Down A Vintage Path

Hello hello! I gave myself an hour today to wander around a local antiques "mall". I went in specifically for vintage clear glass bead necklaces that I could take apart and reuse in a new vintage jewelry line. When I told my husband I was giving myself an hour, he laughed.

I also said I could focus on vintage glass beads and ONLY vintage glass beads, therefore allowing me to make it through in an hour. He said "Uh huh". I chose to ignore that he was humoring me.

An hour and a half later I walked out with this:

(Hey, at least I found the clear beads!)

I'm a sucker for crochet, tatting, lace. The large piece in the back is a collar. It's beautiful and was *only* $3.50. Can you believe it? The vintage photos are great for altered pieces. Look at that lineup - there's something odd about those children... and plenty of room for hats!

The necklace is exactly what I need and the glass spacers are an added bonus. Once I pull it apart I can get that gunk cleaned up in the tumbler.

All in all, a good little shopping trip in the middle of an otherwise uneventful day. I hope you found unexpected pleasure in your day, too.

Cheers,
Susan

Sweet Scent of Rosemary

Hiya! Happy Saturday to you. I wanted to share something non-craftsy with you, mostly because I'm amazed at it.

Last month I visited my sister in southern Virginia for a "girls weekend". She has huge rosemary bushes (among other garden delights) and I cut a large sprig before I left. This is how it looks today, 7 weeks later:

It's been in my 38-degree refrigerator the whole time. Can you believe it? This baby is just as fragrant and flavorful as the first time I plucked a bit off right after coming home. 7 weeks! It makes me wonder how old the grocery store herbs (and other "fresh" foods) are when they turn brown after only a week in the same 'fridge.

Come to think of it, I also brought home farmer's market carrots, leeks and baby garlic still on the stalk. It took me well over 2 weeks to go through all of it, and I'm pretty sure I was still using the leeks 3 weeks later. If that's not a reason to buy fresh from my local farmer's market, I don't know what is...

Thanks for visiting today!

Cheers,
Susan

London Calling

Hiya! You might know I'm an anglophile. I don't know how it happened, or really when it started, but there it is. In honor of all the 2012 festivities across the pond, I've put together these kilt pins. I have a small assortment (no duplicates!) of London-centric ones and will have USA Olympic ones soon.

As I was making these I found I really like the puzzle. I had to find the right balance and resist the urge to over-bead these pins. I didn't want to make them too busy yet I still look at a few of them and want to reach for the pliers and baby beads... :)

There are also a few non-"red, white and blue" pieces.

The disc reads "breathe" on this serene birdie pin.

This pin was hard to photograph. The bronze charm on the right frames a crystal beautifully when it's hanging... not so much lying flat. The clear and clear AB crystals are vintage Coro and the chain spanning the back of the pin is original Coro. The three larger ones are gorgeous and flash like so many vintage rhinestones do. (The amethyst drop is Czech glass, not Coro.) 

I had fun with these baubles and, of course, they're available in my Etsy shop if you're so inclined. :) I'm on the hunt for more vintage pieces. I feel a move toward re-purposing old beads and jewelry into fresh new pieces. It's funny where our art takes us...

Anyway, thanks for visiting today. I think its time for me to work on paper stuffs. Happy crafting, no matter what medium you're using!

Cheers,
Susan

"Wicked Forest" Altered Matchbox

Hiya! I participated in a "Wicked Forest" themed altered matchbox swap over at Craftster (where else?) and my partner just received her box. I can finally show it!

Oh look, it's an inviting path up to the house... let's go!

The tiny trees are Dusty Attic and the wee little witch's house and cauldron are made from paper clay.

Really really small...

Inside is a peek at her potions cabinet.

Thanks for visiting!

Cheers,
Susan

Moulin Rouge ATC

Hiya folks!

In the middle of every week is "What's On You Workdesk? Wednesday", and last week was the 3rd anniversary. Can you believe it? Three years is a lot here in blogland, so congratulations to hostess Julia for keeping it going and growing each year. Some of us sent along cards to commemorate this event, and here's mine:

The black base is 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" (standard ATC size). I used alcohol inks on glossy paper and layered 3 stamped images (French script, Moulin Rouge, Paris) on top. Along the bottom edges is a bit of Dresden trim. I love the finished effect!

I sent this to Barb King and received one from Glenda Brooks. You can see the one I received here. It's lovely!

Thanks for visiting today. :)

Cheers,
Susan

G45 Father's Day

Hiya! I received my stash of Graphic 45's new Ladies Diary and Haunted Halloween last week and had to toss it in a corner until other things were finished. *sob* Have you seen these new lines? Oh my goodness Graphic 45 did well with these! Ladies Diary is lovely, and today I want to show you that it's not just about the girls!

If you click the photos to see details you'll be able to see the layering on that gentleman and his car.

The rosette is made from a 1/2" x 12" strip of the green background paper and scored at 1/4" intervals. Easy peasy!

An inside detail - this car was taken from the 8x8 pad and layered. I like the smaller scale to complement the outside.

So, that's it for me! I have more stuff to show you - earrings and an ATC made for swaps - both "firsts" for me. Hopefully my Canadian swap partner will receiver her "Wicked Forest"-themed matchbox soon. I can't wait to show you that tiny little treasure! All these swaps and nothing to show you *sigh*... haha! The drama queen is getting off her throne and back to work.

Thanks for visiting today!

Cheers,
Susan