I hope you all had a nice weekend! As mentioned we visited Liseberg Christmas Market and it was beautiful! Since we were there on a Saturday the place was crowded but we had such a nice time still. Certainly a successful weekend.
Here are a bit of inspiration from Danish Vintage Kompagniet.
Vintage Halloween postcards
....turned into unique jewelry
Pendant necklaces made from vintage Halloween postcards
Pendant necklace made from vintage Halloween postcard
Pendant necklace made from vintage Halloween postcard
It's amazing to think that at one time (around the late 1800's and on) Halloween postcards were once as popular as Christmas cards!
Pendant necklace made from vintage Halloween postcard
Be sure to check out my Halloween Postcard Jewelry. Each of my postcard pendant necklaces is reversible, with a different vintage Halloween image on each side.
Pendant necklace made from vintage Halloween postcard
I' ve been making jewelry from antique and vintage postcards for a number of years now, and in my opinion, the Halloween images are the most intriguing than those of any other holiday. (Aside from Halloween I also make them with Christmas, Easter, Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day postcards) 'And don't worry, no original postcards are harmed in the process!
Pendant necklace made from vintage Halloween postcard
Pendant necklaces made from vintage Halloween postcards
What do you think?
I love these vintage ads!
Vintage advertisement for monogrammed china
I just LOVE vintage advertisements. I especially love vintage ads featuring china or flatware! I always find myself squinting at the ads I come across, trying to make out the china pattern or silver pattern, wondering if it's one I have in stock for my jewelry making.
I think on two occasions I've found ads for patterns that were the same as or very similar to dishes that I had in stock'One was a Limoges U.S.A. ad for a set of monogrammed floral china. I love these old initial monogram patterns. Over the years I have found some orphaned pieces here and there but for the most part these patterns are hard to find!
Here are a few pieces of jewelry that I created with damaged vintage monogrammed china:
Necklace pendant made from K monogram china (this is the china in the ad above!)
Heart pendant from vintage H monogrammed china
Bracelet made from a vintage monogrammed tea cup
Necklace pendant from vintage A monogrammed china
Vintage and antique monogrammed china is hard to find, but once in a while I come across some that is cracked or chipped or damaged from age or use, and that is what I turn into jewelry.
I think I currently have the letters M and K in stock, if you are interested in any pieces similar to those shown above, check out my Etsy shop! Here is the link:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/dishfunctionldesigns
What do you think of monogrammed china jewelry?
My summer wouldn't be complete without a few visits to the Blue Ridge Flea Market in Saylorsburg, PA!
This is one of my very favorite flea markets and one the best places in the Pocono area to shop for antiques and vintage treasures. It's about a thirty minute drive from my home, so I consider myself one lucky chick!
Today the temperature was in the 90's but that wasn't going to hold me back. It had been a while since I had last been to this market and I was excited to discover some new goodies!
The first two parking lots were full (as they always are) but way in the back grove parking area (which is the best place to park anyway because of its scattering of old shade trees) I was pleasantly surprised to find it empty of cars ' yay! ' it was going to be a good shopping day!
Empty grove=more stuff for me!: -)
Flea market ahead!
One small view of a very large complex
Of course the very first thing I came upon was two stacks of monogrammed vintage china. I had to laugh because just yesterday I blogged about this exact same china and mentioned how hard it is to find! Seven bowls, four plates, each with a beautiful floral rose design and bright capital letter K initial monogram. Their condition was new, and I knew they were from the 1940's. How much? I asked the man'$2 for all? SOLD!
My first great find
At that point I could've gone home a happy girl, but I was only five minutes into it. A short while later and up a few rows I spied two pretty, antique English transferware dinnerplates that closely resembled the Flow Blue patterns that I adore'How much?....$2 each or you can have them both for $3'SOLD! Cha-ching and woo hoo!
My new lovelies
I don't think this was an antique, but it was neat none the less: a decorative ship's figurehead or maidenhead complete with her very own treasure chest... Arrrgh
My 5-year-old daughter wanted to drive this mini car home!
Ahhh my favorite part... little boxes, on the hillside...
little boxes full of....silverware! And boy, was it HOT to touch! Everything was sizzling from the sun.
What? You can't find your keys? Here they are!
When I got to this point it was seriously like: What to my wondering eyes should appear?....Keys! Hundreds and hundreds of glorious keys! Short keys, long keys, fat keys, skeleton keys, lots of rusty keyness!
Ahhh, vintage chandelier crystals! These are super good for craftin'
Various taxidermy oddities (note the bears on the roof of the van)
A few handfuls of vintage silverplated flatware, antique skeleton keys and vintage chandelier crystals were among my best finds... all will be put to very good use in some new projects I have brewing for the upcoming holiday season!
A few of my new keys and crystals
Some of the vintage flatware I bought
What do you think?
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Fossil for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
Well, you guys know by know that my style is pretty neutral. From paint colors in my home to what I wear, you'll find me loving up anything that is classic and timeless. Nothing too flashy in my world. That's what I'm absolutely in love with the new Fossil Vintage Revival Handbags. They're gorgeous bags with impeccable detailing and come in several different color leathers. I mean, these babies will never go out of style. This post is a little out of our daily norm, but Fossil asked us to take a look at their bags and come up with a few outfits that represent our style and incorporate a few of these beauties. Sounds fun, doesn't it? Here's what I came up with for my ultimate daytime look:
Sweater: Ralph Lauren Shawl Collar Cardigan ($1500! That's why this is a DREAM outfit. Just think how many decorative pillows I could buy with that!) Jeans: H&M Super Skinny Jeans ($19-now that's more like it!) Boots: G by GUESS Hyderi Riding Boots ($99) Bag: FOSSIL Vintage Revival Flap Bag ($198) I totally heart this outfit and would wear it all the time. Comfortable, but still stylish, without being super trendy. You listening, hubs?; ) Ok, so now for my nighttime look:
Dress: Rebecca Taylor Sequin Cami Dress ($198) Jacket: Maxmara Samovar Jacket ($1,188) Shoes: Jimmy Choo Cosmic Leather Pumps ($695) Earrings: Ylang Rose Gold Textured Featherd Earrings ($795) Bag: FOSSIL Vintage Revival Frame Mini ($115) Ok, so it turns out that I have really expensive taste, but this is just a dream, right? And in your dreams you can wear whatever you want! I'm so into rose gold, sparkly things and nude pumps right now. I know, wierd, but somehow this whole outfit still reads neutral and classy to me. I wish I had a fun holiday party to wear this to! Go ahead and feel free to invite me, if you're having one! Want to know something SO awesome?! We're GIVING AWAY A FOSSIL SMALL FLAP HANDBAG to one lucky reader! Wouldn't that make an incredible Christmas gift for you or someone you really really like?
Here's how you enter: 1. Create a pinboard on Pinterest of an outfit you'd pair with your Vintage Revival Handbag and include #FossilVintageRevival in your Pin. 2. Leave a comment here on our blog sharing your pin with us. (make sure you include your email address so we can contact you if you win!) Want more info? Click here for official rules and an upclose look at the bags here;. We can't wait to see what your style is all about! Does your home decor style mimic your personal style like mine does?
Pendant approx. 1"
"I once had a sparrow alight upon my shoulder for a moment, while I was hoeing in a village garden, and I felt that I was more distinguished by that circumstance that I should have been by any epaulet I could have worn."
-Henry David Thoreau
American china with bird motif
Bluebird China
'Bluebird china enjoyed a brief but spectacular history, first appearing in the late 1800s, reaching its zenith in the early to mid-1920s, and was almost entirely gone by 1930. China decorated with the bluebird motif was produced by over 50 different American companies including Anchor Pottery Company, Atlas China Company and Atlas-Globe China Company, Chippendale China, Homer Laughlin China Company, and Steubenville Pottery Company to name just a few.'
Classic Homer Laughlin "Fluffy Bluebird" Pattern
Homer Laughlin Fluffy Bluebird pattern china
Necklace pendant
Necklace Pendant
Bracelet made from a broken tea cup
Broken china mosaic heart with bluebird
Bluebirds of Happiness
'The mythology of the bluebird of happiness has deep roots that go back thousands of years. Indigenous cultures across the globe hold similar myths and beliefs about the bluebird. It is a widely accepted symbol of cheerfulness, happiness, prosperity, hearth and home, good health, new births, the renewal of springtime, etc. Virtually any positive sentiments may be attached to the bluebird. ' -Excerpt from Bluebird of Happiness, which can be found HERE in its entirety.
Other Bluebird China Patterns
Vintage Lovebirds — Unknown pattern
Some examples of a few less common American bluebird china patterns:
Necklace with freshwater pearl and Swarovski crystal
Necklace Pendant
Pin brooch with freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals
Bracelet displayed on the plate it was made from
Link bracelet
How about these sweet little birds? Looks like they've made their nest in a basket.
Necklace pendant, vintage American china
Necklace pendant
Entry May 18 'Your words are born not spoken. Dimensional soft-vowelled words palpable to the eye or to the fingertip. Exquisitely curved as the young that flowers conceive. Often I have watched your lips shape words... and your tongue nudge them out like small birds not wholly certain of their wings. Your sweetest words are those shaped ovally like plums or wild birds' eggs. And the long bright ribbons you laugh, the multitudes of hyacinth and bluebells.'
-Walter Benton, This Is My Beloved
Pin brooch with freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals
An older, unusual bluebird china pattern, probably circa 1920:
Necklace pendant
Pin brooch with freshwater pearl and Swarovski crystal
Necklace made with Amazonite, Rohodonite, and sterling wire
Necklace
Necklace, unknown pattern
Mount Clemens Robin pattern
Heart Pendant
Heart pendant
Pendant
Pin brooch with sterling beads and Swarovski crystals
Heart pendant
Charm bracelet with pearls and various crystals and gems
Silver spoon bracelet
Silver spoon bracelet
Silver spoon bracelet
Pin brooch with crystals
Another unusual American bird pattern. These look like lovebirds or budgies. Notice the motif surrounding the heart design in the second photo below.
Necklace pendant
Pin brooch
Bird of Paradise & Pheasant Patterns
"The bird of paradise alights only upon the hand that does not grasp."
-John Berry
Unusual, ornate pattern. Pin brooch with Swarovski crystals and freshwater pearls.
' The birds-of-paradise are members of the family Paradisaeidae of the order Passeriformes. The majority of species in this family are found on the island of New Guinea... with a few species occurring in the Moluccas of Indonesia and eastern Australia. The family has forty species in 13 genera. The members of this family are perhaps best known for the plumage of the males of most species, in particular highly elongated and elaborate feathers extending from the beak, wings or head. For the most part they are confined to dense rainforest habitat.' -Excerpt from Bird-of-paradise, which can be found HERE in its entirety
Antique pattern. Pin brooch with heart-shaped coin pearl and crystal.
Heart charm, approx 7/8"
Pin brooch
Beautiful colors! Pin brooch with Swarovski crystals
Pendant
Parrots & cockatoos
Art deco china pattern with parrot motif, American china
Same pattern as above. This pin brooch was made from the design on the center of the plate.
This Parrot pattern is from England:
Pendant
Pin brooch
English china, necklace pendant
Blue Willow birds:
Pendant
Blue willow porcelain from Japan. Necklace made with glass beads, glass pearl beads and sterling wire.
Necklace
A few other bluebird and bird china patterns:
Pendant
Pin brooch
Silver spoon bracelet with 7/8" heart charm
Bluebird china earrings
Heart charm approx. 7/8"
Shelley fine bone china. Flow blue bird motif with gold overlay.
"One must ask children and birds how cherries and strawberries taste."
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Pin brooch with amethyst briolette drop. Newer porcelain.
English transferware with swan motif. Pin brooch
Heart charm, approx 7/8" English transferware
Vintage American pottery with doves motif. Pendant
Birds are flyin' south for winter.
Here's the Weird-Bird headin' north,
Wings a-flappin', beak a-chatterin',
Cold head bobbin' back 'n' forth.
He says, "It's not that I like ice
Or freezin' winds and snowy ground.
It's just sometimes it's kind of nice
To be the only bird in town."
Birds are one of my most requested china patterns for jewelry. Because they can be hard to find, sometimes even rare, my finished jewelry pieces made from these patterns on average cost a bit more than other patterns. I hope you enjoyed this look into the world of vintage bird china! No matter how often I look at these patterns, they are still delight me each time I see them! -Laura (all jewelry shown above was made by me!)
It is absolutely unbelieveable how many amazing, talented and creative women there are out there. We spends loads of time reading our favorite design blogs which inspire us to create beauty in our homes, and so, every month once in awhile when we feel like it, we'll be featuring the homes of bloggers that we love-our
Design Icons of the Blogosphere!
Source: ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest
Up first: my personal favorite, Our Vintage Home Love. Diana has captured the exact feel I want for my house, in her adorable home. She has such an amazing sense of style, and her house exudes calm. Not only is Diana super-stylish, but girl knows her way around a toolbox. She's built several pieces of furniture that I secretly covet really admire, like the Rustic Island she built for her kitchen, the barn door-turned-headboard for her master bedroom, and the salvaged wood shelving unit custom-made for her hubby. No joking- Diana has some serious skills.
So, without further ado, let's take a little tour of her lovely home:
Source: ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest
If that doesn't say,"Welcome. Come sit awhile", I don't know what else would.
Source: ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest
Diana painted stripes in neutral colors on her side porch, which are so cute. Genius!
Source: ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest
I love Diana's use of textures in her house- lots of khakis and whites in the furniture and wall colors, woven baskets, warm wood tones and great, meaningful accessories complete the look.
Source: ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest
Source: ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest
Aren't those floors to die for? I love the rich color. I'm guessing they're original to the house, which was built in 1905! And do you notice that vintage ladder over there in the corner? Does it remind you at all of my bathroom ladder? (Truth be told, Diana's ladder was the first of many to inspire me to get one of my own!)
Source: ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest
Her kitchen is so light and airy. I totally feel like you could walk in there and take a deep breath and poof!- there goes your stress. Yup, that's the kitchen island she built. Impressive, huh?
Source: ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest
Her master bedroom features the authentic barn wood headboard. I mean, really, couldn't you envision that door on a barn somewhere? Nope, she built it. Jealous much?
Source: ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest
Her den was a labor of love for her husband. She wanted a place he could relax that included items that were important to him.Sheesh- talented and thoughtful? Making me look bad, here, Diana. By the way, I LOVE the pop of red on the pillows.
So, that's it. I think I'm in love. Head on over to Our Vintage Home Love and leave Diana a happy comment. Let her know we sent you.: )
Who is your design icon?
Last week I mentioned needing to overhaul the 1/2 bath in the hallway on our first floor. We haven't started that project yet (I'm dying to get started, but we're waiting for a little more moneycashflow first), but I know exactly what we're going to do. Like every other room in our house, I'm trying to move in the casual/coastal cottage feel. So you can expect to see lots of neutral colors, warm woods and rustic Pottery Barn-esque elements. The only thing I'm keeping in this room is the bathmat and the toilet. Everything else has seen it's last day. Here's our current"loo" situation:
On a side note: I didn't realize how badly this bathroom needed a makeover until after I took these pictures. Can we say boring with a capital"B"?
This builders-grade vanity has GOT TO GO!
Same with that terrible light fixture. How have I lived in this house for almost 4 years and not changed that thing out? Blech.
I'm thinking this mirror needs an upgrade (like a frame) or a replacement. I'm leaning towards replacing it with an unexpected mirror. Something different and unique.
Bathroom Makeover To-Do List:
1. Paint wide horizontal stripes on the walls.
Source: younghouselove.com via Jessica on Pinterest
Source: tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest
Adore that mirror, by the way.
I love that both these bathrooms have very subtle stripes on the wall. I'm thinking a tone on tone color, or even one color, painted in stripes with different sheens (semi-gloss and flat). I love these two colors that fall next to each other in the Benjamin Moore Historical color wheel: Elmira White and Grant Beige. You almost can't see much of a difference which is exactly what I want. I'm not hoping to bowl anybody over with loud colors in this room.
Also, I'm thinking really thick stripes, maybe five total, ceiling to floor.
2. Build a vanity out of an old table or desk.
Source: desiretoinspire.net via Jessica on Pinterest
Source: decorology.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest
Ok, this is my favorite feature for the bathroom and is non-negotiable. This means that the whole makeover has to wait until I find the right piece of furniture. I'm hoping my luck will kick in soon and my next trip to the ReStore or thrift store will be the winner. Anyway, this is obviously a job for my hubs, but I've researched it, and it really is a pretty simple project. (I can say this since I will not be the one doing it. Ha!) I also saw a few sink bowls for really cheap at the ReStore my last time in there.
3. Add decorative items that also work as storage. Since this is the hall bath, I don't need much in the way of storage, but I do want to be able to hang a few towels and keep extra soap and toilet paper handy, especially since there won't be any storage under the new vanity. I'm totally in love with these vintage ladders and would be thrilled to score one. If I can't find a real vintage ladder, I saw a great tutorial on how to make one here.
Source: ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest
Surprise! The ladder above is a fake vintage ladder. Pretty convincing, huh?
Source: alovelyescape.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest
Source: ballarddesigns.com via Jessica on Pinterest
I'm also liking this basket from Ballard Designs. It would go great under the new table/desk/vanity.
4. Install new lighting. The look I'm going for with the lighting is industrial. Not so industrial that it's modern, but just industrial enough to look rustic. I'm not sure if that made any sense at all, but these pictures help explain it a little better:
Source: decor8blog.com via Abbie on Pinterest
The lights above are my absolute favorites ever. If anyone knows where I can find one, please, I beg you, share the love!
Source: shadesoflight.com via Sarah on Pinterest
Source: houzz.com via Casey on Pinterest
5. Add a few fun elements like artwork, possibly some decorative trim (crown moulding), and wouldn't it be cute to add a door like this one?
Source: theletteredcottage.net via Jessica on Pinterest
ReStore, here I come!
So, what are your thoughts about my Bathroom Game Plan? Am I missing anything? Is there anything you hate? Discuss!
Boy do I have lots of sweet new goodies for spring! This winter I took some time away from my regular line of broken china jewelry to create some exciting new designs with some fabulous vintage materials....I dove into my collection of vintage photos, reproduced some of them, then had a ball adding some fun text to them and incorporating them into some fresh new designs. (I knew I was collecting those vintage photos for a reason!)
How cute is she?!
artwork & photos copyright 2009
Silver or Black jewelry finish? Which do you prefer?
I recently posted this question on my Facebook page.
So far, silver is in the lead...
Shiny silver finish?
When I first began making jewelry from broken china (and we're talking nearly 20 years now — yikes!) I would occasionally dabble with the black/vintage/antiqued finishes, but for some reason I always seemed to come back to silver.
Silver is traditional, it's easy to wear, it's shiny....as for the darker, vintage finishes — I believe they tend to be more trendy, coming into style right along with the whole "new vintage" era that you see everywhere you turn — in clothes, home furnishings, fabrics....what's old is new again, and so it goes.
I like the way a dark finish against a bright floral china pattern makes the colors pop, and how it lends to the "old" feeling of a piece of china. I equally like the feeling of luxury a shiny, silver finish affords. For me personally, I guess it all comes down to what kind of mood I'm in.
Which do you prefer?
Silver that has been given a black finish
What do you think?
Believe it or not, my kids are pretty rough on our house… We're pretty laid back parents and our kids do a lot of ball playing, wrestling, and just being kids in our house. I love this pic that Salvatori Photography took for us- this is SO our life!
The one problem I was having was that they kept breaking everything on my family room gallery. Frames would fall and break, glass was cracked a few times from footballs- it was getting old! So, I decided to create a Kid-Friendly Gallery Wall!
Everything on the wall is either plastic, paper, or wood and there's NO glass on anything! I'm writing this post a while after completing this project, so I can tell you that we've made it over 3 months without one break!! Woohoo!
You might remember seeing a peek of this wall during Creating with the Stars- my knock-off round project was in the gallery… You can check out that tutorial here.
Here are a few more pics of the gallery and then I'll show you how I made the awesome vintage camera prints!
Now let's chat about the vintage camera prints- I love them SO much! I think they have just the right blend of vintage appeal and classy style. I got the FREE download here- gotta love an awesome, free printable! Thanks Design Editor!
I headed to staples and had them printed as 2"x3" engineer prints. They cost me about $5 bucks each. Since I knew I didn't want to frame them with a glass frame, I thought about just taping them right up on the wall… my hubs mentioned he thought it might look a tad cheapo, so I kept thinking… then it hit me- Washi Tape! I had ordered some from Consumer Crafts a while back (they have a great selection and super cheap prices).
I simply used one long piece for each side, stayed right at the edge, and folded the excess onto the back. It took me about 5 minutes max!
I think it was the perfect touch to give the paper is more finished look!
I used command strips to hang them on the wall- it was perhaps the easiest and cheapest DIY with an awesome impact on the family room!
Later this week I'm going to share how I go about creating a gallery wall- I think some people feel it can be a tad overwhelming if you let it, so I'll kind of show you how it all went down here at the Mangin pad!
What do you think of my huge, almost-free pics? And am I the only one whose kids rough up their home decor?
The keys I found at Blue Mountain Flea Market....waiting to be made into something beautiful
MY DESIGN PROCESS FOR WORKING WITH UNIQUE ELEMENTS: VINTAGE KEYS (Part 1: Designing with Unique Elements)
It's been a while since I've updated my blog so I thought I'd share with you what I did with the vintage keys that I found this past summer at the Blue Mountain flea market (Saylorsburg, PA). I knew these keys were going to upcycled into something special, and it was going to be some type of neck or wrist jewelry.
Designing
When I'm creating a new design I usually start out by first choosing the main elements/materials. For instance, I might come across some outstanding gemstone beads that really appeal to me and usually the wheels will start turning right away about what other kinds of stones or materials they might work well with in a design.
Other times I'll be working with some unique object, as in this case, the keys, and then my design process is a little bit different. When designing around one special, unique element, that element is known as your focal element, or focus of your design'the first thing that attracts your eyes'and you build your design around that.
My Design Process for Working With Unique Elements
Here is how I go about my design process: I usually will keep the item close to me on my workbench, and although I'm not yet using them or designing with them, I'm looking at them a lot and at that point, I just let them sort of sit in my mind and usually within a day or two I have a pretty good idea of what other materials I want to use with them and what type of design I am going to make with them. At this point, I'm looking at the keys and studying things such as their color, shape, size and texture.
When choosing my secondary materials in a design, I think about whether the materials will complement each other, and I also think about whether they will work together to make a whole'meaning, that when you look at the design, you experience a soothing aesthetic whole, as opposed to seeing something that is discordant, choppy, or awkward. Just like when you listen to a piece of music and you notice a wrong note ' well the same goes with design too ' you want your design to flow, and create a feeling of unity'sorta like music for your eyes.
After my secondary materials are chosen I lay everything out, and often moving pieces around like a jigsaw puzzle, will work on the design until I feel it is organized the way I like, and only then will I begin to fabricate it- put it all together!
Part 2: Fabrication of Necklaces Made with Antique Keys ('to follow soon)
Anybody see my keys?
How to Make Domino Jewelry
Level: Beginner/Easy
Vintage wood dominoes (click to learn about the history of dominoes )
Jewelry made from recycled materials is earth-friendly and all the rage. The exciting part about making jewelry from recycled materials is that the supplies you need are most likely already right in your own home!
One type of jewelry that is super-stylish and easy to make is domino jewelry. Dominos are fun to craft with and they can easily be made into either pins or pendants.
I created this domino pendant from a copy of a vintage St. Patrick's day post card
To make domino jewelry you will need dominos (either the old fashioned wooden kind or the newer, plastic kind), miscellaneous papers (think collage elements such as copies of vintage images, ephemera, scraps of pretty paper and words or text cut from an old book or magazine, wallpaper scraps, old cigar box labels, etc.), scissors, a decoupage medium, a sponge brush or small paintbrush to apply decoupage medium, jump-rings (for pendants) or pin-backs (for pin brooches), and a strong adhesive glue.
Optional additional embellishing materials include colored pencils, pens, markers, glitter, sequins, small beads, flat buttons, and bits of lace.
I usually like to decorate only one side of the domino and leave the numbered side (the side with the dots) untouched or mostly uncovered. That way when you are wearing your pendant you can turn it over and show your friends that it's a domino!
For this domino pendant I used an illustration and text from a damaged antique book
To begin, first choose your base paper. That will be the largest piece of paper that will cover only the front, or plain side of the domino. This will be the foundation for your finished design. To create your paper base, lay your domino on top of the paper and trace around the domino with a pencil. Then remove the domino and cut out your base paper.
Using a small paintbrush or sponge brush, apply a thin coat of decoupage medium to the plain side of the domino following the directions on the decoupage medium. Next adhere your base paper to the domino and gently press to adhere, being careful to remove all bubbles and lumps — and set aside until completely dry.
Mod Podge is one type of Decoupage Medium
Now comes the fun part! Select images or snippets from your papers and arrange them in a collage-like manner to your domino's base paper. Use a very thin coat of the decoupage medium to adhere your elements to your domino. Let your creativity be your guide.
Here's a tip: I like to start with the larger pieces of paper and then add smaller snippets to that piece in a layered fashion.
When finished, set aside until completely dry. Once your artwork is complete, apply another coat of decoupage medium to seal the piece and let it dry completely. To make a domino pin brooch, adhere a pin-back to the reverse side of your domino with a strong adhesive. To make a domino pendant, adhere a jump ring to the top edge of your domino with a strong adhesive.
Another pendant made with an illustration from a damaged antique book.
With a few basic materials and a little creativity, you can create your own recycled material jewelry that is fun to make and fun to wear!
P.S. — Oh, and be sure to learn how to play dominoes before you make domino jewelry, as you can be sure people at least one person who sees your awesome domino jewelry will ask you, "How do you play dominoes, anyway?" (click here to learn!) Laura
( Click here to see more of my domino jewelry! )
Advanced Technique: Resin Coated Domino Jewelry
Level: Advanced To achieve a glossy, glass-like finish you can coat your domino with resin. Working with resin is an advanced technique that requires a bit more time, patience, as well as safety precautions.
I used a copy of an antique Valentine to make this domino pendant, and then coated it with resin
What is resin jewelry?
The Dick Blick Art Materials website describes it best: " Resin jewelry is made from liquid plastic that turns solid when a hardener is added....Resin has a wonderful appeal for its glass-like properties from crystal clear to translucent glowing hues."
Click here to learn more about the properties of resin.
Before you begin: Resin can be hazardous. It is extremely important to carefully read and follow all directions that are included with the product you are working with. It is also recommended that you do not work with resin around children or pets. You should also read all MSDS (safety data sheets) for any hazardous mediums that you are going to work with. I recommend purchasing materials from businesses that include the MSDS safety data sheets with your purchase.
Before coating a domino with resin, complete all the steps above under the How To Make Domino Jewelry, stopping after applying the finishing/sealing coat of decoupage medium. (do not adhere pin-back or jump rings to your domino.) Allow finished domino to dry overnight.
Working in a clean, dust-free, and temperature controlled area (according to resin packaging directions), prepare the resin exactly according to package directions. Be sure to cover your workspace with newspaper to protect all surfaces, and have paper towels on hand in case of any spills or messes.
Allow resin to set and dry according to package directions. Once completely set and dry, follow the directions above to adhere your pin-back or jumpring to your finished domino.
Image was embellished with glitter before resin was applied
Check out my new jewelry book!
This giveaway is closed. Well, you'd think that with Creating with the Stars coming right around the corner, and the loads of amazing prizes that will be awarded, we wouldn't have anything else to give away! Not so! I was browsing Etsy one night (one of my very favorite things to do if I have time) and came across the fabulous shop, Design Atelier Article.
I immediately fell in love with their quirky, fun and awesome items and emailed them to ask if they would like to give something away to our amazing readers. They were game, and so this giveaway was born! You guys seriously need to check out the entire shop, but here are a few of our ultimate favs.
Vintage Clock in Paris Blue
Mustache Candleholder
Scandinavian Dala Wooden Horse
Butting Deer Bookends
One lucky winner will win these adorable Bicycle Bookends ! The giveaway will be open until midnight on Wednesday, February 27th. The winner will be revealed on Thursday, February 28th. To enter:
1."Like" us on facebook! 2."Like" Design Atelier Article on Facebook 3.Leave a comment telling us what item you've fallen in love with! a Rafflecopter giveaway
I know, such cute stuff, right? If you love their shop, spread the word! Good luck.; )
Those classic vintage photos. They just catch my eye and I have to save each and everyone of them. I can't help it, my computer is filled with them. I often wish we still had those clothes and those hairdos. And that special way of photographing. Sure, every digital camera on the market today can probably take such pictures, but still. it's not the same, is it.
Here's a little (!) peek at my collection.
Hugs, Bettina
a couple of years ago I found a 1950's era silver tinsel christmas tree at a vintage/junk shop for a steal. It's perfect for my small collection of vintage ornaments. If I had my way, it's the only tree I'd put up for the season...
(and, no, I don't have the rotating multi-colored light to go with it....)
In my last blog post I discussed my basic design process for working with a unique focal element, in this case, some fantastic vintage & antique keys that I came across at a flea market last summer. I also discussed the basics of choosing complimentary materials such as beads, and the 'laying out,' or organization of the design. The following post will discuss the fabrication of those keys into a piece of unique, one of a kind piece of jewelry.
Below are two styles of necklaces made with keys:
Vertically Hung Key With Beaded Chain
Horizontally Hung Key Necklace
Materials List for both projects
Vintage Keys
WD-40 and paper towels to clean up your keys and remove rust
Coordinating wire: Brass or copper work well. For the necklaces shown, I used Beadalon ColourCraft Permanently Colored Copper Wire in Brown (20 gauge) and Zebra Wire Colored Copper Wire in Brown in 18, 22 and 26 gauge
Antique finish brass or copper chain (for horizontally hung necklace)
Antique finish brass or copper jump rings (for horizontally hung necklace)
Antique finish brass or copper clasps (toggle and or lobster-claw style)
A variety of gemstone and glass beads
Round nose pliers
Flush-cut pliers
Chain nose pliers
*Aside from the keys, most items listed above are available through Fire Mountain Gems Jewelry Supply http://www.firemountaingems.com/
FABRICATION
If you find that your keys are a little rusty, spray them with WD-40 and clean well with paper towels. Because the keys I used were a nice, rusty brown, I decided to use brown colored copper wire for my necklaces. I liked the keys hung both vertically and horizontally so I decided to make both styles. Below are the instructions for both.
beaded chain technique with toggle clasp
*For these necklace you will need to know how to make a basic wrapped loop. This is a simple technique that is basic to jewelry making. If you do not know how to make a wrapped loop, directions can be found here: http://www.firemountaingems.com/beading_howtos/beading_projects.asp?docid=652t
Step 1. Cut a 2.5' piece of wire and connect one end to the hole in the top of the key with a basic wrapped loop. (For this style I used the 20 gauge wire)
Detail of wrapped wire loops attached to key
Step 2. Place a bead onto the other end of the wire and complete the end with another closed, wrapped loop.
Step 3. Repeat your next section with another section of 2.5' wire, this time connecting one end of the wire to the previously finished beaded loop. Again, place a bead on the wire, and complete the unfinished wire end with another wrapped loop.
Step 4. Continue repeating this 'wire, bead, loop' process until you have created one entire side of beaded chain in the length that you desire. (I made each side of my necklace approx. 10', for a total finished necklace length of 21' including key and clasp.)
Step 5. Repeat steps one through four to create the other side of your beaded chain.
Step 6. Attaching the toggle clasp: When you have finished your beaded chain in the length that you desire, attach your clasp. Using the same wrapped loop technique, attach the 'bar' part of the toggle clasp to one side of your beaded chain and the 'loop' part of the toggle clasp to the other side of your beaded chain. That's it! You are finished!
Detail of toggle clasp attached with wire wrapped loops
Step 1. Place key horizontally on table. Cut a 3' piece of wire and connect one end to the hole in the top of the key with a basic wrapped loop. (For this style I used the 20 gauge wire).
Step 2. P lace a bead onto the other end of the wire and complete the end with another closed, wrapped loop.
Step 3. Cut another 3' piece of wire and with a wrapped loop, connect one end to other, opposite end of the key, wrapping the wire around the body of the key to the inside of the key's teeth.
Step 4. Place a bead onto the other end of the wire and complete the end with another closed, wrapped loop.
Step 5. Continue this technique using 2.5' lengths of wire and beads, until you have the beaded look you want; I used two beads on one end of the key and four on the other end of the key. *Do NOT wrap the open end of the wire after your last bead.
Step 6. Cut two lengths of chain (I used two 10' lengths of chain) and now making a loop in the wire after your last bead, thread the chain onto the loop and wrap the end. Repeat with other side. Your lengths of chain are now attached to each side of your necklace.
Step 7. Attaching the clasp: At the end of each length of your chain you will attach your clasp. For this style necklace I used a lobster claw style clasp. Use a jump ring to attach the clasp to one side of your chain and complete the other side of your chain with another jump ring. You are finished!
Lobster-claw style clasp
A different color combination: Citrine and Honey Jade
Pink Rhodonite gemstone beads
If you have any questions, feel free to post them below! — Laura
Bear with me a minute folks — I'm gonna get all quirky on you. I've just discovered two vintage stainless steel medical cabinets set to go up for a local charity auction this weekend. I HAVE TO HAVE THEM. They look pretty much like the pieces in the first and second images. And they are in perfect condition. I'm thinking the second piece would make one heck of a cool bar...
People, how much do I pay for them....?
I am so excited thinking I might actually get them...
And speaking of quirky, I'd like to thank Artie Vanderpool for my cool new blog header. Oh, wait....it's my header that's quirky, not Artie. He totally 'got' me right away, is very reasonably priced, and was so much fun to work with. I'd totally recommend him if you are looking for something new. Thanks, Artie.
vintage linens red ticking
thanks, pam!
I am crazy happy to have fallen in with you wonderful shelter bloggers and blog readers. You are an awesome group of folks who encourage and inspire. Pretty much every day, you make my day.
And yesterday? I received this beautiful vintage homespun linen. I was the lucky winner of a recent give-away at Red Ticking. Thank you, Pam for your generosity and daily inspiration to all of us.
We can hardly believe it, but we're in full planning mode for 2014's Season of Creating with the Stars! We had so much fun hosting the world's best DIY blogger contest last year and of course we're planning to make it BIGGER and BETTER for the upcoming year! Remember how awesome last year's winner's projects were? Sarah Dorsey has mad talent and has had a huge year of success! If you haven't checked out her blog- umm do it!
Even though CWTS won't begin until Feb. 2014, we wanted some input from all of you! Tell Us… What Blog Star would ROCK your world?
Here's last year's epic line up…1- Sherry from Young House Love 2- Whitney & Ashley from Shanty 2 Chic
3- Brooke from All Things Thrifty 4- Jane from Tatertots and Jello
5- Sarah from Thrifty Decor Chick 6- Beckie from Infarrantly Creative
7- Mandi from Vintage Revivials 8- Jamielyn from I Heart Naptime
9- Shaunna from Perfectly Imperfect 10- Beth from Home Stories A to Z
11- Kari from U Create 12- Brittany from Pretty Handy Girl
If you could pick anyone under the sun, who would you choose to be your STAR? Let us know in a comment below, and it just might happen. We can be pretty persuasive when we want to!
PS: We have the winners of our 10K Fan Giveaway…are you ready?
Grand Prize of the $200 gift card from Wayfair.com goes to Kristen Derstein!
2nd Prize that includes gifts of $50 to Royal Design Studio Stencils, $50 to Gussy Sews Shop, and $35 to Vintage Vinyl Journals goes to Carrie Summerlin!
3rd Prize that includes gifts of $50 to Frog Prince Cake & Cookie Design, a $32.00 Mila Rose Designs headband, and $100.00 to HorseFeathers Gifts goes to Priscilla!
We're so happy with the results of the giveaway, a big thank you to everyone who entered and thanks again for helping us reach 10K on Facebook. Congrats to our winners, you will be contacted by email with the details.
