PresentPast Collection

Bring on the Bling

Who knew that making jewelry would be so much fun? Why didn't you guys tell me? I think this might be a craft I could actually finish! I've been hoarding collecting piles of vintage rhinestone pieces for years and have been wanting to try my hand at remaking some of them into everyday favorites.

Of course, I decided a good time to start my new craft addiction would be about 10:45pm on my office floor, in bad light, without the proper tools or having my stash organized. After realizing how much fun I was having I then proceeded to do what all compulsive people do, search the internet for more stash and findings. Again, why didn't you guys tell me?

Here's my first semi-finished piece on the left. I just need to add a clasp to it. I can't wait to wear it! No plans to turn this into a cottage industry but I can see myself making these for birthdays for my loved ones. And I don't think I'll feel so bad anymore about not being gifted in the sewing, knitting, crocheting, decoupaging, painting or embroidering departments because hey, this girl can make something! Hello my name is Heather and I am a crafter.

She Loves Sea Shells

Back in June I shared with you the beginning of my shell collection for a summer display. While flea marketing on Sunday, I found a man selling an entire box full, which just so happened to complete my collection.

I wanted to pile them all in an antique silver punch bowl, but have not had any luck in finding one that doesn't cost a small fortune. So that search will continue. In the meantime, I layered them on a silver tray, filled apothecary jars, and spread them out across the buffet.

Here's a peek at the entire buffet. It sits in the family room under the flat screen, so please excuse the Food TV show and the window glare. For contrast I filled the largest apothecary with green apples and hung a vintage rosary on the lid.

I love walking past this everyday, it feels so summery. 

On a completely different topic, yesterday, my little Bella was playing outside in the grass, rolling a basketball around like it was a solo soccer game. This is one of her favorite pastimes, anyway, she injured her left eye severely. We believe she ran into a rose bush thorn, and it's very bad. After rushing her to the vet, they tried to save her deflated eye by stitching it up, and filling it with saline. I'm very sorry to make anyone squeemish. I can't even begin to explain how extremely devastated we all are. I'm sure those of you with pets can understand. I stayed up with her all last night, took her back this morning to have them help administer some of her 6 medications and tomorrow I take her back to have the vet remove the stitches to see if the eye will be spared. Please keep my little girl in your thoughts and prayers.  It's so hard for me to see her in such pain and to be honest, I can barely get through writing this. Thanks in advance for your prayers for her, I know how supportive you all are!

Keys and Such

I haven't done a post about collections for a while. Probably because I usually show you my flea market finds, which pretty much sums it up. But I also have an affinity for antique skeleton keys. Well, hardware in general. There is a very long story about why I collect vintage keys but I will save it for another day. It's actually very romantic and is the reason I started my artwork business. When I get closer to launching the website (probably mid-July or so) I will share it with you.

Most of my pieces were gathered piece by piece, which is how collections tend to grow. Although, once I happen upon an antique store that had hundreds and was able to work a deal with the owner. But I like searching for them, like little lost souls. No longer having a cupboard or door to open. An everyday object made so beautifully. Don't you wish we still used keys like this?

In other less interesting news, I thought I should post a more recent photo of myself. The one on my about page was taken last summer when I was blonde. Which lasted about 3 or so years. I got tired of the maintenance and such dry looking hair and decided to go back to what God had intended. And I was thinking that all those gals attending Silver Bella might not recognize me! So for your entertainment, this is me now, at least for this week!

Now be gentle ladies, I had to take this photo myself. At my desk, and under severe lighting conditions! I'm sure you understand. It looks like my eyes are crooked but they're really not, I promise!

Personal Collections

Those of us who consider ourselves collectors probably can't recall when we started collecting. It usually starts out as something small, seemingly innocent. Like a cherished souvenir from a far away place. Or a trinket picked up while on a outing with friends. Few of us probably made a deliberate decision to start a certain collection.

I am an avid collector. Of many things, all of which I love to be surrounded by. Take for instance my love for lighting. Vintage chandeliers to be specific. And if not vintage, they must have the appeal of a time before mass production.   Many people are afraid of vintage lighting because of the need to often rewire or change the sockets. Over the years I have used the same "lamp guy" to do such projects. There have been so many I've lost count. I know others who are able to rewire the fixtures themselves. I personally don't have the desire to learn a new trade, so I stick to the lamp man. I should have taken a picture of his workshop. It's a dirty, dingy, crowded, fire hazard kind of place. There are lamp pieces all over the place. I have no idea how he keeps track, but he always knows exactly where the piece I need is located. Organized chaos.

The top photo is from my dining room, the middle is from a hall entry and the lower one is from the kitchen breakfast nook. I've been thinking of changing out the kitchen one. Why? Because that's the other side to collecting. If it's not "just right" you're always on the lookout for the one that is......just perfect. I was going to share with you tons of photos and stories about my other collections but I see that they might be too long. So I will save them for future posts this week. See you soon!