ad libitum

TIME FOR SOME JEWELRY

Last week-end, I indulged in what I called "counter programming."  I don't watch sports on TV, so I decided to spend my time finishing up two necklaces and making a new necklace full of vintage jewelry finds (thanks to the inspiration of Deryn Mentock and Ruth Rae).

The first necklace I finished is a black and white beaded necklace I made last summer. As with most of my projects, it is deliberately asymmetrical.

I started my mermaid necklace back when I thought my round robin necklace had gone missing (thankfully, it was found). It sat around for a long time waiting to be finished.

And then, I wanted to make one of those beautiful necklaces full of vintage jewelry and other bits and pieces. My attempt is not as full and rich as the ones Deryn makes (where does she find those incredible vintage jewelry pieces?); but I used what I had and I'm pleased with it.

Here it is again, scanned so that you can see some of the details better.

KATHY'S NECKLACE

It's my turn to work on Kathy's neckace. She asked for neutral colors and a vintage look. Kathy and Sue and Beth had all made beautiful pieces for this necklace. It has a wonderful vintage feel and a certain elegance. I hope my addition (circled in white in the photo below) pleases Kathy. I used some old beads, my precious rhinestone chain, a piece from one of my favorite bracelets, and a vintage earing. I will pass this on to Brittney and then she will send it home to Kathy.

ANTIQUING WITH A FRIEND

I spent the day with my friend Sue Trump. She navigated while I drove to Allen Michigan, where we went to 3 antique malls.

Sue's birthday is Sunday; so, I took her out for lunch and made her wear a celebratory headpiece.

 

Sue helped me assess purchases. I have to tell you, she is definitely an antiques purchase enabler. I bought some really cool costume jewelry (Sue cannibalizes costume pieces to make beautiful jewelry and I am hoping to try it). I bought a cool crackled frame. I bought a box with glass vials of watch parts, an autograph book from 1948, and vintage Monopoly bits and pieces (to make a collage for my daughter). And, I bought an excessive amount laces, linens and vintage dresses and slips. I plan to hoard my new purchases for a while and then use them.

Below are a couple of photos of the loot I bought today.

OCTOBER MEANS THINKING ABOUT HALLOWEEN

Some of my friends on the Diva site participated in a Halloween altered cabinet card swap organized by Kathy, an altered cabinet card virtuoso. I wasn't sure I could meet the deadline (it would have been almost impossible), so I didn't participate; but I really like the idea. So, while I'm in Missouri, far from my studio, I've been playing with digital art.

I decided to use a scan of one of my cabinet cards of a man, since I already made a little witch in a previous post.

I played with levels, painted colors, added birds I had photographed in Sedona, made a moon out of a crucible fire I had photographed in a jewelry class, gave him a spider tie pin, and wrote a little something to help establish the mood.

ANTIQUING

I have friends who are wizards at finding bargains and treasures at antique malls and flea markets. I do not have such finely honed skills. But, I do, sometimes, have good luck. Yesterday, I went shopping at Annie Laurie's Antiques in Cape Girardeau, MO. It's a delightful old house with rooms full of treasures; and I try to check it out every time I'm here.

I didn't buy much (six ice teaspoons, a bit of lace, and two letters), but I had a great time looking around.