Vintage Key Necklace

This is one of my favorite necklaces that was in the June 2010 issue of Belle Amoire Jewelry.  It is made from a vintage skeleton key and then soldered onto copper.  I then applied a patina to give it an old world look. I used vintage findings and  some old chandlier crystals.  I have been really busy making and designing jewelry. I am getting geared up to go to the Art and Soul retreat in Las Vegas in Feb, and can hardly wait.  I will be taking some classes from Sally Jean who was the person who inspired me to make soldered jewelry after I bought her book "Pretty Little Things." She opened a new world for me and I am finally going to have the opportunity to take some of her sought after classes.  I have done most of my soldering with a torch, so using a soldering iron to make soldered glass jewelry is going to be a little hard to get used to, but a lot of fun.

Keyhole Necklace

 

      It has been a while since I have posted anything on my blog.  It has been a rough year but is close to ending and has not turned out so bad after all.  Kevin (spouse) is doing really well and has made it past his three surgeries for prostate cancer.  I am also finally feeling like I am going to have a good recovery from my spinal surgery that I had earlier this year.  I think sometimes life forces you to slow down and take a look at what is really important and what really matters.  I am in the process of simplifying my life. I think if I get rid of at least half of what I own then I will not have as much to clean and take care of.  I have been busy sending stuff to goodwill and giving things away.
     I made these little keyhole necklaces earlier in the year and have parted with a few of them.  I gave some to friends.  I am in the process of working on some new ideas and will try and post some before the new year.  I have a few days off and am looking forward to spending time with family.

Handmade Leather Journals

I received these cute little presents in the mail today.  I love the packaging, with handmade paper tags they are just adorable.  I did not want to open them until I took some pictures.  See the next picture for some of the most adorable little leather journals I have ever seen.  The artist is on Etsy and I met her earlier this summer at the Cache Valley Gardeners market here in Utah,  You can find her shop at www.etsy.com/shop/enbe.

I love the handmade papers.  They are all so different and beautiful.  It is hard to want to use them because they are so special.  I ordered one earlier this year and gave it to a dear friend.  I am going to keep one and give two away for presents.  I just can't decide which one I want, maybe I will have to keep them all.