When she came across her wedding gown from 38 years ago, she discovered that it was yellowed and stained after many years of being packed away. Because of the condition and the room it took to store, she decided it was time to let go of the dress. But before doing that, she saved some of the lace and decided to create something sentimental with the pieces.

Shari loved one of my vintage broken china bracelets that had lace charms and contacted me to see if I would be willing to create charms from her wedding dress lace and swap them out with the bracelet I had in stock. ABSOLUTLEY! I LOVE working on projects like this and here is the final result…

This pretty bracelet is on the way to Shari and I am thrilled to have helped her create something sentimental which she can now wear and treasure in a whole new way.

Open Your Heart...

2011-02-18T11:00:00.004-05:00

This week, my MCP Project 52 photography group on Flickr, had the challenge to submit a photograph with the theme "Open Your Heart".

I photographed a little trinket box I made from a simple craft store cardboard box which I painted and then covered the top with pieces of broken vintage jewelry. Inside is a small fragile glass heart. This was a very easy project to do and a great way to recycle left over jewelry!

Marie Antoinette News!

2011-02-16T20:23:00.010-05:00

Today has been a Marie Antoinette kind of day in the studio! For weeks now, I’ve been working on the side between filling orders, to update my Marie Antoinette line. I was finally able to list a number of new charm designs this afternoon…

Here are just a few...

I’ll have Couture one-of-a-kind necklaces, bracelets and earrings coming soon too…

In other exciting Marie Antoinette news….have you heard? A new Marie Antoinette movie is about to start production and is based on the novel, Farwell, My Queen by Chantal Thomas. Actress Diane Kruger has been signed to play Marie Antoinette…

Click HERE for the movie press release.

I have not read this book but I jumped right over to Amazon to order a copy. Here is a description of the novel as reviewed on Amazon:

“As revolution rages outside the palace walls, inside the court of Versailles--the court of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI--denial reigns before giving way to alarm, which in turn degenerates into panic and chaos. Thomas spins the familiar events of the 1789 French Revolution into a compelling novel, with the central character less the famously ill-fated queen than the insular and ritualized society of the palace. The story is told by a woman looking back 30 years, to when it was her job to read books aloud to Marie Antoinette. Her status as courtier makes her the best kind of narrator--at once an insider and an observer of the royals. She describes the final days before revolution engulfs the palace with insight and surprising slices of humor. Some passages read almost like satire, as the indulged inhabitants of Versailles cling to the privileges that have defined their now-threatened lives--royals are reluctant to leave the palace without proper traveling attire, courtiers try to flee while lugging heavy possessions. Thomas' formidable skills as a researcher give the book authenticity, and her keen eye for human behavior and talent for storytelling make it sing.”

I can't wait!!! Until then, if you adore all things Marie Antoinette as I do, please come visit me HERE to order charms and stayed tuned for more treasures coming! Merci ~ xoxo ~ Joy

Words of Love...

2011-02-11T13:25:00.006-05:00

This week, my MCP Project 52 photography group on Flickr, had the challenge to submit a photograph with the theme "Words".

I adore French words, especially ones written in beautiful old script with faded brown ink. I have a collection of old letters, diary pages, maps, telephone pages, prayer book pages and old magazines and photos, all in French and collected throughout Brocantes in France. Most date from around the turn-of-the century, but I have a few that go back as far as 1784. A time when Marie Antoinette was Queen of France and that just blows my mind! The more precious ones are scanned so I have a forever digital image to use for art work.

For this weeks MCP challenge, I took a favorite word from a 1913 book "Amour" - the French word for Love - and layered it over a charming crochet heart I received in the mail this week from a dear friend for Valentines Day. I thought it was perfect to combine a special word, clipped from my stash of vintage French words, with her special gift.

I send you wishes that "Amour" fills your life each and everyday and especially this year on Valentines Day. xoxo ~ Joy

Just Listed...

2011-02-07T14:08:00.008-05:00

....sparkling new and vintage stone earrings... each a one-of-a-kind jewel, in stock and ready to ship!

Click HERE to see all the new additions and please come shop before your favorites are gone.

~ Merci ~ xo ~ Joy

Sneak Peek.....

2011-02-06T17:27:00.004-05:00

...just a few of the new jewels coming to the website soon! Each pair created with beautiful vintage glass hearts. Yummy......

Finding Your Muse...

2011-02-03T12:56:00.005-05:00

This week, my MCP Project 52 photography group on Flickr, had the challenge to submit a photograph with the theme "Muse".

Most things vintage inspire me to create, especially when it comes to broken china, old lace, rhinestone jewelry pieces, old books and photos.

I surround myself with these items in my studio and only have to look on a shelf or cabinet for inspiration. My problem is that it's not only one thing that inspires me, but toooooo many things that inspire me, which is why my mind is always twirling around with ideas and thoughts for creating. I often wish days had more than 24-hours or that I could grow an extra set of hands!

Inspiration...

2011-01-25T10:54:00.003-05:00

Sorting and organizing….well, really playing….with new, well, really old treasures…..

I attended an annual Bead, Gem and Jewelry show this past weekend and came home with a small tote bag full of vintage treasures. Above is a sneak peek……. vintage lace, old rosaries, a Victorian era rose pendant and multiple strands of vintage freshwater pearls acquired from an estate sale.

Just a few of the trinkets that will be making their way into future jewelry pieces. With inspiration like this, I can’t wait to start creating and it looks like I’ll be burning the midnight oil in the studio this week. What inspires your creative heart?

Studio Snap.....

2011-01-22T15:28:00.004-05:00

...serving up a bowl of "bead soup"....

...a favorite vintage bowl filled with strands of crystal beads, waiting for their makeovers to become sparkling jewelry.

Vintage Tiara

2011-01-20T09:29:00.006-05:00

This week, my MCP Project 52 photography group on Flickr, had the challenge to submit a photograph with the theme "Shades of Grey", so I photographed a favorite vintage tiara....

This tiara is very large and has so much sparkle....I just love it! It's really hard not to put this on my head and wear it everywhere I go.....that would just be plain silly, right?

Romantic Valentine Soldered Charms!

2011-01-14T16:12:00.004-05:00

My newest soldered charms to celebrate the romance of Valentines Day.... and everyday!

.... listed on the website today....click HERE to come shop. Merci ~ xoxo Joy